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St. Maarten/St. Martin is one of the most beautiful and exciting islands in the world. From breathtaking beaches to thrilling adventures, St. Maarten has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a guided tour, boutiques and duty-free shopping, shore excursions, casinos, or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, there is plenty to do in Sint Maarten/Saint Martin.
The island is divided into two sides– Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin, home to the cute town of Grand Case and the French capital of Marigot- each with its own unique culture, sights, and activities. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of the best adventurous excursions from both sides of the island, from Marigot to Philipsburg, the Dutch capital on the Dutch side of the island.
Here are 22 excursions you won’t want to miss!
Ziplining Across The Treetops
For adventurers wanting to explore the great outdoors, ziplining is one of the best St. Maarten excursions available.
Ziplining across Sint Maarten/Saint Martin lets you feel like you are flying above the treetops while soaring at high speeds and taking in breathtaking views of lush tropical forests, Caribbean blue waters, and beautiful landscapes.
Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or just looking for sightseeing, ziplining in St. Maarten/St. Martin is sure to be one of the highlights of your vacation. One of the most popular ziplines in St. Maarten leaves from Pic Paradis, the highest point on the entire island. Another popular zipline is at Loterie Farm, an eco-adventure park that offers a full day of activities.
Take A Catamaran Cruise
Take in the beauty of the sea and its surrounding islands on a catamaran cruise day trip.
Sail away from the coast on a luxurious catamaran with an open bar to marvel at the stunning views of St. Maarten/St. Martin and its neighboring islands, like Anguilla, St. Kitts, Saba, and Statia. You’ll pass by secluded coves with crystal-clear waters, explore hidden beaches, and get up close and personal with local marine life like turtles, whales, and schools of fish.
Spend the day swimming in the clear water of Simpson Bay and Cole Bay, snorkeling, fishing, or simply sunbathing on board the catamaran while taking in stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Visit Orient Bay Beach
For an unforgettable St. Maarten excursion, head to Orient Bay Beach. Take a half day or day trip to the French side of the island, where this stunning beach is known for its idyllic views and turquoise waters.
Spend the day sunbathing, swimming, and strolling along the 1-mile beach while taking in breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea. You can also go parasailing or take a boat ride to nearby islands or nearby attractions.
Orient Bay is known for its clothing-optional nature and has many open bars for you to enjoy. Make sure to take some time for lunch or dinner at one of the beach restaurants and enjoy some of the best seafood dishes in St. Maarten/St. Martin!
Go Snorkeling
Snorkeling is a great way to explore the vibrant and diverse marine life of St. Maarten/St. Martin.
With its stunning coral reefs, crystal clear waters, and colorful schools of fish, a snorkel adventure in Sint Maarten is sure to be one of your most memorable experiences. There are several popular snorkeling spots around the island, including Flanieries Bay and Creole Rock, where you can take in stunning views of the lush coral reefs, colorful fish, and other aquatic life such as starfish and sea urchins.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced snorkeler, there are St. Maarten excursions to suit any level of expertise.
Go Parasailing
For a St. Maarten’s excursion that combines the best of land and sea, take to the skies with parasailing. Parasailing lets you soar high while enjoying stunning 360-degree views of St. Maarten/St. Martin, Anguilla, and other nearby islands.
For an even more thrilling experience, see if your operator offers parasailing St. Maarten excursions at night for views of the twinkling stars above!
Take an ATV Tour of St. Maarten
Experience St Maarten/St. Martin like never before on an ATV excursion.
Follow your guide around the island on a half-day excursion and explore hidden trails, secluded beaches, and stunning landscapes as you ride off-road through the lush tropical forests and past gorgeous waterfalls. Cancellation is no problem if something comes up.
Kayak To Pinel Island
Kayaking to Pinel Island, located just off the coast of Simpson Bay Lagoon, is a perfect Sint Maarten excursion. Take in stunning views of St. Maarten kayaking along Simpson Bay. Explore hidden beaches, coral reefs, and mangrove forests off of the coast of Simpson Bay.
Once you arrive at Pinel Island, spend the day swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking.
Visit Happy Bay Solo or Guided
Explore Happy Bay, known for having the best beaches. Located in the northwest corner of the French side of the island, you can explore by yourself or take a guided tour. The stunning white sand beaches at Happy Bay are sure to be one of your most memorable St. Maarten excursions yet.
Take in breathtaking views of St. Maarten and its surrounding islands, enjoy strolling along the pristine beach, or taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters. Happy Bay is unique because of its seclusion and lack of crowds due to the fact it can be a little hard to reach. Happy Bay is accessible on foot by taking a hike through the surrounding hills. Make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen!
Guides typically don’t charge cancellation fees for Happy Bay excursions.
Scuba Diving
For those looking to explore the beautiful waters surrounding St. Maarten, a scuba diving excursion is an ideal way to do so. From the shallow coral reefs near Simpson Bay and Maho Beach to the deeper walls near Creole Rock and Oyster Pond, there are plenty of exciting spots for certified divers to explore.
You can get your scuba diving certificate while you’re in St. Maarten, or if you don’t have the time, you can scuba dive with SNUBA, a snorkeling/diving hybrid that allows you to have the experience of diving while someone else regulates the amount of oxygen you have.
Take A Guided ATV Tour of Philipsburg
If you want to explore St. Maarten in a more adventurous way, consider taking an ATV tour of Philipsburg. With your guide, you’ll be able to take in the lovely coastline and views of the Caribbean Sea while navigating winding roads and trails.
Along the way, you may also have the chance to spot some exotic wildlife such as iguanas, birds, and monkeys. Plus, your guide will be able to point out hidden gems and share fun facts about the island’s history and culture.
