Things to Do in Saint Martin

The first thing to do in Saint Martin is obviously to enjoy its beaches. The island boasts over 37, each with its own character. On the French side, Orient Bay stretches nearly 2 kilometers of white sand with beach restaurants, sunbeds and a wide range of water activities. It's the liveliest beach on the island, often dubbed the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean.

For a wilder atmosphere, Happy Bay is accessible only on foot from Friar's Bay (10-15 minute walk) and retains a preserved feel with its golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Baie Rouge, in the Terres Basses area, offers spectacular sunsets facing Anguilla. Friar's Bay, with its calm swell-protected waters, remains a reliable choice for families.

On the Dutch side, Maho Beach is world-famous for its plane approaches less than 100 feet above swimmers. Mullet Bay attracts with its turquoise waters perfect for snorkeling. Le Galion, on the French side, protected by a coral reef, is the ultimate family spot with its shallow waters and lagoon.

Boat excursions are among the most popular activities in Saint Martin. The most sought-after trip is a full-day catamaran to Tintamarre Island and Pinel Island, including snorkeling and sea turtle watching. Departures are typically from Grand Case or Orient Bay between 8:30 and 9:00 AM, returning in late afternoon. Lunch (usually a barbecue) and drinks are included.

Pinel Island, accessible by shuttle from Cul-de-Sac (about €10 round trip), is a shorter but equally enjoyable excursion. Its shallow waters are ideal for snorkeling, and two beach restaurants (Karibuni and Yellow Beach) serve grilled fish and cocktails with your feet in the sand. For a more intimate experience, sunset cruises depart Simpson Bay around 5 PM and offer 2 hours of sailing with cocktails, sunset views and a twilight return.

Fishing enthusiasts will also find their bliss with deep-sea fishing trips off the island. For the more adventurous, full-day excursions to Anguilla or Saint Barthélemy offer a chance to discover neighboring islands.

Saint Martin's clear waters and pleasant weather make it an exceptional playground for water sports. Snorkeling is free everywhere if you have your own gear. The best spots include Creole Rock (facing Grand Case), Tintamarre, Pinel Island and the Mullet Bay reefs. Sea turtles are often spotted at Tintamarre and off Orient Bay.

For thrill-seekers, jet skiing is one of the most requested activities. Guided tours of 1.5 to 2 hours follow the island's coastline and reveal coves inaccessible by road. The transparent kayak, offered by Blue Ride SXM among others, provides a unique experience: see-through hulls let you observe the seabed up to 20 meters deep. The "Blue Morning" (6:30-9 AM) and "Blue Sunset" (5-6:30 PM) outings are especially popular.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing find their ideal playground at Le Galion, a sheltered lagoon 500 meters wide and over a kilometer long, with shallow waters perfect for learning. Schools like Wind Adventures and Fun & Fly offer lessons for all levels. Stand-up paddleboarding is available on most major beaches, with mega-paddles that can accommodate up to 12 people.

Scuba diving is also well-developed, with around 55 recorded spots around the island. The seabed features coral reefs, rays, turtles and several wrecks such as the Roro, The Bridge and the Gregory II. Expect €75 to €100 for a discovery dive, and €50 to €75 per dive for certified divers.

Saint Martin is not just about beaches. The island's interior offers accessible hikes and breathtaking viewpoints. Pic Paradis, the highest point at 424 meters, provides a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire island, Anguilla and neighboring islands. Two options are available: the athletic trail from Loterie Farm (about 45 minutes, 410-meter elevation gain) or road access, with a parking lot 500 meters from the summit and a 15 to 20-minute walk, ideal for families.

Loterie Farm itself is a 54-hectare estate of preserved tropical forest, set on a former sugarcane plantation dating from 1773. The site offers the Fly Zone, a canopy adventure course with zip lines, monkey bridges and platforms (€40 per person, departures every hour from 9 AM to 3:30 PM). An Extreme Zipline course, more intense with zip lines reaching 60 meters high, is offered at €85. The estate also features a spring-fed pool and restaurant.

The Saint Martin National Nature Reserve, established in 1998, spans 3,060 hectares and protects 5 distinct ecosystems (dry coastal forests, mangroves, ponds, coral reefs and seagrass beds). It is home to 1,267 recorded species, including 85 bird species. The Froussards Trail at Anse Marcel follows the coastline to Petites Cayes Bay with its wild white sand beach. It's one of the most beautiful free walks on the island.

