St. Martin is a captivating island paradise that offers travelers a unique blend of Dutch and French cultures, stunning natural beauty, and a wealth of attractions to explore. I will be candid that much of St. Martin is underdeveloped and not particularly scenic, but it does have pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife. Plus, per one of my prior articles, it is an excellent gateway to more remote Caribbean islands.
In this detailed trip report, we'll delve into the best sights and attractions on both the Dutch and French sides of the island, recommendations for where to stay to be closest to the main areas, and how to take St. Martin's ferries to other nearby islands.
Arrival and Accommodation:
Upon arriving in St. Martin at the airport, I was immediately struck by the island's warm hospitality, stunning scenery, and laid-back atmosphere. As I settled into my accommodations at Simpson Bay Resort & Marina, located on the Dutch side of the island, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. Situated on a picturesque stretch of white sand beach overlooking Simpson Bay Lagoon, the resort offered luxurious accommodations, world-class amenities, and easy access to the island's main attractions, making it the perfect home base for my St. Martin adventure.
Exploring the Dutch Side:
My first day on St. Martin was spent exploring the Dutch side of the island, known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and stunning beaches. One of the highlights of my visit was exploring the charming capital of Philipsburg, where I wandered through colorful streets lined with colonial-era buildings, boutique shops, and open-air cafes. The boardwalk along Great Bay Beach offered breathtaking views of the azure waters and cruise ships docked in the harbor, while the bustling Front Street beckoned with its vibrant array of duty-free shopping opportunities.
For a taste of local culture, I visited the Philipsburg Courthouse, a historic landmark that now houses the St. Maarten Museum, where I learned about the island's rich history and heritage through exhibits on archaeology, slavery, and colonialism. In the evening, I ventured to Maho Beach, famous for its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport, where I watched in awe as airplanes soared overhead, just a few feet above the heads of sunbathers and beachgoers.
Exploring the French Side:
The next day, I crossed the border into the French side of the island, known as St. Martin, where I discovered a slower pace of life, picturesque villages, and gourmet cuisine. My first stop was Marigot, the capital of the French side, where I explored the charming harborfront market, sampling fresh pastries, cheeses, and local delicacies. The Marigot Waterfront offered stunning views of Fort Louis and the surrounding coastline, while the nearby Marigot Market was a treasure trove of handcrafted souvenirs, artwork, and jewelry.
Afterwards, I ventured inland to explore the lush landscapes and quaint villages of the French countryside, stopping in picturesque towns such as Grand Case and Orient Bay. Grand Case, known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, offered a tantalizing array of gourmet restaurants and beachfront cafes, where I indulged in delicious French-Caribbean cuisine paired with fine wines and stunning sunset views. Orient Bay, with its powdery white sands and crystal-clear waters, provided the perfect setting for an afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation.
Best Sights and Attractions:
St. Martin is home to a wealth of sights and attractions, ranging from historic landmarks and cultural institutions to pristine beaches and natural wonders. Some of the must-see attractions on the Dutch and French sides of the island include:
Dutch Side:
Philipsburg Boardwalk and Front Street
Maho Beach and Princess Juliana International Airport
Simpson Bay Lagoon and Marina
Fort Amsterdam and Fort Louis
St. Maarten Zoo and St. Maarten Museum
French Side:
Marigot Market and Marigot Waterfront
Grand Case Boulevard and Grand Case Beach
Orient Bay Beach and Pinel Island
Loterie Farm Nature Reserve
Fort Louis and Fort Louis Trail
Recommendations for Accommodation:
When it comes to choosing accommodations on St. Martin, there are plenty of options to suit every budget and preference. For travelers looking to be closest to the main areas and attractions, I highly recommend staying on the Dutch side of the island, particularly in the areas of Simpson Bay, Philipsburg, or Maho Beach. Simpson Bay Resort & Marina, where I stayed during my visit, offers luxurious accommodations, stunning views, and easy access to the island's main attractions, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking convenience and comfort.
For those looking to experience the charm and tranquility of the French side of the island, I recommend staying in one of the boutique hotels or guesthouses in Marigot, Grand Case, or Orient Bay. These areas offer a more laid-back atmosphere, picturesque surroundings, and easy access to some of the island's most beautiful beaches and natural attractions.
Taking St. Martin's Ferries to Other Islands:
One of the best ways to explore the Caribbean is by taking advantage of St. Martin's ferry services, which offer convenient and affordable transportation to nearby islands such as Anguilla, St. Barts, and Saba. The Anguilla-St. Martin Ferry provides regular crossings between Marigot in St. Martin and Blowing Point in Anguilla, with tickets costing approximately $20-25 USD each way and travel times averaging around 20-30 minutes. Similarly, ferry services to St. Barts and Saba are available from Marigot and Philipsburg, with tickets priced at approximately $70-100 USD each way and travel times ranging from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the destination.
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