The island of Saint Martin captivates visitors with its unique dual-nation identity, with the Dutch Sint Maarten in the south and the French Saint-Martin in the north. Renowned for its 37 stunning beaches and exceptional culinary offerings, the island also boasts a rugged interior that's less explored by the average tourist.
Saint Martin’s volcanic backbone creates a dramatic contrast to its bustling coastal areas, inviting adventurous travellers to swap their sandals for hiking boots. A central mountain range defines the island's topography, featuring peaks formed through millions of years of volcanic activity.
Hiking in Saint Martin offers a rich ecological and cultural journey. While the elevations may not rival the Alps or Andes, the Caribbean climate presents its own challenges, with high humidity and intense tropical sun making the climb more demanding. This article highlights the island's highest peaks, providing a guide for those eager to conquer heights.
The Dutch side of the island, known for its vibrant nightlife and busy cruise terminal, holds some of the most accessible yet rewarding hiking trails. The peaks in Sint Maarten offer a unique look at the development of the island, contrasted with the resilient natural beauty of the Caribbean hills.
Sentry Hill is the undisputed jewel of the Dutch side. Standing at 341 metres, it offers one of the most comprehensive views of the entire island. The ascent is famously steep, requiring hikers to navigate rocky paths and dense scrubland. In recent years, the development of the park has made the peak more accessible via a chairlift, but for adventurers, the climb remains a rite of passage. Once at the summit, you are rewarded with 360-degree viewing platforms that look down upon Simpson Bay, the Princess Juliana International Airport, and the neighbouring islands of Saba and Saint Eustatius.
Located in proximity to Sentry Hill, Sint Peter Hill offers a more rugged and less commercialised hiking experience. This peak provides an excellent vantage point into the interior valleys of the island, where traditional Caribbean life continues away from the tourist hubs. The trails here are often narrower and require a bit more attention to footing, as the volcanic rock can be loose. It is a fantastic spot for those who want to feel the isolation of the hills while still being within sight of the Great Bay.
On the eastern side of Sint Maarten lies Naked Boy Hill. Despite its curious name, this peak is a favourite for locals and seasoned visitors alike. Unlike the forested peaks, Naked Boy Hill is characterised by open, grassy slopes. This lack of canopy means that hikers are treated to a constant, cooling Atlantic breeze, a welcome relief from the humidity. The trail is moderate but provides some of the best sunrise views on the island, with an unobstructed sight of the shores of Saint Barthélemy.
One of the most unique aspects of hiking in Saint Martin is the ability to walk along an international border that has been peaceful for centuries. The frontier ridges are where history and geography collide, offering trails that literally straddle two countries.
Mount Flagstaff is a significant landmark in the island's geography. While the physical summit is technically on the French side, its southern shoulder represents the highest point within the territory of Dutch Sint Maarten. Hiking Mount Flagstaff usually involves traversing the "Border Trail", a path that follows the line established by the Treaty of Concordia.
The vegetation here is surprisingly lush, and the trail provides a sense of the wilderness that once covered the entire island before the colonial era. It is a unique place where you can stand with one foot in the Netherlands and the other in France, surrounded by the quiet rustle of mahogany trees.
Though it is the lowest peak on our list, Mount Concordia is perhaps the most culturally significant. In 1648, representatives of the French and Dutch governments climbed this hill to sign the Treaty of Concordia, agreeing to share the island's resources and inhabit it together. The hike is relatively gentle compared to the northern peaks, making it an excellent choice for a morning stroll. At the top, a monument commemorates the treaty, and the view serves as a peaceful reminder of the island’s long-standing tradition of cooperation.
The French side of the island, Saint-Martin, is generally more mountainous and less densely populated than the Dutch side, resulting in larger swathes of protected forest and more traditional trekking opportunities.
Pic Paradis is the literal high point of any trip to the island. At 424 metres, it is the highest peak on Saint Martin. Most hikers begin their journey at Loterie Farm, a nature reserve that has meticulously maintained the trails. The most popular route is the "Monkey Trail", named for the green vervet monkeys that are frequently spotted swinging through the canopy. The hike takes you through a dense, tropical forest filled with giant ferns and ancient trees. Upon reaching the summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Anguilla to the north, Saint Barts to the south-east, and the rugged hills of the island beneath your feet.
For those who find Pic Paradis a bit too popular, Mont O’Reilly provides a serene alternative. Reaching 360 metres, it offers a similar ecological profile to its higher neighbour but with significantly less foot traffic. The trails here are often used by local farmers and can be a bit more challenging to follow, but the reward is a quiet, meditative experience. From the top, you can look out over the northern coast and the protected waters of the Grand Case bay, watching the sailboats bobbing in the distance.
Montagne Rouge, or Red Rock, is located in the northernmost part of the island within the National Nature Reserve. The peak is named for the distinct reddish tint of the soil and rock formations found here. This area feels remarkably different from the lush centre. It is a wilder, more arid landscape overlooking the Atlantic. The hike to the top provides dramatic views of the cliffs at Anse Marcel and the turquoise expanse of Orient Bay. It is a prime location for birdwatching, as many seabirds nest in the crags of the northern coastline.
Embarking on these incredible hiking adventures requires not only courage but also a commitment to safe and responsible tourism. These practical tips will help you have a fun and successful trek while making sure that you minimise your impact on the environment.
Climbing the peaks of Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin offers a perspective that you simply cannot find at sea level. From the summits of these volcanic hills, the island reveals itself as a complex tapestry of cultures, histories, and ecosystems. It is a reminder that there is much more to this destination than what is found in the brochures.
To truly appreciate the island, you should aim to conquer at least one peak on the Dutch side, one on the French side, and perhaps stand on the border at Mount Flagstaff. This variety allows you to witness the contrast between the dry, wind-swept eastern slopes and the humid, jungle-shrouded western peaks.
Furthermore, it is highly recommended to rent a car to make the most of your hiking expedition. While the island is small, the trailheads are geographically scattered. Public transport and taxis are excellent for getting between towns and beaches, but they are not designed for the early morning starts and remote locations required for serious hiking.
By driving your own vehicle, you gain the freedom to reach the base of Pic Paradis at dawn or drive to the quiet trailhead of Naked Boy Hill for a sunset trek. A car allows you to chase the light across the island, ensuring that the only thing you have to worry about is the steepness of the next hill and the beauty of the view waiting at the top.
Ready to hit the open road and start your hiking adventure? Pack your gear, look for a sturdy vehicle, and set out to discover the high ground of this Caribbean gem. Book a car for Sint Maarten on Final Rentals today and enjoy the freedom to conquer heights and find hidden gems on both sides of the island.