Swim With The Turtles At Tintamarre Nature Reserve
Tintamarre Nature Reserve on Tintamarre Island is a great place to experience the natural beauty of St. Maarten, and it’s also home to a number of fascinating marine creatures. With a guided tour, you can swim with the turtles in their natural environment and learn about them from your guide. The experience is sure to be a highlight of your St. Maarten excursion!
Take A Ride On The Soualiga Sky Explorer
The Soualiga Sky Explorer on Rockland Estate is the best St. Maarten excursion for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of St. Maarten and its neighboring islands from a chairlift to the highest point on St. Maarten and a zipline back down Sentry Hill.
This exciting St. Maarten excursion takes you on a unique journey over the island of St. Maarten/ St. Martin, offering spectacular views from the comfort of an open-air gondola suspended from cables in the sky. The Soualiga Sky Explorer originates at Maho Beach, and tickets can be purchased online or at various locations.
Ride The Flying Dutchman
The Flying Dutchman is the steepest zipline in the world with a drop of over 1,000 ft. This thrilling adventure will take you soaring over the rainforest of St. Maarten, giving you a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Caribbean scenery below. Enjoy breathtaking views of luscious vegetation, rolling hills, and vibrant blue waters as you make your way down the line. It’s an experience you won’t forget as you sail down the mountains of the island at up to 65 mph.
Take The Schooner Ride
This excursion in St. Maarten for a unique and effortless experience. The schooner ride is a uniquely designed dry inner tube experience as a way to ride down the mountains of St. Maarten at high speeds, winding through the rainforests.
This makes for a thrilling and fun-filled experience, with an option of either single or double rider in these giant inflatable tubes as you soar through the air.
Experience St. Maarten On A Sailboat
St. Maarten/St. Martin excursions offer the chance to experience an island tour of a tropical paradise in an unforgettable way. One of the most popular excursion options is sailing around the island – an adventure that will take you through some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful waters and stunning views on an island tour.
Cruising around St. Maarten with a private sailboat gives you the opportunity to explore beaches and coves that are only accessible by boat, while also taking in all of the beauty of the island from a different perspective. Whether it’s swimming with sea turtles or simply enjoying sunbathing on deck, sailing around St. Maarten is an experience that will stay with you long after your excursion.
Spend Some Time Plane Spotting At Maho Beach
Maho Beach is the perfect place for plane spotters. Watching planes take off and land at Princess Juliana International Airport offers an incredible spectacle that you can’t see anywhere else in the Caribbean.
Maho Beach is located directly across from the airport, offering visitors a unique view of jumbo jets and other aircraft as they soar through the sky. So if you’re looking for St. Maarten excursions that offer a unique experience, this is definitely the one to check out!
Just make sure to keep your distance from the runway, as the beach can be an extremely busy and dangerous place.
Aside from plane spotting, there are plenty of other activities available to enjoy at Maho Beach including snorkeling, sunbathing, and swimming. With its incredible views and wide range of activities, Maho Beach is the perfect spot for the ultimate St. Maarten/ St. Martin excursions.
Hike Between Point Blanche and Guana Bay
For those looking for a vigorous St. Maarten excursion, the Point Blanche to Guana Bay hike is a perfect choice. This trail offers beautiful views of both St. Maarten and St. Martin. You can meander through the lush rainforest, take in stunning views of beaches and islands, and even spot some wildlife like iguanas.
Don’t miss the Natural Pool on this trail – the perfect spot to take a refreshing plunge after your hike. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water for this St. Maarten excursion, as some parts of the trail can be quite steep and challenging.
This is a great way to explore both sides of the island, get some exercise and experience an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
Experience Seaside Nature Park On Horseback
Enjoy a guided tour through the area to discover beautiful beaches, trails, and views of the Caribbean Sea. The park is home to more than 200 species of birds and plants, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.
After your ride, take some time to relax on the beach or enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the park’s gazebos. The perfect way to explore the natural beauty of St. Maarten.
Speedboat Tours
If you’re looking for more of an adventure, St. Maarten has several places that offer a two-hour speedboat tour that takes you out to the Dutch side of St. Maarten/St. Martin and back again.
Enjoy the stunning views of the island, as well as the chance to spot dolphins and other marine life.
Rent A Jet Ski For The Day
Jet skiing is a great way to explore St. Maarten’s coastline, from the beautiful beaches of Simpson Bay Lagoon to the vibrant waters of Orient Beach. With jet ski rental companies throughout the island, you can easily find a jet ski that fits your needs and budget.
Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled ride or just a relaxing sightseeing tour, jet skiing around St. Maarten is the perfect way to experience the island’s diverse landscape.
Try Marine Hoverboarding
Marine hoverboarding is an exciting activity that can be enjoyed on St. Maarten/St. Martin excursions! Hoverboarding is an exhilarating experience, as riders are propelled across the water by a continuous stream of air they control with a handheld throttle.
A step above surfing, this watersport is perfect for beginners since no prior hoverboarding or surfing experience is required. All riders are provided with a full safety briefing, a life jacket, and the necessary equipment to enjoy the ride.
Explore St. Maarten By Paddleboard
For those looking for a more relaxing St. Maarten excursion, stand-up paddleboarding is a perfect choice. Stand-up paddleboarding is growing in popularity around the island due to its low cost and easy accessibility.
The best part of this activity is that it allows you to explore some secluded areas that are normally difficult to access. With some of the clearest water in the world, stand-up paddleboarding on St. Maarten is an unforgettable experience!
Paddle around calm coves and bays or near Pinel Island and Grand Case for calm water. Spot wildlife like sea turtles and tropical fish. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced paddler, stand-up paddleboarding is an activity that everyone can enjoy. You can go by yourself or with a guide- whatever you prefer.
Featured Image Credit: Multiverse
