Explore Saint-Martin like a pro with this Mini Guide

Located in the heart of the Caribbean, this fun island is a mix of French chic and laid-back Caribbean charm. Whether you’re searching for a sunny vacation, dreaming of Caribbean cuisine, or chasing adventures, SXM offers a variety of experiences. Ready to explore Saint-Martin like a pro with this Mini Guide ? Here’s a few reasons why you should visit this paradise:

• You can experience a diverse cultural mix through language, cuisine and festivals that reflect the island’s rich heritage.
• With over 37 pristine beaches, there’s a stretch of sand for every type of traveler, from bustling shores with vibrant nightlife to quiet bays perfect to relax.
• Food lovers will adore the varied dining options, especially in Grand Case, known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. The island also hosts different festivals and nightlife events!
• The natural beauty of Saint-Martin invites outdoor lovers to explore its lush landscapes through activities like hiking, zip-lining and snorkeling.
• SXM truly offers a little bit of paradise for everyone. Are you excited to explore Saint-Martin like a pro with this mini guide ? Then keep reading to discover the best beaches, restaurants, activities, hikes and unusual things to do !

Swim in the most beautiful beaches

Orient Bay: Known as the “Saint Tropez of the Caribbean,” it’s a spectacular stretch of white sand and turquoise waters on the French side. It’s ideal for those who love water sports or just want to enjoy a beach day with amenities and beach bars.

Grand-Case: This charming village is not just about the sun and sand. It’s also the culinary capital of the island. After enjoying a day under the Caribbean sun, you can stroll along the Boulevard de Grand Case, where you’ll find a variety of seaside restaurants offering everything from gourmet French dishes to spicy Creole food.

Mullet Bay: Known for its stunningly clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand, this beach offers a more laid-back vibe. From Monday to Friday, it’s perfect for those who wish to escape the more crowded tourist spots. On the weekends, the vibe is very different. It gets very crowded and there’s music playing pretty much all the time. But anyway, the beach offers excellent conditions for swimming and snorkeling.

Baie Rouge: A favorite for those in search of tranquility and natural beauty. It features red sands (especially at sunset) and beautiful cliffs. This beach is perfect for romantic getaways and peaceful retreats, offering splendid views and a calm atmosphere. You will also find the famous colorfully painted stairs created by artists from the Wall Art St. Martin Association.

Enjoy delicious food in these restaurants

Rancho del Sol: Located on a hill with stunning ocean views, Rancho del Sol offers a fusion of French, Mexican and American cuisine. Enjoy their famous BBQ ribs or seafood pasta as you watch the beautiful colors of the Caribbean Sea.

Kontiki: Perfectly located on Orient Bay Beach, it’s a trendy restaurant that offers a great selection of seafood and tropical cocktails in a vibrant beach atmosphere. It’s a great spot to relax after a day of water activities.

Tortuga: Overlooking Maho Beach, Tortuga is known for its relaxed ambiance and delicious Caribbean cuisine. Here you can enjoy freshly caught seafood while watching planes make their iconic low landings at the nearby airport.

Lolos: Lolos are local, open-air barbecue shacks that serve up delicious, budget-friendly meals such as grilled lobster, ribs and chicken, along with sides like plantains and rice. Find them in Marigot (front de mer) or in Grand-Case to enjoy the taste of Caribbean gastronomy.

Try these fun activities

Visiting Tintamarre Island: This uninhabited island is the ideal spot for snorkeling and sunbathing. Its natural beauty makes it a perfect escape from the busier main island. We highly recommend booking in advance by calling Captain Hodge (+590690409095).

Exploring Pinel Island: Accessible by a short ferry ride (no need to book in advance), this small island off the coast offers relaxing beaches and excellent snorkeling spots. It’s perfect for a peaceful day trip, with cozy beachside grills and sun loungers available. We warn you, you will love the vibes!

Diving in the underwater sculpture park: This unique diving experience allows you to explore a submerged gallery of eco-friendly sculptures that double as artificial reefs. The sculptures not only promote coral life but also provide a unique dive adventure.

Zip-lining at Loterie Farm: For adventure seekers, Loterie Farm offers an eco-adventure park with zip-lining activities that provide stunning views over the tropical forest.

Explore the island through these Hikes & Walks

Pic Paradis: The highest point on the island offers several hiking trails that lead to stunning panoramic views. It’s a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with the best views of the island.

Fort Louis: For a lighter walk, we invite you to explore Fort Louis. Overlooking Marigot Bay, this fort provides a historical perspective along with breathtaking views of the ocean and the surrounding area.

Trou de David: This adventure leads to a stunning geological formation, a natural sea pool known as David’s Hole. The hike itself is short but scenic, offering lush vegetation and spectacular ocean views, culminating in a dramatic cliffside where the pool forms. Don’t forget to search for the iguanas enjoying the sunshine on the rocks.

Natural pools in Guana Bay: The hike to Guana Bay’s natural pools is rugged and rewarding, featuring breathtaking views of the Atlantic. The pools themselves are a natural wonder, perfect for cooling off after the challenging trek. If you want to avoid the hike, choose the short walk starting from the other side.

Discover these unusual adventures

Watching planes at Maho: This beach is famously known for its close proximity to the airport, where large aircraft fly just above. It’s a must-see for thrill-seekers and aviation enthusiasts.

Perfume making at Tijon: Creating your own custom perfume at this boutique perfumery is a unique, hands-on experience that allows you to bring home a personalized souvenir.

Quad tour: Explore the hidden corners of the island on a quad. This tour offers an adrenaline-pumping way to see parts of the island that are usually inaccessible.

Discover exotic birds at Parotte Ville Bird Park: Visit this sanctuary that houses a variety of exotic birds. The interactive experiences, including feeding and photographing the birds, make it ideal for families.

Day trip to Anguilla: The neighboring island is only about 30 minutes away by boat. Book a day trip to Anguilla and explore its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Get ready to Explore Saint-Martin

Saint-Martin is an interesting mix of culture, adventure and natural beauty. Whether you’re here for the laid-back beaches, the delicious restaurants or the fun activities, this island promises memories that you’ll cherish forever. Don’t forget to check our post on the top 10 things to do in Marigot, Saint-Martin’s capital.
Now it’s time to pack your bags, grab your camera and get ready to explore Saint-Martin like a pro with this Mini Guide. Happy traveling!