Things to see and do Saint Martin

A reporter, lover of local traditions organizes every Sunday a walk in the heart of Saint-Martin, outside of every classic tourist circuit. Departure at 10 a. m. in the morning for an authentic day: gospel, combats, tour of artist workshops with Creole meals at noon. Contact Jabiru directly by phone or email.

Gallery of Afro-Caribbean art and crafts.

Today, this beautiful historic house is an art gallery filled with paintings and prints by Roland Richardson, Saint-Martin's internationally renowned impressionist painter.

The house, one of the oldest in Marigot, is still inhabited. It's a fine example of ^{mid-19th-century} architecture. Built in 1845 by Frédérick and Georgina Baker-Hodge on Rue de la République (then known as Grand-Rue), the house comprises a first floor used as a store and an upper floor for living quarters. It was built of stone and plastered with lime. The roof is in shingles, and the rear balcony, originally in wood, is now in concrete; this is the building's only transformation. Frédérick and Georgina bequeathed their house to their nephew, Fernando Morales, who lived there until his death in 1937. Fernando, better known as Nando, was a merchant and owner of the Golden Grove plantation.

After serving as deputy mayor for thirty years, he eventually became chief magistrate himself from 1925 to 1928. His house became the town hall, a tradition. His daughter, Hortensia Morales-Fleming, inherited the house and rented it to MLC Fleming from 1938 to 1948. Vere Richardson, the current owner, set up Marigot's first café: the Majestic Bar, serving St. Kitts ice creams and sodas. Later, the house became home to one of Saint-Martin's first boutiques: Ceci et Cela.

At the top of the hill, in the Rambaud district, this art gallery hosts exhibitions by Alexandre Minguet and other Caribbean artists. For the record, Alexandre Minguet, its founder, lost the ability to speak between the ages of 18 months and 5 years following an emotional shock. From this period, he retained an independence and a sense of observation that led him to a career as a great colorist. Today, his daughter has taken over and is proudly carrying on this legacy. Beautiful paintings with French and St. Martin influences to discover.

It is the owner of the places that make the visit. A drink is offered at the end of each visit.

In the middle of the th century, you arrive at the Quartier d'Orléans (French Quarter), the first town founded by French settlers. It's a nice site with picturesque boxes, where bougainvilleas and hibiscus were unfortunately devastated by the cyclone. The dilapidated appearance of some houses is due mainly to the harm of nature: Cyclone José on 21 October 1999, force 3 and Hurricane Lenny on 17 November 1999, force 4, with gusts of 300 km/h.

The valley that leads to it is a beautiful green area between Marigot and Grand-Case. The village is charming, with some traditional Creole houses.

Want to venture off the beaten track and explore one of the island's hidden treasures? Located between Pointe Blanche and Guana Bay beach, these natural pools consist of two basins formed by swell and rocks. Accessible via a hike (shorter at pointe Blanche) and a slightly acrobatic descent, they offer the chance to observe several species of colorful fish, as well as very large sea urchins. Take a mask, snorkel, sun cream, plenty of water and shoes that can get wet.

Flying Dutchman is one of the most spectacular attractions at Rainforest Adventure Park-Rockland Estate, this eco-tourism theme park: a 90 km/h zip line over 800 m at 320 m height. You can also try out another, more classic zip line (Sentry Hill Zip Line), The Schooner Ride, which takes you down a slope on buoys inside a tube, and the Soualiga Sky Explorer, a chairlift offering a 360-degree view of the whole island. Magnificent! The park also features a museum (Emilio Wilson) and a restaurant.

In this sanctuary for parakeets and parrotlets, Georges and his team welcome you for a fun-filled 30-minute tour, during which you'll learn all about these famous birds, as well as the island's history and flora, thanks to a small adjoining museum and a botanical garden of medicinal plants. The little extra? You can feed the birds yourself by giving them a cup of seed. An original and educational activity for the whole family. Delicious smoothies available on site. No reservation required.

Named for the slight coloration of its sand, which takes on a fiery hue at sunset. It's certainly one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Lined with the beautiful, sumptuous villas of Terres-Basses, its long arc offers the utmost tranquillity. To the east, it hides an adorable little cove accessible to good swimmers, and a little further on, the Trou de David. But be warned, it can be dangerous to swim in due to its strong rollers. But it can be as calm as a lake.

