Coastal Hike and Swim Tour in St. Martin/St. Maarten — Pic Paradis, Nature Reserve & Happy Bay
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to walk uneven trails, ascend short steep sections and handle a beach swim.
Overview
Three short hikes in four hours: a windswept coastal reserve, a quick summit push to Pic Paradis, and a swim at the sheltered Happy Bay. This small-group tour is a compact, grounded way to see both sides of St. Martin/Sint Maarten.
Coastal Hike and Swim Tour in St. Martin/St. Maarten — Pic Paradis, Nature Reserve & Happy Bay
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The morning opens with a salt-scented wind that tugs at your shirt as the van eases out of Philipsburg and climbs toward the island’s spine. You pass low scrub, cactus, and the flattened roofs of colonial houses until the road narrows and the foliage thickens; the guide points to a shaded trailhead and the group steps off the asphalt and into the island’s varied skin—rock, root, and reef.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear swimwear under lightweight clothes
You’ll move from hikes to a beach swim—swimwear under quick-dry layers saves time and locker hassles.
Sturdy shoes for mixed terrain
Trails include rocky limestone, roots, and sand—closed-toe hiking or trail shoes are recommended.
Carry reef-safe sunscreen and at least 1 L water
Island sun is intense and some stretches are exposed; hydrate before and during the tour.
Start early to avoid heat and crowds
Morning light brings calmer seas for the swim and cooler temperatures on Pic Paradis.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelican
- Black iguana
History
The island was divided between French and Dutch control in the 17th century; salt production around Philipsburg shaped early settlement and trade.
Conservation
The East Coast Nature Reserve protects nesting seabirds and fragile coastal vegetation; visitors are asked to stay on trails and use reef-safe sunscreen to minimize impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Philipsburg
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy trail shoes
Protects feet on rocky coastal trails and the rooty forest approaches to Pic Paradis.
Swimwear and quick-dry towel
Wear under clothes for an easy transition to swimming at Happy Bay.
summer specific
Reef-safe sunscreen and hat
Protects skin from strong tropical sun and helps preserve local coral reefs.
summer specific
Daypack with 1–2 L water
Keeps hydration, snacks, and a light layer handy during stops and the final swim.