St. Martin Local Attractions

Carnival is celebrated in St. Martin's capital city of Marigot two weeks prior to Lent. Similar to other Carnival celebrations around the world, Saint Martin's features exotic costumes, colorful street parades, festive music, and lots of food. This is an ideal time to sample Caribbean cuisine and experience St. Martin's unique culture.

Casino Royale in St Maarten is the largest on the island, boasting 14,000 square feet of gaming and a full theater for events and shows. With 30 tables of gaming, you can choose from roulette (American and French), craps, baccarat, blackjack and poker (Three Card Poker, Let It Ride, Caribbean Poker and Texas Hold em).

The 400 slot machines include a variety of classics and modern video slots. Casino Royale also has a private "high-roller" area with the highest table limits on the island. Open every day from 1 pm to 4 am, gambling is made easy any time you feel a surge of luck come on.

Rhine Road #1, Maho Bay, St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles

Located near the foot of Paradise Peak, Loterie Farm's private nature reserve offers days of fun activities the whole family will enjoy including horseback riding, hiking, eco-tours, mountain climbing, yoga and much more. This peaceful 135-acre preserve also has a kids' area with suspended bridges and rope swings. Our favorite is "The Fly Zone". Get a birds-eye-view of the forest canopy and soar above tree tops on the adrenaline-pumping zip-line. Loterie Farm hiking trails travel 1400 feet to the top of St. Martin's highest point. You can't beat the panoramic view. If you're hungry, relax at the Hidden Forest Café. Bon Apetit magazine raved about this tree house-like eatery in February 2007. Or you can enjoy tapas and tropical drinks at The Tree Lounge. Both use ultra-fresh ingredients found on the island and garnished with flowers picked right inside the nature reserve.

Maho Beach is at the southern-end of the Princess Juliana airport (SXM). Visitors come here to watch jumbo jets zip overhead. This thrilling experience can't be matched. Boeing 747s literally pass just a few yards above Maho Beach. You'll see the most air traffic Sunday afternoon between 2:00 p.m and 4:00 p.m. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent if you feel like hanging for a while. There are a few people who come to Maho Beach for the white, powdery sand and snorkeling. There are also several resorts, hotels, beach bars and restaurants near-by.

Orient Bay is the most developed and popular beach on St. Martin. The bay stretches for 2 miles and divided into 5 main beaches all side-by-side -- Kontiki, Kakao, Bikini Beach, Waikiki and Coco Beach (named for their respective bars). Recognized as a marine reserve, and protected by Atlantic winds, Orient Bay is a fabulous spot for snorkeling. You can also go parasailing, waterskiing or just rent a beach chair and soak up the sun. You'll see some topless sunbathers. There are a bunch of restaurants, live music and local hangouts. Another attraction is the nude beach and St. Martin's only naturist resort at the south end of Orient Bay.

On St. Martin's north side, Anse Marcel beach is surrounded by resorts. The beach cove is surrounded by a lush cliff. Good for snorkeling. Great for scuba! Divers enjoy exploring Creole Rock.

Bordered by cliffs, this beach offers a great view of Anguilla. On Baie Rouge Beach (Bay Rouge) offers lounge chairs and snorkling gear for rent. And if you're hungry, there's restaurant and beach bars ready to serve.

Burgeaux Bay is located on the western end of Simpson Bay, south of the airport. Lined with villas, the only access to this beach are sandy paths between cottages. This beach is protected from the eastern winds, so it's a great spot for swimming and snorkling.

The first Butterfly Farm (also called La Ferme Des Papillons because of its location on the French-side of the tiny dual nation Caribbean Island of St Martin/St Maarten) was designed and built by two eccentric Englishmen, William Slayter and John Coward. The doors were opened to the public in 1994 and since then thousands of visitors have been made welcome.

Here you can walk amongst the rare and exotic butterflies, from around the world flying freely in the tropical paradise, with music, flowers and fresh waterfalls.

Visiting Hours: 9 am to 3 pm
Entrance fee: 10 US dollars or 10 Euro + return ticket, kids pay half price

Four powerful boats, great crew, exotic beaches, nature reserved little paradise islands, awesome views, great snorkeling, number of trips to choose from, snorkeling, sightseeing, family fun, mud bath, party, celebration, sunset, relaxing trips or more thrill-seeking action ... excellence in hospitality. We invite you to experience the very best boating and snorkeling adventures that the Caribbean has to offer.

We will provide you with the most fun that you will ever have !

We will make your day!

