10 Great Things To Do in St Maarten & St Martin

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Last updated: 25th February 2024

Explore our top 10 things to do in St Maarten & St Martin, where we’ll reveal prime snorkeling locations and uncover untouched beaches. Join us on this adventure as we guide you through the rich culture and beauty of these Caribbean twin territories.

 

About St Maarten & St Martin

St Maarten and St Martin form a tropical Caribbean island boasting a consistent, warm climate year-round, allowing you to experience two countries on a single island. The northern part is St Martin, a French territory, while the southern part is St Maarten, a Dutch territory. Also referred to as Sint Maarten and Saint Maarten, which might be a bit confusing! Despite being divided into two countries, there are no border gates, meaning your passport won’t be checked.

This less-explored island attracts cruise day trippers and American tourists seeking the pleasures of its beaches, resorts, and casinos.

The terrain is hilly, featuring lush green mountains and picturesque beaches, encompassing an area of 37 square miles. Renowned for its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and culinary delights, English is widely spoken on both sides, eliminating language barriers. With 37 beaches to choose from, the warm sea allows for year-round swimming. We observed that the Dutch side is more bustling with tourists, exuding vibrant Caribbean culture. In contrast, the French side has a quieter, more European feel, which we personally preferred.

Hurricane Irma severely impacted St Maarten and St Martin in 2017, resulting in significant damage. As they continue to rebuild, you may encounter ongoing construction efforts on the island.

 

 

10 Great Things to do in St Maarten & St Martin

Dutch Side Attractions

1. Maho Beach – For Extreme Plane Spotting

St Maarten’s Maho Beach has been made world-famous across Instagram and on TV. It’s where airplanes appear to land dangerously close to the beach as they come into land at the extremely short runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. It’s been on Garth’s bucket list, so we were super excited to see it. The busiest time is between 11 am-3 pm when cruise ship day trippers arrive, but it’s the best time for watching big planes land and taking off. By 4 pm, you’re likely to have the beach to yourself.

The best photo spot is on the east side of the beach at the Sunset Beach Bar. They post flight arrival and departure times on a surfboard outside the bar. We sat down for lunch and got ready for some extreme plane spotting! Phil ordered a burger and Garth chose the fish tacos, delicious! The bar’s rainbow-coloured chairs offer a prime view of these extreme flyovers swooping just meters above people’s heads! Maho Beach is easily one of the best free things to do in St Maarten.

Don’t view landings or take-offs from the fence separating Maho Beach to the runway. The seriously strong jet blasts are dangerous – in 2017 a New Zealand tourist died from head injuries after being propelled backward. If you stand on the beach, be prepared for a blast of sand from the jets as they take off.

We loved it here, great fun! The roar of the jets as they pass over is so loud but exhilarating! Wait for the big planes like KLM and Air France or American as they’re the best to stand underneath. Lots of little planes and private jets fill the gaps, so there’s always something to watch. We spent a couple of hours here, which was enough.

There’s not much parking around, but if you have lunch like we did at the Sunset Beach Bar, they validate your ticket for free at the car park next door.

 

 

2. Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the colourful Dutch capital of St Maarten. Home to the island’s cruise port, it’s where many passengers come for duty-free shopping, just steps away from their ships, so it can get quite crowded at times.

Narrow alleys lead to the main cobblestone thoroughfares of Front Street and Back Street. Front Street (Voorstraat) is lined with palm trees and lots of luxury jewelry stores, where shop assistants stand outside trying to entice you in; we got a few “Hello handsome men!”. There’s also lots of casinos and souvenir shops. To be honest, that’s really all Philipsburg has to offer; we were expecting it to be a bit historic, but it’s really set up for cruise ship passengers.

We checked out the Guavaberry Emporium to sample some of the locally produced Guavaberry liquor – made from rum, sugarcane, and guava berries found growing on the island. Garth preferred Back Street which feels more authentic and has some street art and colourful mural painted on the walls.

When you’re done shopping, stroll along the scenic boardwalk which runs parallel to Front Street along Great Bay Beach. There’s lots of themed bars and restaurants to sample some of St Maarten’s mouth-watering Caribbean cuisine.

 

 

3. Bell’s Lookout Point at Cole Bay Hill

For some panoramic views of St Maarten, drive to Bell’s Lookout Point at Cole Bay Hill. This is especially good at sunset or sunrise. Pull up in the designated parking area for 10 minutes to take in the views across the Dutch side. The seated statue is William Henry Bell II, a local landowner which the lookout point is named after. We walked up the steep rubble path to the high flagpole on Harold Jack Hill which offers a better 360-degree view of the Simpson Bay lagoon and surrounding islands.

