Fun Things You Can do in St.Martin

Landing at St Martin (SXM Airport)

Flights have started to arrive in Saint Martin from Toronto! If you are looking for a quick getaway, check out the fantastic agent’s rates that are available on the French side of Saint Martin.

Looking for ideas on what to do on the French side? Well, read on below…these are fun activities for you & your family as well:

Go Snorkeling and Scuba Diving

Photograph courtesy of the St. Martin Tourism Office

Scuba diving and snorkelling are among some of the popular things to do in St. Martin with friends or family. Discover colourful coral reefs, swim with tropical fish, explore inside of a sunken shipwreck – all make for a thrilling adventure. It is also educational as you get to identify and learn about the different species. In some places, you may need a certificate before diving in the ocean, but in other places like SNUBA, they offer first-time divers and snorkelers an underwater experience – no certification needed. Just put on your gears then, plunge right into the warm Caribbean waters.

Go Ziplining

Ziplining at the Loterie Farm

Are you into something that will get your blood pumping? Loterie Farm’s Hidden Forest lets you zipline across the forest canopy providing an intimate view of the island’s nature and fauna from an aerial perspective. Ziplining is perfect for anyone who is spontaneous, adventuresome and loves the outdoors – unless you have a fear of heights. It’s also safe for kids as you can zipline with them attached with you.

Get a panoramic view of the island from Fort Louis

Fort Louis Hill

Fort Louis, named after a French crusading king, is St. Martin’s largest historical monument, located above Marigot. It was built in 1789 to protect Marigot. Visitors can climb to the top to get panoramic views of the island as well as neighbouring islands like, Anguilla.

Hike to the highest point of Pic Paradis Mountain

Loterie Farm

Pic Paradis is located in the center of St. Martin and it is the highest point on the whole island. You can follow the trails from just above Loterie Farm then hike all the way to two observation decks that offer phenomenal views of the rain forest as well as the entire island. While taking a hike you might even spot resident wild monkeys that swing around the coconut palm trees along the way.

Go Kayaking

Photograph courtesy of the St. Martin Tourism Office

If kayaking is your sport of choice, a kayak adventure to deserted Pinel Island is a wonderful adventure! It’s a short kayak ride away from Cul de Sac, on the French side of St. Martin. You can just rent out a kayak and paddle across the sea until you touch Pinel Island. Along the way, you will find beautiful secluded beaches and little sea creatures swimming in the water. It’s fun and safe for the kids.

Visit the Beach!

Orient Bay Beach

St. Martin offers 37 beaches on the island - so there are many to choose from. The more family-friendly beaches on St. Martin are Grand Case, Orient Bay and Pinel Island mentioned above. Nick-named the “Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean”, Orient Bay has stunning turquoise waters and blindingly white sand. This is a bustling beach where watersports galore are offered from parasailing to jet skis to banana boats. Stand-up Paddle Boards? Check! Kayaks, Hobie Cats, Kites – it’s all found here!

Just off the shores of St. Martin

Tintamarre Island

Just off the northeastern shores of St. Martin, are Pinel and Tintamarre, also known as the flat islands for locals. Pinel Island is an inexpensive ferry ride away, wear your water shoes for snorkelling off the rocks or for hiking. It’s a great place to relax with family and friends and with two restaurants on the island, you won’t go hungry. Tintamarre, which is slightly further away forms part of the St. Martin Nature Reserve. A wild, rocky beach is found on the eastern side; a great place to see different types of fish.

Go Sailing

Sailing is a fun sport for who love to be on the water. You can cruise around St. Martin and neighbouring islands and see the beautiful beaches and landscapes from your water vessel. There are a lot of choices when it comes to chartering a boat and professional crews are ready to help you discover their island.

Get a Peek at the National Nature Reserve

If you enjoy exploring the outdoors, St. Martin’s National Nature Reserve is a great spot to take the family or friends for a hike. Surrounded by 30 square km of water, and it is located in the north-eastern part of the island. The Reserve opened in 1998 and you can find the five main ecosystems in the island: Coral reefs, mangroves, phanerogams herbaria, ponds, and a coastal dry forest.

Grab a Bite to Eat at Local Restaurants

Of course, your many island adventures will no doubt work up your appetite and St. Martin has no shortage of amazing food options to offer. In Grand Case, the culinary capital of the island, there are over 20 different restaurants that serve a variety of authentic foods, from Caribbean food to European food, to Asian Food, to seafood. Whatever you’re in the mood for – St. Martin has it. Many restaurants also provide entertainment like karaoke, live concerts, and dancing, family-friendly of course.

Save More to Experience More!

The following hotels are offering Great Rates:

• Belmond La Samanna
• Grand Case Beach Club
• La Playa Orient Beach
• L’Esplanade
• Hommage Hotel
• Secrets St. Martin

About St. Martin

St. Martin is a charming, scenically beautiful island. It’s the smallest territory to be shared between two nations (France and The Netherlands), and home to over a hundred different nationalities and cultures. Surrounded by both the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea, this small 88 square kilometre island is a paradise for beach lovers. Being the undisputed capital of gastronomy, St. Martin not only offers a blend of traditional French cuisine, but as well innovative gourmet cuisine from around the world. With its lavish, unspoiled landscapes and idyllic beaches, St. Martin embodies the true spirit of vacation. This “Friendly Island”, as it’s often referred to, is bursting with treasures for gourmets, hikers, adventurers and dreamers alike.

From hotels to resorts to boutique properties to beautiful villas, St. Martin’s hilly topography ensures beautiful views from the hills as well as on its beautiful shores.

It’s vibrant setting and tropical climate pleasantly cooled by trade winds year-round makes this island your ideal destination, whether you wish to relax, explore or get active, alone, with a loved one, family or friends. Here, you’ll find all the right ingredients for an unforgettable stay on one of the most enchanting islands of the Caribbean.