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    12 Unique Things to Do in St. Maarten / St. Martin Other Than Beaches

    By Mayra Carvajal

    What do you do in St. Maarten/St. Martin when the beach is calling but you don’t want to answer? As alluring as the beach can be, sometimes you want to do something different after three days in a row of saltwater, sand, and guavaberry coladas.

    Learning about the culture and the history of the place, wandering the streets in search of amazing street art, or exploring the scenery beyond a beachfront lined up with lounge chairs are unique things you can do while visiting the island.

    Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through those links I will earn a commission at no additional cost to you (zero, nada). To check the full disclaimer, click here.

    These are 12 unusual things to do in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin other than beaches 

    A collage of images with a fort with cannons,  a woman with parakeets on her head and a mural with a colourful iguana, and the text "Things to do in St.Maarten-St.Martin Other than beaches"
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    Table of Contents

    • See Traditional Caribbean Architecture in Marigot (and Some in Philipsburg)
    • Visit Fort Louis in Marigot  
    • Browse the Work of Local Artists (and More) at the Marigot Market  
    • Check out the Amazing Murals in Marigot and Philipsburg
    • Go on a Sunset Cruise from Simpson Bay
    • Indulge in Delicious French Pastries and Baked Goods in Marigot
    • Interact with Birds at Parotte Ville Bird Park
    • Explore the Island Driving Around on an ATV
    • Enjoy the View from Fort Amsterdam
    • Hit the Island’s Hiking Trails
    • Walk Across the Simpson Bay Causeway
    • Have a Front Row to One of the Most Exhilarating Landings

    See Traditional Caribbean Architecture in Marigot (and Some in Philipsburg)

    A traditional two-storey white house in the Caribbean with a porch and yellow doors and windows
    A traditional Caribbean house in Philipsburg

    There are good examples of traditional French Caribbean architecture in Marigot, with arch-filled porches framed by lovely wooden lattices and with colourful houses painted in every colour under the sun.

    A restaurant in Caribbean traditional style with a colourful picket fence.
    A splash of colour in Marigot

    As long as you don’t expect to see everything in pristine condition you’ll find joy in strolling around a major waterfront Caribbean town -Marigot is the capital of Saint Martin- that hasn’t been overrun by jewelry stores and chains selling frozen drinks.  Hooray for preserving what makes you unique!

    A traditional Caribbean white house with a porch with arches and wooden lattice
    Beautiful porches

    You’ll also see several rough diamonds that, even though they’re in serious need of some TLC (which I hope they get), have beautiful and intricate details.

    An intricate wood lattice on a porch of a house  with a door
    Lovely lattice
    The porch of a traditional Caribbean house with a stone façade
    You’ll also see stone façades
    The porch of a traditional Caribbean house with yellow walls and intricate wood lattice
    I hope these beauties get restored

    Signs of the devastation caused by hurricane Irma are still around. Even after several years, Marigot hasn’t fully recovered and there’s work to be done to bring it back to the jewel it was (and the pandemic didn’t help, of course).

    But things are getting better with ongoing renovation works that go along with the traditional architectural style.  

    A road with two-storey buildings matching traditional Caribbean architecture
    Newer construction in Marigot

    For Dutch Caribbean architecture, check out the few examples still standing in Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten. You’ll have to look a little bit harder here, but you can still find some gems among the sea of duty free stores that have sucked the originality of many port towns.

    A church with a traditional Caribbean style with white doors and windows
    The Methodist Church in Philipsburg
    Colourful traditional buildings facing a brick street with palm trees
    Some colourful examples

    To see more samples of similar architectural style in the Caribbean, take a trip to Charlestown, the capital of Nevis.

    And if you want to see a truly unique architectural style in the region head to the island of Saba, a short trip away from St. Maarten.

    Visit Fort Louis in Marigot  

    An abandoned fort with the French flag at the top
    Fort Louis in Marigot

    The British are coming! The British are coming! said time and again the French colonizers when they saw the ships that would again burn their cotton and tobacco crops and wreck whatever was rebuilt after the last invasion.

    In 1764 commander Descoudrelles said Enough! Do you see that hill over there? That’s where we have to put the cannons. Duh! The government completed the fort in 1789 and named it Fort Louis, in honor of Louis XVI, who was the King of France.

    By 1820 the fort had seen better days and even the cistern and the doors were gone.

    Today, there’s little remaining of Fort Louis, where a couple of cannons lay on the floor or sit on crumbling wood bases.

    View of a fort walls, canons, and a bay.
    That view, though!

    However, the latest restoration efforts still manage to convey that you’re inside a historic military fort where the main attraction is the unobstructed and unbeatable view of Marigot Bay and the Marigot Marina, the Simpson Bay Lagoon, and Baie de la Potence.

