The 10 things to do in Saint-Martin

Visit the island of Saint Martin: what are the best things to do and to see on the Franco-Dutch island of the Antilles?

Destination: Caribbean! Frequented for its climate and its many sandy beaches, Saint-Martin is still today considered the rare pearl of the Antilles. Located 250 km north of the Guadeloupe and 240 km east of Puerto Rico, the island is shared between two sovereign nations, French and Dutch, by a symbolic border. This dual-personal island has Marigot as the capital for the French part and Philipsburg for the Dutch part. Formerly inhabited by Arawaks Indians (also called Taïnos), it is the smallest in the Caribbean Sea and was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and then colonized by the Europeans.

The Dutch side is known to be quite festive, with a large number of clubs to the west, unlike the French side, more famous for its fierce and relaxing atmosphere with its many beaches.

What to do in Saint-Martin? In addition to its postcard decor, this island with 75,000 souls is really worth a visit and you will be aware of it by yourself with this list of the 10 essential things to visit in Saint-Martin!

1. Marigot, capital of the French part

The town Marigot owes its name to the numerous swamps, the marigots, which were once found in this location. By walking around the streets of the city centre, you will have the pleasure of admiring the old Creole boxes that have been restored and now house many luxury boutiques. The island is known for its “free tax”, so enjoy it for a little shopping! Don’t forget to visit the Fort Louis . Built in 1789, it overlooks the bay of Marigot, facing Anguilla . Want local colors and atmosphere? Turn around Marigot market ! It is the largest open-air market in the Caribbean.

To visit also in Marigot : the Catholic Church, built on the road to Fort Saint Louis, the tomb of François-Auguste Perrinon, the bridge of Durat and street of the Republic .

2. Philipsburg

Browse Front Street and Back Street , the two main streets of Philipsburg, to enjoy the many zero-taxed products they offer. Front Street (or Great Bay Voorstraat) is also lined with bars and casinos. You can also visit The Courthouse which is in the same street. It is one of the major historical monuments of the Dutch part of Saint Martin. Another must to do in Philipsburg is Sint-Maarten Museum , which exposes among other objects of the Arawaks people and where you can discover the history of the island.

To visit also in Philipsburg : the ruins of Fort Amsterdam and Fort Willem I , which offer a superb view.

3. Grand case

Grand case lies northeast of Marigot. With its reputation as the capital of the Caribbean gastronomy, its fine sandy beaches and colourful houses, this village is absolutely worth visiting! There is, among other things, Happy Anse beach (Happy bay). Paradise and uncommon compared to other beaches on the island, you must absolutely stop there. A small visit to the Rocher Créole is also required. This nature reserve is protected and you can only access it by boat.

Ideally available for lovers of marine fauna, it will make you enjoy the seabed, natural fish habitat, rays and turtles! Renowned to be the most beautiful spot on the island, Grand case is a very popular place for a dive/snorkelling session or paddle session

If you visit Grand-Case between January and April, don't miss Tuesdays Harmony Nights , a festive market where music and gastronomy offer you an unbridled evening!

To visit also in Grand case: The perfumery Tijon and Hope Estate a protected archaeological site.

4. The beaches

Planted in a heavenly setting, the island of Saint Martin has 37 beaches, more beautiful than others, for 70 km of coastline! Quiet ones ( Mullet Bay and Red Bay), passing through the most sporting, ideal for a surf session (Baie de l’Embouchure, Petites Cayes, Le Galion...), not forgetting the wild ( Baie aux Prunes or Grandes Cayes) and Paradise ( Ile Tintammare and Happy Bay), Saint Martin has something to satisfy everyone...!

Other famous beaches on the island could make you hesitate more...

– Grand Case: Bay protected from the swell, the sea is quiet and diving enthusiasts will be able to approach the Rocher Créole. - La Oriental Bay , also nicknamed "The Holy Tropez of the Caribbean". – Little Bay, known to be a paradise for birds. - Maho Beach : A real attraction for tourists because it is at the end of the runway of Juliana Airport – Dawn Beach, located near the Marina d’Oyster Pond.