 

 

4. Emilio’s Restaurant

Emilio’s is considered the best restaurant on St Martin. Expect fine dining set in a historic 18th-century sugar plantation with a relaxing vibe. Serving up classic Caribbean dishes, the food is delicious and the staff and owner are really friendly. You can order their tasting menu with a cocktail or two. Phil ordered the Shrimp Risotto and Garth went for the Pecan Crusted Sea Scallops, both tasted great.

The cocktails are super too, Garth loved the Guavaberry Smash cocktail made with guavaberry rum, spiced rum, basil, and a spiced liqueur – a boozy Caribbean cocktail that tastes amazing!. Emilio’s is a great place for a special dinner in a lovely setting; we went for Garth’s birthday. The restaurant is situated in the grounds of the Rainforest Nature Park known for its zipline.

 

 

French Side Attractions

5. Marigot – The French Capital

Immerse yourself in the French atmosphere of Marigot, the capital city of St Martin. Marigot is renowned for its colorful colonial and Creole-style houses, bustling bistros, duty-free shopping, and vibrant artisan market. Rue de la République boasts the best-preserved buildings, where you can admire traditional homes with stone and mortar ground floors, complemented by wooden upper floors adorned with handcrafted balconies and gingerbread friezes. Additionally, on this street stands Le West Indies, the most luxurious shopping mall in St Martin, offering three floors of high-end shops and restaurants.

During our visit, we indulged in a lunch break at one of the French bakeries, L’Express, which offered delicious Croque monsieurs, albeit with a touch of rudeness from the staff. 😆 Be sure to also explore Chez Fernand La French Bakery for their delectable pastries.

Be sure to visit Marigot’s colorful open-air market on the waterfront. Selling clothing, trinkets and some handmade art and crafts by local artists, plus various flavors of rum. The Marigot Market is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 6pm. When the cruise ships are in dock there will be more vendors and stalls. Garth couldn’t resist buying another tacky fridge magnet for our collection.

 

 

6. Fort Louis

After you’re done in Marigot, drive up to visit the historic Fort Louis for some great 360 panoramic views over Marigot and Sandy Ground. The French built Fort Louis in 1767 to protect Marigot’s production of rum, sugarcane, salt, and coffee which they exported. There’s not much left except the ruins and some old cannons. Check out the iguanas who like posing for photos; we saw a few escaping the heat of the sun to the shade of some cactus. From the small car park, walk up the 100 steep steps to the fortress which doesn’t take too long.

 

 

7. Grand Case

Grand Case maybe isn’t the prettiest place on St Martin, as parts of the town remain devastated by Hurricane Irma. However, we liked it, as do the locals who love coming here and backpackers. We liked the fact the town isn’t built up for tourists like Orient Bay and other parts of the island. It has a real Caribbean vibe about the place and we enjoyed watching local life pass by like school kids diving off the pier just outside the lolo bars.

The 1-mile beach is lovely and long with golden sand and pretty empty. The water is clear and turquoise, perfect for swimming and snorkeling over the rocks.

Numerous eating options await, with bars and restaurants overlooking the ocean. Don’t miss the chance to experience one of the four ‘lolo’ bars available. While basic, these bars offer authentic and delicious Caribbean-style street food, representing a significant aspect of Saint Martin culture.

We opted for Sky’s The Limit, renowned as the best lolo shack on the island. Vibrantly painted picnic tables make it easily recognisable. Our order included BBQ chicken and shrimp skewers, served in generous portions with a variety of sides – so arrive with a hearty appetite! The total cost was , covering the six beers we enjoyed. We left a total of , including the tip.

It’s worth noting that lolo shacks in Grand Case are highly popular among locals during the evening. For those arriving by car, free parking is conveniently located just a short walk from the lolo bars, beach, and restaurants.

 

 

8. Plum Bay

Looking for a secluded and stunning beach in St Martin? Look no further than Plum Bay (Baie Aux Prunes). Nestled in an upscale residential gated community, this beach offers tranquility and beauty. While it may seem private, it is open to the public like all beaches on the island. Simply inform the security guard at the gate that you are visiting Plum Bay.

During our visit, we enjoyed a romantic stroll along the shoreline. However, be cautious of spiky sea urchins in the sand if you choose to go barefoot. Unlike other beaches on the island, Plum Bay features a rocky entry into the sea, so wearing jelly shoes might be advisable.

Plum Bay boasts wild and uncrowded surroundings. We found that visiting at 8 am provided a cooler experience, allowing us to walk on the sand before it became too hot. The best part? You’ll likely have the entire beach to yourselves. Don’t miss the opportunity to glimpse Donald Trump’s £15m Caribbean mansion, “Le Château des Palmiers,” situated right on the beach. Reportedly purchased as an investment, it is available for rental.

 

 

9. Friar’s Bay

Another hidden gem beach in St Martin is Friar’s Bay. It’s a brilliant untouched little beach away from the crowds that offers top snorkeling opportunities. The best snorkeling spot on Friar’s Bay is at the far end of the beach where the rocks are. We loved the variety of fish sightings here – from tiny colorful fish, some violet others bright yellow, to much bigger fish. Garth loved spending time looking down on all the varieties, even Phil who’s not mad keen on swimming with fish enjoyed it.

