15 Free Things to Do in St Maarten/St Martin in 2026
St. Maarten and St. Martin are two amazing Caribbean islands that have given me so much joy over the past decade. Standing on their pristine shores, feeling the warm tropical breeze gently ruffle my hair, I was filled with a sense of “living” that I hadn’t experienced anywhere else in the region.
Contrary to popular belief, Sint Maarten and Saint Martin are actually two distinct yet interconnected territories on the Caribbean island of Saint Martin. With a unique blend of Dutch and French cultures, there truly isn’t anywhere else in the world quite like them.
Sint Maarten, the southern part of the island, is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It covers 34 square kilometers and is predominantly Dutch-speaking. On the other hand, Saint Martin, the northern part of the island, is an overseas collectivity of France. It spans 53 square kilometers and primarily uses French as its official language.
What makes these islands even more special is their stunning beaches, vibrant culture, amazing food, and the friendliest people you’ll meet in the eastern Caribbean!
And the best part? You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy all that St. Maarten and St. Martin have to offer. There are plenty of free activities for you to enjoy, ensuring that you have a memorable and budget-friendly visit.
In this post, I’ll share 15 fantastic activities that will make your visit truly unforgettable without burning a hole in your pocket.
Free Things To Do in St Maarten (Dutch Side)
Want to know what to do in St Maarten for one day or a few cheap things to do in St Maarten over the course of a few days?
Let’s get started – here are all of my greatest suggestions for your next trip!
1. Drive to Another Country!
There’s nothing more unique than doing something you can’t do anywhere else in the Caribbean – drive to another country! If you’re the kind of traveler who’s looking for free and adventurous activities in St. Maarten, this is a no-brainer.
Thanks to the warm relationship between the Dutch and French sides of the island, crossing the border is hassle-free. You’ll get to experience the stark contrast in architecture, culture, and landscapes as you go from the lively, vibrant streets of Philipsburg to the charming, European-style villages on the French side.
If you’re staying at a hotel or accommodation, they might be able to connect you with someone heading to the other side. Alternatively, you can always opt for the bus or catch a ride with a local.
2. Spend the Day Sightseeing
You won’t be able to answer the question of ‘is St Maarten worth visiting’ with any validity until you go sightseeing. So I recommend you set aside some time to do this during your stay on the island!
Aside from the beaches, which I’ll mention later, you should make a point of visiting iconic Paradise Point, which offers some of my favorite panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea.
You can also check out the colorful markets at Marigot and the historic Fort Louis.
When you’re ready for an energy boost, you’ll want to hit up the cafes and restaurants on the picturesque streets of Grand Case – known as the ‘Culinary Capital of the Caribbean’. While you’re there, the awesome street art of Philipsburg is also worth seeing. All of these sites and attractions will provide you with a fantastic (and affordable!) feel for the island.
3. Prepare for Landing – Watch the Airplanes at Maho Beach
It can be a bit disconcerting at first when you see an airplane flying directly over you landing at the adjacent airport. Once you realize it’s not going to crash on the sand, it becomes a pretty compelling experience! Kinda like people-watching.
Watching the airplanes land a Maho Beach is easily of the most unique things to do in St Maarten. And lucky for you, access to the beach is free!
Maho Beach lies at the foot of the Princess Juliana International Airport runway. If you stay there for a while you’ll see several commercial jetliners coming in from North America.
4. Watch the Cruise Ships Come and Go
As well as watching the airplanes coming in to land you can also choose to watch the cruise ships docking!
They do this at the AC Wathey Pier & Port Facility which has plenty of places to sit and watch them enter. Alternatively, you can get a good view of them from Orient Bay and Great Bay Beach.
5. Snorkel
Below the surface of the water around both sides of the island is a mesmerizing underwater world of vibrant coral reefs, colorful marine life (I’ve even seen a little shark here before!), and fascinating shipwrecks that I love exploring. Pack some travel-size snorkeling gear and you’ve got a super low-cost vacation activity!
Some of my favorite spots include Creole Rock, Tintamarre Island, and Pinel Island on the French side as I usually see a turtle or two. It’s no St John (not much compares, in my opinion), but it’ll definitely keep you and the family occupied!
