Here are seven useful tips if you’re planning to go to Carnival in St. Barth. I think these are really helpful for planning travel there and making Carnival Day go more smoothly.
Getting There
- Book Early If You’re Looking For a Hotel In Town.
The Sunset Hotel is perfectly situated for a Carnival experience, as it’s right on the same street where the parade starts, but it’s small and books up quickly. Most of the hotels in St. Barth are located outside of Gustavia, and most tourists rent villas when they stay. St. Barth has no huge hotel chains, so overall occupancy is limited. - Search the Internet Beyond Popular Travel Search Engines.
There were a couple of good deals on Expedia, but they sold out by the time I was able to book. I remembered a hotel I heard of before, and it turned out they had availability. We stayed in St. Jean at Le Hotel Village St. Barth, which I would recommend to anyone. It was affordable and quaint with extremely friendly staff. In fact, the woman who worked at the front desk performed in one of the masquerade bands. She came over to hug us when she spotted us in the crowd—MORE FRIENDS!! Of course if you’re balling, or willing to splurge, there’s Eden Rock, Isle de France Cheval Blanc, Le Toiny (known for its exceptional dining at Le Gaïac Restaurant) and other luxury hotels to choose from.Logistics
- If You’re Renting a Car, Figure Out Parking Early.
The streets in Gustavia close for the parade, so figuring out where to park is something you’ll want to work out beforehand. Ask a local, they’ll point you in the right direction (it’s rare to find someone who doesn’t speak English). - There’s a Costume and Mask Store if You Forgot Yours.
Right in town on the main street, you can buy a mask or costume on parade day if you find yourself in a pickle. The store itself is located on a corner, so it’s easy to find. It’s near the grocery store in town. Just make sure you go early.Personal Care
- Don’t Forget Sunscreen!
The sunshine is beautiful but strong, even when the weather doesn’t feel too hot. Luckily, being a French island, there are numerous pharmacies that carry luxury and locally produced brands of skincare and body products. And of course they have the acclaimed Anthelios line by La Roche-Posay (a bonus for useful tips!). - Hydrate Often!
Between the sunshine and the alcohol, this one’s a no-brainer! There are accessible bathrooms in restaurants along the parade route, so don’t be afraid to drink up.And One For the Road …
- Just Have Fun!
This is one huge costume party with raucous and bawdy behavior. It’s also an event many locals attend en famille. I’ve never seen anyone who didn’t have a sense of a humor about the entire spectacle. Even if people get a little rowdy from drinking, it’s a close knit community, so friends look after one another to make sure nothing gets too out of hand.
Have you ever been to Carnival in St. Barth? If so, what other useful tips would you add to this list?
