A long weekend on the island
St. Maarten in 3 Days
Three days, three sides of St. Maarten: the beaches and Pinel Island in the northeast, Marigot and the wild beaches of Terres Basses in the west, then the Dutch side, from the Rainforest Adventures zip line to the planes of Maho Beach.
- Length
- Three days
- Getting around
- Rental car recommended
- Best for
- First trip, long weekend
- Pace
- One part of the island per day
Updated October 2026
The route
- Day 1 Pinel, Orient Bay and Grand Case Pinel Island · Orient Bay · Dinner in Grand Case
- Day 2 Marigot and Terres Basses The market and Fort Louis · Lunch by the Marigot harbor · Baie Rouge · Sunset at Baie Longue
- Day 3 The Dutch side Rainforest Adventures · The Philipsburg Boardwalk · Little Bay · Maho Beach
Day 1
Pinel, Orient Bay and Grand Case
The French northeast: the most visited islet, the big beach, then dinner in the food village.
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Morning
Pinel Island
From Cul-de-Sac, a shuttle boat or a kayak gets you to the islet in minutes. Calm water, snorkeling and two beach restaurants for lunch.
Pinel Island Beach
Nature Reserve · Snorkeling Read more
By kayak or paddleboard: Caribbean Paddling
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Afternoon
Orient Bay
The island’s big beach, its beach clubs and water sports, then a stroll through the village.
Orient Bay Beach
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Evening
Dinner in Grand Case
French restaurants along the boulevard or open-air lolos: Grand Case is the island’s food village.
Le Pressoir
French Fine Dining & Chef's Table Read more
Day 2
Marigot and Terres Basses
The French west: the capital in the morning, wild beaches in the afternoon.
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Morning
The market and Fort Louis
The waterfront market (big market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings), then the 91 steps up to Fort Louis for the view over the bay.
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Midday
Lunch by the Marigot harbor
A terrace facing the boats, on the waterfront or around Marina Royale.
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Afternoon
Baie Rouge
Pink-tinged sand, clear water and views of Anguilla, in the Terres Basses area.
Baie Rouge Beach
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Evening
Sunset at Baie Longue
The long beach next door faces west, perfect to end the day with your toes in the sand.
Long Beach (Baie Longue)
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Day 3
The Dutch side
Thrills, town and planes: Sint Maarten in one day.
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Morning
Rainforest Adventures
High on Sentry Hill: a chairlift, the Flying Dutchman zip line and views of Saba, Statia, St. Barths and Anguilla.
Rainforest Adventures St Maarten
Adventure Park Read more
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Midday
The Philipsburg Boardwalk
Lunch facing Great Bay Beach, then a stroll down Front Street and its duty-free shops.
Lazy Lizard Restaurant & Craft Bar
Caribbean cuisine, craft bar & beach grill Read more
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Afternoon
Little Bay
A sheltered bay, great for snorkeling, with its underwater sculptures.
Little Bay Beach
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Guided snorkeling: Under SXM
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Late afternoon
Maho Beach
Planes pass right over the beach before landing. Stay for sunset, then have dinner in Maho or Simpson Bay.
Maho Beach
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Make it yours
Rough sea in the east
Orient Bay faces the east wind. When the sea is rough, swap it for Anse Marcel, a well-sheltered bay.
As a couple
Add a sunset catamaran with Lambada Sunset Sail, and read our romance guide.
With kids
Keep Pinel and Orient Bay, and choose Anse Marcel over Baie Rouge. See St. Maarten with kids.
Our tips
- Make day two a Wednesday or Saturday for the big Marigot market; it is closed on Sundays.
- Avoid Philipsburg on busy cruise days, or go early in the morning.
- Book Rainforest Adventures and boat trips ahead in high season, from December to April.
- Carry cash for the lolos, the Pinel shuttle and small purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Are three days enough for St. Maarten?
For a first trip, yes: with a car, three days let you see the northeast beaches, Marigot and Terres Basses, then the Dutch side.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
Mid-island or on the French side: Orient Bay or Grand Case are handy for the first two days, Simpson Bay for the third. See where to stay.
Do I need to book activities?
In high season, yes for Rainforest Adventures and boat trips. For Pinel, the shuttle runs regularly from Cul-de-Sac.
Can I do this itinerary without a car?
Not easily: buses only run along the main roads. Plan on taxis, or rent a car for the three days.