The Caribbean has so many fantastic islands that travelers are often torn about which choice they should make. But choosing St Martin comes easily to many US citizens as it encompasses everything they desire on a tropical vacation. Take the example of the food. No matter where you stay on this two-nation island, you will enjoy tasty, fresh cuisines that highlight the island’s influences, including Afro-Caribbean fusions. Culinary experiences are just one part of the attraction. You also get to enjoy warm weather, explore tens of beautiful beaches, interact with friendly locals, go sailing, attend festivals, immerse yourself in nature, and more.
Of course, with such an extensive list of amazing things to do, coming up with an exhaustive itinerary can be challenging. After all, what should you consider, and what can you save until your next island trip? We have made decision-making easier for you by listing the 35 best things to do in St. Martin so you can pick what appeals to you the most. Let’s get started:
1-5: Explore Stunning Beaches
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The best part about traveling to St Martin is getting the best of both worlds. And this shows in the beach selections. You can take your time exploring the beaches to the south and north as you figure out which vibe best suits your vacation plans. And since the island has tens of beaches, there is something for everyone, including adventurous souls, romance-seeking partners, families, and friends. Let’s take a look at the best beaches and what makes them good choices:
1) Orient Bay Beach: This beach lies on the French side and gets the most traffic of all the beaches on the island. Luckily, it is big enough to handle the crowds. So, while the environment may be vibrant, it’s easy to find a quiet spot to enjoy your day without interruptions. But what makes this beach so alluring to travelers? It lies on the windward side, allowing you to be safe from the winds. As such, this is the best spot for people who want to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, enjoy local cuisines, read books, people-watch, or even grab a drink at the bar. Besides the calm waters, this beach is also easy to access.
2) Baie Rouge Beach: If the idea of a crowded beach does not appeal to you, try this option. It faces the north, has extensive coverage, and boasts minimal crowds. Even when people head here, the beach is so long that it’s easy to have a secluded experience, even in the peak seasons. Most people head here to enjoy the beautiful sandy beach with a reddish tint, making the scenery even more captivating. And since the waters here are calm, you can swim, go snorkeling, read a book, play in the water, or just sunbathe. You can grab a bite from the on-site beach bar if you get hungry.
3) Mullet Bay Beach: While some people avoid windy beaches, others seek them for their watersports advantages. And if you fall into the second category, you will love what this beach offers. It lies to the southwest of the island and is ideal for surfing due to its strong winds. You can also enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and people-watching, among other beach things to do in St. Martin. Of course, if you are after surfing, you must ensure you time your beach days with the season, as spring and winter are the ideal surf windows.
4) Kim Sha Beach: Do you want an unforgettable adrenaline rush? Head to this beach. You can engage in watersports like scuba diving or boat tours in the ocean. The waters are also calm enough for swimming and wading for people who prefer to stay close to the shore. And if the hunger pangs strike, there are many restuarants and bars serving fresh food and drinks. Besides the amazing beach day options, you can head to this beach on nights when it’s hosting live music and other events to get a feel of the St Martin nightlife.
5) Cupecoy Beach: To the Dutch side of the island, you will find this beautiful beach known for its striking appearance. Not only do you get the beauty of white sandy beaches, but you can also gaze at the towering sedimentary cliffs that create the ideal photo backdrops. So, what can you do on this beach? Since it features sandy coves, the water on this side of the beach is quite calm. You can thus swim, enjoy the scenery, go snorkeling, get a tan, or just relax as you grab a drink or bite from the beach restaurants. Like Orient Bay, accessing this beach should be easy.
Families can also look into Dawn Beach, Grand Case Beach, and Simpson Bay Beach, as these have kid-friendly waters and activities.
6-10: Indulge in Culinary Delights
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The culinary fusion in St Martin is on another level, thanks to the dual-nation aspect as well as the mix of cultures, thanks to immigrants. As such, no matter what you enjoy, you will surely have an incredible culinary journey on this island, be it sauces, seafood, sweet treats, or fresh drinks. Let’s show you how you can make the most out of this culinary melting pot:
6) Try the local foods: Traditional meals on the island reflect its sunny and relaxed atmosphere. Once you have tasted them, you feel like you are right at home. So, what must you try?
- Conch and dumplings: The Caribbean taste is evident in this hot and spicy dish. It features a large sea snail (conch) cooked with herbs and spices until it achieves a soft and succulent texture. Once you pair it with dumplings and gravy, you will see why so many people ask for seconds!
