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.

Skryté skvosty a okná počasia: Načasovanie pre menej davov a lepšie výhľady

Vyberte si koniec mája až začiatok júna, aby ste sa vyhli davom a mali lepší výhľad. Toto okno počasia v St. Martin prináša pokojnejšie more a spoľahlivé pasáty, takže si môžete naplánovať efektívne dni na rôznych miestach a potom sledovať, ako sa davy pri západe slnka rozkotúľajú späť.

Ak sa rozhodnete začať v Palmiers a Friars skoro ráno, vyhnete sa najväčším davom a zažijete úžasné svetlo nad oceánom; pridajte si tichý turistický okruh s výhľadmi a ochutnávkou histórie ostrova.

Počasie sa zhoduje s pokojnejším pobrežím: Máj–jún a koniec novembra–december ponúkajú najlepšiu rovnováhu svetla a davov. Ak to načasujete okolo termínov karnevalov, zažijete živé sprievody a hudbu bez preplnených radov a zároveň si užijete rajské rána.

Prenajmite si kompaktné vozidlo, aby ste sa dostali na odľahlé miesta, od bujnej poľnej cesty až po vyhliadky na útesoch. Hľadajte ponuky, ktoré kombinujú preskakovanie ostrovov s turistickými trasami; pol dňa na Tintamarre alebo Pinelov ostrov zníži počet davov a zvýši vyhliadky.

Večery zakončite chuťami: objednajte si rizoto s mušľami v reštaurácii na pláži, ochutnajte výber rumov z farmárskej produkcie. Skontrolujte dátumy konania týždenných trhov a karnevalových podujatí. Nechajte si voľné plány prispôsobiť zmenám počasia. Amsterdamské bary lemujú námestie hudbou a morským vánkom a prechádzka po brehoch Paradis neskôr spečatí deň.

Fundy Foot Trail za 5 dní: Denné vzdialenosti, táboriská a zdroje vody

Začnite deň 1 skorým výstupom zo Saint Martins a pred súmrakom si rezervujte ubytovanie v North Shelter.

Deň 1 – Saint Martins do North Shelter: 8,5 km

Začnite pozdĺž okraja cesty pri prístave, potom vystúpte do lesa, kde stromy vytvárajú chladivý baldachýn na oboch stranách. Historické miesto plantáže sa stalo súčasťou miestnej histórie a teraz označuje mierny výstup smerom k pobrežiu. Vodné zdroje pochádzajú zo spoľahlivého prameňa v blízkosti polovice cesty; pred použitím prefiltrujte. Severný prístrešok sa nachádza v blízkosti malej zátoky a ponúka tieň a tiché privítanie po vašom prvom úseku. Očakávajte očarujúci výhľad na vodu z priestoru prístrešku a sledujte kvety rastúce pozdĺž trasy.

Deň 2 – North Shelter do Midpoint Shelter: 9,0 km

Trasa vedie pokojnejšími pobrežnými hrebeňmi a postupne sa otvára do pobrežných rovín, kde pohoria podopierajú vnútrozemské výhľady. Prejdete okolo niekoľkých zmiešaných porastov borovíc a listnatých stromov, s miernym klesaním smerom k skalnatej rímse, ktorá sa oddeľuje k morskej triešti. Voda pochádza z pramenitého priesaku v blízkosti úkrytu Midpoint Shelter a malého potoka, ktorý tečie blízko okraja trasy; oba sú spoľahlivé po rannom daždi. Možnosti kempovania sú v Midpoint Shelter, s neďalekou bočnou trasou vedúcou k malej štvorcovej čistinke, ktorá je ideálna na krátku prestávku. Turisti z viacerých krajín majú tendenciu zdieľať trasu, čo pridáva miestne rozhovory a pocit komunity na trase.

Deň 3 – Prístrešok Midpoint Shelter do prístrešku Wolfe Point Shelter: 10,0 km

Dnešný úsek pokračuje pozdĺž pobrežia s niekoľkými strmšími úsekmi cez cédrové háje. Zo svahov hrebeňa sa naskytajú ojedinelé výhľady na pobrežie Fundy; chodník vedie pod korunami stromov, ktoré sa pri približovaní k Wolfe Point otvárajú. Vodné zdroje sú stabilné: spoľahlivý potok v blízkosti križovatky v polovici cesty a malý prameň pri prístrešku Wolfe Point Shelter. Nocľah je v Wolfe Point Shelter, očarujúcom mieste s ľahkým prístupom k pobrežiu a neďalekým borovicovým hájom, ktorý pôsobí takmer ako raj pre turistov, ktorí si vychutnávajú pokojné večery. Ak plánujete variť, v blízkosti prístrešku je k dispozícii malý priestor na grilovanie a v chránenom rohu nájdete zopár pekanových škrupín od predchádzajúcich návštevníkov.

Deň 4 – Wolfe Point do Covehead Camp: 7,5 km

Trasa pokračuje kombináciou skalnatých ríms a zalesnených schodov, pričom hory za jasného dňa ťahajú horizont do dohľadu. Vodné zdroje zahŕňajú spoľahlivý potok v blízkosti pobrežia a stály priesak tesne pred táborom Covehead Camp; pred použitím oboje prefiltrujte. Tábor Covehead Camp sa nachádza v blízkosti chránenej zátoky s pokojnejšou vodou, čo je ideálne miesto na oddych po miernom výstupe. Očakávajte jemný pôvab pri západe slnka s prílivovými líniami kresliacimi vzory na brehu, scéna, o ktorej mnohí cestovatelia povedali, že sa dá ľahšie vychutnať mimo rušnejších častí. Miestne divoké zvieratá a vôňa borovicového a vavrínového vzduchu umocňujú pocit, že ste v pravej prírode, kde každý krok cez borovice prináša nový uhol pohľadu na krásu pobrežia.

Deň 5 – Covehead Camp do cieľa Alma: 6,5 km

Záverečný úsek sa drží blízko pobrežia, krátko sa vnorí do vnútrozemia na posledný úsek cez háj stromov, ktorý vedie smerom k Alma. Vodné zdroje zahŕňajú malú rieku pri cieľovej čiare a posledný stúpajúci prameň tesne pred záverečným zjazdom. Cieľové miesto sa nachádza v blízkosti námestia mesta Alma, kde vzduch napĺňa námornícky šarm a prístav ponúka vítaný pohľad po dňoch na trase. Váš batoh sa odľahčí, keď prejdete do ulíc mesta, ktoré pôsobia ako priateľský prídavok k ceste, a budete počuť, ako miestni obyvatelia aj návštevníci zdieľajú príbehy o tejto ceste, ktorá sa mohla začať ako výzva, ale stala sa živou spomienkou. Tento cieľ má pokojnejšiu a tichšiu atmosféru ako štart, čo je pekná rovnováha k skorším kilometrom, ktoré mnohí turisti považovali za celkom očarujúce.

Poznámka: Počas suchých období si so sebou vezmite viac vody a naplánujte si dopĺňanie v označených zdrojoch pozdĺž trasy. Pre miesta na prenocovanie si vopred rezervujte, ak je to možné, a pred odchodom si overte aktuálne podmienky v Saint Martins a Alma. Charakter trasy sa mení s počasím, preto si podľa potreby upravte denné vzdialenosti, aby ste udržali tempo zvládnuteľné, blízko vášmu cieľu a bezpečné.