The Best 10 Things to Do in St Martin | Ultimate Travel Guide

Start with a sunset sailing charter from Simpson Bay to Orient Bay. It puts you in the mood for exploring, taking in the colors as the horizon shifts, enjoying the breeze. You’ll see the island’s two sides merge into one vibrant center of island life.

Visit the Marigot Market early to taste fresh accras, stroll through spice stalls, and shop for locally made crafts. The lanes spill into a lively market square where clothing items and handmade jewelry line the stalls. It’s lovely to chat with vendors and sample bites that reflect the French and Caribbean blend. A few stalls are run by louis families that have traded here for decades.

For adventurous travelers, rent an ATV along the coast or book a half-day boat tour to nearby islands. You’ll pass mangroves, spot iguanas on rocky outcrops, and take a dip in turquoise coves. Great for taking photos along the way, taking a dip near a small pond shows the island’s natural variety.

Experience the nightlife and casinos along Philipsburg’s boardwalk, with bars that stay open late and live music on weekends. Whether you’re after a gentler scene or a high-energy night, thats how you find the right vibe. The energy keeps going long after the sun sets, and every visit has a new flavor.

Spend a peaceful afternoon at Loterie Farm, hiking shaded trails and enjoying panoramic views from the hillside center. The elevated terrain provides breezes and chances to spot tropical birds. During the climb, you’ll feel the island’s balance between sea and green, and every turn offers a fresh perspective before you come back for more.

The Best 10 Things to Do in St Martin Ultimate Travel Guide; - 15 For Hiking Enthusiasts Hike the Fundy Foot Trail 5 days – 55km

Begin with a sunrise stroll along Orient Bay and a homemade croissant; you could map a loop that hits green hills on one side and turquoise bays on the other. whats waiting here blends sun, sea, and bites.

For hiking enthusiasts, the Fundy Foot Trail 5 days – 55km offers a benchmark; on St Martin you can mirror that pace with five shorter coastal routes, a cliff crossing, and forested sections.

1) Orient Bay Beach: long white sands, a lively front along the coast, and a nearby market where you can sample island bites; you have the option to arrive early to secure a chair.

2) Maho Beach: planes crossing the approach path create a surreal scene; spotting aircraft becomes a ritual for many visitors; the route features a closeup of the runway.

3) Philipsburg Front Street and its market: stroll the quay, shop duty-free, and watch ships move between the harbor and the Caribbean; this stop, named for its harbor trade, shows the area between the two sides.

4) Marigot Market on the water’s edge, then a short trek to Fort Louis for breathtaking views.

5) Grand Case for a sunset dinner and a carnival-like vibe during festival seasons; thats the spirit, while green lanes frame the village and you snap colors.

6) Loterie Farm land trails: laid paths through shaded canopies; the gate opens to a canopy walkway with bird's-eye views.

7) Wetlands around the Simpson Bay area: stop to observe wading birds, then kayak through calm channels and notice the swell; from the highest viewpoints you spot the coast.

8) Snorkel at Creole Rock and nearby reefs: a breathtaking marvel of coral gardens and tropical fish, while still waters make for easy paddling.

9) Book a sunset cruise to nearby destinations; arrive as the sun goes down and the water turns gold.

10) Stay in a villa, wander green villages, and end the day with a gate-to-gate stroll along the coast; still happy to discover new spots and savor homemade flavors.

Practical Itinerary and Outdoor Adventures in St Martin and the Fundy Foot Trail

The beginning of your St Martin adventure starts with a kayak session along the Fundy coast, where verdant inlets and close coves greet the tide. Located at the harbor, the parking area gives quick access to rentals, so you can kit up and launch within minutes and experience everything the morning has to offer on calm water before the shore-side wind picks up.

Day 1 moves along the Fundy Foot Trail with sections that are steep and rugged, delivering rouge rock faces and sweeping views. The route passes through parts where ruins and the remains of old buildings whisper a local history. Take a lunch on a sheltered ledge and watch for fishing boats far below. The route also touches a verdant pocket near a small farm, a paradis for walkers who want a quiet pause before the next section–and you can plan a fuller experience by looping through nearby viewpoints and back towards town. Parking is available at the trailhead to start this segment smoothly.

Day 2 offers a longer traverse, moving through mangrove-adjacent creeks and coastal woods. The trail class ranges from easy to moderate, with several steep staircases leading to cliff-top overlooks. Carry water and a snack, and plan a lunch on a rocky promontory. Look back to St Martin and see the red rouge cliffs, and imagine the history that shaped these coastlines; bring a camera for memories and to record what you saw along the way. The route passes through parts where fishermen and guides operate seasonal tours, offering a deeper sense of place.

