Île Tintamarre, Nature reserve island in Saint-Martin, France.
Île Tintamarre is a nature reserve island off the northeastern coast of Saint-Martin with white sand beaches, red cliffs, and turquoise waters. The uninhabited landscape features low vegetation and rocky outcrops along its shores.
In the early 1900s, Diederik Johannes van Romondt established a settlement with around 150 inhabitants who farmed cotton and raised livestock. The island later became an air base before being designated as a nature reserve.
The island's name comes from the Spanish words for ocean colors, a reflection of its striking turquoise and indigo waters. Today it serves as a sanctuary where visitors can experience an untouched natural space far from crowds.
The island is reached only by boat from Saint-Martin, with crossings taking around 15 minutes depending on sea conditions. Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes since the rocky shore offers limited shelter.
The seabed around the island contains remnants of a submerged aircraft runway and railroad tracks from its past as a Caribbean air base. These underwater relics offer a glimpse into the island's transformed purpose over time.
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