Saint Martin is the smallest island in the world shared between two nations. The Franco-Dutch border, open since the Treaty of Concordia signed in 1648, is one of the island's symbols. The Border Monument, on the road between both sides, marks this historical singularity. On the French side, Marigot is a must-visit. Fort Louis, built in 1789 under King Louis XVI's orders, overlooks the bay and offers a spectacular panorama after climbing 91 stone steps. Access is free year-round.

Marigot Market, facing the waterfront, is the place for local flavors. Open almost daily (except Sunday), it offers tropical fruits, spices, fresh fish (Wednesdays and Saturdays mornings), crafts, rum arrangements, fresh coconut water and pressed sugarcane juice. It's the best place to soak in the island's authentic Creole atmosphere.

The Butterfly Farm, located on the road to Embouchure Bay, houses a 900 m² climate-controlled dome where hundreds of exotic butterflies flutter among a tropical garden, waterfall and koi fish ponds. The guided tour lasts about 30 minutes and the ticket grants unlimited return visits during your stay. Arriving at 9 AM lets you watch chrysalises hatching.

On the Dutch side, Philipsburg charms with its vibrant boardwalk, duty-free shops on Front Street and Back Street, and the Sint Maarten Museum tracing the island's history. Fort Amsterdam, the oldest Dutch fort in Saint Martin, rounds out the historical tour.

Saint Martin is often called the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean, and not without reason. The island packs over 300 restaurants in 87 km², with exceptional culinary diversity blending French, Creole, Italian, Asian and Caribbean cuisine. Grand Case, a former fishing village in the northwest, is the beating heart of this scene with quality restaurants lining the waterfront.

The most authentic experience comes through Grand Case's lolos, small barbecue restaurants of about 30 m². You'll enjoy curry chicken, conch fricassee, fresh grilled fish, spicy shrimp and the famous Johnny Cake, a traditional Saint Martin bread. Prices are very affordable (€12 to €20 per dish). For a finer meal, Grand Case's gourmet restaurants offer menus between €35 and €80.

Don't miss the beach bars serving cocktails, rum punch and light fare with your feet in the sand. The most popular ones are at Orient Bay, Friar's Bay and Simpson Bay. The annual Gastronomy Festival in November is the perfect occasion to discover the best of local cuisine through workshops, tastings and events.

Saint Martin's nightlife is concentrated on the Dutch side, where casinos, bars and clubs are most numerous. The island has about ten casinos spread across Philipsburg, Maho, Simpson Bay, Cole Bay and Cupecoy. You'll find poker, roulette, craps, blackjack, slots and baccarat, with some open 24/7. Many also offer free shows, themed nights and live concerts.

Maho and Simpson Bay are home to the liveliest bars, with music nights and regular DJ sets. On the French side, Grand Case offers a more laid-back vibe, with restaurants extending the evening with cocktails and live music. The Sunset Bar at Maho Beach is a classic for watching planes at sunset while sipping a cocktail.

Philipsburg is the duty-free shopping paradise of Saint Martin. Front Street and Back Street, the two main shopping streets, are packed with duty-free stores offering jewelry, fashion, electronics, cosmetics, perfumes and spirits at very competitive prices (no VAT or customs duties on the Dutch side). The town attracts over a million cruise passengers annually, explaining the density of shops.

On the French side, Marigot's artisan market is more authentic, with local crafts, spices and typical souvenirs. Marina Royale in Marigot also has a few fashion and jewelry boutiques in a pleasant setting. Connoisseurs can discover local rums and bring home a few bottles of arranged rum.

Saint Martin is a very family-friendly destination. Le Galion beach, protected by a coral reef, offers shallow calm waters ideal for young children. Pinel Island, accessible by shuttle, delights kids with its crystal-clear waters and small fish visible from the first step. The Butterfly Farm fascinates young ones with hundreds of free-flying butterflies.

Loterie Farm offers adapted canopy courses (minimum height 1.40m) and its spring-fed pool is a real treat for families. For teenagers, water activities like transparent kayaking, paddleboarding and snorkeling are safe bets. Family catamaran excursions often include swimming stops and kid-friendly meals.

Visiting Saint Martin doesn't have to be expensive. The island offers a remarkable number of free activities. All beaches are public and freely accessible. The Pic Paradis hike offers one of the finest panoramas in the Caribbean without spending a cent. Fort Louis in Marigot is free to visit, as is the Froussards Trail in Anse Marcel.

Marigot Market is free to browse (only purchases cost, of course). The plane-watching spectacle at Maho Beach is unique in the world and completely free. Philipsburg's boardwalk offers a pleasant stroll with views of cruise ships. The Border Monument at the Franco-Dutch border is freely accessible. And the sunsets, spectacular from Baie Rouge, Maho or Friar's Bay, remain the island's finest free show.