What to do

As long-time residents of Sint Maarten, we know the island very well. We can give recommendations on the best things to do and where to visit while you are here. These activities are not listed in order of “must-do” importance but rather it depends on your mood and preference.

• Maho Beach: The most famous beach for its planes coming in to land right overhead. This is the most crowded beach of the island but it’s worth it. Tourists love being blown away by extreme plane landings.
• A day in Orient Beach: The most popular beach of the island, with its watersports, lounge chairs, beach tennis, and many restaurants (all- you-can-eat buffet or a la carte). Usually wavy and windy, kids love playing in the waves.
• A day on Pinel Island: After a short boat ride ($12 roundtrip) you will enjoy the island of Pinel, where you will find 2 excellent restaurants. You can kayak or snorkel the shallow water, or just bask in the sun.
• A day in Mullet Beach: One of the nicest beaches of the island, with its snack restaurant, volleyball net, and a few times in the year, you can surf big waves.
• Snorkel to the David’s Hole and discover the secret beach accessible from Baie Rouge beach. Swim five minutes after the rock on the right and you will see this circular hole in the cliff.
• The Loterie Farm: This 54 hectares of nature is located at the highest point of St Martin, Pic Paradis. Whether you like hiking in the tropical jungle ($5), or swimming in the natural spring pool and jacuzzi ($25) you will finish your day with drinks and tapas at the Tree Lounge tapas restaurant.
• Walking trails: St Maarten offers several nice hiking trails such as Guana Bay natural rock pools trail (40 min), Bellevue Hillside, Le sentier des Froussards (Anse Marcel) (2 hours)
• The butterfly farm: Located on Gallion Beach road, kids will love this magical one hour visit in English or French, where you can sit among the butterflies and have them land right on your head or your arm.
• At the St Maarten Zoo, located in Philisburg, kids will appreciate this zoo with its splash pool climbing, exotic birds and unique animals.
• Walk up to Fort Louis on the Hill overlooking Marigot Bay. Drive up half way, park the car, and climb the steps to the top and you will discover the ruins of the fort and amazing panoramic views of Marigot and its bay
• Go shopping at The West Indies Mall on the Marigot Boardwalk
• Take a helicopter ride over the island, or to Anguilla, Tintamarre, St Barth and Saba. It’s really worth it.
• Stroll through Front and Back Street in Philipsburg and along the boardwalk for more shopping, visit the local rum boutiques, find some jewelry or a nice watch, make-up (Mac), and other designer brands (Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Longchamp, Michael Kors, Nike,…)
• Watersports: Jet skiing, kite surfing, stand up paddle, kayak, you name it. Various tours based on both sides of the island provide everything from island tours or just a 1 hour ride in the lagoon or in the bay.
• Play golf at the Mullet Bay Golf Course in Mullet Bay, which offers beautiful views even if putting is not easy.
• Go sailing, take a day charter on a catamaran out to visit Tintamarre or Anguilla and its sandy, beautiful islands. It’s really worth it and will definitely make your trip memorable.
• Take the public ferry across to the closest island of St. Barths (40 min) and/or Anguilla (25 min) for the day.
• Watch the latest movies at the Caribbean Cinema in the main Simpson Bay strip or at the open-air cinema on Monday Night from 6pm at Porto Cupecoy (free)
• Go deep-sea diving on Creole Rock with one of several companies on the island, and why not take the opportunity to pass your PADI certification.
• Hit the Casinos and play poker, blackjack, craps or just play slot machine on one of the 13 casinos of the Dutch side.
• Visit the Yoda Guy Movie exhibit, for Star Wars fans, in Philipsburg