Saint-Martin Travel Guide | Itineraries and Highlights

Les raisons de voyager à Saint-Martin sont nombreuses. On visite l’île de Saint-Martin pour vivre au soleil l’héritage français et hollandais et sa belle diversité culturelle, mais également pour ses sites naturels préservés et pour son statut de capitale gastronomique des Caraïbes.

Cette île des Petites Antilles, entre océan Atlantique et mer des Caraïbes, est le plus petit territoire au monde partagé entre deux nations souveraines, la France et les Pays-Bas. La taille de l’île est d’à peine 60 km carrés et il n’y a pas de contrôle frontalier physique entre le côté français et le côté hollandais. Il est donc très facile de circuler entre les deux parties de l’île.

Paradis des voiliers, la destination offre 37 plages, des réserves naturelles et des paysages montagneux. Vous pourrez y pratiquer différentes activités de plein air et même visiter d’autres îles à proximité, dont Saint-Barthélemy et Anguilla.

On vient également à Saint-Martin et Sint Maarten pour son magasinage sophistiqué et pour sa vie nocturne, sa fine cuisine, ses restaurants avec spectacles, ses piano-bars et ses nombreux concerts organisés tout au long de l’année. St Maarten est d’ailleurs populaire pour ses boîtes de nuit et casinos.

Rappelons que l’île avait été durement touchée en 2017 par l’ouragan Irma et plus récemment par la pandémie. Mais c’est maintenant chose du passé et la destination regarde vers l’avant.

Lors d’une présentation à Montréal, j’ai pu m’entretenir à ce sujet avec Valérie Damaseau, Présidente de l’Office de Tourisme de Saint-Martin.

Nous sommes ravis de constater que les choses reprennent sur Saint-Martin. Maintenant, nous pouvons dire que nous avons les hôtels les plus rénovés! Même en termes de produits, les restaurants, les activités, les hôtels, tout ce qui est proposé aujourd’hui est neuf et bien pensé pour mieux répondre aux attentes des clients.

Airports and flights

From Montreal or Toronto, and depending on the dates, several airlines – Air Canada, Sunwing, WestJet, Transat – servePrincess Juliana International Airport (SXM), located in Sint Maarten.

There are no direct flights between Montreal (YUL) and Sint Marteen (SXM) with Air Canada.

According to Aeroplan’s points predictor, the number of points starts at 12,500 for a one-way trip. If you plan to travel during a period of high demand, such as December, you’ll need more points.

Lottery Farm

In the heart of a hidden forest and at the foot of Paradise Peak, the highest point on the island, Loterie Farm offers several outdoor activities. It is home to many protected plant and animal species. On the program: zip line, swimming, hiking and lunch.

The Pinel island

The Pinel island, off Cul-de-Sac, north-east of Saint-Martin, is the pearl of the beaches among the 37 that shelter the island. You can get there by boat and there are restaurants on site.

Tintamarre islet

Its name comes from the Spanish “tinta mare” which means “color of the sea”. With its ochre cliffs, turquoise lagoon and golden sand, the islet boasts two superb beaches.

Access is by boat for day trips and scuba diving, with a wreck submerged at a depth of 15 meters. During the navigation to the island, it is possible to meet humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.

Horseback riding

At Seaside Nature Park, you can go horseback riding on the beach and even swim with your horse in the sea! No experience is necessary. The park boasts 30 hectares of unspoilt nature.

Shopping in Marigot or Philipsburg

Located in the west of the island, Marigot is the Creole capital, worthy representative of France in the tropics. On the waterfront, the Marigot market offers local products every day except Sunday.

If you like luxury products, you can find your favorite brands such as Dior, Mont-Blanc, Fred, Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Chanel and Longchamp.

Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit when you come to Marigot, because you can go swimming. The beach of Galisbay is located at the exit of the city center. On the other side, you will find the large beach of Baie Nettlé.

In the Dutch part of the island of St. Maarten, Front Street is the most commercial street of the capital Philipsburg. You’ll love the colorful facades of the stores and cafes, with the sea in front of you.

Tijon Perfumery

In Grand-Case, the Tijon perfumery plunges you into the world of its refined fragrances made according to the traditions of the town of Grasse in France. You will have the opportunity to create your own perfume during personalized classes.

Contemplating wall art

The French and Dutch parts also offer stunning works of art. Several neighborhoods exhibit murals created by local and international artists.

For example, the work of Wallartstmartin, with its vibrantly colored frescoes, can be seen all over the island. These works will capture your eye, like this magnificent turtle.

Rent a car or mountain bike to explore the island

When traveling to Saint-Martin, the best thing to do is to rent a vehicle and go discover the many attractions of the island.

Driving is by French standards in the right-hand lane. A Canadian driver’s license is sufficient to drive anywhere on the island. The road network of Saint-Martin is made up of a main belt that surrounds the island and small roads that connect the neighborhoods and beaches.

Road maps are distributed free of charge at theTourist Office of Saint-Martin and in various shops and other tourist places on the island. You can also use the GPS applications on your cell phone, including Google Maps, which works very well on the territory.

Otherwise, cabs are at your disposal to move from Marigot, Philipsburg, or the main tourist sites.

Cabs do not have a meter, but rather follow an established fare schedule. Most cabs, especially those in the Dutch part, accept both dollars and euros.

For example, a trip from the international airport to your rental in the Maho district will cost you 15 euros, with four people and luggage.

Large hotel chains are not very present in Saint-Martin. But the Marriott Bonvoy’s Homes & Villas option is available to rent apartments or villas with Marriott Bonvoy points.

You can also use a travel credit from a credit card. Through Amex Travel, choose any accommodation in Saint-Martin and apply your credit to the account.

Like with these American Express credit cards:

• $100 travel credit with the American Express Gold Rewards Card
• $ 200 travel credit with the American Express Platinum Card

Using Airbnb is a good idea, as well as with general booking sites like Booking.com.

With a credit card like the Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card, use points to deduct your lodging expenses!

What’s more, this Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite +* Card saves you 2.5% on conversion fees, on all your travel transactions. It’s two for one.