11-Day Sint Maarten, Saba & St. Eustatius Itinerary — Mar 23 to Apr 2, 2026

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten · Monday, March 23, 2026

Arrival and Explore Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Morning:

After settling in, stroll the colorful boardwalk to the Front Street shopping district, browsing duty-free boutiques and sampling local pastries at Lil' Rock's Café; stop at Guavaberry Emporium to taste the island's signature liqueur. Continue with a relaxed visit to the waterfront Boardwalk and Great Bay Beach for a shady spot to people-watch and dip your toes, then grab a fresh-pressed juice at a seaside stall before lunch.

Afternoon:

Ease into the afternoon with a leisurely stroll to Great Bay Promenade then catch a short water taxi to Little Bay for a shaded swim and cliffside photo ops; reward yourself afterward with a cold local beer at The Upper Deck overlooking the harbor. As the sun moves toward evening, explore the nearby Boardwalk Artisan Market for handmade jewelry and rum cakes, then enjoy a casual seafood plate at The Green House while watching ferries glide into port.

Evening:

As the afternoon light softens, wander up to Front Street Wharf for sunset views of cruise ships and the harbor, then take a short taxi to the peaceful Little Bay Beach Bar to sip a rum punch while feet sink into sand. Afterward, stroll through the atmospheric lantern-lit lanes to Guavaberry Corner for a tasting flight of local liqueurs and finish with a relaxed dinner at The Boardwalk Bistro, where fresh-caught fish and breezy harbor seating set a gentle tone for your first night on the island.

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Sint Maarten · Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Beaches and Water Activities in Sint Maarten

Morning:

Start your day with gentle snorkeling at Mullet Bay Beach, where clear shallows and patch reefs are perfect for spotting parrotfish and sea turtles; rent gear from a beach shack and swim out to the rocky points for the best marine life. Afterward, head to Orient Bay for a relaxed beachfront breakfast at Bora Bora Beach Bar, then try a guided kayaktour through the calm bay or book a short stand-up paddle lesson to glide past secluded coves before the midday crowds arrive.

Afternoon:

Switch gears after your morning paddle to head south for a relaxed afternoon at Baie Longue, where wide sandy stretches invite beach volleyball or a shady cabana rental; stroll the shoreline then cool off with a beachfront lobster roll from La Villa Restaurant. Later, join a small-group glass-bottom boat tour out of Marigot Bay to admire offshore coral gardens and spot rays and turtles without getting wet, returning in time for a sunset cocktail at Sunset Bar & Grill overlooking the tranquil bay.

Evening:

As the sun softens, head to Kim Sha Beach for a mellow shoreline walk and a chance to watch local fishermen bring in the day's catch, then settle in at Le Galion Beach Bar for a sunset cocktail and live acoustic music. Afterward, catch a short taxi to Cole Bay Hill for panoramic night views of the island lights, followed by a laid-back dinner at The Lolos in Simpson Bay where grilled seafood and firelit atmosphere keep the evening convivial and relaxed.

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Sint Maarten · Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Island Drive and Local Markets

Morning:

Set out after breakfast for a scenic loop along the island's less-traveled roads, stopping first at the colorful hilltop Marigot Market to browse spices, local crafts, and freshly baked baguettes while chatting with vendors; nearby, pop into Fort Louis for sweeping harbor views and a quick photo break. Continue inland to the charming fishing village of Grand Case to stroll the waterfront art stalls, sample a rhum punch at La Villa Creole's bakery kiosk, and pick up island-made hot sauces and jerk marinades at Grand Case Market before returning to your hotel for a relaxed lunch.

Afternoon:

After lunch, take a scenic coastal drive toward the west coast and stop at Cupecoy Beach to wander its dramatic cliffs and hidden sand pockets, then continue to the charming village of Cole Bay to browse local art at the Spirited Art Gallery and pick up handmade spices and coffee at Cole Bay Market. Finish the afternoon with a short walk through the shaded paths of Simpson Bay Lagoon waterfront, where you can watch yachts drift by and pause for a sunset rum tasting at Rum Room SXM before heading back to your hotel.

Evening:

As twilight falls, take a relaxed drive up to the scenic hilltop village of Marigot Waterfront Promenade to browse boutique stalls and enjoy a glass of wine at La Cave à Vin, then wander toward Le Marché de Nuit for lively street food stalls serving island-style accras and grilled mahi-mahi. Finish the night with a short stroll along the moonlit shoreline at Oyster Pond, where you can sip a rum cocktail at The Pier House Bar and listen to local musicians playing soft Creole rhythms, a mellow close to a day of exploring.

