One Island, Two Nations. Explore 20 attractions and 33 bookable experiences across the island.
St. Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two sovereign nations, and crossing between the Dutch and French sides - unmarked by any border checkpoint - is itself part of the fun. Start on the Dutch side in Philipsburg, where Front Street runs the length of Great Bay with duty-free jewelry shops, electronics stores, and souvenir vendors. The real draw here is the mile-long boardwalk that hugs the beach, lined with open-air bars and restaurants where you can swim between courses.
From Philipsburg, head west to Maho Beach, the most photographed patch of sand in the Caribbean: the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport ends just a few hundred feet from the shoreline, and arriving 747s pass so low overhead that you can read the registration numbers on the fuselage. The Sunset Beach Bar posts the daily flight schedule on a chalkboard so you can time your visit.
Cross the invisible border to the French side and the atmosphere shifts noticeably - boulangeries replace burger joints, and the pace slows. Marigot, the French capital, is a small waterfront town with a Wednesday and Saturday morning market along the harbor where vendors sell spices, tropical fruits, accras, and boudin créole. Climb to Fort Louis above Marigot for panoramic views of Marigot Bay and Anguilla to the north.
Orient Bay, often called the French Riviera of the Caribbean, is a long crescent of white sand lined with beach clubs - Kakao, Kontiki, and Bikini Beach each rent loungers and umbrellas and serve lunch and cocktails, with the far southern end being clothing-optional. For something more secluded, hike the 40-minute trail to Happy Bay, a hidden beach north of Friar's Bay that sees only a fraction of Orient Bay's traffic.
Loterie Farm, a former sugar plantation in the hills above Pic Paradis, has been reimagined as a nature reserve and day resort with zip lines through the forest canopy, a spring-fed pool, and an excellent restaurant called Hidden Forest Café that serves lunch under the mahogany trees. For island hopping, fast ferries from Marigot reach Anguilla in 20 minutes and St. Barts in 45, making either a feasible day trip.
Arriving jets descend just 30 to 60 feet above the beach on final approach to Princess Juliana Airport. The Sunset Beach Bar posts the flight schedule daily. The most dramatic arrivals are wide-body aircraft in the early afternoon. Stand behind a departing jet at your own risk - engine blast has thrown people into the water.
The open-air market along Marigot's harbor operates Wednesday and Saturday mornings with vendors selling fresh spices, tropical produce, Creole prepared foods like accras and boudin, and handmade crafts. Arrive before 10 a.m. for the best selection and grab a fresh coconut water from the fruit stands.
This mile-long beach on the French side is lined with distinct beach clubs, each with its own vibe. Kakao is the liveliest with DJ sets, Kontiki is family-friendly with water sports rentals, and Bikini Beach caters to a fashion-conscious crowd. Lounger and umbrella rentals run $20 to $40 for the day.
At 1,391 feet, Pic Paradis is the island's highest point. The trail starts near Loterie Farm on the French side and takes about 90 minutes round trip through tropical forest. On a clear day, the summit offers views of Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, and Anguilla. Best attempted in the cooler morning hours.
This former sugar plantation on the slopes of Pic Paradis has been converted into a nature reserve with a canopy zip line course, a spring-fed swimming pool, and forest hiking trails. The Fly Zone zip line includes multiple lines through the mahogany canopy. Entry fees start around $40 for the pool and $99 for zip lining.
Fast ferries from Marigot to Anguilla's Blowing Point take just 20 minutes. Anguilla's beaches - Shoal Bay East, Meads Bay, and Rendezvous Bay - are among the finest in the Caribbean, and the island's laid-back restaurant scene is excellent. Round-trip ferry costs about $30 plus Anguilla's departure tax.
This rocky outcrop just offshore from Grand Case beach shelters a rich reef with schools of blue tang, sergeant majors, and occasional sea turtles. You can swim out from the beach in five to ten minutes, though kayak rentals make the trip easier. The best visibility is in the morning before winds pick up.

Orient Beach is a nature attraction on St. Maarten. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Maarten is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.

Nature sanctuary on 135 acres with hiking trails & zip lines, plus a bar/eatery & pool/lounge areas.

Topper's Rhum Distillery is a nature attraction on St. Maarten. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Maarten is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.

Princess Cruise Pier St Maarten is a nature attraction on St. Maarten. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Maarten is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.

Marigot Market is a nature attraction on St. Maarten. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Maarten is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.

Fort ruins dating to the 1600s, with several cannons & commanding views of nearby bays & beaches.

Fort St. Louis is a cultural attraction on St. Maarten. Visitors can experience the vibrant local culture and artistic traditions of St. Maarten at this destination. It is a window into the creative spirit and community life of the island.

David's Hole is a nature attraction on St. Maarten. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Maarten is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.

Museum from special-effects designer Nick Maley with Star Wars props & costumes, plus a gift shop.

Rotary Lookout Point is a nature attraction on St. Maarten. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Maarten is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.

Seaside Ranch St. Maarten is a nature attraction on St. Maarten. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Maarten is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.

Da Waterhole is a nature attraction on St. Maarten. This natural area showcases the lush tropical landscapes and diverse ecosystems that St. Maarten is known for. Visitors can explore the local flora and fauna in a serene setting.
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