Activities and Attractions on St. Martin / St. Maarten - Things to do during your Vacations
In terms of activities and attractions, no other island in the Caribbean offers such a wide range of things you can do than St. Maarten/St. Martin does! For relaxing and fun filled vacations, there is almost anything you can do! From relaxing by your villa pool or on any of the wonderful white sand beaches, to the many activities, island attractions and water sports.
Browse through our attraction guide - it shows options for boating in all flavors, jet-skiing, kayaking, sailing, deep sea fishing, speed boats... Or for the most popular water sports on St. Martin/St. Maarten: snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. Hiking (e.g. to the peak of Pic Paradis), mountain biking, horseback riding along the beach, and even renting a Harley Davidson for an island ride are some of the land bound alternatives.
During the evenings, enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Sint Maarten. Have tropical cocktails at one of the hot spots or live venues with a steel band or Caribbean band. Spend a night out on gambling in casinos, in night clubs, discotheques, open air cafes or incredible fine dining. Whatever your tropical vacation desires are, you will find on Sint Maarten or Saint Martin!
For information on SHOPPING on the island, view our SHOPPING SECTION!
FLY ZONE One of the most popular attractions is the Fly Zone at the Loterie Farm at Pic Paradis. Fun for kids and adults alike!
We dedicate a complete section on our fabulous beaches at the island portal www.Sint-Maarten.net. Photos, descriptions and more. Click to view Info on beaches.
St. Martin/St. Maarten offers a full range of water sports. The island's best serviced beach is Orient Bay Beach.
-- THE MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS FOR TOURISTS: FLYING DUTCHMAN & ZIP LINE --
Flying Dutchman
*** NEW *** NEW: Rainforest Adventure - OPEN FOR BUSINESS Sky High with Rainforest Adventure Sint Maarten! The island's newest and hottest attraction is open for business! The Rainforest Adventure offers the world's steepest zipline - The Flying Dutchman - what a thrill!!!
Their chairlift Soualiga Sky Explorer takes you on a tranquil ride which spans up to 2630 ft. as the spectacular landscape unfolds below. There is more to explore, see their website!
Soualiga Sky Explorer
Damaged by Irma - Presently Closed
Go Kart 0690 743-565
The Go Kart site offers a great introduction to the world of motorsport for enthusiastic youngsters and adults alike. A place to go for a fun go cart racing day with family and friends, or for your kid's birthday party!
Located in La Savane on the main road to Grand Case, right behind the dp Delta gas station. Go Kart is scheduled to be open every day from around 11am until midnight.
Loterie Farm and Fly Zone 0590 878-616. This unique farm once cultivated sugar cane, today it is the ecological showcase of a Californian philanthropist. It is also a great starting point for mountain hikes. You can hike for an hour through the "hidden forest" with splendid views towards the Sea, Marigot, and the island of Anguilla. Yet the Loterie Farm is best known for its Fly zone.
The higher, more challenging zip line parcours is for adults and youngsters >4 ft. tall. The lower, easier tour is for kids. There is also an restaurant and bar/lounge on site. Reservations for Fly Zone recommended on busy days (cruise ship days!)
Don't miss to visit Pinel Island, a picture perfect beach, only minutes off the northern coast - Pinel Island!
VISIT PINEL ISLAND
for a day excursion!
Tropical dream beach on Pinel
Pinel Island is a tiny island off the Northern coast of French St. Martin, about 2 miles north of Orient Bay. If you want to hang out on a picture perfect white tropical sand beach, this is the place to go! Relax, enjoy good food & drinks at one of the few beach bars there. Do nothing but relax, chill out, sunbathe or take a dip in the shallow waters. More at Sint-Maarten.net!
These villa rentals with fabulous sea views at the bay of Cul-de-Sac opposite Pinel Island, offer free kayaks for guests to paddle over to Pinel Island directly from the villa:
Boating - Water sports - Water sports - Water sports - Water sports - Yachting - Private Charters
Jet Ski - Facilities on Orient Bay & Nettle Bay presently closed Jet Skis and Wave Runners can be rented at several beaches. The most popular locations are Orient Beach (French side) and Great Bay and Little Bay (Philipsburg, Dutch side). Going on a Jet Ski is usually restricted to a zone in view of the beach. On Orient Bay check out Bikini Beach 0590 270-748, Kakao Beach 0690 109-890 or Kontiki Beach, Kontiki Water sports 0590 874-689. They offer guided Jet Ski tours to the deserted islands of Pinel and Tintamarre, and along the Northern and northwestern shore.