- Callaloo: Many other Caribbean countries have this dish option. But they don’t make it like St Martin chefs. When you order this, you can expect a thick soup that is not only rich in flavor but also aroma. Islanders achieve this by mixing fresh greens and meats into the soup without forgetting callaloo, the main veggie.
- Spare ribs: You likely think you have tasted all the barbecues worth noting. But we can assure you that St Martin spare ribs are a new realm. Chefs cook this on the grill long enough for the meat to be so tender that it just comes off the bone. But tenderness is just one part of the meal – it is also juicy and filled with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. Licking your fingers is acceptable.
7) Take a cooking class: Tasting what St Martin has to offer is one way to experience your holiday. Another amazing option is to learn how to make the meals from scratch. Many tour companies organize cooking adventures where you get first-hand lessons from the locals. For each meal, you get to taste the local flavors and try to recreate the same in a fun setting where you also learn more about the culture. Some cooking classes also include food tours, where you move from one restaurant to another and try different menu options.
8) Enjoy local desserts: Treating yourself on vacation is almost mandatory. And if food is your love language, here are some options to consider:
- Dutch cheese: When else can you enjoy the fusion of French and Dutch delights in one country? Head to the Dutch side for some authentic and tasty cheeses. Not only can you get free samples to whet your appetite, but you also get to buy the kind that matches all the local meals we have included in this guide – everything tastes better with cheese.
- French pastries: After preparing your charcuterie board with Dutch cheese, consuming fresh French pastries is natural. How can you say no to warm croissants and quiches? The French side of the island has enough bakeries for you to find what works best for your taste buds and go for it.
9) Snack on island delights: In between the fun things to do in St. Martin, you will need something to sustain your energy. And what better than an island snack? Feast your eyes on the following options:
- Johnny cakes: If you love pancakes, wait till you taste the twist in these cakes. Unlike standard pancakes, which use wheat flour, these have cornmeal. Chefs whip them up by combining them with the usual pancake ingredients before frying them in corn oil and serving them with syrup or butter toppings. They are just delicious!
- Codfish fritters: There are many ways to enjoy salt fish, but the fritters take the cake. Islanders sautee the fish with choice herbs and spices before mixing it with baking ingredients like eggs and flour. Once they have deep-fried this mixture, you will have a new appreciation for fish!
10) Eat out at restaurants: The best way to get the true taste of St Martin is to vary your dining spots from beachside shacks to fine dining restaurants. Here are the top-rated options:
- Emilio’s: This fine-dining restaurant has everything you need for the perfect brunch, lunch, or dinner. Look forward to tasty dishes, including ribs and octopus-based specials.
- Bistrot Caraibes: How would you like to select the lobster you will have for dinner? At this restaurant, you can! Pair this with its delicious desserts, and you will have the perfect experience.
- Tortuga Maho: This beachfront restaurant has a casual vibe that is ideal for long beach days. You can relax here as you enjoy its fast foods, which range from burritos to frites to burgers.
- The Palms Restaurant: If you are up for authentic Caribbean flavors that melt in your mouth, head here. The curries, ribs, and seafood options are just amazing.
With such diversity in St Martin, running out of food options is not a challenge you will face. Make the most of this culinary diversity by approaching meals with an open mind.
11-15: Visit Historic Sites and Landmarks
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How do two countries end up occupying one island? What influenced Creole culture? These questions are often on many people’s minds as they traverse this beautiful land. Well, the best way to understand the rich history and culture of this island is to visit its top historic sites and landmarks. Here are the best places to stop as you uncover the ins and outs of this gem:
11) Fort Louis: Marigot Port was booming in the 18th century and had warehouses full of rum, coffee, sugarcane, and salt. As a result, it faced a threat from British and Dutch pirates. The then St Martin governor, Jeans Sebastien Durat, built this fort to protect this territory and ensure the land’s products were safe. The fort remains on the land, and you can explore what’s left to get a true picture of what that century was like.
12) Salt Factory Ruins: In 1862, an engineer had the bright idea to set up a salt factory that would harvest salt in the rainy season. Walking around what’s left of this project, you can see the main structures and wall fragments that continue encasing this project. As you dig into the past centuries, you can also learn the role that salt played in trades.
13) The Ebenezer Plantation: Farming in St Martin was and remains easy due to the favorable weather. As such, many plantations thrived in the previous centuries, including this one that dates back to the 19th century. While it is no longer operational, this historic monument helps you take a walk down memory lane. You can also visit the Belvedere plantation.