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Sint Maarten · Thursday, March 26, 2026

Northern Coast Sights and Forts

Morning:

Begin your morning with a coastal drive to the rugged northern tip and explore the windswept ruins of Fort Amsterdam, where panoramic ocean vistas invite a brisk walk along the clifftop trails; pause at the lookout to scan for migrating seabirds and distant fishing boats. Continue east to the secluded cove at Anse Marcel for a tranquil shoreline stroll and a seaside café breakfast, then hop a short taxi to the nearby hilltop Fort St. Marie for photos and a brief self-guided history stop before lunch.

Afternoon:

After a morning of clifftop views, drive along the rugged north shore to explore the dramatic blowhole at Frenchman's Reef and then stroll the quiet sands of Baie Rouge where tide pools invite close-up sea-life spotting; pause for a seaside lunch of grilled snapper at La Galette Beach Café. In the later afternoon, visit the charming hill village of Loterie Farm for a shaded nature walk and optional zipline entry, finishing with a rum-tasting flight and sunset tapas on the terrace at Le Cottage du Soleil to keep the day's tempo relaxed and scenic.

Evening:

As twilight deepens, stroll the charming lanes of Grand Case Village to sample island-fusion small plates at a beachfront bistro and catch a live acoustic set at a local bar; linger for a second course of Creole-style duck or fresh ceviche paired with an ice-cold local beer. After dinner, take a short drive to the quiet overlook at Simpson Bay Causeway for twinkling harbor views, then finish the night with a nightcap and rum flight at Hideaway Café & Bar, where mellow conversations and soft island jazz close the day's coastal exploration.

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Sint Maarten · Friday, March 27, 2026

Leisure Day: Snorkeling or Sailing

Morning:

Wake slowly and meet your guide at Creole Rock Marine Park for a guided snorkel session among vibrant coral gardens and friendly reef fish, then drift over to a secluded pocket of Tintamarre Island to explore tide pools and search for rays from a shallow sandbar. After swimming, enjoy a relaxed beachfront brunch at Le Galion Restaurant with panoramic views, fresh fruit platters, and coffee while planning an afternoon sailing option or a sunset catamaran cruise.

Afternoon:

In the afternoon, board a small-group catamaran from Simpson Bay Marina for a relaxed sail toward the sheltered reefs of Creole Bay, where the crew drops anchor for guided snorkeling among colorful coral outcrops and curious angelfish; enjoy a beachside barbecue on a remote sandbar and complimentary local rum punch. After swimming, return via a calm coastal cruise that hugs the shoreline past Little Key for cliffside photo stops, then disembark back at Simpson Bay in time for a seaside sunset drink and casual tapas at The Boon Dock to round out a leisurely day.

Evening:

Wind down your leisure day with a sunset visit to Maho Beach Bar & Grill, where you can sip a chilled cocktail while watching the sky glow and the famous low-flying arrivals put on a show; later, head to The Greenhouse Restaurant & Rum Bar for a seaside table and sample a curated rum flight paired with Caribbean tapas. Finish the night at Pineapple Pete's Jazz Lounge, enjoying a mellow live-set of island jazz and vocals in a shaded courtyard-an intimate, music-forward close that flows naturally from your day on the water.

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Sint Maarten · Saturday, March 28, 2026

Culinary & Nightlife Highlights

Morning:

Begin with a flavorful food-tour-style breakfast at Café Juliette sampling local saltfish fritters and guavaberry pastries, then wander the nearby artisanal stalls of The St. Maarten Food Market to taste freshly made stuffed roti and tropical fruit chutneys. Mid-morning, join a hands-on cooking class at The French Quarter Culinary Studio to learn Creole techniques-finish by savoring your own lobster-stuffed callaloo with a passionfruit-infused rum cocktail.

Afternoon:

Spend a flavorful afternoon tasting local specialties on a guided street-food crawl through Marigot's Rue de la République, stopping for spicy conch fritters at Creole Corner and artisan cheeses at Fromagerie de la Baie; pause for a citrusy sorbet at Glaces du Marché before continuing. Later, join a rum-pairing workshop at The Old Rum Distillery to sample small-batch blends matched with island tapas, then take a twilight walk along the waterfront to scout tonight's dinner and music spots.

Evening:

Begin your night with a chef-curated tasting menu at La Petite Auberge, where inventive Creole-French plates are paired with boutique island wines and a warm, candlelit terrace; linger over a passionfruit dessert to bridge dinner and afters. Later, hop to The Red Piano Lounge for crafted cocktails and sultry live piano, then finish with dancing at Skybar Simpson Bay under starlight-a lively, elegant progression that builds on your daytime tasting and rum workshop experiences without repeating earlier stops.