Surfing and Body Boarding Winter waves reach the North and West coasts of St Maarten/St Martin from November - March. The East coast comes alive with the passing of tropical systems from July--November. The most popular surf spots include Guana Bay, Le Galion, Mullet Bay and Orient Bay. Board rentals available at Le Galion beach and Orient Bay, at Windy Reef 0590 870-837 or Tropical Wave 0590 873-725
Kitesurfing Kitesurfing is becoming more and more popular on St Martin as well. Perfect places to start with Kitesurfing are Orient Bay and Le Galion. To buy Kite Surf and other surf stuff go to Surface, Marigot 0590 879-324.
Wakeboarding and Water skiing The most popular spots for wakeboarding and water skiing are Grand Case Bay and the Simpson Bay Lagoon on Nettle Bay. If you are into it, check out Phat Wake Zone at Hotel Mercure, Nettle Bay (Simpson Bay Lagoon side) 0590 879-962.
Parasailing - Facilities on Orient Beach presently closed
If you are up to be suspended on a giant, inflated wing above the Atlantic ocean, go to Orient Beach. There is the largest range of options. The scenery with a bird´s eye view is terrific. Check out the Orient Bay Water sports concessions at:
Bikini Beach 0590 270-748
Kakao Beach 0690 109-890 or
Kontiki Water sports 0590 874-689.
On the Dutch side check out Aquamania Adventures 544-2640, or
Westport Water sports 544-2557 at Kim Sha Beach (Simpson Bay).
Windsurfing
Windsurfing with the gentle trade winds on St Martin is a treat! Season starts in winter with the so called "Christmas Winds". Otherwise, Southern trade winds provide consistent conditions averaging 15 knots until July. Intermediates and advanced wind surfers should definitely go to Orient Bay despite its frequent choppy conditions as the bay is facing the windward Atlantic coast. The possibilities are endless here: flat water sailing; swell and chop sailing between Green Cay and Pinel Island; speed runs to Pinel from Club Orient; or wave sailing in the reef at Green Cay. Another great place for Wind surfers, beginners and intermediates, is Le Galion Beach.
Where to rent windsurfing equipment:
Club Orient Water sports 0590 873-385
Wind Adventures 0590 294 157
Windy Reef 0590 870-837
Bikini Beach 0590 270-748
Kakao Beach 0690 109-890
Kontiki Water sports 0590 874-689
Reserve naturelle St Martin 0690 342-185 Le Galion Water sports (Tropical Wave) 0590 873-725
Watersports and Boat Rentals
Most watersport agencies are located at the Simpson Bay Lagoon and at Orient Beach. Boat rentals are usually only possible with skipper/captain. Small boats, such as a Hobie cat sailboat can be rented without a skipper. Guided tours with small powerboats are offered, too. Jet skiing on your own is possible at Little Bay, Great Bay, and at Orient Beach, more info.
Stand Up Paddling and Kayaking - Paddle to Pinel !
Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is an exiting way to discover new perspectives of the waters between St. Martin (near Orient Beach) and Pinel Island. Beginner or advanced water pro, you will enjoy the great underwater world at this flat stretch of seabed. Pinel Island is a picture perfect tropical dream beach and going there by SUP gives an additional kick. If you prefer kayaking, the same company, Caribbean Paddling, rents kayaks, too. More info on website: or call (590)-690-220-322.
Diving and Snorkeling The crystalline waters surrounding St. Maarten/St. Martin allow for clear visibility up to 100 feet, and often up to 150-200 feet. Coral reefs are teaming with marine life, providing more than 40 excellent dive sites off St Maarten´s coast. Certified scuba divers can rent tanks and equipment at water sport shops around the island, e.g. The Scuba Shop 545-3213 in Simpson Bay or at their office in Oyster Pond Marina 0590 874-801. Dive courses for advanced and novice divers are available, e.g. at
Dive Adventures, Pelican Marina (Pelican Key) 544-2640
Dive Safaris, Bobby´s Marina 542-9001.
Ocean Explorers, Simpson Bay 544-5252.