A long, very long beach (one of the largest on the island), with turquoise waters, where lovers of solitary walks will find their pleasure. It starts from the cliff where La Samanna is nestled and goes all the way to the Pointe du Canonnier. It is close to Baie-aux-Prunes. You have to admire the sunset from the bar of La Samanna's restaurant. If you feel like exploring the seabed, you can dive near the wreck of the Gregory II. Very natural, with very few visitors, this is the almost deserted beach as you might imagine.

A long sandy beach just 5 minutes from Marigot. Turn right towards Terres-Basses. Beware: you can't swim everywhere, as there are many rocks visible or not in certain places, and a large part of the beach is privatized. Ideally, you should head for the ruins of La Belle Créole and enjoy, among other things, the pools formed by the remains of the hotel. The view over the bay of Marigot is very pleasant. Moreover, since Irma, many of the stigmata of destruction are still visible.

This beach is part of the Nature Reserve of Saint-Martin. Accessible from Cul-de-Sac in fifteen minutes walk via the Chemin des Froussards hike, it is perhaps the most beautiful spot on the island to dive with a mask and a snorkel. The coral reef is only a few minutes swim away, and it is not uncommon to see, depending on the season, sea turtles. Be careful though, the currents are strong... so avoid the days of strong swell. The beach offers a splendid view on the island of Tintamarre.

A small fishing port from which the shuttles to Pinel islet leave.

With its turquoise waters, white sand and reggae atmosphere, Friar's Bay beach is a favorite with tourists and locals alike. Sheltered from the swell, the bay is ideal for swimming with children, and is particularly popular at weekends (barbecues and loud music). A sailing club offers courses for children and paddle and kayak rentals. Three bars-restaurants line the sand, with Caribbean and French ambiances and flavors. Full Moon Parties are held regularly. Free parking.

Sheltered from the remains of the 17th century Fort Amsterdam and the hustle and bustle of Philipsburg, this is a family beach popular with the locals. It is also on this bay that the first Dutch sailors set foot on the island. The land upstream was used as a post-Irma dumping ground but is now fully rehabilitated. It is one of the smallest beaches on the island and its charm does not fail to attract property developers. For the moment, only three hotels have direct access to Little Bay beach.

This is already Sint Maarten. Renowned for the turquoise color of its water, this wide, white-sand beach is the only one on Oyster Pond. Westin guests have almost private access to it. We love the view of Saint-Barth on a clear day. We deplore the construction close to this beautiful beach, but it's not too crowded. Since Irma in 2017, the hotels have not regained their luster. So the beach is quiet again. A naturist corner is available at the end of the beach. But beware of sargassum!

Coralita beach is at the entrance to Oyster Pond from the Orleans district. It's one of the quietest stretches of sand on Saint-Martin, as it's not very busy. Coconut palms and white sand are the order of the day, but beware: the sea is often rough. The marine fauna is very well preserved, but you'd better be a good swimmer to explore the bay with a mask and snorkel, at the risk of getting caught in the currents. It's also one of the best spots to watch the sunrise. The only problem is that the bay is regularly invaded by sargassum.

Simpson Bay is undoubtedly one of the best-known beaches on the Dutch coast. It is close to all the activities, beach bars, restaurants, marinas, casinos... It forms an arc from Beacon Hill to Pelikan Key. It is a privileged anchorage for boats and yachts before they enter the lagoon. The bay is home to numerous beach bars, including Karakter, Mary's Boon, Sephiro on the airport side and Buccaneer. The long beach and its turquoise waters are ideal for joggers and swimmers.

The beach is lined with cliffs that share it into several successive creeks, some of which are popular with lovers of integral tan. Access on foot before Sapphire Beach Club. You will enjoy the sunset.

The Saint Martin Nature Reserve is located on the east coast of the island and delimited by a triangle from Anse Marcel, passing east of Tintamarre Island and ending at the entrance of the Oyster Pond lagoon. It is a true sanctuary of flora and fauna. It includes a marine area of over 3,000 hectares and a land area of 150 hectares.

