Things to do on Saint Martin
Saint Martin's is about eight kilometres end to end. You can see the whole of it in two days, which is roughly what the ship timetable gives you.
Chera Dwip
The island's southern tip separates at high tide and rejoins at low. Walk out across the coral flats when the water is down — ask at reception for the day's tide times, because getting it wrong means wading back. Wear the sandals you can walk on rock in.
The sunrise
This is the one people set an alarm for, and it is worth it. The eastern beach is a few minutes from Delpara. Our sea-view rooms face it, which is why they cost what they do.
Cycle the island
Bicycles are easy to hire near the bazaar. There is one main road and almost no traffic, so you can ride from one end to the other and back in a morning, stopping wherever it looks good.
Snorkelling
The coral is in poorer condition than it was, but the shallows on the western side still hold fish worth looking at. Do not stand on the coral, break it or take any home. It is why the island closes for seven months of the year.
The night market
Seafood grilled by the jetty, chosen from the day's catch. Haggle, and agree the price before it goes on the fire.
Eating at the hotel
Our restaurant, SeaSalt, seats 300 inside and 50 outside looking at the water, serving seafood, Bangladeshi and Western food. There is a 300-seat function room and a lawn marquee for 100 if you are bringing a group — we do events.
Doing nothing
Worth saying plainly: most guests who enjoy Saint Martin's most are the ones who planned least. It is a small island with good light and not much to be on time for.
Please
- No lights on the beach at night — turtles nest here.
- Carry your plastic back to the mainland. There is nowhere for it to go here.
- Do not buy coral or shell souvenirs. They were taken from the reef.