Scuba Fun Caraibes, Anse Marcel 0590 873- 613
Sea Dolphin, Nettle Bay, 0590 876-072
Aqua Mania Adventures, Pelican Marina, 544-2640.
Snorkeling
Beaches good for snorkeling: Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, Long Bay, Baie Rouge, Grand Case, Dawn Beach, Happy Bay.
Some of the reefs are located close to shore making them accessible to snorkelers as well. If you prefer snorkeling, a mask, fins and snorkel cost a few dollars a day, e.g. at Kontiki Water sports (Orient Bay) 0590 874-689 or at The Scuba Shop 545-3213. More on the website:
St. Martin / St. Maarten - Boating, Fishing, Sailing - Boating, Fishing, Sailing - St. Maarten / St. Martin -
Boat trips There are plenty of full or half day boat trips available on the island. A day trip to one of the neighboring islands is a perfect getaway. Voyager goes daily to St. Barths from Marigot and/or Oyster Pond 0590-871-068, Simpson Bay 721-544 4096, website: www.voy12.com, email: [email protected] Edge I and II are high speed ferries going to Saba or St. Barths, as well, contact Aquamania Adventures 544-2640 (leaving from Pelican Marina in Simpson Bay). Day charters, power and sail boat rentals for professional skippers are available at Any Way Marine in Marigot, 0590 879-141. Aquaworld is a boat rental and charter on the Dutch side (Simpson Bay) 545-4533.
Boat Excursions & Charters with Captain Alan
Captain Alan at Oyster Pond
One of the powerboats of Captain Alan
that takes you to snorkeling trips
Captain Alan offers a "Three Island Snorkeling Excursion" that takes you away from the crowds to the lesser visited islands of Tintamarre, Pinel and Green Key. On your three stops you'll find incredible snorkeling, beautiful beaches and very special volcanic mud.
The trip runs on high quality 30ft offshore powerboats with powerful twin 225/250hp engines. The boats can also be rented at Captain Alan's for private charters (up to 14 people per boat).
Trips with Captain Alan start at the dock at Great House Marina at Oyster Pond (opposite former Mr. Busby's Beach Bar).
For more info call (721) 524-1386 or (721) 580-0377,
or visit Captain Alan's website
or send Email.
For information on SHOPPING on the island, view our SHOPPING SECTION!
Sailing
On St. Maarten you can find out what it feels like to be a crew member on a 12 Metre America's Cup Yacht. The Regatta lasts two and a half hours and costs approx. $60 per person. If interested, drop by Bobby´s Marina (Great Bay, on the Dutch side), see The St Maarten 12 Metre Challenge or call at 542-0045.
Or sail on one of the big catamarans to St. Barths or other surrounding islands. There are many cats to choose from. One is The Golden Eagle 543-0068, or email . Cruise to the deserted island of Tintamarre on a picnic-sail, and snorkel among the live coral reefs. Aquamania Adventures 544-2640, and Blue Beard Charters 557-5935, offer sail cats to Anguilla and Prickly Pear, sightseeing and fabulous snorkeling included. For a sunset booze cruise, you can go on Celine, a 40ft cat that takes you on a sunset tour of Simpson Bay Lagoon 545-3961. St. Maarten Charter Deals - deals for 4every1 - Select from a fleet of power & sail vessels. St. Maarten Charter Deals offers exceptional trips at very attractive rates. Conveniently located at Palapa Marina in Simpson Bay. Go snorkeling, fishing, sightseeing, kayaking, enjoy water skiing, and all kinds of activities for private charter and groups. Visit the website for more information! (721) 522-4861 or 527-5006 or email
Deep Sea Fishing
There are several deep sea fishing charters on island. Your best chances are at Lee's Fish on Simpson Bay 544-4233. Best fishing grounds are close by to catch marlin, tuna or dolphin. The drop off at La Samanna Resort is supposed to be the best spot for blackfin tuna and wahoo, the Marlin Boulevard is a famous spot for marlin. St. Martin holds periodically big game fishing tournaments (Marlin Cup in May, Billfish Tournament in June). Website:
Deep sea fishing
St. Martin/St. Maarten-Places to visit - Places to visit - Places to visit - Places to visit-St. Maarten/St. Martin
Loterie Farm located off the main road to Pic Paradis is an excellent place to explore what life in the Caribbean must have been like. This unique farm once cultivated sugar cane, now, it is the ecological showcase of a Californian entrepreneur. You can hike through the "hidden forest" with panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea, Marigot, and surrounding islands. Or "fly the trees" on a canopy tour (zipline)! The higher, more challenging tour is for adults, the lower and easier tour is for kids (> 4 ft. tall). Good restaurant, bar and lounge on site. Reservation for tree top tour recommended 0590 878-616. More here or
Submersible/Semi-Submarine
If you are up to observe the underwater world without getting wet, take a ride on the Seaworld Explorer, (721) 542-4078. Please, verify availability as the boat is operating on the island only during high season periods of the year.