The essential principle of the nature reserve is to enroll in the overall development policy of Saint Martin. It is an essential element for the conservation of biological and cultural heritage, both locally and internationally. It is also, in its own right, a tool for the social, cultural, scientific and economic development of the island.

The regulatory measures of the Saint Martin nature reserve (prohibited hunting, combating pollution…) are not brakes for the freedom of the inhabitants of this island. On the contrary, they guarantee the entire population the availability of a Community heritage that no one can appropriate or destroy in favor of immediate, personal and non-shared profitability.

Thus, no person shall: disturb animals, disturb them, harm them (and their eggs); collect, destroy or introduce plants; throwing garbage or polluting the environment; practice jet skiing, as well as the scooter of the seas; hunting, angling, netting, mowing; collecting sand, minerals or fossils; practice underwater hunting; camping; organize commercial activities without authorization.

Since October 2007, diving clubs have been allowed to explore sites managed by the nature reserve, including the Rocher Creole site. They have all signed a partnership charter which clearly defines commitments to protect the submarine ecosystem. Each diver contributes to the protection of the environment by a fee of 1.52 € per day.

Levied by customs, this tax also applies to passengers from vessels from December 15 to April 15 and from June 15 to August 31. It does not concern boaters who wet in Tintamarre, but all commercial providers who operate in the nature reserve. The fee included in the ticket price corresponds to 7% of the duty-free ticket, for a maximum of € 1.52.

The nature reserve does not seek to oppose the needs of economic development. However, it wants to prevent the major biological balances that govern our living environment from being irremediably affected and to lose irreplaceable natural wealth, which we are now indebted to all mankind and to future generations. The creation of this reserve allows for the establishment of regulations adapted to the protection of the natural heritage, but also to the reasoned practice of human activities, linked in particular to tourism, coastal urbanization and any destructive activities of the environment. This protective regulation is accompanied by awareness and information actions with the populations concerned. The 3,060 ha Saint Martin Natural Reserve is located in the northeast part of the island. The maritime part is the largest with a surface of over 2,900 ha.

It consists of several juxtaposed marine and coastal ecosystems: mangroves; marine phanogens; coral reefs; xerophytic formations of the coasts and cliffs. The last two, of a high quality, were weakened by anthropogenic pressure and cyclones in 1995. Their protection should allow for the restoration of fisheries resources.

The mangrove is dominated by the red palate (Rhizophora mangle) found in salt ponds. Etangs and mangroves are highly productive biological systems and are nursery areas for juvenile crustacean and fish. They also provide food and shelter for many birds (about fifty species listed).

Marine turtles (Caretta caretta, Eretmochelys imbricata, Dermochelys coriacea) also attend the large beaches on the eastern coast and the islands for laying each year.

They have been protected since 1991. It is common to cross them during dives, but it is absolutely necessary to refrain from touching them or frightening them. The marine area is also a pooled whale gathering area, which particularly affectionate shoals and hot waters during the breeding period. The period from January to May is the most suitable for a timely encounter with these cetaceans. All marine mammals are protected, so they should be observed while remaining discreet so as not to disturb them and avoid risk of knocking them out.

The land parts retained in the perimeter of the reserve are the last sites of Saint Martin spared by the real estate pressure (Eastern Point Bay).

The Creole Rock is a protected site that is part of the nature reserve which extends over an area of 250 m around the rock delimited by yellow colored buoys. No motorized equipment is allowed to enter the 30 m band. Vessels must use the anchorages provided for this purpose. Other anchors are specifically reserved for diving clubs and canoes. This site is one of the most beautiful for diving. It is suitable for beginners and confirmed divers. This rock whose profile evokes an amerindian head serves as a refuge for pelicans. It is forbidden to climb him.

A new management plan for 2018-2027 was carried out following the new methodology set up by the French Biodiversity Agency and the France Natural Reserves, validated at the beginning of 2018. Objectives are to promote conservation of coral reefs and associated species, marine phanogens and associated species, to promote the conservation of marine turtle populations, to promote the conservation of nursery sites for sharks and lines, to maintain or improve reception conditions for marine mammal and seabird populations. to maintain or improve the ecological state of ponds, to promote the conservation of the xerophile vegetation and to ensure the conditions for the reintroduction of the Iguana of the Small Antilles.

