Things to do
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Batibou Beach
A curved bay of pale sand backed by coconut palms, reached down a rough track that usually needs four wheel drive. The land behind it is privately held, so access is controlled and a charge is taken at the gate. Tour groups tend to arrive by mid morning, and the bay is small enough that a dozen visitors fill it.
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Number 1 Beach
West of Batibou on the same stretch of north coast, a sheltered strip of sand sits below low cliffs, quieter than its neighbour and reached without a four wheel drive. Reef offshore holds the swell down, so the water stays swimmable when the rest of the north coast is rough. A bar operates on the sand in season.
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Pointe Baptiste
Golden sand lies below the red cliffs on the headland east of Calibishie village, with the north coast running away toward Marigot. A small chocolate maker works on the estate above, grinding beans grown on the property. The walk down from the road takes a few minutes and the swimming stays calm inside the reef.
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Red Rocks
A shelf of eroded red sandstone on the shore at Pointe Baptiste, cut into ridges and hollows by wind and sea. On an island built almost entirely of grey volcanic rock it looks imported. The shelf sits above open Atlantic water with no railing anywhere near the edge, and the colour reads strongest in late afternoon light.
