Discovering Sint Maarten: Your Ultimate Guide to the Caribbean's Dual-Nation Paradise

Beaches

Maho Beach: Famous for its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport, where you can watch planes land and take off right above you. An unforgettable experience for aviation enthusiasts.

Orient Bay: A popular spot for its beautiful white sand and clear waters, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and watersports. The beach also has a range of beach bars and restaurants.

Great Bay Beach: Located in Philipsburg, this beach offers stunning views, a lively boardwalk and convenient access to shops and eateries. Ideal for a day of relaxation and exploration.

Activities

Snorkeling at Creole Rock: An excellent spot for snorkeling, offering vibrant marine life and clear waters. Guided tours are available for an informative and safe experience.

Loterie Farm: A nature reserve that provides hiking trails, zip-lining and a relaxing pool area. It's a great place to explore the island's natural beauty and enjoy some adventure.

Culture and History

Fort Amsterdam: A historic site offering panoramic views of the island and Philipsburg. The fort is an excellent spot for history buffs to learn about the island's colonial past.

Marigot Market: A bustling market in the French capital where you can find local produce, crafts and souvenirs. It's perfect for a morning stroll and to experience the local culture.

Dining and Nightlife

Simpson Bay: Known for its vibrant nightlife, Simpson Bay has a range of bars, clubs and restaurants that cater to all tastes. It's the place to be for an exciting night out.

Grand Case: Renowned for its gourmet dining, this area offers a variety of high-quality restaurants serving French and Caribbean cuisine. A must-visit for food lovers.

Tours

Island Boat Tours: Take a boat tour around the island to explore hidden coves, snorkel spots and neighboring islands like Anguilla and St. Barthélemy. It's a fantastic way to see the island from a different perspective.

Each of these recommendations offers a unique aspect of Sint Maarten's charm, making the island a diverse and exciting destination. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, culture or culinary delights, Sint Maarten has something special to offer.

Day trips

Anguilla

Why Visit: A short ferry ride from Marigot, Anguilla offers stunning, pristine beaches, such as Shoal Bay and Rendezvous Bay. It’s perfect for a day of relaxation and exploration.

Insider Tip: Rent a car or scooter to explore the island at your own pace and enjoy the local cuisine at beachside restaurants.

St. Barthélemy (St. Barth's)

Why Visit: Known for its chic ambiance, luxury boutiques and gourmet dining, St. Barts is ideal for a sophisticated day trip. The island's beautiful beaches, like Shell Beach and Colombier Beach, are also worth visiting.

Insider Tip: Plan your visit to coincide with one of the island’s many cultural events or festivals for an added experience.

Pinel Island

Why Visit: A short boat ride from the French side, Pinel Island offers tranquil beaches, excellent snorkeling and charming beachside restaurants. It's a great escape from the main island's hustle and bustle.

Insider Tip: Visit early in the day to secure a good spot on the beach and enjoy the calm waters before the crowds arrive.

Saba

Why Visit: Known as the "Unspoiled Queen," Saba is a unique volcanic island offering lush hiking trails, spectacular diving spots and a quaint, small-town atmosphere.

Insider Tip: Take a guided hike to the top of Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Dutch Kingdom, for breathtaking views.

St. Eustatius (Statia)

Why Visit: This small, quiet island is rich in history and offers great diving and hiking opportunities. The Quill, a dormant volcano, provides an exciting adventure for nature lovers.

Insider Tip: Explore the historical sites, including Fort Oranje and the ruins of the old colonial town.

Tintamarre Island

Why Visit: Part of the French marine reserve, Tintamarre is a secluded island perfect for snorkeling, exploring the natural mud baths and enjoying the unspoiled beaches.

Insider Tip: Bring your own picnic and drinks, as there are no facilities on the island, and enjoy a day of pure relaxation.

St. Martin Nature Reserve

Why Visit: Located on the French side, this reserve offers diverse wildlife, pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling and kayaking opportunities. It's ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Insider Tip: Book a guided eco-tour to learn more about the local flora and fauna and make the most of your visit.

Butterfly Farm

Why Visit: Located near Orient Bay, this charming farm is home to hundreds of colorful butterflies. It’s a great, educational and fun trip for families.

Insider Tip: Visit in the morning, when the butterflies are most active. Participate in the guided tour to learn fascinating facts about these beautiful insects.

These day trips offer a variety of experiences. From relaxing beach days to adventurous hikes and cultural explorations. Allowing you to fully appreciate the diverse attractions around Sint Maarten.

Breakfast

Zee Best: Known for its fresh pastries, croissants and a fantastic breakfast menu. Try their eggs Benedict and enjoy the view of the marina.

Top Carrot: A health-conscious café offering smoothies, fresh juices and vegetarian breakfast options. Perfect for a light and nutritious start to your day.

Lunch & Dinner

Bistrot Caraïbes: Located in Grand Case, this restaurant offers an exquisite French-Caribbean fusion menu. Their lobster is a must-try, and the service is top-notch.

The Greenhouse: Popular for its seafood and American cuisine. This waterfront restaurant in Simpson Bay provides a relaxed atmosphere and great happy hour deals.

Le Pressoir: Also in Grand Case, this fine-dining restaurant serves gourmet French cuisine in a charming, historic building. Ideal for a romantic dinner.

SkipJack’s: A seafood lover’s paradise, SkipJack’s in Simpson Bay offers fresh catches of the day and a casual dining experience with stunning lagoon views.

Drinks

Sunset Bar & Grill: Located at Maho Beach, this bar is famous for its spectacular views of planes landing at Princess Juliana International Airport. Enjoy a cocktail while watching the aviation show.

Karakter Beach Bar: Situated on Simpson Bay Beach, Karakter offers a laid-back vibe with beach chairs, delicious drinks and a diverse menu. Perfect for a sunset drink with your toes in the sand.

Roxxy Beach: A trendy beach bar and restaurant in Simpson Bay, Roxxy Beach is great for daytime relaxation and lively evening parties. Their cocktails are expertly crafted and the beach setting is perfect.

Dessert

Gelateria Milano: Located in Philipsburg, this gelato shop offers a wide variety of delicious and authentic Italian gelato flavors. A perfect treat to cool down on a warm day.

These recommendations showcase the diverse culinary landscape of Sint Maarten, from casual beachside spots to fine dining experiences. Each place offers a unique taste of the island, making every meal a memorable part of your visit.