Activities
Activities
Natural Fun by Susan Campbell There’s no need for noisy motors to enjoy this island’s incredible nature on land and sea. There are plenty of ways to experience the flora, fauna, and geology “au naturel”! Paddle power
Swing through the trees
The new sport of stand up paddling (SUP) is all the rage these days, and now you can do it here, too! This island has some great spots with optimum conditions for SUP, and it’s a fun workout for all levels of expertise. Sea kayaking is also a wonderful way to explore the coastline and mangroves of this island paradise; the ability to serenely glide through the waves without disturbing wildlife allows you to get very close to it. There are activity operators offering rentals, guided tours, and expert instruction, and some combine snorkeling opportunities as part of their eco-tours as well.
If zip-lining through a treetop canopy like Tarzan and Jane is on your bucket list, then head for Loterie Farm. It’s not a typical “farm,” but rather a magnificent preserve of towering trees spanning over 135 lush acres at the foot of Pic Paradis, the island’s highest summit. There are different levels of zip-lining courses from beginners to extreme, and after you’re done flying through the branches you can refresh in their swimming oasis L’eaulounge or sit back, relax, and enjoy a snack and their signature cocktail in the TreeLounge and Hidden Forest Café. !
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Activities
Activities
Îlet Pinel explorations & eco-tours
Hike, bike, or run
Wind and the waves
A five-minute water taxi from French side Cul-de-Sac to lovely little Îlet Pinel (Pinel Island) offers up all kinds of peaceful eco-adventures. From sea kayaking and stand up paddleboarding to nature hikes along the top cliffs to marked snorkel trails below the waves… it’s all there! Even the restaurants run on eco-friendly generators! For more in-depth island eco-explorations, join Seagrape Tours for full- and half-day nature hikes including a snorkel stop. They also have geology-focused and history trips as well. And if ornithology is your thing, these folks also do great birdwatching tours! Did you know that there are more than 100 species of birds on this 37-square-mile island? The guides at Seagrape know just where to find them all, and they only take small groups (maximum six people) so that you can really get up close and personal with the wildlife.
There are over 25 miles of hiking trails that wind through both sides of the island and visitors are welcome to join local hiking clubs for their regular jaunts that range from easy walkabouts to strenuous mountain climbs. It’s a good idea to participate in a guided hike since many of the trails cross private land and local guides know their way around best. The same goes for mountain biking. Local outfitters like TriSport offer bike rentals and guided tours. Some of the best trails can be found in the hills on the French side around Bellevue, Colombier, Pic Paradis, Friar’s Bay, Grand Case, and Anse Marcel. On the Dutch side, the residential areas of Guana Bay, Belair, and Pointe Blanche are quiet places to ride. Or, if you’re a jogger, you are welcome to join a local running club.
Windsurfing is always a great ecofriendly option and there are scads of windsurfing schools and equipment rental operations in Orient Bay and at Le Galion Beach. Galion is also a popular place to kitesurf, bodysurf, and board surf due to its big waves. You can also harness the wind in your own little dinghy; many resorts have these small sailboats as well as instruction. And of course there are lots of big sailboat and catamaran tours and charters to help you sail away.
Equestrian adventures
There are many first-rate stables and tours for all levels of experience, and it’s a great way to get to natural spots that are inaccessible by car or on foot. Your guides will enlighten you about your surroundings along the way and some outfits have enchanting rides by the beach. Some even offer tours that allow you to ride your steed right into the sea! 46 Nights
Bottom left photo by Sasha
Cool creatures and winged wonders
Visit the St. Maarten Park, a zoo and botanical garden on the Dutch side for the chance to interact with some of the island’s coolest creatures and enjoy some beautiful blooms. Or you can witness the marvels of metamorphosis up close and personal at The Butterfly Farm on the French side with hundreds of species of butterflies flitting around their tropical gardens. Go early in the morning (the farm closes at 3:30 p.m.) to view these winged wonders when they are most active. Repeat visits during your stay are free.
Preservation people
The Dutch side’s environmental protection group is called the Nature Foundation St. Maarten and on the French side it is the Réserve Naturelle Saint-Martin that is in charge of the protected areas. Get acquainted with local environmental initiatives and learn about the island’s natural treasures on their respective websites. Visit www.naturefoundationsxm.org or www.reservenaturelle-saint-martin.com for more details. "
To learn more about the island’s nature, look for Mark Yokoyama’s book: The Incomplete Guide to the Wildlife of Saint Martin. Bottom right photo courtesy of the St. Maarten Nature Foundation
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