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Best Views in May

May is a brilliant time to explore the Instagram hotspots of Saint Martin and Sint Maarten. The island is warm, colourful and lively, while the quieter feel of the shoulder season makes it easier to enjoy popular viewpoints without feeling rushed. Expect bright sunshine, soft sea breezes and plenty of opportunities for memorable holiday photos.

Start with the viewpoints around Pic Paradis, the island’s highest point. From the upper slopes, you can look across green hills, brilliant bays and the neighbouring islands. Go early for clearer light and cooler temperatures, then bring sensible shoes, water and a phone or camera with enough battery for the walk.

Caribbean Holidays, Saint Martin Instagram, A relaxed beach scene at Maho Beach in Sint Maarten with a plane flying low overhead, palm trees, sun loungers and clear blue water

Maho Beach Moments

Maho Beach is one of the most recognisable places to photograph in Sint Maarten. Aircraft pass low over the sand as they approach Princess Juliana International Airport, creating the kind of dramatic image that quickly gets attention on Instagram. The beach is compact, so choose a respectful position and keep a safe distance from aircraft and airport fencing.

For a more relaxed set of pictures, visit between aircraft arrivals and settle into one of the nearby beach bars. Capture the contrast between the deep blue Caribbean, bright beach umbrellas and the busy sky above. May can bring a refreshing breeze, which often makes the heat more comfortable during the middle of the day.

Caribbean Holidays, Saint Martin Instagram, Colourful wooden beach huts and umbrellas lining a calm Caribbean beach in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, with a boardwalk and clear turquoise water

Colourful Philipsburg

Philipsburg offers an easy mix of town, beach and seafront scenery. Walk along the boardwalk for photographs of Great Bay, then turn towards Front Street for colourful buildings, historic details and local shops. The town is especially photogenic when the light is warm in the morning or late afternoon.

Take time to photograph the smaller details as well as the big views. Painted doors, fishing boats, tropical drinks and market stalls all help tell the story of a day in Sint Maarten. A short stroll away, the courthouse and surrounding streets provide a sense of the island’s Dutch Caribbean character.

Caribbean Holidays, Saint Martin Instagram, A quiet white-sand cove in Saint Martin with turquoise water, rocky headland, palm trees and a lone paddleboarder

Hidden Beach Escapes

On the French side, Grand Case and the beaches around Anse Marcel are ideal for a slower, more natural style of holiday photography. Grand Case has a long sweep of sand, calm water and a backdrop of green hills, while nearby coves offer rocky viewpoints and fewer distractions. May is a good month to explore before the busier summer period.

Keep your images natural by photographing early swims, paddleboarders and colourful boats rather than arranging every detail. Sun protection is essential, and a waterproof phone pouch is useful for boat trips or beach days. If you are visiting a quieter cove, take all rubbish with you and avoid disturbing wildlife.

Caribbean Holidays, Saint Martin Instagram, A golden Caribbean sunset over Saint Martin, with silhouetted palm trees, calm sea and a colourful sky viewed from a beach bar terrace

Sunset Sharing Spots

Finish the day at a west-facing beach or a relaxed terrace overlooking the sea. Baie Rouge and some of the island’s beach bars can provide striking sunset views, with the sky changing from gold to coral while boats move across the horizon. Arrive before sunset so you can choose a good table and watch the colours develop.

Whether you use a camera or simply your phone, the best Instagram memories usually come from enjoying the moment first. In May, Saint Martin and Sint Maarten make it easy to combine beautiful scenery, friendly island life and plenty of shareable experiences in one memorable Caribbean holiday.