This lovely boutique in Orient Bay is right behind the Beach La Playa.

They specialize in beach wear, women's clothing and unique sea shell jewelry.

Located between Philipsburg and the airport, near Simpson Bay, is Cole Bay. Hotels, villas, shops, and casinos are all apart of Cole Bay. Also known for a few great restaurants such as La Dolce Vita and Sushi Itto.

Coralita Beach provides a nice view of St. Barts and Tintamarre but you won't find any rentals, restaurants or services. Usually pretty deserted, this beach is peaceful and a great spot for families and honeymooners. Just be sure to bring your own snacks and beverages.

Cupecoy Bay Beach is lined with luxury apartment, villas an resorts. You'll also find sand stone cliffs and pretty calms waters. Cupecoy is right on the French-Dutch border, so there are a bunch of shops, restaurants and bars are just a short walk from the beach. Clothing is optional.

Dawn Beach used to be a pretty quiet secluded beach for the neighbors to enjoy. That is until December 2006 when the Westin Dawn Beach opened its doors. Now the resort occupies the south end. Beach bars, restaurants and condos on the other. Both ends are separated by a small coral bluff that makes strolling too far a bit difficult. Swimming along this beach is also challenging because of the rough surf on windy days. Great views of St. Barts; and Mr. Busby's sandy, beach bar is a fun spot to sip drinks and grab a bite to eat.

The Cliff at Cupecoy Beach, a deluxe condo-hotel tower, is home to the Caribbean's first Dior Spa, listed in Conde Nast Traveler Hot Spas 2008. It is a gleaming white and mirrored salon that "attracts a who's who crowd for body-contouring treatments. Padded lavender rooms are a clinical but calming setting for marine bath treatments involving some 220 jets that aid in lymphatic drainage (from $65) and thermal body masks during which you lay in a podlike vessel while your therapist massages your scalp ($95). If the beauty jargon is a bit overwhelming, well-trained therapists will explain it all. Plan ahead and ask to have a meal afterward on the ocean-view terrace." Massages $135.

Access the ferry to St. Barts through Oyster Bay in St. Maarten. if you are staying on St. Martin/St. Maarten for more than a couple of days, head over to St. Barts by ferry or small plane. Relax on St. Jean Beach in St. Barts and enjoy gourmet restaurants!

Overlooking Marigot Bay on the leeward side of the island sits the imposing figure of Fort St. Louis. It is the largest historical monument in St.Martin.

Named for the famous crusading king of France, it was originally built in 1767 to protect the settlement at Marigot from foreign invaders.

A steep climb up to the summit provides a panoramic view of the island and the sea surrounding it, and the effort is worth it.

It's open every day, and there are signs explaining historical events.

Families love Friar's Beach for its calm waters. Located just north of Marigot, this small beach has great sunset views with Anguilla in the distance. It's also a great place to collect seashells. Plenty of beach bars and restaurants.

Located south of Guana Bay, Geneve Bay is accessible through an hour long coastal path. Known as natures "swimming pool", the bay is well protected from the waves of the Atlantic.

The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino in Dutch St. Maarten is one of those "destinations within a destination," that just happens to feature the island's hottest nightclub, Q-Club; the world-class Good Life Spa, and the Vegas-style Casino Royale.

The Good Life Spa's Royale Relief massage offers a dose of relaxation, focusing on working out the kinks in your neck, arms and hands - to send you back to the casino ready to win. It is listed in the NY Daily News Travel recent article on "Hot Spas of the Caribbean."

Located north of Marigot, Grand Case is great for snorkling. The beach makes a sweeping curve which is ideal location for beachfront property and fine dining.

Watch the cruise ships come in to Phillipsburg, the capital of St. Maarten, from Great Bay. Being located so close to town, gives you convenient access to restaurants, shopping, activities and more.

Green Wheels Electric Motorbikes Rentals and Tours is the first company of its kind in the Caribbean. The business is based out of the heart of Orient Bay in St. Martin. The Bikes are 100% Electric which means no noise, no pollution and no oil!! This is a fantastic way to explore the island on both the French and Dutch sides.... All you need is a driving license and some adventurous spirit!!

Please Call or email us for more information.

Enjoy a view of St. Barts from Guana Bay Beach. Quiet and secluded, water sports fans frequent here. Be careful...there is a strong undertow in the deep water.

The old cedar townhouse on Front Street is a local landmark & legend. Built on the site of an ancient synagogue (abandoned in 1781), it was once the Governor's home. Now it is the Guavaberry Company's World Headquarters.

