St. Maarten Wildlife: Where To Spot Turtles, Pelicans & More

Iconic animal species to spot in St. Maarten in 2025

St. Maarten’s wildlife thrives across reefs, lagoons, and hilltop forests. From nesting turtles to rare seabirds, here are the signature animals to look for in 2025.

Brown pelican

St. Maarten's national bird is the brown pelican. These coastal icons are hard to miss — gliding low over the water or plunging headfirst to catch fish. St. Maarten’s largest breeding colony is at Fort Amsterdam, where pelicans nest on the cliffs and soar over Little Bay. Visit in the early morning for the most action.

Green iguana

Common across the island, green iguanas can grow over a meter long and turn bright orange in mating season. You’ll find them sunbathing on seawalls, climbing trees near ponds, or even wandering resort gardens. Despite their prehistoric look, they’re peaceful, plant-eating reptiles.

Magnificent frigatebird

With their massive wingspans and forked tails, frigatebirds patrol the skies above both the Dutch and French coasts. Males inflate bright red throat pouches during courtship. Look for them soaring above Pelikan Rock or Fort Amsterdam on breezy afternoons.

Royal tern

This sleek seabird, with its black cap and orange bill, nests in colonies on offshore rocks and sandy islets. Watch them dive headfirst for fish or rest in groups along quiet beaches. Pelikan Rock is one of the best spots to see them in breeding season (late spring to summer).

Snowy egret

The snowy egret (Egretta thula) is a graceful white heron known for its slender black legs, bright yellow feet, and delicate plumes. Found in wetlands and coastal areas, it hunts small fish and crustaceans by swiftly darting through shallow water.

Vervet (green) monkey

An introduced species, vervet monkeys are now part of St. Maarten’s landscape. They’re intelligent, curious, and often spotted in small troops near Pic Paradis and Loterie Farm. While they’re fun to watch, it’s important not to feed them — it can harm their health and disrupt natural behavior.

Yellow-crowned night heron

A striking wading bird with a chunky build and bold markings, the yellow-crowned night heron is a mangrove and lagoon specialist. It hunts crabs in the shallows at dawn and dusk, especially around Mullet Pond and Little Key.

Giant centipede (Scolopendra alternans)

This large, fast-moving centipede can grow over 20 cm long and has a powerful bite. It’s usually found under rocks, fallen wood, or in caves. While its venom isn’t deadly, it can cause swelling and pain, so don’t touch it. Rare to see, but unforgettable if you do.

Anguilla Bank tree anole

The Anguilla tree bank anole (Anolis gingivinus) is a small lizard found across the Leeward islands. Olive to brown in color, it blends easily into trees and bushes. Active by day, this agile anole helps control local insect populations.

Marine wildlife in St. Maarten

Hawksbill turtle

A regular sight for divers and snorkelers, the hawksbill turtle feeds in seagrass beds and along coral reefs. With its patterned shell and sharp beak, it’s one of the Caribbean’s most photogenic marine reptiles. You’re most likely to see them at Man of War Shoal, Creole Rock, and Tintamarre, especially from April to December during nesting season.

Spotted eagle ray

Graceful and unmistakable, spotted eagle rays glide over sandy bottoms and reef edges, often in pairs or small groups. They’re most often seen while diving or snorkeling at Tintamarre and Man of War Shoal. Early-morning boat trips give the best chance of a sighting.

Humpback whale

During their winter migration, humpback whales pass offshore between January and March. Boat tours in this season sometimes spot them breaching or slapping their tails — an unforgettable sight against the island’s backdrop.

Bottlenose dolphin

Playful and fast-moving, bottlenose dolphins are seen year-round in St. Maarten’s waters, sometimes riding boat wakes or hunting fish along the coast. They’re most often spotted on calm days during boat trips around the island or between the Dutch and French sides.

Caribbean reef shark

Caribbean reef sharks are often encountered during scuba diving in St. Maarten. They are pretty much harmless and pose no risk to humans. There have been only a very few shark attacks in St. Maarten and none of them was related to Caribbean reef sharks.

