Things to do in St. Martin

The island, referred to as “The Friendly Island,” boasts many different land and sea activities that you are sure to enjoy during your stay. With over 37 white sand beaches, the island is a true paradise.

Enjoy water sport activities, such as jet skiing, surfing, towed buoys, parasailing, snorkeling or scuba diving, just to name a few. Watersports can be found on most beaches around the island. Simply reserve on site or book through your hotel. Deep sea fishing trips, day boat trips around the island, jet ski excursions and dinner cruises are fun options if you love the water.

Or take a day trip to the neighboring island of Anguilla for an experience of a lifetime swimming with dolphins at Dolphin Discovery. If you prefer to stay dry, you can play a round of golf at Mullet Bay Golf Course, zip line through the mountains or simply take a stroll down one of the many shopping streets on both sides of the island. Zip lining can be found at the Lotterie Farm on the French side of the island, on the Dutch side at Rainforest Adventures.

Looking for amazing views and a little bit of St. Martin’s history? Take a trip to Fort Louis in Marigot, where you can see magnificent views of Marigot’s harbor as well views of the island of Anguilla. Have a Star Wars fan in the family? Take them on a tour of the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, where Hollywood’s Nick Malley displays not only authentic Star Wars items, but other relics from movies such as Men in Black and The Terminator. Looking for water activities without getting wet? Look no further than Bon-Sea semi-submarine located in Philipsburg, which will take you around Great Bay. The Dutch side is also home to Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary, where you get to learn about birds, feed and interact with them.

The Marigot marina on the French side boasts French boutiques and jewelry stores. Take a trip to the front-de-mer during market days to shop local products and fresh fish and vegetables. The Dutch side of the island’s shopping mecca is Front Street in Philipsburg. With jewelry stores, electronic stores and American name brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Tiffany’s and Hard Rock Café, you are sure to find something for everybody.

Don’t leave the island without experiencing a once in a lifetime experience of seeing a plane swoop down onto the airport runway feet away from you. Made popular on YouTube and travel sites, Maho Beach on the Dutch side of the island is probably the only place you’ll see an aircraft land and takeoff so close to you.