See their regular products plus scores of hand made one-of-a-kind boutique items, made with exotic fruits, herbs, spices & rums. You'll find Gourmet BBQ & Hot Sauce Collection, Christmas & Holiday Gift Boxes, Dolls, Old Man Logo T-shirts, Caps, Jams, Honeys, Vinegars, Perfumes & more.

No. 8-10 Frontstreet, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles

Located on the Northwest end of the island, between Friar´s Bay and the Bay of Grand Case. Quiet, and deserted this intimate beach on French St Martin the great spot for romantic beach-goers. Good for snorkelers too.

Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) is the airport of St. Maarten. It is located 15 kilometers northwest of Philipsburg and is operated by Princess Juliana International Operating Company NV (PJIAE), a limited liability company, which is wholly owned by PJIA Holding N.V. which in turn is fully owned by the Island Government of the Island Territory of St. Maarten. Under a concession granted to PJIAE by Government for a period of twenty years - effective January 3, 1997- PJIAE manages, operates, maintains and develops the Princess Juliana International Airport.

Near Simpson Beach, Kim Sha Beach is a happen' beach. Come and rent a lounger, rent a jet ski or go parasailing. A certified PADI dive shop occupies the center of this beach, so dive boats make this beach their starting point for scuba excursions.

L'Escargot Cabaret Dinner Show is in its twelve season and getting better and better. Watch impersonators take on your favorite dance and song from popular movies such as Moulin Rouge!

Reserve early as the only show is on Friday evening and is usually packed.

Le Galion is part of St Martin´s Nature Marine Reserve. It's sometimes called "Baby Beach" and "Coconut Grove". Le Galion is surrounded by a coral reef, making the shallow water calm and good for snorkeling. Locals flock to this beach claiming the north end to be the most clear water on the whole island. Trade winds swooping across the Atlantic make this a popular spot for surfing, kite-boarding and windsurfing. There are loungers for rent. You'll also find picnic tables, restaurants and shops along the beach.

Le West Indies is located on Marigot's modernized waterfront with ample parking. It features three floors of restaurants and shops with the finest clothing, shoes, jewelry, watches, gourmet food, and more.

Little Bay is only a short distance from Great Bay. Just around the peninsula, Little Bay is well protected and is becoming a haven for all kinds of wildlife.

Next to Cupecoy Bay Beach, romantic Long Bay Beach is the longest stretch of white sand on the island. This beach isn't crowded, making it a great spot for couples and sun bathers. There aren't any loungers for rent, vendors or watersports, but you might spot some Hollywood celebrities coming out of the 5 star La Samanna Resort located at the eastern end.

Lord Sheffield Tall Ship Adventures is St Maarten's sophisticated pirate ship... offering destination weddings, sailing excursions, shore trips and elegant sunset cruises for cruise ship visitors, on island hotel/timeshare guests and residents of St Maarten / St Martin.

Lucky Stables takes riders around Cape Bay (Dutch side), one of the few undeveloped areas of St. Maarten, for a chance to experience the island how it was 50 years ago.

We stayed in St. Maarten (Westin Dawn Beach) but took a cab over to Margot on the French side. It was a perfect day trip with lots of shopping. Great high-end shops and some moderately priced shops as well. They also have an outdoor market for locally-made souvenirs. Lots of restaurants to choose from. You can see this fort high up on the hill. We hiked up and were rewarded with a wonderful view of the island.

60 ft sailing catamarans available for the day or the half day. The boat can take comfortably up to 12 persons. This luxurious sailing cat comes with a crew, but the crew will be more than happy to give the helm to a "visiting Skipper". The rate includes the open bar on board, snorkeling gear and the crew. Lunch can be on board (lunch menus vary from $20 per person and up), or you can opt to have lunch ashore

A surfer's dream location, Mullet Bay Beach offers great waves when the conditions are just right. Located along the golf course at Mullet Bay, this beach is ideal for a long walk. Pick up a hamburger or hotdog at the little snack bar which also serves cold beer and soft drinks. Find the romance at sunset...one of the best places to watch the sun go down.

Mullet Bay is a large white sand beach, with slow rolling curls of waves coming in the beautiful, moon shaped bay. Its active surf makes this an attractive spot to local surfers.

On the left of the beach, there are a few spots where you can get food & drinks. There are many shaded areas, so you can enjoy cover and privacy, or having a picnic.

Mullet Bay is located along the golf course and is easily accessible. The ample parking right next to the beach makes Mullet a favorite with vacationers in the Simpson Bay area.

