St. Maarten
Country: Sint Maarten · Region: Eastern Caribbean · Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder
Sint Maarten/Saint Martin is a Caribbean island split between Dutch and French territories, known for beautiful beaches, excellent shopping in Philipsburg, and a peaceful borderless experience between both sides.
Top sights
Philipsburg shopping district, Orient Beach, Maho Beach, Simpson Bay Lagoon, Loterie Farm, Fort Louis
Things to do
- Loterie Farm
- A 150-acre preserve on the French side featuring zip-lining, rope courses, hiking, ecotours, a restaurant, and lounge with tapas.
- Simpson Bay Lagoon
- The largest inland lagoon in the Caribbean with underwater life and two small islands separated by the French-Dutch border.
- Fort Louis
- An 18th-century French fort overlooking Marigot on the French side.
- Pic du Paradis
- The highest point on the island at 1,400 feet with viewing areas providing panoramic views; accessible by four-wheel drive.
Beaches
- Orient Beach
- A beach on the French side with a clothing-optional section marked by yellow umbrellas and an underwater marine reserve for snorkeling.
- Maho Beach
- A tourist beach near Princess Juliana International Airport where planes land and take off unusually close overhead, attracting aviation enthusiasts.
Where to eat
- Grand Case
- An old fishing village on the French side known for excellent gourmet restaurants.
- Loterie Farm restaurant
- A restaurant on the French side offering Curry Chicken and other dishes with views from the 150-acre preserve.
Bars and nightlife
- Loterie Farm lounge
- An evening lounge at Loterie Farm serving tapas and drinks.
Forecast for St. Maarten
Loading the live forecast.
Getting around
From the cruise ship docks in Philipsburg, use water taxis to Front Street, hire taxis as tour guides, or use the minivan bus system that runs between major towns.
What to eat
Grand Case and Marigot on the French side offer excellent gourmet restaurants, while Loterie Farm features a restaurant with Curry Chicken and tapas.
Tips
Book Loterie Farm activities in advance and wear closed shoes for zip-lining; the site gets crowded when cruise ships dock.
Best for
Beaches, shopping, snorkeling
More ports in Eastern Caribbean
Antigua · San Juan · St. Barts · St. Croix · St. Kitts · St. Thomas · Tortola