Tropic Fun-der:  Robert Downey Jr messes about on the beach with son Exton during family holiday in St Barts

By Fay Strang

PUBLISHED: 07:48 EST, 30 December 2013 | UPDATED: 07:50 EST, 30 December 2013

His last film Iron Man 3 has been named as the highest grossing film of 2013, taking a whopping £738 million at the global box office.

But despite his huge success Robert Downey Jr is a down to earth family man, who enjoys nothing more than spending time with his youngest son Exton and wife Susan.

The 48-year-old was spotted frolicking in the sea and sand with his little one on Sunday during their winter break in St Barts.

Fun in the sun: Robert Downey Jr was seen on the beach in St Barts on Sunday

Fun in the sun: Robert Downey Jr was seen on the beach in St Barts on Sunday

Doting: He was seen playing with son Exton Elias as wife Susan looked on

Doting: He was seen playing with son Exton Elias as wife Susan looked on

Looking in great shape the Tropic Thunder actor wore a pair of navy floral board shorts and a necklace to complete his surfer dude look.

 

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Making sure Exton Elias, who was born in February of 2012, didn’t get burnt he was dressed in a blue rash vest and shorts.

Robert, who also has a much older son Indio from his marriage to Deborah Falconer, was seen helping his son build a sandcastle – going back and forth to the water to fill up the buckets for him.

Let's dig: Susan and Robert helped their son build a sand castle

Let's dig: Susan and Robert helped their son build a sand castle

Lots of laughs: Susan couldn't help but smile as she watched the men in her life play

Lots of laughs: Susan couldn't help but smile as she watched the men in her life play

Hanging out: Robert refreshed with a bottle of water while his wife held on to their son

Hanging out: Robert refreshed with a bottle of water while his wife held on to their son

At one point they headed into the sea to cool off – with Robert carrying his son in his arms.

After awhile Robert slipped on a bright orange hat and T-shirt, so he too didn’t get burnt, while his wife kept covered up in a pretty paisley summer dress.

The pair who met on the set of Gothika in 2003 married in 2005 and Robert famously credits his wife with helping him kick his drug and alcohol addiction.

Covered up: Robert made sure his son didn't get burnt by dressing him in a rash vest and shorts

Covered up: Robert made sure his son didn't get burnt by dressing him in a rash vest and shorts

Let's take a dip: Robert carried Exton into the water for cooling break

Let's take a dip: Robert carried Exton into the water for cooling break

Ready for action: Robert made his way into the water, going unnoticed amongst his fellow beach goers

Ready for action: Robert made his way into the water, going unnoticed amongst his fellow beach goers

'The old saying is true — behind every good man there's an incredible woman,' he said. 'I owe a huge amount — if not all — of my success to Susan.

'We make a great team, and all that luck I spoke about, that's Susan'. he gushed about his other half.

In 2008, Robert got his massive break by playing Tony Stark in the hit Iron Man, which has led him become the highest paid actor paid actor in Hollywood with estimated earnings of £45 million.

Under he goes: Robert submerged himself into the water

Under he goes: Robert submerged himself into the water

Splashing about: The actor wore a necklace around his neck - creating a surfer look
Splashing about: The actor wore a necklace around his neck - creating a surfer look

Splashing about: The actor wore a necklace around his neck - creating a surfer look

The water's good: The actor gave a thumbs up as he went swimming

The water's good: The actor gave a thumbs up as he went swimming

And things only look set to get better for him as he will next play a fired chef who reinvents himself as a food truck owner in Chef, which also stars Sofia Vergara and Scarlett Johansson.

And his upcoming movie, The Avengers: Age of Ultron, is slated for release in 2015.

Come on in: Robert seemed to gesture to his wife to come in the water

Come on in: Robert seemed to gesture to his wife to come in the water

Helping out: The actor was more than happy to run back and forth to get more sand

Helping out: The actor was more than happy to run back and forth to get more sand

Bright and bold: Robert wore a bright orange T-shirt and a cap once he was out of the sea
Bright and bold: Robert wore a bright orange T-shirt and a cap once he was out of the sea

Bright and bold: Robert wore a bright orange T-shirt and a cap once he was out of the sea

Cover up: The actor went to get a umbrella to keep his family in the shade

Cover up: The actor went to get a umbrella to keep his family in the shade

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Love him. However, if this were a woman the blokes would be tearing her apart for the soft belly.

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Coolest cat in Hollywood.

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Love RDJ, great actor & so handsome!

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Turned his life, bipolar and binges around. Charlie, take note...

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Didn't recognise him !

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Why don't you block out Suri's face like this? Or the Jolie-Pitt kids?

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He's done well he used to be completely off his head..Looks like a good dad

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Hes old enough to be my father but i definitely still would! Very attractive man

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He seems happy. Can't help but think of the ugly weight comments there would be if he was female though.

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What a lard-ass! Don't see that in the suit do you rofl!

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