Mullet Bay is also a wonderful setting to watch the sun go down into the ocean. On clear days, there is a fantastic view of the neighboring island of Saba.

Mullet Bay is also a popular beach for families, and they are also coming over from the French side of St Martin, especially on weekends. Rocks line the shores of Mullet Bay, providing lovely snorkeling at some spots. If you are up for a swim, there are some caves you may wish to explore.

There is sometimes a rip current at the Bay, and the water can get a little choppy, so better be careful and swim or surf with a partner. Beach amenities are available, and there is volleyball, music bands, and major parties going on over the weekends.

The only place to play a little golf is at the Mullet Bay Resort near the Princess Juliana International Airport. For amateur golfers, Mullet Bay's 18-hole course is a nice way to pass the time, and it’s only a short trip away from the beach at Mullet Bay if you need to cool off after a round under the hot sun.

Green fees for Mullet Bay golf in St. Maarten are US$52 for 9 holes or US$93 for 18, with cart rentals available on-site.

When it comes to Nettle Bay, there are two options! Caribbean side or Lagoon side. The Caribbean side offers a long stretch of sand but is not ideal for swimming due to sharp rocks and strong currents. The Lagoon side is shaded with lush amounts of palm trees and makes a perfect setting for sunbathing.

Near to Simpson Bay, Pelican Key is highly developed residental and resort area. You'll also find luxury villas and condos. It's a popular spot for snorkling and long beach walks.

This small, uninhabited island off the north shore is only accessible by boat or a 20 minute walk along the coast. It's also great to jet ski over. Couples and topless sunbathers love this romantic, secluded beach.

At 1,400 feet, Pic du Paradis, or Paradise Peak, is the highest point on the island of St. Martin. From the summit of Pic du Paradis, a short drive from Marigot and Philipsburg—the panorama takes in neighboring Saba, St. Eustatius, and Anguilla. The summit is just a few minutes' walk from the parking area, but the more enjoyable way to the top is the 2-3 hour hike from Loterie Farm.

Near the foot of the mountain is Loterie Farm, St. Martin's only private nature reserve. Opened to the public in 1999, this 150-acre former sugar plantation affords a rare look at a Caribbean rainforest. Here you'll see ancient mango trees, the famous Guavaberry trees, and hundred of species of tropical plants and trees. Visitors can choose to explore this nature preserve solo, with a guide, on horseback, or by mountain bike. Once you've experienced the nature preserve's treasures, stop in at the Hidden Forest Cafe on the grounds of the preserve for a quick bit to eat. The Cafe serves lunch and dinner.

This is a deserted island off the coast of Orient Beach where you can pick your lobster out of the fresh water, and they grill right there for you.

The end of the road at French Cul de Sac opens onto a wide sandy area where there is a small wooden dock. Vendors and small ferryboats are waiting there to run you over to the islet for a fee of five dollars. It is possible to swim over, especially with snorkel gear.

There are no cars, no electricity, etc., but you will find two small beach bars/restaurants. Between these two bars, hidden in the seagrape there is the Paradise Gift shop (Tom´s Place), a treasure chest of Caribbean colors and unusual gifts.

As a lot of beaches are here, this is a clothing optional beach.

Plantation Mont Vernon is located at 2 Main Road, Cul-De-Sac.

This plantation is a two-acre paradise of tropical vegetation in a colonial setting. Here you can explore a renovated 1786 cotton plantation, an old-fashioned rum distillery at a unique outdoor history and eco-museum.

Paths are marked with bilingual signs and give detailed explanations of the island's agricultural history when its economy was dependent on salt, rum, coffee, sugar, and indigo. Stop at the complimentary coffee bar along the way, and visit a delightful gift shop at the entrance.

Open 9 am to 5 pm daily.

You might see a few surfers on Plum Bay beach, but that's about it. On the western tip of St. Martin, this secluded stretch of sand, beside Long Bay, is rocky in some spots. It's an okay spot for snorkling. There is some coral, so watch your step. This intimate beach doesn't have any rentals or services, so pack your beach bag.

Radiant Gems has the jewelry, the qualified sales people, and the best prices. The store is up to date with the latest designs that hit the market.

Radiant Gems offers lifetime guarantees, upgrades, and certified appraisals with all sales. Radiant Gems is delighted to present its collection in Fancy Color Diamonds and other magnificent exotic stones like Alexandrite, Imperial Topaz, Black Coral and Pink Emeralds.