The stunning underwater sculptures at the Marine Park near Mullet Bay on the Dutch side are also very cool.
You’ll find plenty of tour operators who can take you out to these snorkeling spots if you can’t get there yourself. This is a great option if you are visiting St Maarten with kids and looking to keep them busy!
6. ‘Window Shop’ the Front Street in Philipsburg Market
One of the best free things to do in Philipsburg (Saint Martin Dutch side) is to window shop along Front Street at the main market. However, I prefer window shopping in Marigot – which I’ll get to soon.
I know, window shopping is much less fun than regular shopping. But, you’ll be able to browse through a fascinating mix of outlets selling everything from fine china, perfumes, and electronics to clothing, alcoholic beverages, and jewelry!
Pro tip: Front Street can get busy, particularly when the cruise ships have docked. So, if you find the crowds too intense, head over to Back Street, which is usually quieter.
7. Hit the Beaches!
One of your first stops on any of the Caribbean islands – the beach!
Overall, there are 37 awesome beaches on the island and all of them are free to visit. My recommendations are Great Bay Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, Orient Bay, Oyster Bay, and Petite Plage.
All of them offer idyllic stretches of sand and gorgeous waters that represent the quintessential Caribbean beach experience.
8. Watch the Sunset From the Beach
One of the most important things to know about St Martin if you are planning a visit to the island is that it has some of the most amazing sunsets in the Caribbean.
There are several sunset viewing spots around the island, including Mullet Bay, Cupecoy Beach, Kim Sha Beach, and Grand Case (especially between June to October – arguably the best time to go for sunsets).
But my favorite has to be Ducks Beach St Martin. The vibrant hues of oranges, pinks, and reds as the sun dips below the horizon are incredible.
9. Hike Up to Some Epic Views
Don’t be fooled into thinking that St Maarten is all about beaches. It is also an exceptional place for hiking, similar to St Thomas.
One of the top hiking destinations is Pic Paradis, the island’s highest point, which features a network of trails that provide incredible panoramic views of both the Dutch and French sides.
Elsewhere, Loterie Farm offers beautiful forested paths, including the popular Sentry Hill Trail. Additionally, Colombier Hill Trail, on the French side, leads to an old sugar plantation ruin and showcases the island’s natural beauty.
Other places you can hike include Guana Bay and Red Pond, which both offer coastal trails with stunning vistas. There aren’t many islands with great hiking. Islands like Aruba and Turks and Caicos are generally flat and sandy. But some gems, like St Maarten, St Lucia, and St John, are known for their mountainous terrain and hiking options.
Wherever you end up going, remember to take plenty of water and a hat with you. The Caribbean sun can be dangerous, especially in the hottest months like July and August. Don’t forget your reef-safe sunscreen either.
Free Things to Do in St Martin (French Side)
Planning to visit the French Side of the island – just a short car ride away – here are some of the best free things to do there.
10. Visit the Border Monument
One of the hidden gems St Martin is known for isn’t that hidden at all. However, among the beaches and the hiking opportunities, a visit to The Border Monument can sometimes be overlooked.
This historical marker signifies the official boundary between the Dutch and French sides of the island. You’ll find it in the Lowlands area near Cupecoy Beach – taking the form of a stone pillar with a plaque indicating the separation point.
It’s a great place for a selfie and to stand with one foot in two countries!
11. Discover Trails and Mangroves in St. Martin National Nature Reserve
The St. Martin National Nature Reserve is one of my favorite spots on the island. It is a protected area that encompasses over 3,000 hectares of landscapes. The reserve also incorporates several hiking trails through tropical forests and mangrove swamps.
These paths are well-maintained and offer a chance to see herons, egrets, and other bird species while witnessing the island’s rich biodiversity.
One of my favorite trails is the Salt Pond Trail, which winds through scenic salt flats and coastal marshes. I also love tackling the Intendance Trail, which will take you to hidden beaches and secluded coves that offer stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
12. Window Shop in Marigot
Just like at Philipsburg Market, window shopping in Marigot, the quaint capital of the French side of St. Martin is always a great day out.
Along the picturesque waterfront, you’ll find several boutique stores and a terrific open-air market that offers a tempting mix of Caribbean crafts, jewelry, fashion, and local goods.
