Where can I see animals in St Martin?

Maarten Zoological Park. Just east of Philipsburg, this is the largest park of its kind in the Caribbean. More than 500 animals comprising 80 different species from the Caribbean basin and Amazon rainforest inhabit this safari reserve.



St. Martin offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities across both its French and Dutch sides. For marine life, the St. Martin Nature Reserve in the northeast is the premier spot; you can see humpback whales and dolphins in the Man of War Shoal Marine Park or snorkel at Pinel Island to find sea turtles and vibrant reef fish. Birdwatchers should visit the "Important Bird Areas" such as the Great Salt Pond or Little Bay Pond to see pelicans, herons, and egrets. On land, the Emilio Wilson Estate and various hiking trails like the Froussards footpath are home to endemic reptiles and iguanas. For a more structured experience, Parrot Ville Bird Sanctuary on the Dutch side allows for up-close interactions with exotic tropical birds. In 2026, eco-tours and horseback rides through the mangroves remain popular ways to witness the island's biodiversity while supporting conservation efforts aimed at protecting the local seagrass beds and coral reefs.

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Plum Bay or Baie aux Prunes beach is secluded and not so frequent a destination for tourists. Golden sands and clear turquoise water are enhanced by the peace and quiet that this beach offers. The calmer seas around this wild beach are the perfect locations for snorkeling and sometimes for surfing.

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The traveler hoping to relax and recharge away from the hustle and bustle of an active tourist strip would be best served picking this side of the island for their Saint Martin stay. While Sint Maarten has the upper hand in nightlife, the French side of the island is known for having the more pristine beaches.

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The area is one of the richest waters for shark spotting in the world. With a little luck, you can meet dozens of nurse sharks or perhaps the elegant Caribbean reef shark during a dive, but that's not it; you can also come across ground and tiger sharks.

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Situated on St Maarten's far eastern coastline, the reef at Dawn Beach is another great snorkeling spot with easy beach access. Being on the island's windward side there is often current and some surf, so be sure to take care around the reef.

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As iconic as the islands' pristine beaches and tropical forests, the 60,000-plus green monkeys of St. Kitts and Nevis are a quintessential part of the Caribbean experience for many visitors. But while these photogenic mischief-makers might charm tourists, they pose serious threats to the twin-island Federation.

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1. West End, Grand Bahama Island. If your idea of a relaxing week spend in the sun doesn't include the words “shark infested,” you might want to consider avoiding the West End on Grand Bahama Island: It's one of the most shark-populated beaches in the world.

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The beaches of Saint Martin, a bit of heaven on Earth The sheltered bays and secret coves are a succession of long sandy stretches. The rocky coasts and sandy shores unfurl as you're drawn to the gentle lapping of the crystal-clear sea.

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St. Maarten / St. Martin has 37 stunning beaches, all of which are public. Regulations vary according to the beach and which side of the island governs it.

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I live on SXM and absolutely love St Lucia. It is probably the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. That said, SXM has nicer beaches and a more international flavor and definitely better restaurants. If you love beaches and great food, then St Maarten is the choice for you.

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Located on the island's southwest tip, Cupecoy is a set of three beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs. It's also the last beach on the Dutch side before crossing the northern French border.

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The beaches on Saint Martin are undoubtedly among the finest in the Caribbean. The sand is as fine as powder and the calm, shallow water has a rich ecosystem of coral and fishes just offshore. Many beaches on the south of the island (the Dutch side) have shallow seas that are suitable for families.

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