10 Things You Must Do and See in Saint Martin

Your perfect St. Martin vacation is just around the corner. This Caribbean nation, which perfectly blends both French and Dutch cultures, makes the ideal getaway for tourists. In this guide, we’ll go over some basic facts about the island, as well as discuss the ten things you must do or see while you’re there.

So don’t wait! Keep reading to find out how you can make your trip to St. Martin the adventure of a lifetime!

Where Is St. Martin?

A St. Martin island map shows that the nation is located just 190 miles outside of Puerto Rico. The island belongs to both the French and the Dutch, with a 60-40 split between France and the Netherlands. Commonly, the French side of the island is known as St. Martin, with the Dutch side being referred to as St. Maarten. 

Is St. Martin Safe?

St. Martin is generally considered one of the safest warm weather destinations to visit outside of the US. Despite this, travelers are encouraged to exercise caution when traveling the nation, as they would with any other foreign destination.

How to Get to St. Martin

Most St. Martin plane landings occur on the Dutch side of the island at the Princess Juliana International Airport. This means that the most relevant St. Martin airport code is SXM, even though the airport is technically located on the St. Maarten side of the island.

The best part? St. Martin’s beach airport is so close to the ocean that you won’t have far to go until you’re met with sparkling blue Caribbean waters. Does it get any better than that?

If you’re interested, you may also take a St. Martin cruise to Philipsburg in St. Maarten, where you can then make your way to the French side of the island.

The Best Time to Go to St. Martin

Most travelers find that the best time to visit the island is between May and June, when the St. Martin weather is at its best and the rates are relatively low. You may also enjoy going between November and mid-December, when bookings and flights are as cheap as they come. This is the best time to get those St. Martin all-inclusives that will take your trip to the next level! 

Best Things to Do in St. Martin

With all this being said, let’s now take a look at ten of the best things to do in St. Martin. This guide focuses solely on activities that can be undertaken on the French side of the island:

1) Spend a Day at Pinel Island

Pinel Island at St. Martin boasts some of the most incredible beaches in the nation. Located on the French side of St. Martin, the island can be quickly reached by ferry or kayak. Here, rolling green hill meet dazzling blue waters and a stretch of golden coastline so beautiful you’ll want to stay there forever. 

2) Visit Orient Bay

Before Hurricane Irma, Orient Bay was a thriving beach with lively businesses and healthy crowds. Today, most of the businesses are now gone, but the beach itself is as beautiful as ever. If you’re looking for a great way to take advantage of the weather in St. Martin, you’ll want to stop by and see what this peaceful beach has to offer. 

3) Relax at Loterie Farm

Looking for an unconventional way to relax during your next Caribbean vacation? Take a trip to Loterie farm. Once damaged by St. Martin Hurricane Irma, the site is fully operational and allows guests the opportunity to zip line through the trees, hike well-established hiking paths, and even sit around in a pool cabana. The location is ideal for travelers looking for the ultimate in Caribbean leisure. 

4) Spend Time with your Family at Friar’s Bay

Also known as Anse des Peres, Friar’s Bay is a popular family beach where you can spend a full day with your loved ones. The waters here are more accessible for children, and there are a number of beach bars nearby that will keep the adults happy. You’ll love the cozy atmosphere of this picture-perfect beach!

5) Ascend Pic du Paradis

Pic du Paradis stands for Paradise Peak, and it’s a name aptly given to this incredible mountain. Standing 1,492 feet in the air, the location provides a fantastic view of St. Martin and St. Marteen, as well as the neighboring islands of Anguilla, Saba, and St. Estatius. Tourists can either drive up the mountain or take a taxi and are advised to bring their cameras for what’s sure to be an incredible photo opportunity!

6) Take a Ferry from St. Martin to Anguilla

Make your vacation double the fun by taking a trip from St. Martin to Anguilla! The public Anguilla Ferry System offers affordable daytime ferry services between Marigot (St. Martin) and Blowing Point (Anguilla). The ferries run at 45-minute intervals and can carry travelers to Anguilla within thirty minutes.

7) Take in the View from Fort Louis

Once a major military post for the colonial French, today Fort Louis serves as a popular tourist attraction due to its 180-degree panorama views of the island. From atop the fort, which still houses some of its antique cannons, viewers can see the entire Marigot Bay harbor and may even spot the island of Anguilla in good weather.

8) See the Butterflies at the Butterfly Farm

Take a break from the beach with a trip to the Butterfly Farm in St. Martin. This destination houses a variety of regional fauna and several species of butterfly, making it one of the most unexpectedly beautiful locations in the Caribbean.

9) Visit Tintamarre Island

Located offshore from more famous beaches such as the Orient, Tintamarre Island is largely untouched. A trip here guarantees seclusion and quality time to relax with your loved ones. The only signs of civilization nearby are the remains of an ancient cotton plantation that has long since been abandoned. 

10) Eat at Bistrot Caraibes

This legendary St. Martin hotspot of French cuisine makes the perfect location for a romantic dinner. With food ranging from lobster to duck, the establishment boasts some of the best food in the entire Caribbean region. Make sure to stop by whenever you get hungry on the island!

The Bottom Line

You can make your next vacation perfect with a trip to St. Martin island. With a number of high-profile activities and beautiful beaches, the nation is certainly worthy of your next visit. Using the suggestions in this guide, it’s time to plan your itinerary for your best trip yet!

Sharing is caring!