We visited a couple of times as it wasn’t too busy, mainly locals and some French tourists. There are also a couple of beach bars and sun loungers and brollies you can rent. The only downside was a whiffy smell by the car park which comes from a nearby pond and the road to the beach is a bit bumpy.

 

 

10. Pinel Island

We decided to take a day trip to Pinel Island. The best way to get there is the Pinel Island ferry. It cost us 20 Euros for 2, for a round trip. You catch the Pinel Island ferry from Baie De Cul de Sac, where there’s a large free car park, so it’s very easy to do. The small ferry ride takes just 5 minutes and the last ferry back is 5pm.

We arrived at the best beach on St Martin and found a pristine shoreline with powdery white sand. The water was nice and shallow, offering amazing views across to St Martin. We enjoyed snorkeling in the crystal-clear water, encountering an abundance of fish. The best snorkeling spot on Pinel Island is just beyond all the sunbeds, allowing you to swim over the rocky reefs.

Pinel Island, though small, has a main beach packed with sun loungers. People clearly reserve them for the best ones right on the water’s edge. Despite not having reserved any, we were greeted by a friendly beach attendant who provided excellent service, bringing beers and drinks to our beach table and chairs, creating a nice and relaxing atmosphere.

While the beach restaurant is expensive, it offers fresh lobster and seafood. Garth’s Mahi Mahi fish lunch was absolutely delicious.

A short hike leads to the other side of Pinel Island, where there’s no development, just a beach where clothing is optional. The swimming experience is not great here due to choppy waves and rocks, but you’ll have the chance to see iguanas sunbathing.

We chose to see Pinel Island on a day trip by ourselves but we did debate about a catamaran day trip to Pinel Island and around St Maarten. They are a great way to see the island’s beauty under the sea and above from the boat. There are lots of cruises to choose from. Billy Bones Boatcharters scores highly on TripAdvisor and offers a full-day cruise with an onboard unlimited open bar, music, and light snacks. With stops for snorkeling, swimming, and a BBQ lunch. They also visit neighboring islands like Tintamarre where you can snorkel with sea turtles or visit Pinel Island.

 

 

St Maarten/St Martin Practical Advice

Phil and Garth’s Top 5 St Maarten/St Martin Tips

• Tip #1: Safe Sips: Opt for bottled water as tap water isn’t safe. Most places offer bottled water, ensuring a safe and refreshing choice throughout your stay.
• Tip #2: Currency Consideration: Be mindful of the local currency, the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) on the Dutch side and the Euro on the French side. Keep some cash for local transactions.
• Tip #3: Worry-Free Wheels: Renting a car is convenient for exploring, but remember to drive on the right side. Ensure you have the necessary driver’s licence and insurance for smooth travels.
• Tip #4: Mosquito-Free Evenings: Cover up at night and use DEET repellent to avoid mosquito and bug bites, especially near water bodies.
• Tip #5: Cultural Courtesies: Enrich your experience by learning local greetings – “Bonjour” on the French side and “Goedemorgen” on the Dutch side. Engaging with the culture makes positive interactions with friendly locals.

 

St Maarten/St Martin FAQs

• Is it better to stay in St Maarten or St Martin? The Dutch side offers more accommodation and more tourist activities, but we preferred the French side which has a more Caribbean vibe and is quieter.
• Is St Maarten safe? Yes, St Maarten is one of the safest islands in the Caribbean.
• What months have the best weather on St Maarten? The driest time to visit is January to June.
• When is the worst time to visit St Maarten/St Martin? The wet season runs from June to November, this is when hurricanes tend to strike the island, with September being the worst month for hurricanes.
• When is the busiest time to visit St Maarten? High season is November to mid April.
• When is the best time to travel to St Maarten? May to June and November to December. Hotel rates are lower, the island is quieter and the weather is still great.
• What’s the airport code for St Maarten? SXM.
• Where are all the casinos? St Maarten casinos are located on the Dutch side.

 

How Did We Do It?

We visited St Maarten in June and stayed with our friends Shirley and Nicolette at a lovely AirBnB up in the hills on the French side close to Grand Case. Perfect place for relaxing whilst watching some magical sunsets.

 

Final Thoughts on St Maarten & St Martin

Our St Maarten and St Martin holiday was memorable and diverse, offering a unique blend of Dutch and French cultures on a single island. Exploring the beaches, enjoying extreme plane spotting at Maho Beach, indulging in culinary delights, and discovering the vibrant local life made this trip truly special. Whether you prefer the bustling atmosphere of the Dutch side or the more relaxed feel of the French side, there’s something for everyone on this charming Caribbean island. We hope our guide inspires your own adventure in this tropical paradise.

 

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