Things to do — North-East SXM

The north-east side of Saint Martin is lived alternating active beach days, excursions to the islets and relaxation moments at Anse Marcel.

Orient Bay is lived all day. In the morning (before 10 am), the beach is calm and magical at sunrise — ideal moment for swimming and yoga. Around 10 am, the lolos open and install sun loungers and umbrellas. Lunch in one of the colourful lolos (Bikini Beach, Waikiki, Kakao, Kontiki — €25-45/person, sun loungers often included with a meal). Afternoon: water sports (kitesurf, windsurf, jet-ski, paddle) or leisure. In late afternoon (around 4 pm), the beach returns to calm — ideal moment for a last swim before sunset. Festive evenings in high season (live music at the lolos).

The excursion to Pinel Islet (from Cul-de-Sac, 5 min north of Orient Bay) is one of the most iconic on the island. Regular shuttle__ between 9 am and 4:30 pm (€12 return, 5-10 min crossing). On site: shallow turquoise beach, ideal swimming and snorkelling (bring mask-snorkel), beach restaurants (Karibuni, Yellow Beach — €30-50/person, sun loungers €15-25/day). Allow 4-5 hours minimum, ideally the day. Avoid in sargassum season (July-October).

The excursion to Tintamarre (from Orient Bay or Marigot) is longer but unforgettable. Full-day catamaran (departure 9 am, return 4 pm, €130-180/person with Creole lunch on board). Snorkelling in the nature reserve (pristine white sand, crystalline water, regular turtles, rays, harmless juvenile lemon sharks). Often combined with Anse Mary's (deserted beach to the north) and snorkelling stop en route. Book 2-3 days ahead.

Anse Marcel is lived in relaxation mode: long golden sand beach, swimming in a calm lagoon, lunch at La Plage (Riu Palace or Le Domaine's beach restaurant), stroll in the marina (moored yachts), spa and treatments in the hotels. It's also the starting point for private boat trips to the wild coves of the north (Anse Mary's, Tintamarre).

Le Galion beach (immediately south of Orient Bay) is ideal for families with young children — very shallow lagoon (50 cm over 200 m), soft sand, no waves. Some snacks and paddle rentals. Also practical for beginner kitefoil (safe zone).

Water sports are concentrated at Orient Bay: kitesurf (Kite-Saint-Martin, Wind-Adventures, lessons €80-150, rental €50-80/day), windsurf (€35-55/hour), jet-ski (Maison du Jet Ski, €80-150/30 min), parasailing (€60-90/person), beach catamaran rental (€40-80/hour). Diving: PADI-certified centres at Orient Bay and Anse Marcel (Octopus Diving, Scuba Fun) — try-dive €80-110, exploration €70-95/outing, main sites at Tintamarre and around the Saint-Louis Rocks.