Saint Martin Things to Do

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This gorgeous beach is, in my opinion, ruined by the extraordinary amount of peddlers that are allowed to swarm people who are just trying to enjoy the place.

It's set-up is very European with a series of individual clusters of beach chairs that are accompanied by a restaurant/bar/snack-bar (they vary). They're all comfortable chez lounge chairs, facing the gorgeous water which is rich in tones of sky and aqua blue.

However, you can't enjoy the view when standing between you and it is someone who'd like you to buy a necklace, bracelet, sarong, dress, scarf, aloe or regular massage. When I first realized that this is how things were going to be the thought that crossed my mind was "Are you f**king kidding me?" At one point I was laying on my stomach and one vendor who noticed the sunburn on my back just started rubbing aloe on it while trying to sell me a $30 massage. The aloe felt wonderful of course, but I had not solicited this massage and I felt more anger than relief.

The owners of the restaurants must be getting a kick-back from them. The only respite from this madness is to swim. The water was gorgeous and the waves were wonderful so I greatly enjoyed that.

I'm sorry that this review is so negative and that's not my usual style, but I was so disappointed in this beach.

World famous Caribbean artist Roland Richardson has a gallery in Marigot. In fact, he w
See my comments on the main page for more info. in fact, he was born right next door. Original Paintings are for sale and Mr. Richardson will even do a portrait of you if you want. Ot you can just browse around if you like with no pressure to buy.
On Thursday's Roland has a meet and greet in the early afternoon.
We were fortunate enough to bump into him and have a long chat. See my blurb on the opening page for more details.

Grand Case is the gourmet capitol of the world, second to Paris. Located in the north on the French side of the island. Le petite favorite is a small shopping centre, restaurant, and more. Beautiful to look at with all the gingerbread trim.

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While staying at Orient Bay, this was a natural visit for me--I love animals and stuff like that, so my next door lady friend and I went up the driveway to the Butterfly Farm---a huge tented area full of beautiful butterflies, and folk who are willing to take the time to discuss them with you. There is a fee to enter, but well worth it, once you get inside. There are many species fluttering around the enclosed area, as well as places where you can view pupae and cocoons and hear info on their lifestyles.....Many photo oportunities abound in here so take your cameras. The gift shop at the end is wonderful as well, with butterfly gifts for anyone at reasonable prices....

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This is a very cool, very large beach on the eastern side of the French part of the island. There's a decent, but overpriced, bar area and plenty of places to rent any type of water fun item you might desire.

The water here is much too rough for any snorkeling, so if thats your thing you'll want to go elsewhere.

Also, there is a section of the beach here that is clothing optional so beware you may see some 'stuff a sagging'.

There is an outdoor market in Marigot that has some pretty good deals. I should also list this under tourist traps, but its still a good way to kill a couple of hours and pick up some souvenirs for all of the suckers that couldn't come with you on your trip.

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Bikini Beach has great things to do. Lots of watersports available (ex. waverunners $90/hr or $45 for 1/2 hour). Massages at the Buddha Garden ($75 hour or $45 1/2 hour). Not to mention the people watching and just lying in the Caribbean sun. This beach is also European style, so you will be able to go topless if you like, we opted not to but did see one woman walking down the bbeach. Club Orient is located at the far right of the beach where you can go fully nude.
Beach is free but if you want lounge chairs, it will cost you $7/each chair and an umbrella is $3.

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Dubbed the “Culinary capital of the Caribbean,” Grand Case is without question the best place for dining on St. Martin/Sint Maarten. The town’s main drag is essentially a long row of restaurants, ranging from inexpensive lolos serving barbeque to high-end places serving traditional French cuisine. Reservations are typically unnecessary, as most diners simply walk the street and view the specials highlighted on chalkboards before choosing a restaurant. The restaurants front a somewhat unspectacular but not altogether unworthy beach.