St. Maarten is a Caribbean island that is part of the Netherlands. Whilst Dutch is the official language nowadays only 5% of the population speak Dutch and English is commonly spoken.

To the North of St. Maarten, we find St. Martin which is an overseas collectivity of France. There is no physical border between the two parts so crossing between the two sides is easy.

There are many things to do in St. Maarten, from snorkeling around the crystal clear waters to strolling around the colorful shopping streets of the capital Philipsburg or tasting some local rum punch!

1 – Do some plane spotting on Maho Beach

Maho Beach, St. Maarten

Maho is a unique beach due to the fact that it is very close to the airport, right at the end of the Princess Juliana International Airport runway. The beach has become a legendary spot for watching planes come down right over beachgoers’ heads.

Take some epic photos of planes taking off just meters above the beach!

Maho Beach is also popular among snorkelers who can explore some colorful coral reefs full of marine life. Many visitors flock to Maho Beach to enjoy the beautiful sunsets or glide over the waters in a windsurf.

Maro Beach tours

2 – Hop on a snorkeling tour

snorkeling boat tours in St. Maarten

Tour operators such as Viator offer full-day snorkeling trips to discover some more secluded snorkeling sites such as Creole Rock, Tintamarre Island, and Pinel Island. Get Your Guide offers a snorkeling safari in a Rhino rider speedboat so you can zip around from different snorkeling sites with ease.

From St. Maarten, it is also possible to explore the Northern French part of St Martin by boat. Creole Rock is located within the protected National Reserve of St Martin and is considered one of the best snorkeling sites due to the shallow waters and bountiful fish living within the rock faces.

Tintamarre Island is also located on the French side of the island but many visitors head there for turtle watching! Astonishing there are four different species of turtle for example green, hawksbill, leatherback, and loggerhead!

Within St. Maarten, top snorkeling sites include Mullet Bay and Cupecoy Beach near the limestone cliffs. Common sea life to encounter when snorkeling around St. Maarten includes french angelfish, foureye butterflyfish, sting rays, and maybe even some moray eels!

snorkeling tours in St. Maarten

3 – Walk along the charming Old Street

Old Street, St. Maarten

Old Street is a popular atmospheric shopping street in Philipsburg. The buildings are built in a colorful and charming colonial style providing a great backdrop for some vibrant photos!

Stop off for a spot of lunch in one of the small bistros or browse the boutique fashion and jewelry stores. The Old Street is a great place to stock up on some souvenirs like specialty chocolates, cigars, or rum.

4 – Go on a shopping spree in Philipsburg

Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Philipsburg is the capital of St. Maarten and is full of lively beachfront bars and shopping opportunities. The city was founded in 1763 by John Philips (hence the name) who was a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy.

Front Street (near Old Street mentioned above) is full of duty-free shops. On Front Street, it is also possible to stumble across the Old Courthouse whose architecture dates back to 1793. It is listed as a major historical monument and is surrounded by picturesque shaded palms.

Another feature of Philipsburg is the casinos which often also host live music shows and concerts. Philipsburg is a great place to try out some local restaurants. Viator offers the experience of ‘Palate Perfection in Philipsburg’ giving visitors the opportunity to sample tasty tapas prepared by a Caribbean chef paired with quality wines.

Other activities in Philipsburg include an ‘Adventure Race walking tour.’ Visitors have to solve different clues and learn facts about the history of Philipsburg while walking around the city. Compete with other travelers to discover more about Philipsburg in an exciting outdoor adventure!

Philipsburg tours

5 – Immerse yourself in nature at the Rainforest Adventures Park

Rainforest Adventures Park, St. Maarten

Visit this ecological park and take a chairlift ride with astonishing views!

The park is famous for its adventure activities such as zip lines for example ‘The Flying Dutchman’ which involves flying through the air strapped in a harness to get some amazing 360-degree views. This steep zip line is definitely one of the most daring things to do in St. Maarten!

