Shell Beach

Shell Beach, the Anse de Grand Galet, lies just around from the Gustavia harbour and is covered not in sand but in broken shell, piled up by the currents that funnel around this corner of the island into a bank that crunches underfoot. There is a restaurant at one end and the water shelves quickly. It is the closest beach to the town and the easiest to reach on foot.

What you'll find

• The shell bank - broken shell instead of sand across the whole beach.
• The quick shelve - water that gets deep close to the shore.
• The town proximity - the nearest beach to Gustavia on foot.
• The evening light - a west-facing beach at the end of the day.

When to go

December to April is the dry high season. Shell cover varies with the storms. June to November is the hurricane season.

Practical notes

Walking barefoot on broken shell is uncomfortable and the shelve into the water is abrupt. It is small and gets busy. Shade is limited to the restaurant end.

Nearby

Gustavia is north, and Fort Karl is above.

Key facts