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Sint Maarten / Transit to Saba · Sunday, March 29, 2026

Final Morning in Sint Maarten and Transfer to Saba

Morning:

Savor a slow final morning with a waterfront breakfast at The Brasserie at Port de Plaisance, then stroll the peaceful mangrove boardwalk at Simpson Bay Eco-Park where birdlife and shaded paths offer a gentle last taste of lowland nature. After checking out, take the short inter-island flight from Princess Juliana International Airport or the mid-morning ferry from Marigot Harbor to Saba, arriving in time to settle into your $100 lodging and catch an introductory walk through Windwardside Village before lunch.

Afternoon:

After arriving and settling into your Saba lodging, take a gentle orientation walk to Mount Scenery Trailhead for a short, shaded section of the island's cloud-forest path to stretch your legs and sample the unique alpine flora. Later, explore the nearby village of Windwardside, popping into Queen's Garden for panoramic vistas and a coffee at Juliana's Café, then browse handcrafted souvenirs at Saba Lace & Crafts before a relaxed seaside dinner at Sea View Restaurant to wind down your travel day.

Evening:

After settling into your Saba lodging, enjoy a peaceful twilight stroll to Zion's Hill Lookout for sweeping sunset views over the Caribbean and the islands beyond, then sip a warming cup of locally brewed coffee at Juliana's Terrace Café while the sky deepens. For a relaxed island evening, join a small-group seafood supper at The Cottage Inn-where freshly grilled lionfish and Saban greens are served family-style-or pop into Windwardside Community Bar for a short rum-tasting and easy conversation with locals before turning in for an early night ahead of tomorrow's hikes.

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Saba · Monday, March 30, 2026

Arrival and Hike Mount Scenery, Saba

Morning:

After an early arrival and check-in at your $100 lodging, enjoy a brisk breakfast at Specs' Bar & Restaurant before heading to the trailhead; take a guided section of the Mt. Scenery Trail through mossy cloud forest led by a local naturalist who points out endemic orchids and tree ferns. Pause at the panoramic viewpoint near Saba National Park for island-to-island vistas, then descend via a quieter spur that passes the historic Cottage Forest Reserve and a chance to meet Saban farmers selling fresh breadfruit and coffee along the way.

Afternoon:

Continue your orientation with a relaxed village walk to Hell's Gate, where dramatic sea cliffs and basalt formations make for striking photo stops and short, easy scrambles. Then visit the nearby Saba Museum for a compact history of island life, followed by a late-afternoon tasting of locally roasted coffee and banana fritters at Juliana's Café while you watch fishing boats return to the harbor.

Evening:

As twilight falls, wander up to Zions Hill Lookout for golden-to-indigo views of the sea and neighboring isles, then continue to Queen's Gardens for a short, fragrant stroll among native flowering shrubs. Finish with a cozy dinner at The Fred's Table (a local family-run spot) where island-style stews and freshly caught fish are served alongside stories from Saban hosts, or pop into The Saba Social Club for a nightcap and easy conversation with locals before an early rest.

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Saba · Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Saba Coastal Walks and Dive/Boat Trip

Morning:

Rise early for a refreshing shoreline walk from Windwardside Wharf toward the dramatic outcrops at Hell's Gate Bay, pausing to watch fishermen mend nets and to photograph the basalt cliffs that tumble into clear water. Afterward, board a morning boat with a local operator from Fort Bay Harbor for a short coastal cruise that includes guided snorkeling stops at the sheltered reef off Flat Point and a hands-on introduction to Saba's marine reserve before returning to shore for a seaside brunch at a harbor-side café.

Afternoon:

Spend a relaxed afternoon boarding a locally run dive boat from Fort Bay Harbor for a guided scuba or snorkel at the famed wall sites off Jennings Quarry, where dramatic drop-offs and healthy coral attract hawksbill turtles and schooling snappers; non-divers can join the boat for glass-bottom viewing and a swim stop at a sheltered cove. After the water time, stretch your legs on the coastal Lower Hell's Gate Trail, pausing at Old Booby Hill lookout for sweeping sea vistas before returning to Windwardside for a late-afternoon coffee and pastries at The Island Bakery.

Evening:

After your afternoon at sea, settle into a sunset stroll along the quiet lane to Fort Bay Lookout to watch fishermen bring in the day's catch and catch the lowering light on the cliffs; pause at The Pier Café for a cold local brew and casual seafood tapas. Later, join a small-community dinner at Harbourside Smokehouse, where island-style grilled fish and banana-leaf sides are served family-style, then finish the night with a guided starwalk from Cloud Forest Ridge-a short, easy outing led by a local naturalist who points out constellations and nocturnal island life.