    Aerial view of a marina in a bay  with hills in the background
    View of the Marigot Bay from Fort Louis

    To visit Fort Louis we climbed up the wide concrete stairs that you’ll find at the intersection of  Rue de la République and Boulevard de France roads. The hike up the hill is around 20 minutes. Along the way you can see tons of plants resembling the aloe vera, you may spot iguanas, and catch great views as you approach the fort.


    Browse the Work of Local Artists (and More) at the Marigot Market  

    People browsing stalls at an open air market
    Find arts & crafts and more at the Marigot Market

    Go to Marigot’s waterfront (between Boulevard de France and Place du Marché roads) to browse the stalls of this open air market selling art and crafts from local artists, and many other goods.

    You’ll see tons of mass-produced trinkets, but if you take some time to look around, you’ll find unique handmade things and you’ll have the chance to meet the artists.

    You can also find clothing, spices, spiced rums, produce, and fish. 

    The market is open Monday to Saturday, in the morning (fish is available only on Wednesday and Saturday morning) . You may see more stalls when cruise ships are around.


    Check out the Amazing Murals in Marigot and Philipsburg

    A mural with the face of a young black woman with jewelry on her wrist and a blue background, with the text "We love Marigot"
    Yes, we do! Mural in Marigot by Jimmy Sheik

    When Marigot was looking quite sad following the devastation of hurricane Irma artists came to the rescue by using the walls as a canvas for their artwork. 

    Walk across town to find awesome murals and mosaics inspired by the natural beauty of the island, its history, the Caribbean culture, and the hope for a brighter future.

    Mural of a smiling black toddler with blue eyes and the text "Le regard est le mediateur du coeur"
    One of my favourites! Mural by Aipakman

    If you’re thirsty for more, drive to Sandy Ground (a few minutes west of Marigot on Baie Nettlé) to find the Wall of Art, a massive project showcasing the work of more than a dozen local and international artists and spanning across one kilometre.

    On the Dutch side, the street art in Philipsburg colours the walls along Front Street, Back Street, and some of the side streets connecting both and leading to the waterfront.

    Mayra standing in front of a mural of big butterfly wings
    Windy day! Mural by Tim Dowling
    Mural with a black woman with long hair and white dress, with the background of a map and a salt flat
    Mural of Soualiga, the Salt Picker. By Cindy Choisy

    The Philipsburg Art Walk features more than 20 murals completed by local artists, with themes similar to the ones you find in Marigot (nature, culture, and history).  There are signs next to the murals with the name of the artist and the message they want to share with you.

    A mural with an underwater scene and a plan in front
    “A Fisherman’s Tale” by Claudio Arnell
    A mural with an abstract landscape and common sayings in Sint Maarten
    Learning the local slang. Mural by Nascha Kagie
    Mayra sitting on a bench that integrates into a colourful mural as a swing
    A fun and colourful section of a mural bu Loudahlia Brill

    The mural walk changed the face of the capital and it’s one of the best free things to do in Philipsburg St Maarten.


    Go on a Sunset Cruise from Simpson Bay

    To watch a beach sunset minus the sand, board a 1.5-hour catamaran cruise that sails along the coast of Sint Maarten. Toast to the yellow and orange hues with drinks and snacks (included) while you enjoy the music.
    Book this sunset cruise, with a rating of 4.7/5 based on more than 95 reviews.

    Or, stay on board after sunset and have a Creole buffet-style dinner on a 63-foot catamaran. This 3-hour cruise features an open bar, music, and dancing.
    Book this sunset cruise with dinner, with a rating of 4.7/5 based on nearly 60 reviews.


    Indulge in Delicious French Pastries and Baked Goods in Marigot

    Oh là là! To sweeten the views of the blue sea stop by the fabulous French cafés on Marigot’s waterfront.

    I loved the amazing croissants, artisanal breads, and quiches at L’Express Bakery (with several locations around Saint Martin), and the desserts at  Chez Fernand la French Bakery. C’est magnifique!

    There are also many restaurants around where you can try Creole and French cuisine.


    Interact with Birds at Parotte Ville Bird Park

    A man holding a cup that feeds colourful parakeets
    Sun conures (Sun parakeets) at Parotte Ville

    Parotte Ville is one of the best things to do in Philipsburg St Maarten near the cruise port.

    It’s the baby of owner George Parotte, a bird expert and animal lover who built a humongous mesh enclosure with soaring heights where more than 150 birds from more than 20 species circle the air above a variety of tall plants and branches.

    At the entrance we received a cup with seeds to attract the friendly birds and a few steps later we had colourful parrots landing on our heads (bring a hat!), our shoulders, our hands, and of course, the feeding cups.

    Mayra with a colourful parakeet on her shoulder
    The sun conures sharing one or two secrets
    A parakeet with a gray head and green wings
    A Green-cheeked conure (green-cheeked parakeet)
    A man with a parakeet on his head
    They love to land on your head!