To make the most of your time, book a guided interpretation tour with a local operator who can expand on the area’s history, fisheries, and ruins. If you stay nearby, you can park and walk the early sections, then return to town for a farm-to-table lunch or a quick farm stand snack. The Fundy Foot Trail is designed for one-day loops or two-day micro-adventures, with destinations that can be combined to create more memories.

Different ones can tailor this plan to their pace, looping back through St Martin or extending into further coastal destinations. Bring a small daypack for snacks and a camera to capture rouge cliffs and verdant coves, and leave time for a quiet lunch on a rock ledge. This sequence offers a practical way to experience everything the Fundy coast can provide, with back-to-back adventures that build memories and leave you wanting more.

St Martin in 3 Days: Beach Highlights, Town Walks, and Photo Stops

Start Day 1 with a sunrise swim at Orient Bay, grab a quick coffee on the sand, and stock bottled water before a full beach morning. In november, ocean breezes ease the heat and crowds are friendlier.

1. Day 1 – West Coast Highlights

   • Orient Bay Beach – a long, picturesque stretch ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and people-watching. Rent a sunbed, order a light lunch, and enjoy the energy along the west coast.

   • Maho Beach – stand across from the runway and watch planes skim the sky; the scene combines salt air with a dash of adrenaline. Afterward, visit nearby bars for cocktails and social vibes with others who share the energy.

   • Cupecoy Beach – cliffside coves with color-splashed rocks, plus ruins from old construction and pirate legends echoing along the shoreline. Bring water, and shoot dramatic shots at the golden hour.

2. Day 2 – Town Walks: Philipsburg and Marigot

   • Philipsburg waterfront – stroll the boardwalk across the water, duck into shops, and sip a local coffee. The area mixes cruise energy with quiet corners for quick photos before lunch.

   • Marigot Market & Fort Louis ruins – the largest open-air market on the island; wander between stalls for spices, perfume, and crafts. Although busy, you can still find intimate spots for photos. Climb to Fort Louis for panoramic views over the harbor and across the water to the Dutch side.

   • Loterie Farm detour – a short drive inland where forest trails invite a calm camp vibe; there’s a café with coffee, and the trails offer shade and easy walks, a refreshing break from coastal heat while construction noise lingers in some coastal zones.

3. Day 3 – Photo Stops & Sunset

   • Fort Louis vantage – capture the ruins with morning light and the harbor panorama; you’ll photograph the west coast skyline and distant Anguilla across the bay.

   • Pic Paradis viewpoint drive – reach the island’s picturesque high point for sweeping views of bays and palm-fringed shores; stop at overlooks to photograph the tides and coastline.

   • Dinner, cocktails, and sunset – pick a waterfront restaurant, order dinner, and toast with cocktails as the sun sinks. Many travelers liked the mood here, especially when a subtle perfume from market stalls lingers in the air. If you prefer a quick finish, grab a bite at a casual spot and stroll along the harbor to end your trip.

Food, Markets, and Local Flavors: Where to Eat Like a Local

Begin at Marigot Market for fresh produce, spices, and ready-to-eat bites. Ask for accras, conch salad, and sample dates and berry cups. Seek maple-glazed plantain bites at standout stalls. You will marvel at the bright colors and direct-from-farm flavors.

On the French side, wander the market lanes toward the marina area. There you will find casual eateries that highlight creole influences and seafood; if you ordered a couple of plates to share, you can chase them with cocktails at nearby bars while watching boats drift by. Taking in the breeze, you will feel the island's rhythm and the friendly local hospitality.

Nearby downtown Philipsburg, a cluster of casual eateries lines Front Street. Savor grilled fish, mahi-mahi, and conch while sipping a local rum cocktail. Some spots sit near the lighthouse; others offer harbor views from the marina. Let the fundy sea breeze guide you as you explore.

Take a private culinary tour led by a local guide; a harbor cruise with the captains adds stories about the sea; booking private accommodation near downtown keeps you close to the action. This activity helps you see the city's flavors without rushing; visitors will miss nothing when tastings include sunset views.

Practical tips: plan weekdays to avoid crowds; markets run year-round, and always have fresh options. Visitors who stay in private accommodation near downtown or the marina have quick access to markets, bars, and casinos. Share your thoughts with locals and you will miss nothing in the island's flavors, a small taste of paradise.

