The Best Things to do in St Maarten / St Martin

By Kerry Biddle on 21st April, 2020

There is so much to do on the beautiful Caribbean island of St Maarten / St Martin besides soaking up the sun. Being surrounded by water, many activities and excursions are water-related, however, there are also hikes, ziplining, horseback riding and so much more for those who want to do something land-based. Read on to discover some of the best things to do in St Maarten / St Martin.

1. Diving & Snorkeling

St Maarten / St Martin has a lot to offer on land and the beaches are stunning, but the most intriguing attractions are the beautiful fish, shipwrecks, and corals hidden beneath the surface. Snorkeling can be done around the rocks right off most beaches and there is always something to see.

Book a Discover Scuba session with The Scuba Shop to give diving a try. The only criteria for a Discover Scuba course is that you are healthy and over 10 years old. Even if you aren’t a great swimmer, you can still do the course and get to see what’s under the sea in a safe, shallow environment. To find out more details about scuba diving on St Maarten/St Martin, click on The Scuba Shop

Once you are comfortable with the gear and skills it is time to head out on your very first scuba dive. This shallow, easy dive is the perfect introduction to the sport of scuba diving. You will be able to see a huge variety of fish, moray eels, stingrays, and hopefully much more. There are several dive sites around St Maarten / St Martin that can be the location for your first dive. You might end up exploring a coral reef or a shipwreck on the bottom of the sea.

St Maarten St Martin zip line — Rainforest Adventures’ Flying Dutchman

2. St Maarten Zip Line – Rainforest Adventures

Take a breathtaking and exhilarating ride on the Flying Dutchman, the steepest zipline in the world, from the top of Sentry Hill. How to get to the top? Luckily it’s not a strenuous hike, but a slow, gentle ride up on a ski lift with close up views of the old stone walls that crisscross the estate, and the natural bush and trees that cloak the sides of the hill in a layer of green. For amazing views of the island, there is no better activity to try!

3. Horseback Riding

There are several horse riding opportunities on both sides of the island. The most exciting part is riding your horse into the sea at the end to cool off. Lucky Stables in Cay Bay very kindly lent us a horse for the photo shoot.www.seasidenaturepark.com

4. Hiking Adventures

For keen walkers and adventure seekers, hiking is one of the best ways to see St Maarten / St Martin. There are at least 17 well-known trails that crisscross the island, with three hours to spend, you can hike along beaches, hillsides, cliffs, and ravines that immerse you in island history, flora and fauna – with panoramic views. Several popular hikes begin at Loterie Farm, in French St Martin, while others scale the antennae-topped ridges along the island’s spine. From the Cole Bay roundabout at the Causeway, you can follow the construction road toward the UTS Tower, with non-stop views from St Peter’s to Simpson Bay Lagoon.

5. That Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit

Heads up all you Star War fans. That Yoda Guy at #19 Front Street at the Head of Town in Philipsburg is where you can procure movie memorabilia and artwork. There is a fascinating movie exhibit area too. This is not your average Star Wars shop. Here you buy the real thing… rare original movie relics, scripts, props, behind-the-scenes photos and storyboards, hand signed by Star Wars celebrities, slices of movie history to pass on through the family. Say hi to Yoda and then see if his creator, Nick Maley, is available for a chat. See more at www.ygme.info

6. Self-Drive Mini Speedboat Tour

Take your own small craft out on a guided snorkeling tour around the beautiful waters surrounding St Maarten/St Martin. The tour starts with a meander through the Simpson Bay Lagoon and out through the French Side bridge to some top snorkeling spots. All ages over 5 years old are welcome. Caters to non-swimmers too. To find out more details click on Rhino Safari Excursions

7. Topper’s Rhum Distillery Tour

Topper’s Rhum is a family-owned distillery, which handmakes and bottles rhum in St Maarten. Choose one of their fascinating tours of the rum distillery on St Maarten/St Martin and take a marvelous taste trip when you get to the tasting part of the tour. For the full tour, you will be treated to rum-infused gelato and delightful food prepared with a dash or two of their rum. To book a tour, click here.

8. Amuseum Naturalis

Perched on a hilltop above Galion Beach, Amuseum Naturalis offers some of the best views on St Martin. To the east, the salt pond where many once worked now sits idle behind Orient Bay. To the south, French Quarter blends invisibly into Dutch Quarter. Rugged nature stretches out in all directions.

If you ever wanted to learn more about St Maarten / St Martin, Amuseum Naturalis is the right place. Stories about the island’s nature, history, and culture unroll across dozens of exhibits.

Get to know the little lizard that lives only on St Maarten/St Martin and nowhere else in the world. Find out how bush tea and bush medicine grew from African and Caribbean plants and traditions. Learn how local designs and techniques give homes their unique look. Watch St Martiners share the stories of their lives and their island in oral history films. Discover island plants and animals with fun games and activities for all ages.

9. St Maarten 12 Metre Regatta

Sail aboard the legendary 12 Metre racing yachts from the 1987 America’s Cup Regatta for a true vacation highlight. Grind a winch, trim a sail, punch a stopwatch, or site back and relax in a race for the world’s oldest continuously contested trophy in sports. No previous sailing experience is necessary and is suitable for children aged six and up.

10. Dutch Blonde/Caribbean Brewing Company

The Dutch Blonde Beach Bar is the place to be to find adventure games in one of their Escape Rooms. If you prefer a tour of the brewing facilities where they brew their signature award-winning Dutch Blonde Ale, click here.

11. Jet Ski, Parasailing & Kayaking Excursions

There are several water sports companies on the island that offer brilliant on-water excursions, from surfing and kayaking to jet ski and parasailing adventures. The dependable trade winds provide perfect conditions all year round.

12. Sonesta Resort Day Pass

Spend a day at the resort enjoying their wonderful pool, restaurants, and other amenities. Get your Day Pass online by clicking here or visiting the reception to get one.

13. Casino Royale

Flirt with Lady Luck on some of the top games on St Maarten/St Martin in a vibrant resort atmosphere at Casino Royale. Open to anyone over 18 years old from 1pm until late. You can attend free shows every Saturday at 9 pm. They have guest performers from the US and Vegas circuits, resident singers, and other entertaining acts.