    The parrots were the only birds that interacted with us (they loved to inspect our ears), but we also saw around bananaquits (aka. Yellow breasts or sugarbird), zebra finches, Java sparrows, Owl finches, and the spectacular golden pheasant and Lady Amherst’s pheasant.

    A pheasant with gold and black feathers in the head and burnt red feathers in the chest
    A golden pheasant
    Two blue parakeets
    Two blue ring necked parrots
    A gray small bird with burnt orange patterns
    A zebra finch

    The birds look healthy and under good care, and fly around as they please. They’re not forced to do any performance. 

    The staff is knowledgeable and happy to reply to any questions about the birds. You’ll find pictures of the birds with information regarding their origin, habitat, and feeding.

    Other than birds you can see medicinal plants and learn about their healing properties and see heirlooms belonging to George’s family in the small Heritage Museum attached to Parotte Ville. It’s a window into life in Sint Maarten decades and decades ago.

    Parotte Ville is on Bishop Hill Road in Belvedere (a 10-minute ride from the cruise port in Philipsburg-depending on traffic-). Open daily: 9:30AM-4PM; General admission: US$10


    Explore the Island Driving Around on an ATV

    Spend half a day exploring both sides of the island as you drive leisurely on an ATV, stopping at scenic viewpoints, Marigot streets, and doing a “Moses Walk” (bring water shoes). Most of the drive is on paved roads and there’s a stop at the beach for lunch (not included). End the adventure with a glass of rum punch.
    Check out the reviews of this guided ATV tour, with a rating of 4.9/5 based on more than 1,530 reviews.

    Do you prefer let the driving to someone else? Pick your favourite spots from this post and create your own itinerary.
    Book a private sightseeing tour like this one, with a rating of 4.9/5 based on more than 380 reviews.


    Enjoy the View from Fort Amsterdam

    View of a green hill over the sea
    The view from Fort Amsterdam

    In 1631 the Dutch built Fort Amsterdam to protect the colony of Sint Maarten. However, it was of little use since two years later it didn’t stop the Spaniards from conquering Sint Maarten and staying there for the next 15 years. They worked on the fort expansion until negotiations between Spain, France, and the Netherlands left Spain out of the island.

    Today, there is little left of what was the first Dutch colonial fort in the Caribbean. What remains is a few walls, some cannons and the fabulous views of Great Bay in Philipsburg and Little Bay, both featuring some of the best beaches in Sint Maarten.

    Mayra standing next to a cannon with the sea and hills in the background
    View of Great Bay from Fort Amsterdam

    You’ll also find some super short trails down the slopes where you’ll see cacti (including endangered species), iguanas, and great views of a seemingly never-ending sea. On the slope facing Little Bay you’ll find a large breeding colony of brown pelicans, a symbol of Sint Maarten.

    A brown pelican standing on a rocky cliff
    Check out the brown pelican colony
    A brownish iguana
    You’ll also see iguanas

    Fort Amsterdam is located inside the property of the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Ask the guards at the gate to let you visit the fort and they’ll point where to go. Free admission.


    Hit the Island’s Hiking Trails

    View of the sea from a coastal trail with grass and rocks
    The Froussards Trail in Saint Martin

    St. Maarten/St.Martin is a hilly island with hiking trails that offer spectacular views of the sea, the towns below, the surrounding islands, and the sunset.

    Don’t want to deal with much elevation gain? Step into the scenic coastal trails to see the waves crash against dramatic rocky cliffs with the silhouette of the hills in the background.

    Some sections even run along the beach, just in case you need a refreshing dip along the way.

    Want to learn more about the trails? Check out my blog post about hiking in St. Maarten/St. Martin.


    Walk Across the Simpson Bay Causeway

    A white bridge in the distance over a lagoon with hills in the background
    Take a scenic walk along the Simpson Bay Causeway

    This is perfect for when you’re looking for a scenic walk but you don’t want to do any hike or step into rocky or sandy paths. Just smooth concrete.

    The Simpson Bay Causeway is a long bridge over the Simpson Bay Lagoon with a separate pedestrian lane so you can walk with ease and relax with the gorgeous views of Sint Peter’s Hill and the boats on the lagoon. It’s a popular walk in Sint Maarten so you’ll see tons of people.

    If you’re using public transit you can hop on the bus that goes from Philipsburg to Marigot through Cole Bay and hop off at the roundabout connecting Union Road with the bridge. If you’re renting a car in Sint Maarten you can park at the roundabout exit leading to the mountain (where you can also find a popular hiking trail) and walk towards the causeway.


    Have a Front Row to One of the Most Exhilarating Landings

    A large plane landing low next to the beach
    Sit at the beach bar and watch the landings

    Grab a seat in the shade at one of the bars next to Maho Beach and raise your glass to the views of one of the most exciting runways in the world: the Princess Juliana International Airport.

