Gustavia

Introduction

Gustavia is the capital of the Caribbean island of Saint Barthélemy.

Events and Festivals

• Mi-Careme - Religious and Public Holiday. Enjoy parades and parties during this celebration of the middle of Lent.
• St Barth Cata Cup
• Religious (holi)days - All Saints, Easter, Christmas etc.
• New Year's
• St Barths Music Festivals Caribbean
• Carnaval St Barths
• St Barths Film Festival
• West Indies' Regatta
• Bastille Day
• Festival of St. Barthélemy - Patron Saint Feast Day. Church and official ceremonies, regattas, public ball, fireworks in Gustavia.

Weather

Gustavia has a hot and humid tropical climate with average daytime temperatures between 28 °C and 30 °C and average nights around 23 °C. Most rain falls between June and October with a change of hurricanes from August onwards. Therefore, the drier (and slightly cooler) December to April period is the best time to visit weatherwise. Unfortunately prices rise sharply during this period and the months of November and May still have good weather. So budgetwise these latter months may be a good option as well.

Getting There

By Boat

Saint Martin
There are possibilities to go by ferry from Saint Martin to Gustavia. The MV Voyager travels two times daily between Marigot to Gustavia, except on Wednesdays and Sundays, when it leaves from Oyster Pond on Sint Maarten (Dutch part of the island). It takes about 75 minutes from Marigot, 45 minutes from Oyster Pond.

Sint Maarten
The MV Voyager travels daily and on Wednesdays and Sundays twice daily (one in the morning and one in early evening) between Oyster Pound and Gustavia as well.

Another option is to take the high speed ferry The Edge that travels to Gustavia once a day from Tuesday till Saturday. It leaves from Pelican Marina in Dutch St. Maarten at 9am. This passage lasts around 45 minutes.

Eat

Gustavia has quality restaurants serving American, Italian, Swedish, French and other types of food. Most restaurants have a 10-15% service charge in addition to steep prices for superbly-prepared dishes. They must use all-imported ingredients except for seafood.

Keep Connected

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

External Links