This church, like the one in Grand-Case, was built in 1841 under the aegis of Father Wall, the island's first parish priest, appointed in 1835. Until then, the Protestant religion was in the majority. Building materials were stone and lime. Extensions (like the presbytery) were built in 1871 and 1872. As for the small chapel, it underwent total renovation as part of a training program supervised by Compagnons du Tour de France.

A man of great ethics. Born in 1812 in Martinique, he was for the abolition of slavery. As a farmer in the salt mines of Saint-Martin, he participated in Victor Schoelcher's fight by defending the thesis that a paid and freed worker provided better work than a mistreated slave. He died in 1861. A street in Marigot bears his name. If his grave is not of particular interest, it is an opportunity to approach the history of slavery in Saint-Martin.

Built at the same time as Fort Louis, around 1789, under the command of Jean-Sébastien de Durat, it stands near Marigot's Catholic church. It housed prisoners until 1968, when it was used to house firefighters. The exterior has remained unchanged since its construction, only the interior has been altered. Since then, prisoners have been held in the penitentiary centers of Basse-Terre or Baie-Mahault in Guadeloupe, on the French side. The Dutch side has a prison at Pointe-Blanche.

To feel the soul of yesteryear, you will have to discover the architecture of the oldest street in Philipsburg. Very small (you will cross it in 5 minutes), its interest lies in its small stores, and especially in its architecture. The old colonial houses are very colorful and give a nice glimpse of what the city was like before the massive urbanization of the island. The old car is iconic and remains the star of the alley. It's worth noting that after Hurricane Irma hit in 2017, renovations have beautified the neighborhood.

Founded by Hollywood film giant Nick Maley, renowned make-up artist and one of Yoda's creators, this is the most unusual museum in the Caribbean! You'll discover a collection based on the famous Star Warssaga, as well as other films such as Krull, Terminator 2 and Men in Black. The exhibition is littered with juicy tidbits about the big-budget films, and several media are used (video, sculpture). There are also storyboards, such as the one for Batman Returns, as well as molded faces of numerous celebrities.

Here you'll find everything you need to fill your suitcase with souvenirs. This charming pedestrian zone is the ideal place for luxury duty-free shopping and sipping a drink overlooking Great Bay, Philipsburg's magnificent beach. During the day, you'll see many liners dropping off cruisers in search of the best deals in the city'sduty-free stores. It's a lively place, with music everywhere: to see tourists dancing at all hours of the day and night is symbolic of the festive vacation that Sint-Marteen is famous for.

The Hôtel de la Collectivité is the nerve center of Saint-Martin's administration. At this address, you'll find all the departments dedicated to human development, sustainable development, solidarity and families, as well as economic development and taxation. All these aids, resources and procedures are services offered by the Collectivité territoriale. It is also the location of the office of the President of the Collectivité and of the territorial police force.

Museums are rare on Saint-Martin, so a place like this is particularly welcome. In addition to the beautiful view from the Old House in the Quartier d'Orléans, just over the hill from the Galion, the Amuseum Naturalis, run by the very active association Les Fruits de Mer, highlights the history of Saint-Martin, its cultural heritage and its flora and fauna. A botanical garden features plants from the local pharmacopoeia. Suitable for children, the visit is well worth the detour and promises a pleasant and enriching experience.

This Saint-Martinoise is both a painter and a poet.

A site entirely in French that provides good information about life at Saint-Martin, a selection of accommodations and restaurants, activities…

Official site of the Saint Martin Tourist Office.

The tourist office of Sint Maarten.

A francophone site focused on holidays in the Caribbean. It allows to organize a stay from A to Z: accommodation, car rental, restaurants, leisure…

A very complete portal containing news, weather…

Specialising in travel and luxury accommodation in the Caribbean, AntillesPrestige.com offers you exceptional sites for an unforgettable holiday.

A central reservation centre offering in Guadeloupe and Martinique the cars of large national cars at discount prices!

Website specialized in navigation in the Caribbean with a wide choice of boats, from 30 feet to 50 feet catamaran and the possibility of renting sailboats, with or without skippeur.

To know the charm, authenticity and traditions of the islands. AntillesDecouvertes.com presents an interactive and comprehensive tourism guide, the good plans and the event agenda.