The park is also home to the Emilio Wilson Museum which educates visitors about the history of the sugar plantation and the dark reality of the life of the slaves.

Rainforest Adventures Park tickets

6 – Pedal around the island on a bike tour

bike tours in St. Maarten

Why not discover the island on an E-bike on a half-day cycling tour? The local guide will lead you around some interesting points such as Marigot on the French side, full of colorful colonial houses and a large harbor packed with boats.

The 19th-century houses of Marigot are characteristic in the sense that the ground floor is made from stone and then the upper floor is made from timber.

A bike tour will also take you past Fort Louis which was constructed in 1789. The Fort was originally used to defend Marigot from Dutch and British pirates! The Fort is now abandoned but passersby can enjoy the magnificent views over Marigot and Simpson Bay.

bike tours in St. Maarten

7 – Sit back on a dinner cruise

dinner cruise in St. Maarten

Relax to passionate tango music and take in a breathtaking Carribean sunset!

Visitors can enjoy a delicious Creole buffet-style dinner and a full open bar. Watch the coastline go by and cruise along the waters of Simpson Bay in a large catamaran.

dinners in St. Maarten

8 – Race around the island on a quad tour

quad tours in St. Maarten

One of the most thrilling things to do in St. Maarten is whizzing around the island on an ATV quad. Take in the stunning scenery from the back of a quad bike and stop off at key sights such as Maho Beach and Orient Bay Beach.

A quad bike is a good way to climb up to Pic Paradis to enjoy some spectacular views. Check out the Tourscanner site to opt for a full-day quad tour or just a couple of hours!

quad tours in St. Maarten

9 – Imagine yourself as a pirate at Rusty Parrot Pirate Experience

Rusty Parrot Pirate Experience, St. Maarten

Located in Philipsburg, this experience allows families to learn about the history of marauding pirates who used to plague the Caribbean waters.

The exhibits are immersive and full of special effects!

Dress up in full pirate gear with a hook and eye patch to take some memorable photos to take home. Adults will also get the chance to taste some rum punch on the upper deck.

Rusty Parrot Pirate Experience tickets

10 – Ascend up to Sentry Hill

Sentry Hill, St. Maarten

Sentry Hill is the best place to go zip lining in St. Maarten being one of the highest elevation points of the island at 1,125 feet!

The Sentry Hill is a zip line across a mountain ridge that provides an exhilarating experience! Tours provided by Get Your Guide combine the Sentry Hill zip line with the Flying Dutchman zip line mentioned above in the article.

Alternatively, Get Your Guide also provide a tour combining the Sentry Hill zip line and the chairlift ride up to the summit of Sentry Hill.

zip lining in St. Maarten

11 – Walk along the shores of Orient Bay

Orient Bay, St. Maarten

Orient Bay is found on the French side of St Martin but it attracts many beachgoers due to its dreamy white sands. It has even received the nickname of the ‘St Tropez of the Caribbean’!

The beach usually has a nice ocean breeze and some visitors head there to try out some water sports. Viator offers a cocktail experience including a stop in Philipsburg and Orient Bay. Civitatis offer a combined trip to Orient Bay and Marigot.

Orient Bay tours from St. Maarten

12 – Trot around the Seaside Nature Park

Seaside Nature Park, St. Maarten

Those who fancy a horse riding experience will love the Seaside Nature Park which offers riding lessons, beach rides, or rides along different trail paths. Why not treat yourself to a ‘Champagne sunset ride’ for the ultimate romantic experience?

Seaside Nature Park also has a discovery farm where families can pet the animals!

13 – Embark on a bird-watching adventure

bird watching in St. Maarten

Explore saltwater ponds, sandy beaches, and rocky enclaves in search of 30 different bird species!

Spot and photograph birds native to the Lesser Antilles with the help of a nature guide!

bird watching in St. Maarten

14 – Explore the endless pristine beaches of St. Barts

St. Barts, Caribbean

Take a day trip to St. Barts also known as the ‘Jewel of the Caribbean.’