14) Lalie Monument: Each nation has someone who stood up for the oppressed and saved many lives. In St Martin, Lalie has this honor. Florian Eulalie, known as Lalie, owned a neighborhood store with her husband. And when she was not stocking groceries, she would bake and distribute bread and tarts to the less fortunate. They also housed people in hurricanes, making life easier for people moving from Aruba to St Martin.
15) St Martin Museum: If you want to uncover all the island has witnessed over the centuries, the museum is the place to go. It lies in an 1800s house and features exhibits from past centuries. Since the layout is ideal for a self-guided tour, you can move from one section to another and understand how everything eventually fell into place.
By visiting these and other notable historical monuments, you will orient yourself to the island. You will also be much more familiar with how the French and Dutch colonists agreed to split the island.
16-20: Enjoy Water Activities
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The diverse marine life, warm weather, crystal-clear waters, and stunning beaches make water activities top among the things to do on this beautiful island. Here are the best options and where you can enjoy them:
16) Snorkeling: No matter your swimming expertise, you are bound to find a snorkeling spot that suits your preferences. If you are on the Dutch side, opt for Mullet Bay, Dawn Beach, or Cupecoy Beach, as these have thriving aquatic life. And on the French side, head to Creole Rock, Baie Rouge, and Pinel Island.
17) Scuba diving: If you want to interact with marine life on a deeper level, you will enjoy the guided scuba diving experiences. They allow you to encounter animals like barracudas, sharks, turtles, stingrays, seahorses, and dolphins. You can do this in Charlie’s Shoal, Carib Ghost, HMS Proselyte, and Fish Bowl for the ultimate experience.
18) Sailing: How about exploring marine life without getting wet? Sailing is an amazing option that allows you to view the expansive waters while bathing in the sun, enjoying cool drinks, and learning more about the different locations.
19) Jet skiing: Tourists who are up for an adrenaline rush can always opt for jet skiing. It is a great way to explore the waters. You can find jet skiing tours all over the island, though the most popular spots are towards the east, north, and south, where the sea conditions are more favorable.
20) Parasailing: Kick things up a notch by experiencing the sea from a vantage point by signing up for a parasailing adventure. These rides are best for people who want to get a dopamine and adrenaline combination. The speed alone is enough to help you create lasting memories!
When enjoying any of these water activities, ensure you follow instructions to stay safe and get the most out of these opportunities.
21-25: Shop Till You Drop
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Shopping is a great way to spend your time on the island. It introduces you to local gems, e.g., fabrics, and helps you learn more about the island’s fashion trends and culture. Here are the best places to go shopping:
21) Rue de Charles de Gaulle: This Marigot shopping center has everything from department stores to surf and jeweler shops. In the boutiques, you can find local clothing that aligns with the island’s dressing codes. You will also find fabulous items that you can wear off the island. In jeweler shops, you can find unique pieces that work well for collections or gifts. And, of course, the surf shops have everything you need for an ideal surfing experience.
22) Archterstaat: One of the best things about this shopping street is that it has minimal crowds as it is far from the beach and cruise stops. So, you can enjoy a quiet yet satisfactory shopping experience. Here, you will find boutiques that stock different products, from cosmetics to souvenirs to clothes. And since bargaining is acceptable, you can always get what you want at a fair price. Like most shopping streets, it has jeweler shops where you can find pieces that work for your collection.
23) Howell Center Mall: Often, people need to separate their shopping experiences by catering to different needs at one time. But not in this mall. It is home to different stores, including supermarkets, boutiques, and pharmacies. So, no matter what you need or want, you can get it here. Besides the stores, it has restaurants and bars where you can unwind as you people-watch, relax, or bond with your loved ones.
24) Le West Indies: If you enjoy shopping and want an immersive experience, this is a great place to consider. This shopping mall has three floors with different shops and restaurants. This variety not only gives you several product options but also helps you find things within your budget. The restaurants are a nice touch as you can relax between your shopping sprees. It also has many options for kids, which parents can consider for the ultimate shopping experience.
25) Marigot Market: A St Martin shopping experience is incomplete without a tour of this famous market, one of the top things to do in St. Martin. It is the perfect place to get handmade souvenirs, including clothes and art pieces. These are unique and affordable, allowing you to get personalized gifts without breaking the bank. Besides gifts, the market is home to tasty local foods and drinks – you can sample more authentic cuisines here. Fresh foods are also available for people who want to whip up a meal back home.