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St. Eustatius · Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Travel to St. Eustatius and Historic Sites

Morning:

Arrive on St. Eustatius and begin with a calming waterfront coffee at Oranjestad Harbourfront, then stroll the colonial streets to admire restored 18th-century architecture at Quill Historic District while your guide outlines the day's sites. Next, visit the evocative ruins of Golden Rock Estate and the nearby St. Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum for hands-on exhibits about the island's Dutch-Caribbean trade history before pausing for a local snack of saltfish and bread at a nearby café.

Afternoon:

After your morning tour, wander the gently sloping lanes to Fort Oranje to explore its ramparts and panoramic harbor views, then continue to the nearby Amsterdam Battery for evocative coastal ruins and interpretive panels about 18th-century defenses. Next, visit the living-history displays at Golden Rock Shipwreck Site and join a guided walk through the Old Church Graveyard, where colonial headstones and storytelling bring the island's mercantile past to life before a late-afternoon coffee at The Old Gin House Café, watching fishing boats drift by.

Evening:

As dusk falls, stroll the seaside promenade to Fort Oranje Lighthouse Park for golden-hour views, then head to Zion's Overlook for a panoramic twilight sweep of Oranjestad and the harbor. Continue with a relaxed dinner at Old Gin House Restaurant, sampling island-spiced goat stew and a local rum cocktail, then finish the night with a lantern-lit walk through Drama Hill where guide-led stories bring the island's colonial past to life under the stars.

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St. Eustatius · Thursday, April 2, 2026

Quill Volcano Hike and Nature Day, St. Eustatius

Morning:

Begin with a guided dawn trek up the rim of The Quill through lush tropical forest, pausing at the panoramic Big Mountain Viewpoint to watch mist lift from the crater while your guide points out endemic tree species and birdlife. After descending, visit the nearby Boven National Park Visitor Center for a hands-on flora exhibit and a coffee break, then stroll the interpretive Quill Trail Loop to spot native orchids and the island's rare songbirds before a seaside lunch in Oranjestad.

Afternoon:

After your morning Quill rim walk, descend toward the coastal side for a guided naturalist tour through St. Eustatius National Park's lower trails, where you'll explore dry-forest habitats and search for endemic lizards at the shaded Bergje Loop; pause for a picnic lunch beneath the ruins of Golden Rock Plantation Outbuildings. Later, join a short boat shuttle to Ye West Indies Bay for a relaxed snorkel among shallow coral heads and a chance to spot hawksbill turtles, then return to Oranjestad in time for coffee at The Old Gin House Café and a late-afternoon chat with local conservationists about ongoing restoration projects.

Evening:

After a day on the Quill and coastal trails, wander the peaceful lanes to Zion's Overlook Café for sunset views and a chilled local punch while swapping notes with fellow hikers. Continue with a slow, lantern-lit stroll through Oranjestad's Colonial Square, then enjoy a cozy dinner at The Pier Bistro, sampling island-spiced fish and a house-made sorrel dessert as gentle nighttime breezes round out your nature-filled day.

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Estimated Costs (per person)

