Our research is editorially independent but we may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
St. Martin, also referred to as St. Maarten, is a Caribbean island regularly visited by honeymooners, cruise ship guests, and beach lovers alike who want to take advantage of its beautiful coastline and beachfront resorts. Although this island is small, there are still plenty of attractions to keep tourists and travelers entertained. You’ll never grow bored when you experience these top things to do in St. Martin.
Loterie Farm
What Is It?: Loterie Farm is one of the most popular attractions on St. Martin, aside from the island’s beach and water activities.
Why Do It?: Outdoorsy tourists will enjoy all the fun activities offered at Loterie Farm, which is close to the island’s highest point Pic Paradis. Spend a day here or book a room at the lodge for an overnight jungle stay.
Good to Know: Many people flock to Loterie Farm to enjoy the jungle zipline and obstacle course. This adventure park and resort is home to an on-site restaurant, a gorgeous swimming pool and hiking trails too.
Orient Bay Beach
What Is It?: Adult travelers should consider escaping the popular, family-friendly beaches on the island in exchange for a day at Orient Bay Beach.
Why Do It?: This clothing-optional beach is one of the most popular nude beaches in the Caribbean.
Good to Know: You can still enjoy the clear water and yellow sand here even if you don’t bare it all.
Maho Beach
What Is It?: One of the most iconic beaches in St. Martin is Maho Beach, found at the end of the island’s airport runway.
Why Do It?: Due to this beach’s close proximity to the airport, beachgoers at Maho Beach experience the unique sight of planes flying just a few hundred feet above the beach. Both thrilling and unusual, a day at this beach is definitely not boring.
Good to Know: Snapping a picture of an airplane flying dangerously close to the beach here is truly a unique souvenir to take back home with you.
Philipsburg
What Is It?: Philipsburg is home to a number of local shops as well as great eateries, a boardwalk and nightlife options too.
Why Do It?: For those shopaholics looking to take advantage of Philipsburg’s shopping, you’ll want to walk along Front Street.
Good to Know: Other popular attractions also found in Philipsburg are the Sint Maarten Museum and even a casino.
Pic Paradis
What Is It?: Pic Paradis is the highest point of the island, and there are a couple of trails you can take from Loterie Farm that reaches the top.
Why Do It?: Hike Pic Paradis to catch incredible views of the shoreline and surrounding jungle. Make sure to bring water and proper footwear on this 2.8-mile loop trail.
Good to Know: If you’re not much of a hiker, the top of the 1,492-foot mountain is accessible by vehicle too.
Scuba Diving
What Is It?: Experienced to beginner divers flock to St. Martin to explore the coral reefs found off the coast of St. Martin.
Why Do It?: There are a number of incredible dive sites where divers can catch glimpses of colorful aquatic life within the clear, blue water. Divers can choose to explore coral reef areas or even shipwreck areas too.
Good to Know: Experienced divers can swim the depths of the underwater oasis here, while beginner divers will be happy to know that St. Martin is home to shallow water diving too.
Mullet Bay Beach
What Is It?: Mullet Bay Beach is perfect for a quieter beach experience if you’ve grown tired of the airplane nuisance found at Maho Bay Beach.
Why Do It?: This free public beach, also close to the airport, is popular among travelers coming in via plane or cruise ship.
Good to Know: Although facilities are limited here, Mullet Bay Beach is still a popular beach on the island due to its scenic nature and proximity to Mullet Bay Golf Course.
Pinel Island
What Is It?: Although not on St. Martin, a visit to Pinel Island is a popular place experienced by many St. Martin visitors. Since this island is only a five-minute ferry ride from the coast, visitors head here to snorkel, kayak and paddleboard.
Why Do It?: Pinel Island is truly a local’s paradise on the weekends since it’s a great way to escape the tourists who crowd the beaches on the mainland.
Good to Know: The best way to explore Pinel Island is by kayak, where you can paddle your way to the number of secluded beaches here. The island isn’t completely deserted – there are three beach bars found here too.