Regardless of your budget and preferences, you are sure to have a wonderful time shopping. You will especially enjoy the laidback experiences that match the beat of the island, enabling you to browse and buy at a slow pace.
26-30: Experience Nightlife and Entertainment
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St Martin is so vibrant that the party never ends. Once the sun sets, a whole new set of activities becomes available. So, if you’re curious about how to make the most out of your night hours, here are some ideal things to do in St. Martin at night:
26) Take a sunset cruise: Watching as the sun sets ranks as one of the most satisfying feelings in the world – doing it on a cruise is even more satisfying. As the boat slowly makes its way across the waters, as if following the sun, you can enjoy the feel of the waves, the cool sea breeze, and the last of the sun’s rays. Most sunset cruises also include food and drinks, making it the perfect way to end the day.
27) Attend harmony nights: Street parties in St Martin are fun ways to enjoy the local music and engage with the locals. These fiestas take place in winter and are a great way to start and end the night. You can dance to the music, learn new moves, grab bites in the street food stalls, and enjoy the parade. Learning more about the island culture is easier this way, as you will see everything play out.
28) Head to the beach: People don’t leave the beach when the sun goes down. Instead, they often stop by the beach for all it offers after dusk. You can expect some live music, street vendors, and vibrant bars. Moreover, many people love watching cruise ships get in and out of the docks. Being part of this activity is a new way to experience the island’s nightlife and stay cool at night.
29) Go partying: Party lovers have many exciting things to do in St. Martin once the sun goes down. The first is to head to a beach bar where the music will be lively, but there won’t be much dancing – this works for people who want a laidback night. The second is to go clubbing, where the setting is ideal for a fun and loud night. And the third is to attend a pool party that mixes the vibes in beach bars and clubs, culminating in a balance. Finding what works for you should be easy once you consider this variation.
30) Play casino games: There are many gaming complexes on the island where you can try your luck in slots, poker, and other casino games. These spaces are excellent for people who wish to experience an adrenaline rush, interact with others, and hopefully score a win. Since casinos also have stocked bars and fantastic restaurants, you will hardly need to leave the establishment.
For an even better experience, vary your activities such that you cruise on one day and party on the other. It will allow you to have a much more memorable vacation.
31-35: Outdoor Adventures and Nature Excursions
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The tropical climate in St Martin enables it to maintain lush landscapes all year long. It is thus the perfect spot for anyone who wants to experience nature. Here are the top thrilling adventures for nature lovers:
31) Hike the trails: A good way to take in the island’s sights is to hike. The trails vary, so you can find the one that best suits your fitness levels and preferences. For example, someone who wants to take in the beauty of the ocean can opt for coastal trails. On the other hand, someone who wants a challenge can go up the hills to get expansive views of the lands below.
32) Interact with nature: St Martin is home to beautiful lands and valleys. Luckily, even if you don’t want to walk trails, you can get active and enjoy the island views by horse riding, riding an ATV, or cycling through these beautiful spaces. Take the example of Seaside Nature Park, where you can interact with different animals, including ducks, horses, goats, and peacocks.
33) Visit the natural wonders: Years of evolution have resulted in beautiful geographic formations, including David’s Hole. This sinkhole, which measures 80 feet, lies between Pointe du Bluffe and Baie Rouge. You can gaze upon it, take pictures with it as your backdrop, or even swim around it to access it from the inside. As long as you are careful, you should have a lot of fun.
34) Go ziplining: The hills on the island create ideal ziplining spots. Most of these are on Loterie Farm. They are so high that you can enjoy the view of nearby islands as you rush from one side to the other. The adrenaline rush from being this high is enough to have you smiling for the next few days. You can also enjoy the trails on the farm. Another option for adrenaline junkies is the Flying Dutchman zipline in Rockland Estate, which ranks as the steepest zipline in the world.
35) Try golfing: What if you do not want to break a sweat but still want to enjoy the island’s beauty? In that case, golfing is a great option. You can do this at the Mullet Bay Golf Course, which allows you to enjoy ocean views as you move through its green space.
Water activities are also fun ways to spend time outdoors for anyone trying to stay cool under the heat.
Travel Documents
Did you know that St Martin comprises two nations on one island? To the north, you have French Saint Martin; to the south, you have Dutch Sint Maarten. Luckily, the nations coexist on this small island and have open borders, allowing travelers to move from one side to the other without customs checks. As such, you can create an itinerary of the things to do in St. Martin that features the best of both nations.
