St Martin Attractions & Tourism - Two Nations, One Island...

Your Guide to Year-Round St Martin / Things to Do in St Martin!

Known as "Little Saint Tropez", Orient Bay Beach is renowned as the most beautiful beach on Saint Martin.

Welcome to the unique island of St Martin / St Maarten - two nations, one island, shared by the French and the Dutch and offering a unique blend of many cultures. St Martin / St Maarten is a tropical destination fringed by pristine beaches, dotted with scenic rolling hills and boasting an average tropical temperature ranging from 75°F to 83°F year round. The official currencies are the Euro on the French side and the Florin on the Dutch with the dollar universally accepted on the island. With over 87 nationalities represented on this 37 square mile paradise, English is widely spoken on both sides of St Martin / St Maarten. The French capital of Marigot is quintessentially French and cosmopolitan, and the Dutch side capital of Phillipsburg has rapidly gained a reputation for being the shopping capital of the Eastern Caribbean with its famed "golden mile" of Frontstreet.

Located in the leeward islands of the Eastern Caribbean, St Martin/ St Maarten is a short 4 hour hop away from New York and just 2 hours from Miami, Dutch side Sint Maarten is the busy hub for all the surrounding islands - including chic St Barths, exclusive Anguilla and the Emerald Isle of Saba - providing numerous daily flights from and to the United States.

Saint Martin is divided roughly in half between France and the Netherlands, making it the smallest inhabited sea island divided between two nations. This multinational ownership results in the island being referred to by different names: Sint Maarten/St Maarten (Dutch) and Saint-Martin/St Martin (French).

There's something for everyone in St Martin...

The deceptively small St Martin presents many interesting contrasts for the traveler. From the wide beaches along the coast to the quiet country roads and small towns of the hillsides, St Martin provides a variety both "atmosphere" and activities to suit everyone.

St Martin Beaches & Water Sports

The beautiful island of St Martin is blessed with over 30 white sandy beaches, each of them unique, and with its own charm. You can choose from the isolated romantic little cove to beaches where action is going on day and night. You will find St Martin beaches with waves high enough for surfers, and others with waves calm enough for families with small children. There are beaches where naturalists can enjoy a clothing-optional beach lifestyle. There are busy beaches for jet skiis, water sports of all types and other active fun, and deserted beaches for lovers and others looking for introspective beauty. All St Martin beaches are public so many companies have set their businesses along the water front for easy accessibility to guests on vacation in St Martin.

Beachcombing: St Martin Beachcombing is everyone's beach sport. Whether a casual stroll, or an active search for an island momento, beachcombers will find beautiful driftwood, shells, sea creatures and fun.

Parasailing: Orient Beach is the place for parasailing. This two mile long beach offers water sports locations next to the many restaurants right on the beach. Strap into the parasailing rig and soar 30-50 ft above the ground - taking in the spectacular view of St Martin. Don't worry about the landing - your professional parasailing team-members bring you down nice and dry, onto the launch pad where you first lifted off.

Windsurfing: Adrenaline rush hour happens every day at Orient Beach and Coconut grove. The best spot for beginners and intermediates is undoubtedly Coconut grove with its flat water and easy launching. The hugely popular Orient Beach offers a challenging sailing arena unmatched on the island.

Underwater Adventures: Under the sea of St Maarten you will find many beautiful things. Yet what better way to see it, than with a scuba or snorkeling excursion, which can be provided by some of the best in the Caribbean. One of the most popular dive sites is the wreck of the British man-of-war HMS Proselyte, which sank in 1801. Today its haunting remains lie atop a reef a mile south of Great Bay.

St Martin Nightlife

Fueled by a healthy tourist industry, an international reputation, and a duty-free fervor that never seems to end, night on St Martin is a time when things are just beginning. Much of the nightlife is concentrated at the big resorts, which combine night clubs, restaurants, and late-night shopping. St Martin's discos attract an international crowd, all dancing to the latest club hits. The best Caribbean music on the island can be found at the island's many live-music clubs. Among the island hot spots are the News Music Cafe, Greenhouse, Indiana Beach, Amnesia, and Cheri's Cafe.

Casinos: For many visitors, the island's nine casinos are the major attraction. The gaming is subdued and sophisticated, and open to everyone from high-rollers to beginners. The largest casino on the island is Casino Royale, at the Maho Beach Hotel. Just a few minutes from Casino Royale is the Atlantis Casino at Cupecoy Beach.

Enjoy Duty-Free St Martin Shopping!

The best St Martin shopping areas are located in the two capital cities, Marigot on the French side and Philipsburg on the Dutch side. This area of St Martin shopping provides an interesting maze of houses and chic shops as well as duty-free boutiques. Shoppers will find excellent bargains on a wide variety of luxury items including jewelry, cameras, perfume, designer clothing, works of art, wine, champagnes and more.

St Martin Restaraunts and Dining

Fine dining on St Martin is part of the island's true Caribbean experience. St Martin restaurants reflect the many cultural influences that have developed in cohabitation. St Martin restaurants display a selection of French and ethnic cuisines that welcome guests each year who are in search of a special dining experience during their vacation. While St Martin restaurants have little emphasis on Dutch cuisine, they are strongly influenced by French and Italian cooking techniques.

Hiking, Trails, and Parks in St Martin

The best way to really appreciate St Martin is to explore it on foot. You'll meet the local people, learn the customs and above all see the scenery, flora and fauna that you will never see from the main road. Heading north from Philipsburg you will find the island's Zoo which features animals and plants native to the Caribbean Basin and South America. Northeast of the Zoo are Dawn Beach and Oyster Pond. For the history enthusiast, there is the climb up Mount Concordia where, in 1648, the treaty that divided the island was signed.

Your Guide to Year-Round St Martin Recreation & Fun!

For help planning your trip, take a few minutes to browse our web site. We provide real information about St Martin attractions, restaurants and other things-to-do in St. Martin while staying with Green Cay Villas. For more detail about attractions on the beautiful island of St Martin, pick an information category from the list above. Your St Martin vacation adventure starts here!