Geography of Saint Barthelemy : Discover

Discover : Geography of Saint Barthelemy

Geography

The island of Saint Barthelemy is situated 18N and 63W, in the extreme North-Eastern zone of the Caribbean sea, 6,000 km from Paris, 2,500 km from New York, 180 km from Puerto Rico and 24 km (15 miles) south of Saint Martin.

This tiny piece of land of not more than 24 km² was formed between the Cretaceous and Eocene eras, and is thus one of the oldest land formations of the Caribbean region. Its landscape is abrupt with volcanoes condescending into valleys that open towards the sea, and the highest point is also one of these volcanoes, culminating at 281m. Each valley is unique in its own way in terms of topography, habitat and even architecture, which is maybe a reason why the island appears bigger than it actually is.

Twenty two beaches surround Saint Barth, each with its own distinct character, which is a rather remarkable feature for such a small surface. Most of the bays are sheltered from the surging waves of the sea by a coral reef. All beaches on Saint Barth are public and free of charge.

There is only one significant town (the capital, Gustavia), and a dozen or so villages scattered around the landscape.

The climate is a tropical one with only feeble variations in temperature. The island’s small surface (24 km2) allows it to take advantage of the smooth and pleasant blow of trade winds. Average water and air temperatures move around 27 °C, and the year is divided into two seasons: a dry one, referred to as Lent (Careme), and a more humid one in winter. This latter season sets in between May and November, and the ever-present sun is overcast by short passages of rainclouds with brief showers of 10 to 15 minutes. Sun is present all year round, and Saint Barth boasts an exceptional record of having no more than 5 days per year without sun.

Fauna and Flora

Saint Barth’s climate and soil do little to make it ideal for farming and the cultivation of traditional West Indian crops such as sugarcane or banana. Nevertheless, various tropical species do flourish here, such as sea grapes in coastal regions, manchineel trees, and a unique cactus endemic to Saint Barth, referred to as “tete a l’Anglais”.Certain trees have had their own importance in the island’s history, most notable of these are the Lignum vitae (ironwood), and the latan palm . Ironwood is used for house and boat construction, but also for its medicinal values, recognized as antidote for syphilis, and antiseptic for urinary infections. Its useful nature did not act in its favour, though, and the plant has today become victim of its fame. It is now under strict protection and is extremely rare, though you can come across some specimen in the area of Gouverneur. Latan palm, a special kind of palm tree, was introduced rather late to the island (late 19th century), and is largely used as fibre for the manufacture of local handicraft.

Wild animals are scarce, though you may be able to spy out a few iguanas: a rather irky sight, but as gentle and timid as can be, which significantly reduces your chances of spotting one.

The king of the island, however, is definitely the pelican . A clumsy walker, but a formidable diver is this bird, dashing to capture its prey with the swiftness of an arrow when in water. The pelican is highly respected on Saint Barth, of which it is the emblem, and is known as a symbol of generosity.