The two owners, Sunny and Sonu, have been able to deliver a unique and convenient shopping experience to their customers, by combining their expertise in fine jewelry, and their commitment to excellent customer service. 85 Front Street, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Hop aboard a Rhino Watercraft and explore the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten. Perfect for 2 adults, request a 3 seater and bring your little one along. After a brief orientation, aboard your private Rhino and take a tour to a local hot spot perfect for snorkeling and diving! Enjoy a complimentary drink before heading back.

Rudy's specializes in deep sea fishing for Blue Marlin, White Marlin, Skip Jack Tuna, Big Eye Tuna, Yellow Fin Tuna, Sailfish, Dorado, Mahi Mahi, Dolphin, King Fish, Barracuda, Spanish Mackerel, Wahoo and more.

They are located on Airport Rd 14 (Simpson Bay across McDonald's).

Scuba Fun Dive Center on the Dutch side is located at Great Bay Marina - Dock Maarten (Pointe Blanche, Philipsburg), making it less than a ten-minute boat ride to reach about 15 of the most famous diving spots of St Maarten : Proselyte Reef, The Maze, Carib Ghost, Cable Reef.

Two restaurants are open seven days a week along with a wide variety of shops (souvenirs, grocery, jewelers, tobacconist, hair salon, etc.).

The dive shop is open from 8 am till 7 pm, and offers both sale and rental of diving and snorkeling equipment.

Next to Princess Juliana Airport, Simpson Bay Beach is the a mile-long curved beach that is usually pretty quiet. While Simpson Bay is very developed with tons of restaurants, shops and casinos, the beach isn't all that busy. It's lined with hotels, condos and villas. The water is pretty calm, so it's great for families with small kids or couples looking for an intimate, romantic spot.

Your day charter on a 56 feet catamaran in Saint Martin, with crew. Visit St Martin / Sant Maarten and surrounding islands, Anguilla, St Barth, Tintamarre, Pinel, and enjoy the pristine lagoons of the Caribbean with your family, for your honeymoon...Private charters are also available.

This museum is located at 7 Front Street in Philipsburg.

Learn more about the history and culture of St Maarten. This 18th century West Indian house showcases a collection of Caribbean folklore and historical relics. Also featured are several Amerindian Indian artifacts, as well as items from the earliest settlers and period furniture.

The zoo is located at Great Salt Pond in Philipsburg. It holds over 60 species of exotic mammals, birds, reptiles and more. All the animals here are exclusively from the tropics, and a number of them are very rare.

The zoo also features two incredible walk through aviaries with many colorful birds of the Caribbean and South America.

It is located just east of downtown Philipsburg, and is open just about every day. It's also inexpensive, and has a petting zoo and playground for the kids.

Hours of operation are from 9 am to 5 pm in the winter and 10 am to 6 pm in the summer.

At the southern end of Marigot, next to the Marina Port la Royale, is a museum dedicated to preserving St. Martin's history and culture. "On The Trail Of The Arawaks."

There is a variety of pre-Colombian treasures unearthed by the Hope Estate Archaeological Society. Among these are a reproduction of the 1,500 year old burial mound that was only discovered in 1994, artifacts dating back as far as 1800 BC, and some beautifully adorned ceramics from around 550 BC.

It is open from 9 am to 4 pm, and the entrance fee is € 5.00

Looking for fun? Sunset Beach Bar is the place to find it! Located next to Princess Juliana Airport, enjoy the islands famous Rum Punch and watch the planes come in overhead.

The SPA, in the heart of Maho, offers the very latest in health and beauty care, combining high tech with the purity of ancient traditions. Open the doors to an Essential Universe where you will find the peace and serenity so sorely lacking in today’s world.

"We have created a setting where nature and design are integrated to transport you back to the regenerating forces which lie dormant at the heart of your inner self."

This four-hour snorkeling suits everybody, and is the top rated activity on St. Maarten.

You will have personal snorkel guides along the beautiful reef of Tintamarre, Pine Island and Greenkey. On the exotic island of Tintamarre, you are treated to a natural mud bath.

They provide all support, an open cooler, snorkel gear, a little snack, and floating devices.

Major Poker Tournament in Casino Royale, Maho Beach. Dates TBA soon.

Amazing that on St. Martin/St. Maarten is the creator/maker of Yoda from the Star War Movies. He is a great artist, but also is setting up a museum there with Star War items, and has many autographed items for collectors. Interesting man and right downtown Phillipsburg....a real find!