Reviewed on May 2, 2022
Reviewed on May 5, 2022
Reviewed on Apr. 21, 2022
The northern French and southern Dutch sections of this Caribbean island offer an enticing blend of vacation enjoyment. The island of St. Martin has two parts: the northern French St. Martin and southern Dutch Sint Maarten. Though divided by nationality, the entire island provides shared opportunities for great vacations. Relax on beaches surrounding the island, hike the 17 walking trails and enjoy exciting nightlife.
The full coastline encircling the island has beaches, in fact, 37 in total. Maho Beach is one of the most popular, partly for its clear waters and small sections of shoreline, but also as a great spot to watch planes arriving at Princess Juliana Airport. Rent beach chairs and purchase drinks from nearby bars. Then see adventurous watchers be blown away by jet blast.
Snorkel at Plum Bay and Galion Beach on mild days. Surf here when the ocean swells. Reef dive at Grande Cayes. Dive to Creole Rock at Grand-Case Beach. Mullet Bay has fine sand, good surfing and a convenient location near a golf course. For nude bathing, visit Orient Bay.
The Saint Martin Nature Reserve now protects parts of the island, including off-shore points. Pinel Island has a sandy beach on the inland side where you can enjoy ecosnorkeling and shallow diving and a rugged, rocky beach on the ocean side. On the main island, tour other parts of the reserve on mountain bike, quad bike or pony trek. Explore Loterie Farm, a former sugar plantation that now preserves native plants and animals and offers a zip-line adventure.
Cruise ships arrive in Sint. Maarten nearly every day of the year. Take advantage of the many duty-free shopping opportunities geared for tourists. Shop at the Boardwalk in Philipsburg and find high fashion in Marigot’s West Indies Mall.
Select from a dozen casinos in Sint Maarten to do some gambling. The island has more than 40 nightclubs. Island-wide, restaurants offer fresh seafood dishes and tropical fruit drinks as well as spicy Creole, elegant French and Dutch barbecue menu items.
Come to St. Martin for a great Caribbean vacation. It’s like visiting two countries in one.
