The island of Saint Martin is split into French and Dutch speaking sides (Sint Maarten). The French side has a more European feel with more shopping and dining options. The Dutch side is seen as a vacationer’s play land, with plenty of casinos and an exciting nightlife.
The island is small, so visitors will have plenty of time to explore all that Saint Martin has to offer. If you’ve brought your water sports gear, you’re in for a treat, as there are many great spots for swimming and diving. At CruiseExperts.com we put our heads together to come up with the best places to visit on this fascinating island.
Here are our top picks:
Baie Orientale (Saint Martin)
With a two-mile stretch of pristine white sand, many travelers consider Baie Orientale to be the island’s most beautiful beach. There are also locations for water sports, so sometimes the area can get crowded. Be advised that Baie Orientale is a clothing optional beach, so you may want to steer clear of it if you’re not comfortable with this type of location. All along Baie Orientale, there are plenty of lively bars and restaurants to visit. You can also get an open air massage!
Loterie Farm (Saint Martin)
While you’re on a cruise vacation, it’s always fun to go on a hike. Loterie Farm is a 150-acre privately-owned nature preserve that is open to the public. You can explore the area on your own, or arrange a guide for a group of six or more. Along the marked trails, you will see native plants including tamarind, mango and mahogany trees. There are also a few greenback monkeys who may pop out of the trees to say hi if you’re lucky. Loterie Farm also houses the excellent Hidden Forest Cafe, which crates delicious healthy snacks and meals.
The Butterfly Farm (Saint Martin)
This family-friendly attraction houses numerous species of rare butterflies. At any given time, as many as 600 individual insects fly around the screened garden. If you arrive first thing in the morning, you’ll be able to watch butterflies break out of their chrysalis. Your ticket is good for your entire stay, so visitors are welcome to enter and leave the park as they please. Don’t leave without some great souvenirs, like butterfly art and pins found in the gift shop.
Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit (Sint Maarten)
If you’re a movie buff or a really serious Star Wars fan, this should be the first place you visit as soon as your ship docks. The “Yoda Guy” is Nick Maley a veteran movie industry artist responsible for the creation of Yoda and many other popular characters. While you look at the models and memorabilia on display, Martin will explain how he created the different items. There are also plenty of souvenirs and casts for sale that Maley will autograph before you leave.
If you’re ready to head off on an exciting cruise vacation, now is the time to start planning. At CruiseExperts.com, we love to travel and can help you design an itinerary for your trip of a lifetime. We also provide tips for the best places to visit.
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