One of the most unique islands in the world lies in the Caribbean. This island is owned by two countries; one side is owned by Netherlands and is called Sint Maarten, and the other side is owned by France and is called Saint Martin! It is so small that you can drive from one end of the island to the other end in under an hour. The best part is that there is no physical barrier between the two sides, and you can freely roam between them. Read on to discover how to plan your best vacation to Saint Martin / Sint Maarten.
We recommend spending between 3 to 5 days to completely explore the area, while also enjoy the sand and water that the Caribbean is widely famous for.
Where To Stay During Your Vacation To Saint Martin
If you are looking for unspoilt scenery, scenic beaches and a relaxed atmosphere, you should stay in Saint Martin, the French side. However, if you are looking for nightlife along with the beaches, you should stay in Sint Maarten, the Dutch side. We recommend staying at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in Sint Maarten during your best vacation to Saint Martin.
This is a wonderful family-friendly beachfront property, with several pools, restaurants and bars. The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the best part is that they have optional all-inclusive rates that can be taken for just a portion of your stay. This turned out to be very useful for us since we wanted to spend a few days exploring the island, and not feel tied down to staying at the resort all day long.
How To Get Around in Saint Martin
To avoid any hassles during your vacation to Saint Martin, the best way to get around the island is by using a cab. Getting one at the resort is very easy, and you will save yourself the trouble of trying to drive around amongst the locals.
Your Best Vacation To Saint Martin
Unlike our other articles where we provide you with a day-to-day plan, we will list down all the things that you can do during your vacation to Saint Martin, and you can explore them at your leisure, since the island is so small, and you are here on vacation!
Tour the island attractions
Explore ruins of Fort Amsterdam
One of the closest attractions to explore are the ruins of Fort Amsterdam. There is a steep walkway from the resort right up to the ruins (the fort is owned by the resort), so you can explore it any time during your vacation. The fort was built by the Dutch in 1631, but was captured by the Spanish just two years after its construction, and only the ruins remain there today. You get spectacular views of the island from the top, and can also see St. Barts island.
Shopping on Front Street in Philipsburg
Nothing beats shopping like doing it on Front Street in Philipsburg, and is a must during your vacation to Saint Martin. This is a very popular tourist spot for duty-free shopping, so go ahead and load up on some Caribbean rum, jewelry and souvenirs, or stick to shopping from luxury brands such as Cartier, Gucci and Versace. While you are here, just enjoy the local vibe and indulge in some people watching!
Panoramic views from Fort Louis in Marigot
On the French side, which is known for its laid-back atmosphere, Fort Louis should definitely be on your list as you enjoy your vacation to Saint Martin. This historical monument was built in 1789 to protect the Marigot Bay. It’s a short but steep walk to the fort, at the end of which you can see Marigot, Simpson Bay, and even Anguilla, on a clear day.
Go ziplining
For adventure lovers, the best part of vacation to Saint Martin is here! The Rockland Estate Eco-Park is home to the world’s steepest zipline, popularly known as the Flying Dutchman, with speeds up to 56 mph! The ride starts from the top of one of the highest mountains in St. Maarten, and it drops over 1,000 feet in elevation along a distance of 2,800 feet. If you want to zipline, but aren’t up for the Flying Dutchman, they also have different rides for all levels, including kids and adults.
Watch extreme flyovers on Maho Beach
One of the best parts of your vacation to Saint Martin (and a must!) is to watch airplanes land at the Princess Juliana International airport. The airport has a very short runway, and is located right next to Maho Beach. You will get to see the airplanes land really up-close, and this sight is breathtaking! There is a local bar at the beach where you can sit back and enjoy the sights with a drink.
Enjoy water sports
The French side is home to beaches such as Le Galleon and Lle Pinel (Pinel Island) that are known for surfing and snorkeling. Pinel Island is a tiny island just a short boat ride away, where you can try out snorkeling, or simply enjoy a sun-bath! Be aware that the northern side of the island has a clothing-optional section.
If you want to try out scuba diving, this is the one of the best places to do so for first-timers, without the need for a certification! Try out SNUBA for this unique experience! This is an excellent way to dip your toes (pun intended) in to the world of scuba-diving.
Relax at Loterie Farm
No vacation to Saint Martin is complete without a visit to Loterie Farm. If partying is what you are looking for, then there is no better place than Loterie Farm. Don’t be misled by its name; it is very much a beach-style club, but the key aspect is that it is a natural reserve, and are protecting 54 hectares of countryside on the French side of the island.
Besides lounging at one of their daybeds or cabanas, you can hike through several of their trails, and zip line through the tropical forest within the reserve! They also have a cute adventure park known as the Jungle Kids Adventure Park for your tiny tots to safely enjoy the area and even have a pool party of their own!
Soak up the sun at the resort
Caribbean islands are known for their picturesque beaches, blue and turquoise water, and loads of sunshine, and Saint Martin is no exception. If you are staying at the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, then plan to spend a few days doing nothing else besides lounging at the beach or by the pool, and soaking up the sun, with a rum punch in one hand, and a book in another!
Pro-tip: If you plan to visit the island for say 5 days, we recommend you purchase the all-inclusive plan for the last few days of your vacation, when you intend to spend all of your time at the resort.
Plan Your Vacation To Saint Martin
What are you waiting for? Get packing to experience the influences of two countries on one tiny Caribbean island! Email us if you need our help in putting together the best vacation to Saint Martin! Craving for more beach vacation ideas? Check out our blog post on the best beach vacations for families!