The Caribbean islands of St Maarten and St Martin are unique destinations, divided between two nations on a small island. Sint Maarten, known as Saint Martin in French and Sint Maarten in Dutch, is located in the northeast Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico. Despite its modest size of just 87 square kilometres, the island is split approximately 60/40 between France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This division makes it the smallest inhabited island in the world, shared by two nations.
The Dutch side of Sint Maarten, often misspelt as St Marteen, is famous for its vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, drinks made with local rum-based guava berry liquors, and numerous casinos. In contrast, the French side is known for its clothing-optional beaches, high-quality French and Indian Caribbean cuisine, and excellent shopping, including outdoor markets.
For those arriving in St. Maarten/St. Martin by cruise ship or spending time on the island, Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, offers many enjoyable activities and sights. Most attractions are within view of the stunning blue waters of Great Bay. Philipsburg is a compact area nestled between the Salt Pond and Great Bay. For shopping enthusiasts, Front Street is the perfect destination. Visitors can find everything from inexpensive souvenirs to luxurious diamonds and watches.
If hunger strikes, the Boardwalk provides various dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining. Enjoy a dip in the Caribbean sea off Great Bay, relax on the beach, and then return to the Boardwalk for a refreshing cocktail. Although Philipsburg tends to quiet down in the evenings, it is a delightful spot to explore during the day.
For those dreaming of sailing on a real racing yacht, the 12 Metre Challenge is a must-try! This experience invites participants to be part of the crew on an authentic America’s Cup yacht. No sailing experience is necessary to join in on the fun. This activity ranks as one of the top things to do in St. Maarten, thanks to the excellent staff who ensure an unforgettable time.
Maho Beach, situated on the Dutch side of the island and adjacent to the airport, is famous for its low-flying planes. The jet blast from larger aircraft can even propel people into the water! This spectacle makes Maho Beach one of the most popular tourist attractions in St. Maarten.
A charming bar, Sunset Bar and Grill, allows visitors to sip cocktails while watching the planes land. Alternatively, the quieter Driftwood Boat Bar is located on the opposite side of the beach. Taxis to Maho Beach can be pricey for those not renting a car, but booking a half-day tour of St. Maarten that includes a visit to Maho Beach can be a more economical choice. Tours provide a chance to relax and enjoy local rum punches without the stress of driving back.
The quaint beach town of Grand Case, located on the French side of the island, is often referred to as the Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean. With a wide range of high-quality restaurants and a delightful mix of French, Caribbean, and Creole cuisine, this title is well-deserved, making it essential to dine here at least once. The Grand Case Boulevard and the beachfront are lined with dining options, ensuring something for every palate.
The “Mardis de Grand Case” event begins on the last Tuesday of January and continues every Tuesday evening until the first Tuesday in April. The main street of Grand Case transforms into a vibrant craft market featuring entertainment, including music bands, dancers, acrobats, carnival parades, and a lively, multicultural atmosphere. Anyone visiting the island during these months should not miss this event.
Pinel Island is a charming little island in the heart of St Martin’s Marine Reserve, making it an ideal half-day trip from St Maarten. Accessing Pinel Island involves a five-minute ferry ride from French Cul de Sac. It is renowned as one of the best snorkelling spots and is loved by kayakers and stand-up paddleboarding enthusiasts. The main beach, complete with sun loungers and umbrellas, is perfect for a leisurely few hours.
There is more to Pinel Island than its main beach. A pristine area awaits those willing to follow the small trail to the northern side of the island, where a secluded beach sheltered by a reef offers a different atmosphere from the busier side. Pinel Island is a favoured spot for locals seeking relaxation, especially on weekends. Several charming restaurants provide the perfect setting for a relaxing day filled with swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
At the end of the road, in French Cul de Sac, visitors will find a sandy area where they can catch a ferry to the island. Alternatively, visitors can rent kayaks and paddleboards to make their way to Pinel Island. While paddling can be a fun workout, it’s worth noting that the island may appear closer than it is, especially on windy days.
Orient Bay, or “Baie Orientale” in French, boasts a stunning 2-mile-long beach featuring powdery white sand. It is sheltered from the Atlantic waves by a protective reef. This beach is the only one on St. Martin with numerous beach bars and restaurants situated directly on the sand. Visitors can engage in various water sports, including jet skiing, sailing, paragliding, and activities for children.
Renowned for its natural beauty, Orient Bay is famous as the island’s primary clothing-optional beach. Although clothing is optional throughout the beach, only a small section at the southern end is designated as a natural nude beach. The trendy beach bars serve fantastic cocktails and frequently host beach parties, creating a laid-back vibe that makes it an excellent spot to spend an afternoon or evening. However, it’s important to note that this beach can sometimes have a significant amount of seaweed.
Loterie Farm, located on the French side of the island, is a highly recommended destination for those seeking a break from the beach. Nestled in the hills of Pic Paradis, this hidden gem offers various activities, including climbing, hiking, and ziplining over the treetop canopy. Guests can also enjoy fine dining and refreshing drinks.
The bar and restaurant resemble a luxurious treehouse, while the pool area features comfortable cabanas amidst lush tropical foliage. Although it may not be the most budget-friendly option, visitors can enjoy a drink or hike through the unspoilt green hills.
Exploring the Caribbean waters by boat is one of the best ways to enjoy the region! Visitors can opt for half-day or full-day boat tours around St Maarten/St Martin, with various stops. These tours offer opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxing in beautiful reefs, with some even including lunch.
Several companies provide boat tours on the island. For a full-day experience, the tour to Anguilla and Prickly Pear comes highly recommended. For shorter excursions, the Lambada Sunset Cruises create lasting memories. Adventurous spirits may enjoy the Rhino Safari Excursion in St Maarten, where participants can drive small motorboats, even without prior experience!
Marigot, the capital of the French side of St. Martin, is home to one of the island’s top attractions—Fort Louis. The fort offers breathtaking panoramic views that are not to be missed. Reaching the fort involves a relatively easy walk along a well-maintained path with steps. However, during the summer months, the heat can be intense, so it’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing and bring water. The Dutch side also features a fort, Fort Amsterdam, accessible via a hike, but Fort Louis is considered the more impressive site.
Sint Maarten is well-known for its vibrant nightlife. While Grand Case on the French side is an excellent dining destination, Simpson Bay on the Dutch side is where the lively nightlife occurs. This area boasts numerous bars, restaurants, and casinos within walking distance.
Pineapple Pete is a popular restaurant with a lively atmosphere and a game room featuring pool tables. Buccaneer is another favoured spot for sunset drinks, although its food and service may need improvement. Local favourites for drinks and dancing include Soggy Dollar and Dinghy Dock, while Roxxy provides trendy dining and clubbing right on the beach.
It is best to explore multiple venues and follow the crowds for a memorable night in Simpson Bay. It may even take several evenings to experience all that this area has to offer!