Commercial site operated by a travel agency.

Central booking centre for tourist accommodation (hotels, villas, villas, residences and charming hotels) in the Caribbean. It allows you to view photos and videos, to know the rates, the availability in real time of the establishments and their full descriptions. It also offers the possibility of reserving personalized services.

Online travel agency offering promotions.

The story begins in Little Bay! The fort is located between Great Bay and Little Bay and presents the remains of the most important fortification on the island. It was built in 1631 by the Dutch and was the first Dutch fort in the Caribbean. Only a few walls, a storage building and the remains of 19th century cannons remain. Originally housing only a garrison of 80 men and a dozen weapons, the fort's walls were built of earth. Two years later, the Spanish took possession of the fort and made it their most important defense. For about fifteen years, the fort was occupied by 300 people; a village sprang up behind the fort walls on the south side. Limestone walls were erected to protect it from possible attacks by naval vessels. Peter Stuyvesant's first attempt to retake the fort in 1644 failed. Hit by a cannonball, he lost a leg and gave up. Then the Spanish realized that the strategic importance of the island was diminishing and decided in 1648 to demolish it before leaving the island. French and Dutch troops took possession immediately, before the partition treaty was put in place. For reasons unknown, the Dutch never fully rebuilt the fort. In 1748, Captain John Philips reconsolidated part of it for the defense of the island, and named it Fort Amsterdam. It is now owned by a private company that built the hotel at its entrance.

Willem Hendrik Rink was the last commander of Saint Martin (1790-1800) and kept his post during the French occupation (1795-1801). He was dismissed by the English occupiers in 1802. He was the owner of Retreat, in Dutch Cul-de-Sac. He bought a house on Front Street built in 1788. He had a stone floor added. In 1960, the building was divided in two and changed owners regularly. Unfortunately, the house cannot be visited today.

There are very few cultural sites on the island. If you want to go back in time and understand the history of the island of Sint Maarten, then a stop in this small museum is a must. It will tell you in a simple way, and thanks to the objects exposed, the great stages of the construction of the island. A historical stop that retraces the main lines from the Arawak period to the present day. Exhibitions of local crafts, old photos and various objects from the past. You can also observe the latest underwater archaeological discoveries.

Pointe Blanche Fortress was once used to protect St. Martin. From Philipsburg, take Front Street and turn left to continue to a T-intersection. Then take the climb up the hills surrounding Philipsburg. This is a scenic route where you can enjoy an extraordinary view of the bays, beaches and several islands including Anguilla. Of the fortress, however, there is not much left.

On the website and Facebook page, you'll find a wealth of information on accommodation, restaurants, things to do, places to visit... To help you prepare for your vacation, the site lets you make a reservation on the platform to find the accommodation that's right for you. The equivalent of a tourist office, you can also visit the site if you're in Philipsburg to benefit from precise information.

While the headquarters of the tourist office is located on rue du Général de Gaulle, the tourist information kiosk, inaugurated in May 2022, is located in the parking lot opposite the Marigot ferry terminal. This small building, reminiscent of Caribbean architecture, features two ticket booths, an office and an area selling local products. Here you'll find all the information you need for your stay in Saint-Martin, as well as free maps of the island.

In addition to rum, here is another idea for a typically local drink to discover. Guavaberry is the traditional liqueur of St. Martin, the Caribbean island. The islanders have been making it for centuries. Part of the local culture, it is mentioned in folk tales and songs. It is made from rum and wild berries, the guavaberries, harvested from the hilltops in the center of the island. Slowly aged, the liqueur has a particular taste, sweet and bitter, woody and fruity at the same time. It can be enjoyed as a colada in the best bars and restaurants of the island. As for the old Creole house located at No. 8 Front Street, it has been part of the local history for almost three centuries. Built on the site of a synagogue and then abandoned, it later became the governor's private residence and, more recently, a popular restaurant. Located in the heart of historic Philipsburg, the store has recently changed ownership. But the different varieties of rums and many products, all made in the traditional way with fresh fruit or local spices, still follow the same recipes. There are also Christmas items and souvenirs, blown glass bottles, banded wood, exclusive clothing in the colors of the old Guavaberry man, honeys, vinegars, hot sauces... A free tasting will be offered when you visit.