If you do want to spend some money, it is a terrific place to pick up some unique souvenirs or taste some authentic island flavors. St Maarten is tax-free and has tons of duty-free shops, similar to the US Virgin Islands.
13. Watch the Sun Rise at Rotary Lookout Point
While St Maarten is best known for its gorgeous sunsets, you can also take in some wonderful sunrises at the Rotary Lookout Point on the French side of the island. Perched atop a hill, this vantage point offers panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and the nearby island country of Anguilla.
As it takes place early in the morning, I love the fact that I’m one of the few people on the island to witness the first light of day from this lofty position. The colors are supreme and the serenity is amazing.
14. Visit the Secluded Coconut Grove
When I need some ‘me’ time on St Martin, my go-to place is the Secluded Coconut Grove.
Situated after Galion Beach, this elongated stretch of sand and mangrove lies within the St. Martin’s Nature Reserve, so it’s unlikely you’ll run into many people while you’re there.
What you will find, however, is the tranquility of swaying palm trees, soft white sand, and crystal-clear waters – all providing the perfect escape from the main touristy parts of the islands.
15. Hike Pbic des Doudoux
If you are planning to go hiking on the French side, I highly recommend you tackle the Pic des Doudoux.
Traversing the trail is a good way to get your heart rate up and leads you through a bosky tropical forest that will eventually take you to a summit that provides you with incredible views of the island. (PRO TIP: Make sure you bring your camera! My Go-Pro works wonders for me on the road.)
The trail is well-marked but – word of warning – it can be challenging, so again, make sure you bring a hat and plenty of water. Sturdy footwear is a good idea too.
FAQ: Free Things to Do in St Maarten
Are there free beaches in St. Maarten?
Yes. Between them St. Maarten/St. Martin has 37 superb beaches, and they are all free to visit! Some of the best include Great Bay Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, and Oyster Bay.
How much money do I need in St. Maarten?
The amount of money you need in St. Maarten depends on your travel style. However, if you are a budget traveler, I’d recommend allocating about $100-$150 per day for meals, accommodation, and sightseeing expenses.
Mid-range travelers could easily spend $200-$350, while luxury travelers should budget for $400 and over.
How do you get around St. Maarten without a car?
While having access to a car is always convenient, it is relatively easy to get around St. Maarten without one.
Public buses, taxis (no Uber), or shared minivans (known as ‘Sammies’) are readily available for short trips and airport transfers. Water taxis and ferries also connect to different parts of the island while many attractions can be reached on foot.
What is the secret beach in Saint Martin?
There are a few ‘secret’ beaches in Saint Martin, but one of the best ones is Happy Bay Beach.
It is accessible by a short hike from Friar’s Bay or via a boat ride, which means the pristine shoreline and tranquil surroundings offer a quieter beach experience.
Is it safe to leave the resort in St Martin?
Overall, yes – it is safe to leave the resort in St. Martin. However, like any travel destination, it pays to be cautious.
While it is generally safe to leave the resort, you should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas, especially at night.
Follow common-sense safety measures, such as staying aware of your surroundings, securing valuables, and avoiding isolated or poorly lit areas to enhance your safety while exploring the island.
Which side of St Martin is best?
The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) offers a lively atmosphere with casinos, shopping and nightlife, while the French side (Saint Martin) has a more relaxed vibe and a distinctly European charm. Rest assured, both sides have beautiful beaches.
These are just my opinions. Ultimately, the choice of which is better – the Dutch or French sides of St. Martin – is a personal one.
Final Thoughts: Best Free Things to Do in St Maarten
I can’t recommend going to St. Maarten/St. Martin highly enough. Whether you are a luxury traveler looking to live it up or someone on a budget wanting cheap things to do in St Maarten, the island offers something for everyone.
Personally, I love to spend my days there relaxing on its gorgeous beaches, drinking a cocktail or out of a coconut, browsing through the markets or going for a gentle hike. As night comes, I’ll never tire of taking in the sunsets or enjoying delicious seafood at one of its many restaurants.
Whether you’re drawn to the Dutch side’s bustling energy or the French side’s laid-back charm, a visit to this wonderful part of the Caribbean is something – I firmly believe – that should be on everyone’s bucket list.
