Top 10 Eco Activities in St. Martin

You don’t have to look far for eco-friendly activities on the island of St. Martin. While cruise ships and unchecked development threatened to overtake much of the islands charm, entrepreneurial spirit has captured the eco factor and given the visitor some really great options for activities which are more sustainable for island living.

The shallow waters around Pinel Island are perfect for one of Isabelle’s eco underwater snorkeling adventures. A professional diver and marine biologist, she will have you looking at this activity in an entirely different way, and you’ll leave with an understanding of the large impact you can have beneath the surface.

The butterfly farm. Both kids and adults will delight in the activity taking place at the Islands Butterfly Farm. The tour guide is incredibly enthusiastic and knowledgeable. The visuals are lovely,and i’ll bet you didn’t know that these sexy creatures mate for 48 hours straight!

Visit a grocery on the french side-you’ll feel like you’ve travelled to France and have some of the best cheese you’ve ever tasted.
{i realize these are sausages you are looking at-my cheese photo didn’t make the cut-and my family raved about these guys}

At Loterie Farm you can cross any number of items off your eco-activity list. From ziplining, to hiking or swimming in the chemical free pool while renting one of the tree house cabanas, this is one of the most sustainably oriented businesses on St. Martin. After the exercise, their restaurant features fresh and local ingredients on the menu toping off a day where you treaded lightly on Mother Earth.

Take the short ferry ride to nearby Pinel Island. Find a chair under a some shade under a palapa over at Le Karibuni and soak up some of the prettiest waters Saint Martin has to offer. The adjacent restaurant serves up beach side cocktails, and when you’re ready for lunch, select a langoustine right out of the Caribbean; when it arrives, be prepared for nirvana.

Visit the nearby eco friendly Saba where you’ll be treated to an off the beaten path paradise of hiking and diving. My earlier post tells you all about this special place.

Indulge in the local seafood which you can find all over the island, be it in sushi form or simply grilled. You can thank me later.

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Make sure to get to Grand Case, the gustatorial delight of the Caribbean. I highly recommend Le Cottage, where the friendly owners make it their mission to insure a good time.

Visit the market in Marigot. Avoid the touristy tie dyed clothing emblazoned with St. Martin insignias that are surely made overseas, and connect with the locals. There are artists, craftspeople and food vendors offering local products that are much more sustainable.

Take a hike, early morning is best before the heat sets in. There are over many miles of trails to enjoy along with the flora and fauna, not to mention the memorable views.

Pick up a bottle of the local rum. I loved the way they decorated these hand painted bottles and the liquids are infused with all kinds of flavors. You’ll instantly bring back memories of your visit when you mix up a cocktail back home, and they will surely take the chill out of the air on a cold winter’s night.

There you have it. It’s pretty easy to add eco friendly activity to any vacation.