Whether by ferry or plane, from Saint-Martin you can quickly reach several other islands and islets. Many of these destinations are prized for their natural splendor and the diving and hiking opportunities they offer. You’ll also find plenty of other attractions to make your vacation a memorable one.
Saint-Martin’s proximity to many neighboring islands is a major advantage, facilitating day or weekend excursions. Nestled in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, Saint-Martin is surrounded by islands, each as beautiful as the next, and each with its own ambience and assets.
Below, you’ll find a list of islands to explore around St. Maarten, along with tips and recommendations for making the most of every stage of your stay on these islands!
1. Pinel Island, nature reserve and jewel of the Antilles
Pinel Island, a small uninhabited island forming part of the French Marine Reserve of Saint-Martin, is located just 0.8 km off the northeast coast of Saint-Martin. Thanks to its calm, blue waters, Pinel Island offers an ideal setting for water sports such as snorkeling. Exploring the sheltered cove and watching the waves break on the wild beach, visitors will have the opportunity to admire some of the most magnificent marine creatures.
There are several ways to get to Pinel Island. By paddle board, for $40 (35 euros) per person, by kayak from Saint-Martin, with prices ranging from $34 to $97 (30 to 85 euros), or by ferry from Cul-de-Sac, Saint-Martin, for $6 (5 euros) per person one way and $12 (10 euros) per person round trip.
The island of Pinel is close to the French side of the island of Saint-Martin (which is the northern part of the island, the Dutch part being to the south). On Pinel Island, you’ll find seaside restaurants such as the Yellow Beach Restaurant and the Karibuni Restaurant.
2. The island of Tintamarre, a must-see around Saint-Martin
Tintamarre is a small island with a surface area of around 800,000 m². It is located in the Caribbean Sea, 3 km off the coast of the island of Saint-Martin. Tintamarre currently has no inhabitants, but between 1946 and 1950 it was the base of a former airline, Compagnie Aérienne Antillaise.
To reach the island of Tintamarre from Saint-Martin, you can start from the town of Marigot, which is the capital of the French part of the island. From there, you can book boat excursions, private charters or catamaran cruises that include Tintamarre as a destination. Be sure to check available options with local operators in Marigot and confirm logistical details before you go. There are no places to eat on the island of Tintamarre. But many tours include lunch. You can also bring your own picnic and enjoy it on one of the island’s superb beaches.
3. Anguilla, one of St. Martin’s most elegant neighbor islands
Sail to the incredibly relaxed island of Anguilla and discover its tranquil yet elegant atmosphere. Most of the action in Anguilla takes place at the western end of the island, which is where the ferry from Marigot arrives. It takes just 25 minutes to reach Anguilla. When you arrive on the island, at the Blowing Point terminal, you’ll be greeted by the charming locals and a plethora of cabs. If you prefer to fly, you can also reach the island in just 10 minutes!
In Anguilla, expect to see sparkling white sand beaches, secluded coves, superb resorts and maybe even a celebrity or two. You’ll fall under the spell of the island’s many picturesque beaches, such as Meads Bay and Shoal Bay. Hit the ball on world-class golf courses or spend a day in the water snorkeling. It’s a small island, but there’s a lot to see.
AquaMania Adventures or Eagle Tours and many other tour operators offer excursions from St. Martin. Most day cruises also stop at Prickly Pear, Anguilla’s little sister. Both offer beautiful beaches, good restaurants and a wonderful experience.
4. Saba, accessible from the Dutch part of Sint Marteen
Getting to the mystical island of Saba from Saint-Martin is surprisingly easy! You can reach the small island by plane or ferry. If you opt for the plane, the journey takes just 12 minutes. Most people who travel to Saba from Saint-Martin head for the Dutch part of the island, Sint Maarten, and take The Edge ferry. This ferry reaches Saba in an hour and a half. You’ll arrive at the main ferry terminal, Fort Bay.
Once you reach the island of Saba, you’ll be blown away by its serene, unspoilt essence. The island offers a much slower pace than many other Caribbean islands. Saba may be tiny, but this special municipality in the Netherlands is the ideal destination for those who want to enjoy scenic beauty and an unspoilt environment. You’ll be surrounded by lush rainforests, mountains, rocky cliffs and, of course, a clear blue ocean. If you’re feeling adventurous, we suggest you try climbing Mount Scenery, a dormant volcano that is the highest point in the Netherlands at 887 meters!
5. Saint-Barthélémy (St Bart’s/St Barth)
There are many ways to enjoy Saint-Barth. If you arrive by ferry, you’ll go straight down to Gustavia, an ideal place to spend the morning. Ferries depart from Marigot around 2-3 times a week. If you’re arriving by plane, Gustavia is also where you’ll want to start your day.
Gustavia is the hub of Saint-Barth, a central location for dining and shopping. In high season, be prepared to see superb yachts from all over the world. Saint-Barth’s beaches are renowned. The best known are Plage de Saint-Jean and Plage de Shell. Both offer beach chairs and umbrellas for hire.
Back to Saint-Martin, heading for the town of Marigot, Baie Nettlé, Baie de l’Embouchure
On your return to Saint-Martin, why not explore Loterie Farm (not a farm at all) or relax on the beach at Grand Case. If the islands and islets around the island are magnificent, don’t miss the treasures Saint-Martin has in store for you:
- Baie Nettlé (between Pointe des Terres Basses and Marigot), renowned for its picturesque beaches and calm waters. It’s a popular spot with visitors for its relaxing atmosphere and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
- Head for La baie de l’Embouchure, which stretches between pointe des Terres Basses and pointe du Canonnier. It’s a place where the fresh water of the river meets the salt water of the ocean, creating an interesting coastal landscape.