Place / ActivityCost
Front Street shopping districtFree
Lil' Rock's Café (pastry & coffee)$8
Guavaberry Emporium (tasting)$5
Boardwalk and Great Bay BeachFree
Seaside fresh-pressed juice (stall)$4
Great Bay PromenadeFree
Water taxi to Little Bay (one-way)$3
Little Bay (swim/beach)Free
The Upper Deck (beer)$6
Boardwalk Artisan Market (shopping)$15
The Green House (casual seafood plate)$20
Front Street Wharf / sunset viewsFree
Little Bay Beach Bar (rum punch)$10
Guavaberry Corner (liqueur tasting flight)$12
The Boardwalk Bistro (dinner)$30
Mullet Bay Beach (snorkeling)Free
Snorkel gear rental (per day)$12
Bora Bora Beach Bar (breakfast)$18
Guided kayak tour / SUP lesson (Orient Bay)$40
Baie Longue (beach/cabana rental)$20
La Villa Restaurant (lobster roll)$25
Glass-bottom boat tour (Marigot Bay)$35
Sunset Bar & Grill (cocktail)$10
Kim Sha Beach (walk)Free
Le Galion Beach Bar (sunset cocktail)$12
Cole Bay Hill panoramic viewFree
The Lolos (dinner)$18
Marigot Market (shopping/snacks)$10
Fort Louis (entrance/view)Free
Grand Case (rhum punch / market items)$8
Cupecoy Beach (visit)Free
Spirited Art Gallery (small purchase)$12
Cole Bay Market (spices/coffee purchase)$8
Simpson Bay Lagoon waterfront / Rum Room SXM (rum tasting)$20
Marigot Waterfront PromenadeFree
La Cave à Vin (glass of wine)$10
Le Marché de Nuit (street food)$12
Oyster Pond (evening stroll)Free
The Pier House Bar (drink)$8
Fort Amsterdam (ruins / walk)Free
Anse Marcel (shore visit)Free
Fort St. Marie (self-guided)Free
Frenchman's Reef (blowhole visit)Free
Baie Rouge (beach visit)Free
La Galette Beach Café (lunch)$22
Loterie Farm (nature walk / zipline optional)$15
Le Cottage du Soleil (sunset tapas/drinks)$25
Grand Case evening small plates$28
Creole Rock Marine Park guided snorkel$45
Tintamarre Island visit (boat transfer included)$30
Le Galion Restaurant (brunch)$20
Catamaran cruise (afternoon with snorkeling & barbecue)$75
Maho Beach Bar & Grill (cocktail)$12
The Greenhouse Restaurant & Rum Bar (rum flight)$18
Pineapple Pete's Jazz Lounge (cover / drink)$15
Café Juliette (breakfast / food tour items)$12
St. Maarten Food Market (tastings)$15
French Quarter Culinary Studio (cooking class)$70
Rue de la République street-food crawl (tastings)$20
The Old Rum Distillery (rum-pairing workshop)$35
La Petite Auberge (tasting menu dinner)$60
The Red Piano Lounge (cocktail / cover)$20
Skybar Simpson Bay (entry / drink)$18
Brasserie at Port de Plaisance (waterfront breakfast)$18
Simpson Bay Eco-Park (boardwalk)Free
Inter-island flight (Princess Juliana to Saba, approximate)$120
Ferry Marigot to Saba (alternative)$60
Windwardside Village (orientation walk)Free
Mount Scenery Trail short section (Saba)Free
Queen's Garden (viewpoint)Free
Juliana's Café (coffee)$4
Saba Lace & Crafts (souvenir)$12
Sea View Restaurant (dinner)$25
Zion's Hill Lookout (sunset view)Free
Juliana's Terrace Café (coffee)$4
The Cottage Inn (seafood supper)$28
Windwardside Community Bar (rum-tasting)$10
Specs' Bar & Restaurant (breakfast)$12
Guided Mt. Scenery Trail (half-day guide)$40
Saba National Park viewpointFree
Cottage Forest Reserve (walk)Free
Hell's Gate (photo stops / scramble)Free
Saba Museum (entry)$5
Juliana's Café (banana fritters / coffee)$6
Zions Hill Lookout (evening)Free
Queen's Gardens (stroll)Free
The Fred's Table (dinner)$30
Saba Social Club (drink)$8
Windwardside Wharf (shore walk)Free
Hell's Gate Bay (visit)Free
Boat with local operator (snorkel stops)$45
Fort Bay Harbor (boat departures)Free
Snorkel/dives at Jennings Quarry (guided dive)$90
Glass-bottom / non-diver boat option$40
Lower Hell's Gate Trail (walk)Free
The Island Bakery (coffee & pastries)$6
Fort Bay Lookout (sunset stroll)Free
The Pier Café (drink)$6
Harbourside Smokehouse (community dinner)$22
Cloud Forest Ridge starwalk (guided)$15
Travel to St. Eustatius (flight/ferry approx.)$80
Oranjestad Harbourfront (coffee)$4
Quill Historic District (walk)Free
Golden Rock Estate (ruins visit)Free
St. Eustatius Historical Foundation Museum (entry)$5
Saltfish and bread snack (local café)$6
Fort Oranje (visit)Free
Amsterdam Battery (ruins)Free
Golden Rock Shipwreck Site (visit)Free
Old Church Graveyard (guided talk)$5
Old Gin House Café (coffee)$4
Fort Oranje Lighthouse Park (golden-hour views)Free
Zion's Overlook (twilight view)Free
Old Gin House Restaurant (dinner)$25
Drama Hill (lantern-lit walk / storytelling)$8
Guided Quill rim trek (St. Eustatius)$40
Boven National Park Visitor CenterFree
Quill Trail Loop (interpretive walk)Free
Bergje Loop (dry-forest guided walk)$10
Golden Rock Plantation Outbuildings (picnic spot)Free
Boat shuttle to Ye West Indies Bay (snorkel)$25
St. Eustatius National Park snorkel (entry/activity)Free
The Pier Bistro (dinner)$22
Estimated Total (per person)$3019
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