From Simpson Bay Marina the ferry over to St Barts takes only 45 minutes! St. Barts is a great location to indulge in some boutique shopping, lounge around on some idyllic beaches, or take a scuba diving excursion.

St. Barts tours from St. Maarten

15 – Go scuba diving

scuba diving in St. Maarten

Discover the Caribbean marine life and get up close to some gorgeous corals.

The waters are warm making a diving experience very pleasant! Spot turtles, rays, and wrecks and boost your diving skills with the guidance of a professional diver.

scuba diving in St. Maarten

16 – Chill out on the best beaches

best beaches in in St. Maarten

St. Maarten is world famous for its exotic beaches so lying out on a sun bed is definitely one of the essential things to do in St. Maarten.

The Grand Case Beach consists of 1.6 kilometers of golden sand and in the distance, visitors can glimpse the island of Anguilla. Another idyllic sandy beach is Mullet Bay Beach which is a good spot for golfers due to its position near the golf course. The north part of Mullet Bay Beach is excellent for snorkeling.

For those staying in Philipsburg, Great Bay Beach is hard to miss. The beach is relatively close to the cruise port and visitors can take a short water taxi to arrive. The Great Bay Beach is a relaxing beach for swimming and watching the boats go past.

For those seeking natural beauty, don’t forget to spend an afternoon at Cupecoy Beach. The limestone cliffs and rock formations provide a stunning backdrop and the shores are often lined with surfers hoping to get in on the swell.

Anguilla Island tours from Grand Case

17 – Enjoy the views and spot some pelicans from Fort Amsterdam

Fort Amsterdam, St. Maarten

Fort Amsterdam was built by the Dutch in 1631 when they arrived on the island and it strategically looks out over the Great Bay.

The Fort was captured by the Spanish until 1648 and a skeleton of a Spanish soldier was found within the Fort.

Much later in history the Fort was used as a radio station. Nowadays the fort is a good place to try and glimpse some brown pelicans!

18 – See the island by sea on a Rhino Safari Excursion

Rhino Safari Excursion in St. Maarten

A Rhino rider is a zippy little motorboat that can be single, double, or triple. Zoom around the island and stop off for some snorkeling!

It is a great way to see lots of the splendid beaches around the island. Rhino Safari Excursions have been awarded ‘Tour of the Year’ four times!

Rhino Safari Excursion in St. Maarten

19 – Brush up on your history at the St. Maarten Museum

St. Maarten Museum

Learn about the rich history of St. Maarten at the Sint Maarten Museum.

Understand more about the first inhabitants of the island known as the Arawaks who originated from Venezuela. The Arawaks named the island ‘Soualugia’ which means land of salt. Discover about the development of the salt industry throughout the centuries.

Visitors can learn more about slavery and the plantations on the island. At the Sint Maarten Museum, there is also a small exhibition space on Hurricane Luis which hit the island in 1995, and Hurricane Irma in 2017.

The museum also has a wall covered with 25 national heroes who have shaped the history of the island.

20 – Spot some iguanas on Pinel Island

Pinel Island, St. Maarten

Pinel Island is accessible by a 5-minute shuttle boat journey from French St Martin. Many visitors choose to get to the island by sea kayak or paddle board.

Exciting wildlife encountered on Pinel Island includes pelicans, turtles, and also iguanas! The iguanas are completely harmless to humans and enjoy sunbathing on the coconut trees or the beach sands.

There are short hiking trails for those looking to stretch their legs or many visitors choose to spend time snorkeling in the clear waters. While the island is uninhabited there are restaurants and bars along the beach to buy a spot of lunch.

Pinel Island tours from Grand Case

21 – Hike around the island of Saba

Saba, Caribbean

Take a day tour to the Caribbean Dutch island of Saba which takes 90 minutes from St. Maarten by ferryboat. Saba is a paradise for hikers with some incredible natural landscapes such as the volcano called ‘Mount Scenery’.

