Exploring St Martin on a Shoestring Budget

  1. Day 1: Marigot Market
    10 minutes (2.3 km) from Princess Juliana International Airport

    Immerse in Caribbean culture and sample the local cuisine while browsing the colorful stalls full of spices, crafts and souvenirs.

  2. Day 2: Loterie Farm
    15 minutes (7.7 km) from Marigot Market

    Enjoy nature's beauty at this hidden gem, featuring zip lining, hiking trails, and two on-site restaurants serving local dishes.

  3. Day 3: Friar's Bay
    15 minutes (12.8 km) from Loterie Farm

    Spend a relaxing day on this beautiful beach with turquoise waters and golden sand, and grab a bite at one of the beach bars.

  4. Day 4: Fort Louis
    20 minutes (14.7 km) from Friar's Bay

    Discover the island's history and enjoy stunning views of Marigot Bay from this 18th-century fortification that once guarded the harbor.

  5. Day 5: Pinel Island
    20 minutes (12.6 km) from Fort Louis

    Take a short ferry ride to this uninhabited islet for excellent snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing, with two beach restaurants serving fresh seafood.

  6. Day 6: Mullet Bay Beach
    15 minutes (6.3 km) from Pinel Island

    Soak up the sun on this long, wide beach with crystal-clear waters and shady palm trees, and enjoy a picnic or a drink from the bar.

  7. Day 7: Maho Beach
    10 minutes (4.2 km) from Mullet Bay Beach

    Watch the planes land and take off from the nearby airport while lounging on the sand or sipping a cocktail from one of the beach bars.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Marigot Market (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Loterie Farm (2-4 hours, $20-30 for entrance and activities)
  • Friar's Bay (3-5 hours, free entry but bring cash for beach bars)
  • Fort Louis (1-2 hours, free entry)
  • Pinel Island (3-6 hours, $15-20 for roundtrip ferry and beach chairs)
  • Mullet Bay Beach (2-4 hours, free entry)
  • Maho Beach (2-4 hours, free entry but bring cash for beach bars)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $35-50 per person.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting other beaches like Orient Bay, Simpson Bay, or Baie Rouge, or hiking to the top of Pic Paradis for panoramic views. If you have less time, skip Pinel Island or Fort Louis, depending on your interests.

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