    These are not your usual landings. The short strip forces the airplanes to get so low that you’ll hardly find any other place in the world where you can see a landing so close.

    The wow moment everybody looks forward to is the landing of the KLM big bird coming from Amsterdam (if possible, time your visit around its arrival). I felt as if people on the beach, stretching their hands below the plane, could grab the wheels and get carried away.


    What would you do in St. Maarten/St. Martin other than going to the beach? Save this blog post to plan your visit to this beautiful island or share it with friends who would like to mix their beach days with other activities.


    YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO READ

    A woman on a hilly coastal trail with waves crashing on the shore

    Where Can I Hike in St. Maarten / St. Martin? The Best Hiking Trails on Island

    A beach with clean sand and clear water

    The 10 Best Beaches in St. Martin – French Side

    A large plane flying low over a beach with turquoise waters right before landing

    The 8 Best Beaches in St. Maarten – Dutch Side


    BOOKING FLIGHTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS

    Book your flight without losing your shirt

    We check Momondo to find great deals to book our flights. Also, check Great Escape: it combines the listings from Expedia, Kiwi, Kayak, (and Skyscanner on the premium service) to find the best airfares.

    To find a place to stay for less

    Booking.com: this site combines everything under the sun. You’ll find hotels, apartments, B&B, hostels, rooms, etc., with all sort of filters to make your search a breeze.

    Hotwire: the first site I check when we plan to stay at a hotel for a few nights. You can save anything from 20% to 60%.  Use the search filter to find what you want and you’ll end up with three listings that match your criteria. You’ll know which one you’ll get after you book. If you can handle a little bit of uncertainty you can score big savings.

    House Sitting: you take care of people’s pets and house for free while staying for free. It’s the closest thing to experiencing a place “like a local”. But it comes with responsibilities… Are you an animal lover? It may become your new way to travel.

    To get travel insurance

    SafetyWing: travel medical insurance that gives us peace of mind knowing that we’re covered in case of emergency. It’s convenient, affordable, and suitable for digital nomads who spend a long time outside their home country.

    Check the full list of travel resources on my Resource Page for more options and savings

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    About Mayra Carvajal

    Hi, I’m Mayra. A full-time nomad with an appetite for travelling. Art and design are my salt and pepper, with a side order of nature and outdoors. When I’m not gazing at architecture or any other form of art, you’ll see me on a hiking trail, at the top of an ancient ruin, or under a beach umbrella. Here you’ll find practical tips for independent trips, travel stories, and images that may inspire you to explore a new place or high-five your creative muse. Read my About page if you want to learn more about how this site can help you travel more.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. EverywhereSheTravels

      February 19, 2023 at 1:21 PM

      Very cool post! Definitely makes me want to visit St. Maarten / St. Martin one day. The Wall of Art and The Philipsburg Art Walk sound super cool, I would love to see those.

      • Mayra Carvajal

        February 21, 2023 at 11:10 AM

        You could spend half a day only looking at murals and taking cool pics

    2. Fransic verso

      February 19, 2023 at 1:49 PM

      This is an interesting place, and love the colorful fence. Something would be cool to have in our area lol. Thak you for sharing these things to do.

      • Mayra Carvajal

        February 21, 2023 at 11:11 AM

        Colour brightens everyone’s day!

    3. Tetyana

      February 19, 2023 at 1:55 PM

      Wow! Thanks for sharing and including the pictures! I love old buildings very much.

      • Mayra Carvajal

        February 21, 2023 at 11:12 AM

        Nothing like the charm and uniqueness of old buildings

    4. nia

      February 19, 2023 at 5:20 PM

      Woah1 Being so close to the airport seems so exciting and cool! And the architecture looks so colorful and vibrant! Thanks for sharing these unique ideas. Beautiful photos!

      • Mayra Carvajal

        February 21, 2023 at 11:12 AM

        Thanks! The Caribbean is full of colour

    5. Literally Laurie

      February 20, 2023 at 9:24 AM

      Love this blog post and I’m a frequent SXM traveler; it’s my home away from home! I have checking out the wall murals on my future to-do list. Great job focusing on the island’s natural beauty and architecture. It’s truly a special place. Visit my blog to see my post on 7 reasons to go on a family vacay! 🙂

      • Mayra Carvajal

        February 21, 2023 at 11:14 AM

        You’ll love the murals. They’re awesome.

    6. Joyce Duffels

      September 28, 2023 at 2:59 PM

      Hi ,

      Is there anywhere on the island where they do crafts ? Like paint wine glasses , pictures etc…

      • Mayra Carvajal

        October 1, 2023 at 7:17 PM

        Hi!
        There’s an art supply store on the French side, Sol’Art, that offers art workshops. I don’t know if they have one-session classes though.

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