St Martin/St Maarten / Special Interests / Hiking & Walking

By Nigel Tisdall

With its green and hilly interior, breezy cliffs and long sandy beaches St Martin/St Maarten offers ample opportunites to stretch the legs – although the overdevelopment of the island means the hiking and views are not among the best experiences to be found in the Caribbean. A network of 17 sentiers de randonnée (hiking trails) crosses the island ranging in length from one mile (1.6km) to 4 miles (6.5km). Most are in St Martin and based around Pic Paradis, the highest point on the island at 1,392 feet (424m).

Hiking Tips

Start early in the morning to avoid the heat later in the day, and tell your hotel what your plans are. Some trails start and finish at different points so if you don't want to do a round trip get a taxi to take you to the start point. If you use a car and park somewhere remote, don't leave any valuables in it. If it has been raining, some trails may be slippery or inaccessible, so seek local advice. Take sun-block, insect repellent, water, a snack, a compass, map and mobile phone. Further information on the trails, and how to hire a guide, is available from the Office du Tourisme de Saint-Martin in Marigot, t 590 590 87 57 21.

Where to Hike | St Martin

Loterie Farm, Rambaud - A former sugar plantation where you can follow hikes lasting around 45 minutes or two hours. There's also zipwire thrills, a swimming pool and a restaurant.

Sentier de Froussards - In the north of the island, this 2.8 mile (4.5km) trail runs east along the coast from Anse Marcel to Cul-de-Sac and passes above the remote beach of Petites Cayes. Wakawa Eco-Klub, based in Anse Marcel, t 06 90 55 69 93, offers a four-hour guided hike along this route.

Where to Hike | St Maarten

Guana Bay - In the southeast corner of the island a 1.5 mile (2.5km) coastal path leads south from Guana Bay to Pointe Blanche. Tri-Sport, based in Simpson Bay, t 599 545 4383 (closed Sunday), offers a guided hike in this area.

Seaside Nature Park, Cole Bay - Horseriding is the principal activity here, but you can also go on a guided 90-minute hike.