The craft does not submerge, but has a lower observation deck five feet below the surface. It is the only semi-submarine on the island, and takes you to the reef at "Creole Rock" to admire the best of the underwater life. It departs from Grand Case. Great fun for kids!
Butterfly Farm The Butterfly Farm features hundreds of rare and exotic butterflies in a tranquil atmosphere: beautifully landscaped, in a quiet garden with waterfall, ponds, Japanese fish and mystical music.
The best time to go is early morning to watch the butterflies emerging from their cocoons and taking their first flight. The farm does informative guided tours, and is great fun also for kids. Located in Le Galion area next to Bayside Riding stables. Open year round 9am to 4.30pm. 0590 873-121 Website of the Butterfly Farm:
Zoo - Notice: Closed down after hurricane Irma!
Due to damage sustained from Irma, the St. Maarten Zoo, also known as St. Maarten Park, had to close permanently. Most of the species were relocated to Curacao.
Other Popular Activities - Other Popular Activities - Other Popular Activities - Other Popular Activities
St. Martin/St. Maarten is blessed with over 30 beautiful white sand beaches, each has its own character. We offer an exciting range
of beachfront rentals at the most popular beaches on the island: Orient Beach, Grand Case, Simpson Bay, Nettle Bay Beach.....
Golf
There is a great 18 hole golf course at the Mullet Bay Resort on Dutch Sint Maarten, surrounded by water and palm trees and offering some of the most enticing views. The Golf course is located between the Simpson Bay Lagoon and the Caribbean sea. Drive up to "The Towers " in Mullet Bay to pay and get your cart. Call the Golf pro shop at 545-2801 before 4pm for tee off times and for more information.
Horseback Riding
Lucky Stables takes riders around Cape Bay (Dutch side), one of the few undeveloped areas of St. Maarten 544-5255. Bayside Riding Stables on the road to Le Galion Beach (French side) is a perfectly run and well equipped Equestrian Center with horses and ponies for all courses. The rides take trails through the Marine Reserve and along the shore of Le Galion Beach 0590 873-664.
Maho Beach
During your vacation don't miss out on a visit of Maho Beach, just for the thrill of watching aircrafts landing just a few feet above your head! Best time to go is Saturday or Sunday afternoons, as weekends have higher air traffic due to charter flights. There are 2 beach bars on Maho, perfect spots for watching the spectacle! Best known is Sunset Beach bar.
Tennis
You will find several tennis courts on St. Maarten/St. Martin. The larger hotels have own courts (mostly open to the public). A very popular public Tennis Court and training center is at the Car Wash at the roundabout Orient Bay/Mont Vernon, it offers also a bar, lounge and snack bar.
Kick back on Happy Bay Beach!
Spend a day on the last unspoilt beach on the island! The dream beach of secluded Happy Bay is only reachable on foot or by boat! Walk 10-15 min. along the coast starting at Friar's Bay Beach Cafe and you'll be rewarded by a breathtaking pristine white sand beach fringed by palm trees. If you are one of the privileged villa renters at Mont Choisy on Happy Bay, you can use a shortcut to walk down to the beach. Absolutely wonderful for a quiet day on a secluded beach, topless no issue! Also a great spot for snorkeling.
Spectacular villa on Happy Bay: Villa Canoua on Mont Choisy
Tri-Sport
The eco tourist specialist Tri-Sport will guide you on hiking, biking or kayaking tours. They have offer bicycles and kayaks for rent only, or for sale. Tri-Sport is located on Airport Road near the Simpson Bay bridge, 545-4384 or email
More Information on Beaches, Travel News, Tips for your Island Trip to St. Martin / St. Maarten
is available on our comprehensive island portal at www.Sint-Maarten.net