Saint-Barthélemy Nature Reserve
A marine reserve in five zones around the island, created in 1996.
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The nature reserve was created in 1996 and covers marine ground in five separate zones around Saint Barthelemy, taking in reef, sea grass beds and the waters around several of the offshore islets. Anchoring and fishing are restricted inside it. Turtles, rays and reef fish are what most visitors see, and the islets carry seabird colonies that are the reason some of the zones exist. Management sits with the collectivity, and the zones are marked on charts used by boat operators.
What you actually see
- The five zones - separate protected areas around the island.
- The sea grass beds - the ground turtles feed on.
- The offshore islets - the rocks and their seabird colonies.
- The reef - the coral inside the protected water.
When to go
December to April is the dry high season and conditions are best. Visibility varies with the swell. June to November is the hurricane season.
Honest expectations
Reef condition here has suffered from storms and bleaching. Access is through operators; most of the reserve cannot be reached from shore. Anchoring and fishing rules apply and are enforced.
Nearby
Fourchue Island is northwest, and Gustavia is south.
What to pack for Saint-Barthélemy Nature Reserve
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.