Saba is quite small measuring just 13 square kilometers and it has four main villages. The island has approximately 2,000 residents and a small student population who study at the Saba University School of Medicine.

Film buffs will be excited to discover that Saba inspired ‘Skull Island’ in the original 1933 King Kong! In addition to the hiking trails, many visitors travel to Saba specifically for great scuba diving opportunities!

Saba tours from St. Maarten

22 – Charter a jet boat to explore the coast

jet boat in St. Maarten

Get Your Guide offers a customized speed boat experience where clients can plan their own personalized itinerary. Cruise around in style and opt to stop off for snorkeling, sunbathing or even cliff jumping!

The speedboats come with a professional captain and an onboard bar.

jet boat in St. Maarten

23 – Sail across to Prickly Pear Cays

Prickly Pear Cays, Anguilla

Take a day trip to Prickly Pear Island on a sailing boat catamaran.

The waters around Pricky Pear Island have lots of reefs perfect for a snorkeling excursion. The island is uninhabited so a secluded location to reconnect with nature and local wildlife.

If you are fortunate you may spot a nurse shark from a distance. Luckily nurse sharks are typically very gentle sharks! The shores of Prickly Pear Island have lots of golden sands and the water is a tantalizing turquoise.

Prickly Pear Cays tours from St. Maarten

24 – Spot exotic birds flying through the air at Parotte Ville Bird Park

Parotte Ville Bird Park, St. Maarten

Parotte Ville is a beautiful sanctuary to rehabilitate birds in Philipsburg. Visitors can get up close to the birds by helping to feed them during a tour.

The place is home to 25 different bird species and some birds to look out for include the sun conures, ring-neck parakeets, and black-headed caiques.

Sun conures have super vibrant yellow, red, blue, and green feathers. They are known to be very friendly birds who love interaction with humans and are vocally very expressive!

25 – Look around the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit

Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, St. Maarten

One unusual and wacky aspect of Front Street in Philipsburg that will delight Star Wars fans is the ‘Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit’. The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit museum was designed by the creator of Yoda (Nick Maley) and the exhibition displays feature different film characters and costumes.

26 – Relax in the sun at some beach clubs

best beach clubs in St. Maarten

The Grand Case Beach Club is a resort near the town of Grand Case in St Martin. The place has two private beaches and a rooftop pool.

It also has many comfortable lounging areas for guests and visitors will enjoy paying a visit to the Sunset café and bar. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Other excellent beach clubs include the Holland House Beach Hotel. They have stylish lounge beds and a beach team to serve clients food and drinks on the beach.

27 – Stock up on souvenirs on some shopping tours

shopping tours in St. Maarten

Browse the shops and discover more about the history of Simpson Bay Lagoon and Marigot during a Marigot Shopping tour.

Shopping tours also include stop-offs at the beaches to cool down after some retail therapy! The fact that the island has a duty-free status means that it is the perfect location for a shopping spree. Visitors can pick up many great bargains on cosmetics, alcoholic spirits, jewelry, and cigars!

shopping tours in St. Maarten

28 – Discover how local Rhum is produced in a Rum Factory tour

rum factory tours in St. Maarten

For those who prefer a chilled glass of beer, opt for the brewery beer tour. Enjoy some beer tastings at the SXM Beer Brewery which specialize in St Maarten’s World Class Premium Lager!

Local beer tastings are a great way to relax with family and friends and discover more secrets behind beer production.

Take a guided tour of Topper’s Rhum Distillery and understand how they produce flavored tropical rums!

