The island of Saint-Barthélemy (SBH) is part of France. All EEC Citizens need is their national identity card. In order to travel the neighboring islands, a valid passport will be needed. No vaccinations are required. American and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport and a return plane ticket. (Be sure to check with your airline as to which documents they require and the time that you will need to arrive at the airport prior to departure.) The airstrip in St. Barths is small, and pilots are required to have special training to land. For many, the landing, especially on a windy day, is an adventure in itself.

There are no direct flights to St. Barths. Most North Americans fly first into St. Maarten's Queen Juliana International Airport, from which the island is only 10 minutes by air. Flights leave at least once an hour between 7:30 AM and 5:30 PM on Winair. Air Caraïbes, based in Guadeloupe, flies among the French West Indies and to the Dominican Republic. St. Barth Commuter is a small, private charter company that can also arrange service. Tradewind Aviation offers charters and regularly scheduled, daily nonstop Premium service from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Flights are timed conveniently to meet early flights from the United States.

You must confirm your return interisland flight, even during off-peak seasons, or you may very well lose your reservation. Do not be upset if your luggage has not made the trip with you. It frequently will arrive on a later flight, and your hotel will send a porter to receive it; villa-rental companies may also help you retrieve luggage from the airport, but you may have to beg. It's a good idea to pack a change of clothes, required medicines, and a bathing suit in your carry-on.

• Air Caraïbes  0590/27-71-90; 877/772-1005 in U.S.
• St. Barth Commuter   0590/27-54-54.
• Tradewind Aviation  800/376-7922.
• Winair  0590/27-61-01 or 800/634-4907. 

Aéroport de St-Jean (0590/27-75-81).