Best places to spot St. Maarten wildlife in 2025

Hiking & inland nature spots

Pic Paradis & Loterie Farm

Pic Paradis (Paradise Peak) is the highest point on St. Maarten, with shaded forest trails where you can spot hummingbirds, pearly-eyed thrashers, lizards, and even vervet monkeys. It's also good for spotting raptors and migratory birds on clear days. 

Snorkel & dive-friendly beaches

Little Bay

Easy beach entry with reef fish, octopus, and the Underwater Sculpture Park for a mix of art and marine life.

Creole Rock

A shallow-water snorkeling haven within the Réserve Naturelle. Expect colorful reef fish, soft corals, and occasional turtle sightings.

Pinel Island

Calm, clear shallows perfect for beginners, with seagrass beds where you might spot rays and juvenile fish.

Tintamarre

Known for its turtle encounters in the seagrass meadows just offshore. Also a good spot for rays and occasional dolphins cruising past.

Seasonal wildlife viewing

Turtle nesting beaches

Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, and certain stretches near Simpson Bay Lagoon during April–December.

Whale & dolphin boat tours

Offshore between January–March for humpbacks, year-round for dolphins.

Wetlands & ponds not in reserves

Fresh Pond

Close to Philipsburg, this wetland is a stopover for migratory waterbirds like pintails and black-necked stilts.

Guana Bay salt pond

A quieter birding location where you might spot sandpipers and herons without the crowds.

Wildlife habitats in St. Maarten in 2025

For a small island, St. Maarten squeezes in a surprising range of habitats. Its wildlife scene is spread across an impressive mix of marine parks, mangrove lagoons, and bird-rich headlands. Here's where all nature lovers should go in 2025:

Protected marine parks to see St. Maarten wildlife

Man of War Shoal Marine Park (Dutch side)

31 km² of coral reef, seagrass beds, and open water. Expect reef sharks, turtles, and colorful reef fish. Access is only by boat with licensed operators, and fishing is banned.

Wildlife species to spot: Caribbean reef shark, hawksbill turtle, southern stingray, blue tang.

Best time to visit: Best in the morning for calmer seas and better visibility.

Réserve Naturelle (French side)

The Reserve Naturelle St. Martin protects several key islets and reefs, including Creole Rock and Tintamarre. Strict no-landing zones help protect seabird nests and turtle feeding grounds.

Wildlife species to spot: Green turtle, spotted eagle ray, brown noddy, sooty tern.

Best time to visit: Mid-morning on clear days for snorkeling; late spring to summer for active seabird colonies.

Ramsar-listed mangroves and lagoon nurseries

Mullet Pond

A designated Ramsar wetland and part of Simpson Bay Lagoon. Mangrove roots shelter juvenile fish, rays, and small sharks while hosting herons, egrets, and pelicans overhead.

Wildlife species to spot: Juvenile snapper, juvenile barracuda, small lemon shark, brown pelican, great egret.

Best time to visit: Early morning when bird activity is highest and the water is glassy for photography.

Little Key

An uninhabited mangrove island in the lagoon that’s in the process of becoming a formal nature park.

Wildlife species to spot: Juvenile parrotfish, mojarra, snowy egret, yellow-crowned night heron.

Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon by kayak for the best light and cooler temperatures.

Important Bird Areas (IBAs) for birdwatching

Fort Amsterdam

Easy access from Philipsburg; home to a breeding colony of brown pelicans visible from the headland trails.

Wildlife species to spot: Brown pelican, magnificent frigatebird, laughing gull.

Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for active pelicans and softer light.

Pelican Rock

Offshore seabird nesting site (access by boat; no landings allowed).

Wildlife species to spot: Masked booby, royal tern, brown noddy.

Best time to visit: Late spring through summer for peak nesting activity; mornings for calmer seas.

Little Bay Pond

A brackish pond attracting ducks, coots, and herons, just minutes from town.

Wildlife species to spot: Blue-winged teal, common moorhen, black-necked stilt, great egret.

Best time to visit: Early morning for the most bird activity and minimal human disturbance.