Topper’s Rhum have won 25 international awards so take the opportunity to sample some of their tasty different rum varieties! They also won the ‘Best Caribbean Rum Distillery’ in 2019 and their flavors are unique with blends such as banana, vanilla, cinnamon, and strawberry jalapeno.

rum factory tours in St. Maarten

29 – Dine out in the best restaurants

best restaurants in St. Maarten

Le Moulin Fou in Maho Plaza has been voted one of the best French restaurants in St. Maarten. Sit back and eat to the sound of local bands who play every night except Tuesdays. Wine buffs will appreciate the long wine list drawn up by the wine manager. The place is easy to recognize with a mini windmill and neon signs.

Meat lovers will enjoy Jax Steakhouse in Maho Bay for quality cuts of prime meat. The place has gained the reputation of one of the best restaurants in St. Maarten. The dark mahogany decor creates an authentic American-inspired stylish dining experience.

For those looking for some top Indian cuisine head to Spices of India on the Maho Plaza. They pride themselves on their simplified and authentic recipes using the best fresh ingredients.

30 – Enjoy an evening out with some of the best nightlife

best bars & clubs in St. Maarten

St. Maarten is known for its vibrant nightlife where visitors enjoy tasting the local guava berry liqueur!

The best bars & clubs in St. Maarten include The Roxxy Beach Bar on Simpson Bay. They serve delicious food and often have excellent DJs who create an electric atmosphere on the sandy beach.

Other options include the rustic and laid-back Dany’s Beach Bar to drink some rum punch while looking out over the sea on Cupecoy Beach.

The Hole in the Wall in Maho is a must for live music. They have live music every night and karaoke on Sunday. They also have a pool table in the back room.

If you are looking to try some different liqueurs or an extensive list of different whiskies head to the Luxbar in Philipsburg. Ask the mixologist for tips on various spirits and mixers!

Hop on some shore excursions in St. Maarten

If you are arriving by cruise boat, check out the available shore excursions in St. Maarten. Viator offers an Orient Beach and Maho Beach Adventure transporting visitors to two of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Other shore excursions in St. Maarten include exploring downtown Philipsburg followed by a ride in an ATV quad bike whilst stopping off at some amazing beaches. Civitatis offer a shore excursion up to the Rainforest Adventures that was mentioned earlier on in the article.

How to get to St. Maarten?

St. Maarten’s airport is called the Princess Juliana International Airport. Queen Juliana of the Netherlands opened the airport for the first time in 1944. Book up a shared departure transfer or private airport transfer to reduce the stress of traveling.

The airport transfers take visitors from the hotel to the airport door in an air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver.

St. Maarten also has a bus system that connects the major areas.

Where to go next?

There are a lot of other great destinations to visit in the Caribbean.

Explore the rain-forested mountains and the different multi-colored (white, grey, and even black) sand beaches during Saint Kitts and Nevis Tours!

There are also many things to do in Turks and Caicos Islands. Discovering old plantations now in ruins, hiking around the Chalk Sound National Park, or kayaking through the mangrove estuaries.

St. Maarten is a short flight away from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Stop off on the U.S. Virgin Islands for further snorkeling and diving adventures. On the British Virgin Islands spend time exploring Devil’s Bay National Park, admire the spectacular rock formations at The Baths, or check all of the great things to do in St Thomas.

Extend your holiday to discover some of the fun activities in Puerto Rico! Gazing out over the pink salt lakes, strolling through the leafy streets of Old San Juan, or trekking to the Gozalandia waterfalls are some of the top things to do in Puerto Rico.

Or why not consider spending a few days in Martinique? From fun water sports to stunning trekking trails to Mont Pele, there are so many fun things to do in Martinique.

Final thoughts

We hope this article has proven that there are many things to do in St. Maarten! St. Maarten has even been nicknamed ‘the friendly island’ due to the locals’ warmness and openness towards visitors and the duty-free trade!

Fill your days in St. Maarten hopping around nearby islands, horse riding along the golden sands, or birdwatching! Kids will love snorkeling on the shallow reefs and learning about the history of pirates!

Table of contents:

30 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in St. Maarten