But before you can cross anything off your list, it’s important to consider your document requirements as explained below:
A. Immigration Travel Documents
These are the documents travelers must have when entering and exiting St Martin to prove their identity and justify their travel purpose. Consider them as follows:
1. An identification document: US citizens traveling to St Martin have the following ID options based on their mode of travel:
a) A WHTI-compliant document: Many closed-loop cruises operate between St Martin and the US. These kinds of cruises start and end their journeys at US ports. Thus, they do not require passengers to have valid passport books as they will not commence or end their trips in a foreign land. In such a case, adults can use the documents below to board the ships:
- A valid passport card,
- A valid trusted traveler card,
- A valid merchant mariner card if you are undertaking maritime business,
- A valid military ID if you are on military orders, or
- A valid driver’s license accompanied by a birth/ naturalization/ citizenship certificate.
Minors can use valid passport cards or birth/ citizenship/ naturalization certificates. Note that while many cruise operators do not require passport books, they often advise passengers to carry them in case of emergencies. Moreover, a valid passport book can open up more travel opportunities in the Caribbean, as some regions will not accept WHTI documents.
b) A valid passport book: You must have a passport in the following cases:
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- Flying to St Martin: People on airplanes are bound to international air travel guidelines that require all passengers to identify themselves with valid passports. This requirement applies to people of all ages.
- Cruising to St Martin: There are two kinds of cruises. Closed-loop cruises start and end their journeys in US ports and thus do not necessitate passport books unless the operator issues this requirement. Standard cruises start or stop at non-US ports. As such, you will enter a foreign land and must identify yourself using a valid passport.
In these cases, your passport must meet the conditions below to be acceptable for entering and exiting St Martin:
- It must have at least six months of validity: You cannot travel with an expired passport or one whose validity falls short of this requirement. The best approach is to apply for a renewal if you qualify for one. If you cannot get a renewal, e.g., if you don’t have your most recent passport, you should apply for a new passport.
- It must have at least one blank visa page: Transiting between the different nations on St Martin does not require customs checks. So, once you get your stamp on entry, you will not need additional pages. However, if you will visit other regions during your tour, you will need more pages. Renewing your passport is the only way to meet the page requirement.
- It must be in good condition: Inspect your passport to ensure it has no physical damage or alterations. Immigration officers cannot accept a damaged passport and will send you away on arrival. The best way to avoid this is to apply for a replacement passport before leaving the US.
Even if your mode of travel does not necessitate a passport book, getting one will be in your best interests. Travel Visa Pro offers expedited passport services, enabling you to get a new passport in just days so you can enjoy your stay on the island and be ready for new adventures or emergencies.
2. A visa: The good news is that tourists do not require visas if they stay for 90 or fewer days. Instead, they should present the following documents:
- Proof of accommodation,
- Evidence of enough funds, and
- A return or onward travel ticket.
Other travel purposes necessitate a visa, e.g., people traveling for work opportunities. Since visa requirements vary per the purpose, you should look into what you should provide for a smooth customs process. Travel Visa Pro not only advises travelers on the right visa types, but we also expedite the application process to save you time.
It’s important to ensure your travel documents align with your travel mode, purpose, and duration to avoid getting held back at customs.
B. Personal Travel Documents
Besides getting past immigration processes, travelers must also consider the activities they will engage in and how these could affect their documentation needs. Consider the following documents:
- Travel Insurance: There are many fun things to do in St. Martin, from sailing to exploring nature to attending festivals. And amid all these, there is a chance that you could fall ill, get injured, or lose some valuable items. Travel insurance helps you cover such expenses without dipping into your vacation budget.
- Apostille: Suppose you want to tie the knot overlooking the beautiful beaches in St Martin. Or you want to start a business on this tropical island. In these and more cases that involve government officials, you will need an apostille to certify the integrity of your documents.
- Translations: While the Dutch side of St Martin uses Dutch and English as its official languages, the French side uses French. So, if you have official business on the French side, e.g., marriage, you must translate your documents for easier communication.
Travel Visa Pro offers the above services, enabling you to get all your paperwork ready before embarking on the vacation of your dreams. With this out of the way, we can now dive into the best things to do in St. Martin!
St Martin is a beautiful destination that has a lot in store for its visitors, from water activities to historical monuments to culinary journeys. Finding the best things to do in St. Martin comes down to figuring out your preferences and finding options that align with them. Also, keep an open mind, as the island has many delightful surprises waiting for anyone who dares to follow the road less traveled.