Hidden Gems and Weather Windows: Timing for Fewer Crowds and Better Views

Choose late May to early June for fewer crowds and better views. This weather window in St Martin delivers calmer seas and reliable trade winds, so you can map efficient days along diverse locations, then watch crowds roll back at sunset.

If you chose to start at Palmiers and Friars early, you beat the busiest crowds and catch stunning light over the ocean; add a quiet hiking loop for viewpoints and a bite of island history.

Weather windows align with calmer shorelines: May–June and late November–December offer the best balance of light and crowds. If you time it around carnival dates, you’ll experience lively parades and music without overwhelming lines, while still enjoying paradis mornings.

Rent a compact rental to reach tucked-away locations, from a lush farm path to cliffside overlooks. Look for offers that combine island hopping with hiking routes; a half-day to Tintamarre or Pinel Island keeps crowds down and views high.

Cap evenings with flavors: order risotto with scallops at a beachside restaurant, sample a farm-produced selection of rums. Check dates for weekly markets and carnival events. Keep laid plans flexible for weather shifts. amsterdam bars line the square with music and ocean breezes, and a stroll along paradis shores later seals the day.

Fundy Foot Trail in 5 Days: Daily Distances, Campsites, and Water Resources

Start Day 1 with an early push from Saint Martins and book an overnight at North Shelter before dusk.

Day 1 – Saint Martins to North Shelter: 8.5 km

Begin along the parkway edge by the harbor, then rise into forest where trees form a cool canopy on both sides. A historic plantation site became part of local lore and now marks a gentle climb toward the coast. Water resources come from a reliable spring near the halfway point; filter before use. The North Shelter sits near a small cove, offering shade and a quiet welcome after your first section. Expect a charming view of the water from the shelter clearing, and keep your eyes for wildflowers along the route.

Day 2 – North Shelter to Midpoint Shelter: 9.0 km

The trail stays within the quieter shore ridges and gradually opens to coastal flats where mountains back the inland views. You’ll pass a few mixed stands of pines and deciduous trees, with a gentle descent toward a rocky ledge that peels away to sea spray. Water comes from a spring-fed seep near Midpoint Shelter and a small brook that runs near the trail’s edge; both are dependable after a morning rain. Campsite options are at Midpoint Shelter, with a near-by side trail leading to a tiny square clearing ideal for a quick break. Hikers from several countries tend to share the trail, adding local chatter and a sense of community to the route.

Day 3 – Midpoint Shelter to Wolfe Point Shelter: 10.0 km

Today’s stretch stays along the coast with a few steeper sections through cedar groves. The sides of the ridge offer peekaboo views across the Fundy shore; the path passes under a canopy of trees that becomes more open as you near Wolfe Point. Water resources are steady: a dependable stream near the halfway junction and a small spring near Wolfe Point Shelter. Overnight is at Wolfe Point Shelter, a charming spot with easy access to the shoreline and a nearby pine grove that feels almost paradis for hikers who savor quiet evenings. If you plan to cook, a small grill area is available close to the shelter, and you’ll find a few pecan shells tucked into a sheltered corner from prior visitors.

Day 4 – Wolfe Point to Covehead Camp: 7.5 km

The route continues through a mix of rocky ledges and forested stairs, with the mountains pulling the horizon into view on a clear day. Water sources include a reliable stream crossing near the coast and a steady seep just before Covehead Camp; filter both before use. Covehead Camp sits near a sheltered cove with calmer water, a perfect place to unwind after a moderate climb. Expect a subtle charm in the sunset with tide lines drawing patterns on the shore, a scene many travelers said is easier to savor away from the busier sections. Local wildlife and the scent of pine and bay air heighten the sense of being in a true outdoor class, where every footstep through the pines brings a new angle on the coast’s beauty.

Day 5 – Covehead Camp to Alma Finish: 6.5 km

The final leg stays close to the coast, dipping inland briefly for a last stretch through a grove of trees that leads toward Alma. Water resources include a small river near the finish and a last uphill spring just before the final descent. The finish site sits near the town square of Alma, where a maritime charm fills the air and the harbor offers a welcome sight after days on the trail. Your pack lightens as you cross into town streets that feel like a friendly encore to the road, and you’ll hear locals and visitors alike share stories of this trip that might have begun as a challenge but became a vivid memory. This finish has a peaceful, quieter vibe than the start, a neat balance to the earlier miles that many hikers found quite charming.

Note: Carry extra water during dry spells and plan to refill at marked sources along the route. For overnight spaces, reserve in advance where possible, and check current conditions at Saint Martins and Alma before departure. The route’s character shifts with weather, so adjust daily distances as needed to keep your pace manageable, near your target, and safe.