It s beautiful, but often dangerous, with rough waves and an undertow. Topless bathing is common at most beaches, though nudism is prohibited. You must be a certified diver and present your C card to rent equipment and go diving. All the shops offer PADI and French BEE certification courses which may not be useful to cruise-ship passengers. However, supervised resort course dives may be available check when you arrive.
Some ships also offer classes for beginners.
Ask your ship s activity director. Windsurfing The French are windsurfing fanatics. You can depend on good trade winds from mid December through August. Fishing Blue marlin, tuna, wahoo, bonito, barracuda, sailfish, swordfish and dorado are the main catches off St. Bart s, but all become the property of the vessel. The ketch Zavijava is one of St. Barth s day-cruise pioneers.