Other important wildlife habitats in St. Maarten

Salt and freshwater ponds

Great Salt Pond, Fresh Pond, and Little Bay Pond are hotspots for ducks, coots, and other wetland birds, especially during migration periods.

Wildlife species to spot: Blue-winged teal, black-necked stilt, common moorhen, snowy egret.

Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for feeding activity.

Dry forest & hillside trails

Pic Paradis and Loterie Farm offer shaded paths through dry forest, with views over both sides of the island. Great for spotting land birds and reptiles.

Wildlife species to spot: Antillean crested hummingbird, pearly-eyed thrasher, tree frog, green iguana.

Best time to visit: Early morning for bird activity and cooler hiking temperatures.

Responsible wildlife watching (quick rules)

Wildlife encounters in St. Maarten are often close and memorable — but a few simple habits will keep them safe and your experience positive.

1. Give sea turtles space
   Stay at least 3 meters away, both in the water and on nesting beaches. Avoid bright lights at night — use a red filter if you must be on the beach during nesting season.
2. Don’t feed wild animals
   This includes vervet monkeys, iguanas, and seabirds near docks. Human food harms their health and can make them aggressive.
3. Protect the reefs
   Use reef-safe sunscreen, never touch corals, and avoid standing on rocks or seagrass beds while snorkeling.
4. Follow reserve rules
   No landings on restricted islets like Creole Rock, and no anchoring in protected seagrass or coral zones.
5. Keep noise and movement low
   Loud sounds and sudden movements can disturb nesting birds and resting marine life — especially in mangrove and lagoon areas.

When to go for St. Maarten wildlife encounters

Wildlife is active year-round in St. Maarten, but certain seasons bring standout moments.

• Sea turtle nesting: April–December, with peak hatching in late summer.
• Seabird colonies: Late spring to summer for breeding activity at Pelikan Rock and Fort Amsterdam.
• Migratory waterbirds: November–March at ponds and wetlands.
• Whale watching: January–March for humpback sightings offshore.
• Best water visibility: November–June, outside the peak hurricane season.

Ecotours, apps, and conservation

St. Maarten’s wild side is easy to explore solo, but guided tours and smart tools can help you see more and understand what you’re looking at. Whether you’re birdwatching, snorkeling, or hiking, these options make wildlife spotting easier and more rewarding.

Guided tours and experiences

• Marine park snorkel & dive trips – Licensed operators run trips to Man of War Shoal, Creole Rock, and Tintamarre, where you can spot turtles, rays, and reef sharks while learning about marine conservation.
• Mangrove kayaking in Simpson Bay Lagoon – Paddle through Mullet Pond’s mangrove tunnels with a naturalist guide to see juvenile fish, crabs, and herons up close.
• Pic Paradis & Loterie Farm hikes – Guided treks into St. Maarten’s highest peak offer chances to see hummingbirds, lizards, and vervet monkeys, with guides explaining the island’s ecology and history.
• Seasonal whale and dolphin tours – January–March boat excursions often spot humpbacks offshore, plus bottlenose dolphins year-round.

Wildlife apps to download

• iNaturalist – Identify plants and animals with your phone’s camera and share your sightings with a global research community.
• Merlin Bird ID – Identify birds by photo or sound, even offline — perfect for pond and forest birdwatching.
• Seek by iNaturalist – A family-friendly app with instant animal and plant recognition, great for kids.

Local conservation efforts in 2025

St. Maarten is home to several dedicated conservation groups and programs:

• Nature Foundation St. Maarten – Manages the Man of War Shoal Marine Park, runs sea turtle monitoring, and combats invasive species like vervet monkeys.
• EPIC (Environmental Protection in the Caribbean) – Focuses on mangrove and lagoon restoration, bird surveys, and public education.
• Sea Turtle Network St. Maarten – Works to protect nesting beaches and track turtle movements around the island. It is managed by the Nature Foundation St. Maarten.
• Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance – A nonprofit organization created to safeguard nature in the Dutch Caribbean through supporting Conservation and Protected Area Management Organizations.

Supporting these groups — by joining eco-friendly tours, following guidelines, and donating where possible — helps keep St. Maarten’s wildlife thriving for generations to come.