A Seven Day Island Hopping Itinerary From St. Maarten / St. Martin
St. Maarten / St. Martin is not just a popular destination on its own merits, but also a hub to many surrounding islands. Princess Juliana International Airport is the main gateway for Anguilla, St. Barths, Saba and Statia. In addition, boats depart to uninhabited islands. All above islands are that close to St. Maarten / St. Martin that they are within eyesight.
That makes St. Maarten / St. Martin the best base for island hopping in the Caribbean. You can easily visit a different island every day, and still have plenty of time to indulge in the famed island reputation of culinary capital of the Caribbean during every evening of your stay.
If you are an active island hopping fan, see below a suggested journey making most of your stay on this great departure point to explore the archipelago.
Day 1 (Saturday): Touch base on St. Maarten / St. Martin
Welcome to the “friendly island”! You arrive over famed Maho Beach, so make sure you are well seated near a window to see the unique view of this beach next to the runway.
Hotels suited to your island hopping trajectory can be found in the Maho or Cupecoy areas as they are close to the airport, or the Philipsburg or Simpson Bay areas where many inter-island ferries and excursions depart. In your busy itinerary during the upcoming days, all ports above will be used – so it does not matter much where in above areas you stay. The main towns are easily connected by taxi or minivan bus.
Day 2 (Sunday): Exploring island 1 – St. Maarten / St. Martin
Before you commence your inter-island travel later in the week, take a day to explore the multifaceted binational island that will be your base of island hopping operations. Many professional island tours are well versed in providing a great one day impression of both sides of the island, with suggestions for further explorations over the upcoming days. Island tours can be geared towards must see landmarks, nature or culture tours.
If you still have energy left, start your culinary journey in Simpson Bay and select a taste from the highly cosmopolitan tastes represented here. Balls & Wine will give you a taste of South America – Venezuela, try Lebanese at Beirut, Mediterranean at Al Pasha or Mexican at La Patrona! End with a short pub crawl to explore the most famed nightlife area of the Caribbean, possibly ending in renowned nightclub Lotus.
Day 3 (Monday): Statia – the Historic Gem
An airplane ride to Statia (officially: St. Eustatius) is a low time investment (15 minutes) with high return for history and nature fans. Winair has special daytrip fares for island hoppers.
Arrive on Franklin Delano Roosevelt airport (named after its most famous visitor) and dive into the rich history of the island in capital Oranjestad. Visit its old fortress with placques remembering the many famous American dignitaries visiting the island – Statia was the first place where a “first salute” recognized the United States as an independent country in 1776. Take a walk after in the lush rainforest of “the Quill”, the iconic island volcano, or the Miriam Schmidt botanical gardens.
Day 4 (Tuesday): Saba – the Unspoiled Queen
Today you are off to Saba. Try the Edge Ferry for a theatrical view of this imposingly steep volcano island, or aforementioned Winair daytrip fares.
For fans of hiking, Saba takes it up one notch – literally. Its Mount Scenery is the highest point of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; towns can only be found hundreds of meters above the harbor. If you finished the 1.5 hour walk up the volcano, don’t forget to collect your diploma at the tourist office.
When back on your island hopping hub, explore the Maho area on your culinary journey. For international cuisines, book at Spices of India, Mr Chow and Roma. For seaside dining around famous Maho Beach, consider Tortuga, D’s Beach Bar or SALT.
Day 5 (Wednesday): Sailing off To Tranquil Anguilla
Today, no planes or ferries, but a tranquil tour on a catamaran to Anguilla with either Eagle Tours or Aqua Mania Adventures. Snorkeling gear is on board to have you explore Anguilla not just above water, but also under. Anguilla is most famous for its beaches and you will enjoy those en route. An island hopper bonus: depending on your chosen excursion, uninhabited Dog Island or Prickly Pear island might be part of your itinerary too.
Eagle Tours: Ultimate Prickly Pear Anguilla Experience
Aqua Mania Adventures: Mambo To Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla
Both excursions can return you to the St. Maarten capital. Delve into the culinary offer of Philipsburg this evening. Asian fusion can be tried at Aziana, upscale dining at Ocean Lounge and for a seaside bite in historical setting go for The Pier on Walter Plantz square.
Day 6 (Thursday): Window Shopping at Glitzy St. Barths
St. Barths is known as the jetset hotspot of the Caribbean. Aqua Mania Adventures offers daytrips that will prevent you from having to pay a high hotel price to experience St. Barths glamour, but returns you to the more affordable St. Maarten instead. Gaze at the high end stores in pittoresque Gustavia, go over the hill to get a glimpse of landmarks Eden Rock, Nikki Beach and the famously slanted runway of Remy DeHaenen airport.
When back, try the French side for a bite this time. Grand Case’s known lineup of French cuisine restaurants like Ocean 82 and L’Auberge Gourmande will align beautifully with your island choice earlier in the day.
Day 7 (Friday): Robinson Crusoe day
Do like many locals do on your last day of island hopping: choose the easily reached, laid back Pinel island. Small ferries run frequently between French Cul-de-Sac and this tiny islet only meters away from the mainland. Next to two gorgeous beaches on island, it has two restaurants to finish your island hopping spree in style – with Caribbean beachside relaxation.
As the last sloop back departs at 5pm, you are prone to be hungry of swimming. Nearby Orient Bay Beach offers solace – you find dozens of eateries along this famed St. Martin shore.
Above is an ambitious program, so you can always skip a day for added on-island activities and to learn more about St. Maarten / St. Martin.
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