5. A boat ride

If you are on the pretty island of Saint-Martin, there is a must-see way to visit the island... By boating! Indeed, boat rental in Saint-Martin you will discover the Caribbean as you never imagined.

Moreover, in the courtyard of your walk, you will discover molt wonders. Whether it’s heavenly beaches, its transparent waters revealing marine fauna, or seeing its sublime mountains, your pupils will not return!

6. The butterfly farm

This must be addressed to all curious, small and large. Under its 900m2 sphere, the butterfly farm shelters the most beautiful butterfly specimens in the world and participates in the conservation of threatened species.

7. Saint Martin Nature Reserve

natural reserve of the island is one of its riches that must be visited in Saint Martin. Created over 20 years ago, it covers 3,060 hectares, northeast of the French part. It preserves the five main ecosystems of the island, namely mangroves, marine elogamous herbaria, coral reefs, coastal forests and ponds.

The site focuses on large and diversified marine and terrestrial fauna and flora, including several species protected. Numerous marine mammals such as large dolphins or humpback whales frequent the waters of this nature reserve. There are also more than 90 species of birds.

8. The Pic Paradis

Are you still wondering what to do in Saint Martin? Make the ascent of the highest peak of the island, the Pic Paradis ! From the height of its 424 meters, it is the highest point of Saint Martin and its access offers a splendid view of the Caribbean Sea and Marigot. For the most athletic and nature lovers, you can choose a 3-hour hike from the bottom of the Pic. This alternative is worth a visit because you can see butterflies, monkeys and also iguanas. The site is also accessible by car. Allow a good quarter of an hour of walking!

9. Loterie Farm

Farm lottery is a natural reserve of 54 hectares located at the top of the Pic Paradise. It is a place full of history that offers breathtaking landscapes! Indeed, once referred to as the Plantation lottery, it was initially a sugar cane plantation whose activity ceased following the abolition of slavery. The site, only accessible by car, offers various activities suitable for each: hiking, hook-up, swimming, catering... What a good time!

10. To visit also in Saint Martin

• Spring Sugar
• La plantation Saint-Jean
• The obelisk of the border
• Laanse Marcel
• Soualiga Destinations Boat Tours

How to get to Saint Martin?

There are two ways to get to Saint Martin: by plane and by boat.

• By plane

Flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle to airport International Princess Juliana SXM are mostly direct with AirFrance. With another company, you can have a stopover at New York John F Kennedy Airport.

From Orly to the SXM airport, the flights with Air Caribbean are direct, but much transit through Guadeloupe or Dominica according to the companies. For example, Air France is now transiting its passengers by Pointe à Pitre.

To land at the airport SFG St Martin Esperance (located in Grand Case), flights are all indirect from Paris with a stopover by Pointe à Pitre as well. Have a minimum of 9 flight hours to reach the island.

To find a flight at the best price, don’t hesitate to take a look at our partner’s website Ulysses .

• By boat

If you want to integrate the crossing into a boat as an integral part of your trip then feel free to use this means of transport that knows new followers every year. The crossing by cargo lasts between 10 and 12 days and takes place only until Guadeloupe or Martinique. Its price, higher than the aircraft, includes accommodation and restoration. To reach Saint Martin, you'll have to take a plane.

Where to stay in Saint Martin?

Saint Martin offers multiple accommodation options: hotels, guesthouses, villas, holiday homes, rentals... It's for all tastes! The north of the island, with Anse Marcel, Cul de Sac , Grand Case and Orient Bay, is the area that tourists usually prefer to sleep in Saint Martin. It is possible to find a vacation rental in St-Martin at attractive prices, especially if you come out of season. More and more people also rent their home when they leave on holiday.

To find a hotel at the best price, don’t hesitate to take a look at this site Compare hotels . And if you opt for more atypical housing, you can turn to Airbnb .

Finally, to have an idea of the area where to stay in Saint Martin, visit our article « In which city house in Saint-Martin? "!