Ile Tintamarre St Martin

Name: Ile Tintamarre
Item: Ile Tintamarre
Author: We Love Saint Martin

Ile Tintamarre St Martin is a small island with an area covering approximately 100 hectares, located at about 3 to 4 kilometers from the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten. Ile Tintamarre St Martin has an unusual history, it was at once owned by a Dutchman who proclaimed himself King of Tintamarre island, establishing his own country in 1902, utilising Dutch pennies as its own currency and building his own airstrip. Between 1946 and 1950, it was the base for the airline Compagnie Aerienne Antillaise, which flew planes from, in those days, the island’s 500 meter (1600 ft) airstrip. Ile Tintamarre St Martin lies within the boundary of the Saint Martin Nature Reserve and is often referred to as “Flat Island” by the St. Martiners. It is a popular destination for day trippers who can spend a relaxing day on its fabulous white-sandy beaches. It is not unusual to encounter Dolphins following the boats to Isle Tintamarre. Boats depart from Marigot, the capital of French St. Martin, or Grand Case.

The most accessible bay is Baie Blanche, located on the West coast facing Pinel island and has a most stunning beach for swimming and where everybody arrives visiting the island. A second beach is situated on the East part, just a few minutes from the main one, Baie Blanche. Wild and rocky, this second beach is not the perfect beach to swim but for snorkelers it remains the perfect nursery for numerous fish species. The underwater life is so amazing, just slip into the water with mask and snorkel to observe the graceful sea turtles that inhabit the area.

Healing mud can be found along the island’s southern coastline, but the French authorities have banned the mud baths claiming they are poisonous, rather than curative. Taking a walk around this uninhabited island you will find the remains of a cotton plantation, an airstrip and a small rail track. There is nowhere to buy drinks or food, so come well prepared.

Ile Tintamarre

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