St. Martin/ St. Maarten Itinerary
 We rarely go to the same destination twice, so when we return somewhere it speaks highly of that destination. St. Martin/St. Maarten is an island where we felt safe exploring, comfortable driving, and loved the variety of activities. The people are so welcoming and love to share their culture with visitors. Since the island is half Dutch and half French, you feel like you’ve traveled to two islands in one trip. Looking for a perfect week in St. Martin/St. Maarten
Get ready to fall in love with the Caribbean charm, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture of St. Martin. From relaxing on breathtaking beaches to savoring mouthwatering local cuisine, this 5-day itinerary has everything you need to make the most of your trip.
Where do you fly in to St. Martin/ St. MaartenÂ
The best place to fly in is Princess Juliana International Airport
CLICK HERE TO FIND AN AMAZING FLIGHT
Itinerary for a perfect week in St. Martin:Â
DAY 1
I always spend the first full day enjoying my hotel/rental and spending time in the sun and sand with my family. Enjoy the pool or the closest beach and soak up all the sunshine!
Lunch: Kali’s Beach Bar. This is a toes-in-the-sand restaurant, located on the serene Friar’s Bay Beach. This laid-back beachfront spot serves fresh, flavorful Caribbean dishes like grilled fish, spicy ribs, and fried plantains.  Kids can play in the sand while you enjoy a cocktail and wait for your food. With its reggae vibes and ocean views, it’s the perfect introduction to the easygoing island lifestyle.Â
Spend the afternoon on Friar Beach (French side). This beautiful, peaceful beach lets you relax and enjoy the sun and sand. The water is calm so it is a great beach for families. Known for its calm waters and soft sand, this peaceful beach is ideal for swimming, lounging, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Be sure to catch the stunning sunset here before heading back to your accommodations.
Dinner: Stop at a French market and pick up some local food. We had a great meal with fresh fruit, French cheese, a crusty baguette, and prosciutto. We bought a nice bottle of wine and ate by our pool. Â
DAY 2
Take the 10-minute ferry ride to Pinel Island, located on the French side. This tiny slice of paradise just off the coast of St. Martin. Spend the day snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, relaxing on pristine beaches, or exploring the island’s scenic hiking trails. Don’t miss the beachside restaurants where you can grab a fresh seafood lunch or sip on tropical cocktails right by the water.Â
Dinner: Pineapple Pete. This fun restaurant is loud enough that you won’t have to worry about tired kids acting out. Known for its lively atmosphere and delicious menu, this spot serves everything from fresh seafood to juicy burgers. Their lobster thermidor is a must-try dish, paired perfectly with their tropical rum punch. Great frozen cocktails!Â
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DAY 3
Start your morning at the St. Maarten Zoo. This small zoo has adorable animals like capybara, tamarin, tortoises, and parrots. It’s a nice, inexpensive, place to spend a few hours. Open daily from 9-5. Adults $10 Kids $5 (February 2022…the zoo is closed. Not sure of this is because of the pandemic, so check their website before you go.)
Lunch: Lee’s Roadside Grill. This casual eatery known for its freshly grilled seafood and friendly atmosphere. Indulge in grilled mahi-mahi, conch fritters, or their signature ribs while enjoying live music and a relaxed island vibe.
Spend the afternoon on Mullet Beach, one of the most picturesque spots in St. Martin. This beach is loved for its crystal-clear water, soft white sand, and ideal conditions for swimming or sunbathing. It’s also a great spot to watch planes fly overhead as they land at the nearby airport.
Dinner: Karacters.  This trendy yet relaxed restaurant right on Simpson Bay Beach. Enjoy dishes like grilled tuna steak, shrimp curry, or their famous Dutch snacks while the sound of the waves sets the mood. Don’t forget to try one of their signature cocktails for a true Caribbean dining experience.
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DAY 4
Charter a boat for the day! Yes, it’s expensive but it was the best thing we did while in St. Martin. My kids still talk about it so it was a memorable experience for everyone. Our first stop was Tintamarre Island. Since it is accessible only by boat, there were only two other families there. The island is loved by families because there are usually large sea turtles that swim in the area. In this secluded paradise you can snorkel, explore quiet beaches, and bask in the sun. The pristine beauty and tranquil vibe make it one of the most unforgettable parts of your trip. Â
Lunch:Â Our boat brought us to Anguilla to have lunch at a beach bar.Â
After lunch we spent some time swimming in the crystal-clear water. We also went to a few spots to snorkel. It was such an amazing day! Shoal Bay and Meads Bay are two must-visit spots with powdery white sand and turquoise waters. Anguilla is the perfect spot to unwind, sip on a rum punch, and soak in the Caribbean sun.
Dinner: After having such a long day on the water, you may want to get some food and eat back at the hotel. If your hotel has a restaurant this would be the perfect day to do it.Â
DAY 5
Relax at your hotel for the morning and enjoy some Caribbean sunshine.Â
Lunch: Head over to Philipsburg and eat lunch at the Lazy Lizard. It is located right on the Boardwalk so it’s a perfect starting point. It’s the perfect place for some beach bites.
Explore Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side of St. Martin. by walking around and peeking into all the fun shops on Front Street or Old Street. It’s a great time to buy souvenirs, duty-free jewelry, and local crafts, or relax on Great Bay Beach. Be sure to visit the bustling Boardwalk, where you can find colorful shops, beachfront restaurants, and a lively atmosphere.
 
Walk up to Fort Amsterdam for amazing views and a bit of history this site offers stunning views of Philipsburg and the surrounding waters. This 17th-century fort is a fascinating glimpse into the island’s colonial past and a great spot for photos.
 
Dinner: Skip Jacks. Another casual restaurant on the beach where you can eat outside and enjoy the view! If you like seafood then this is the place to get it. This waterfront restaurant in Simpson Bay known for its fresh seafood and laid-back vibe. Their lobster and grilled snapper are crowd favorites, and the picturesque marina views provide the perfect backdrop to end your trip.
What to Eat in St. Martin
Johnny Cakes: Fried doughy goodness that’s perfect as a snack or side dish.
Saltfish Fritters: Crispy and flavorful, these are a must-try appetizer.
Guavaberry Rum: A local specialty drink made from guavaberries and rum.
Fresh Lobster: You’ll find this Caribbean delicacy on menus everywhere.
Conch Stew: A hearty and flavorful dish made with tender conch meat.
More restaurant recommendations
Bistro Caraibes
JAX Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar
Tortuga Maho
Le Sous Marin
Spiga Restaurant
La Cigale Restaurant
Big Fish
Ocean 82
What else can you do in St. Martin/St. Maarten?
Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling + Beach Tour w/ Lunch, St. Maarten
The Best Catamaran Day Sail in St Maarten
3-Hour Guided ATV Tour Island Highlights Plus 1-Hour Relax by the Beach
Topper’s Rhum Distillery Tour in St Maarten
The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour
Champagne Sunset Cruise in St Maarten
Electric Adventures Buggy Rental
3 Island Adventure with stop at Tintamarre to swim with Turtles
We hope you enjoyed out itinerary for a Perfect Week in St. Martin. What are favorite spots/things you like to do in St. Martin?
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