Visiting Saint Martin: what are the best things to do and see on the French-Dutch island in the West Indies?Saint-Martin, renowned for its climate and beautiful beaches, is a popular Caribbean destination. It lies 250 km north of Guadeloupe and 240 km east of Puerto Rico, and is jointly administered by France and the Netherlands. The inhabitants of Marigot (France) and Philipsburg (Netherlands) share the same territory, which was discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus and subsequently colonized by Europeans. Once inhabited by the Arawaks (Taïnos), it is now the smallest island in the Caribbean Sea.
The Dutch part of St. Martin, with its lively clubs and nightlife, is very popular with holidaymakers, while the French part boasts a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere with its many beaches. If you’d like to discover this picturesque island of 75,000 inhabitants, here’s a list of the 5 must-sees when visiting Saint-Martin!
1.Visiting Saint-Martin : Marigot the capital
The village of Marigot, named after the marshes that once stood here, is a picturesque town center with old Creole huts that have been renovated and turned into luxury stores. Take advantage of the “free tax” to do some shopping! Visit Fort Louis, erected in 1789 and offering a magnificent view of Anguilla Bay. And don’t miss Marigot’s open-air market – the largest in the Caribbean. Also worth a visit is the Eglise Catholique, located on the road to Fort Saint Louis, as well as the tomb of François-Auguste Perrinon, the Pont de Durat and Rue de la République. In short, you can’t imagine visiting Saint-Martin without passing through Marigot!
2. Spend some time in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side
Visiting Saint-Martin without passing by the Dutch side is unthinkable. And if you’re looking for a bargain, you should visit Philipsburg’s Front Street and Back Street. Front Street (or Great Bay Voorstraat), which is also home to bars and casinos, is the ideal place to admire The Courthouse, an important historical site on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten. You should also visit the Sint Maarten Museum, which exhibits Arawak artefacts and tells the island’s history. Other interesting attractions to explore are the ruins of Fort Amsterdam and Fort Willem I, which offer excellent panoramic views.
3. Visiting Saint-Martin: Grand Case is a must !
Located to the north-northeast of Marigot, Grand Case is a destination not to be missed: its white sandy beaches, magnificent colorful houses and reputation as the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean make it the ideal place for paradise vacationers. Some of the activities on offer include a visit to Anse heureuse beach (Happy bay), less frequented but just as magical as the other local coves, and Rocher Créole, home to an impressive variety of marine life including fish, rays and turtles.
And if you’re visiting Saint-Martin between January and April, don’t miss Grand Case Tuesdays. Every Tuesday evening, you can stroll through the streets, stopping off at artisan stalls. Then stop off at one of the gourmet restaurants. Atmosphere guaranteed!
4. The beaches
Visiting Saint-Martin also means taking advantage of its exceptional setting. The island offers a variety of magnificent beaches stretching along 70 km of coastline. From tranquil beaches such as Mullet Bay and Baie Rouge, to those that offer ideal terrain for water sports such as Baie de l’Embouchure and Petites Cayes, to the wilder Baie aux Prunes and Grandes Cayes, as well as heavenly destinations such as Ilet Tintamarre and Happy Bay and Pinel Island, Saint Martin is the ideal destination for everyone.
Other famous beaches on the island might make you hesitate even more…
Grand Case offers divers a quiet bay close to Rocher Créole. Baie Orientale is called the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean, Little Bay is a bird’s paradise, Maho Beach is known for being on the way to Juliana airport and Dawn Beach is close to Oyster Pond Marina.
5. Visiting Saint-Martin: A day on the boat
If you’re looking for a unique and exciting way to visit Saint-Martin, hiring a private boat charter is the best way to explore the island. Sailing around Saint-Martin, you’ll be able to discover incredible and striking landscapes, such as heavenly beaches, clear waters home to a variety of marine species and breathtaking views of its spectacular mountains.
We recommend the services of Captain Elliot and his team. Indeed, Paper Boat Charter is certainly one of the best guides around. Link to their website: https://paperboatcharter.com/