ESSENTIAL ENCOUNTERS
Explore an exciting array of island adventures that will ensure your visit is nothing short of unforgettable.
Written by Alita Singh
St. Maarten/St. Martin boasts a wealth of activities, both on land and beneath the crystal-clear coastal waters. Whether you seek a daily delight or a path tailored to your preferences, this destination provides the perfect recipe for an unforgettable vacation. Inevitably, you’ll be asking yourself, “Do I really have to head back home?”
Water World
Beyond the shores of this island paradise lie hidden treasures beneath the turquoise waters, a realm of vibrant coral reefs, graceful marine creatures, and the tranquility of submerging into an aquatic wonderland. The possibilities for underwater adventures are boundless. You can arrange a private boat charter, embark on a relaxing cruise, participate in thrilling water sports, or immerse yourself in the enchanting world below the waves.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with Aqua Mania Adventures, where the world above and below the surface unfolds. Relax on a catamaran as it glides over the sun-dappled waves while listening to the calls of seabirds soaring overhead. Catch a glimpse of the brown pelican, the island’s national bird. Whether you opt for an island hopping excursion or a visit to neighboring islands, Aqua Mania Adventures offers the perfect opportunity to kindle romance or unwind after a bustling day with its sunset sails and dinner cruises.
Dive Sint Maarten is the top choice for accessing diving sites, including the sunken HMS Proselyte, Carib Ghost, Fuh Sheng, and Big Momma wrecks. For the adventurous, you can also dive at night. If the call of the ocean beckons, even if you lack certification, fear not. Dive Sint Maarten’s expert crew provides a range of PADI certification courses, including the PADI Digital Underwater Photography course. What better souvenir could you bring back from your tropical getaway?
Eagle Tours has a lineup of half-day and full-day excursions around the island. Want to tailor your own adventure on the waves? Opt for an Eagle Tours–powered private charter on their sailing and powerboat catamarans. The ultimate eco- and sightseeing tour is designed to warm the hearts of eco-lovers, and the Champagne sunset cruise is a terrific way to cap off the day.
For the ultimate yachting experience, Pyratz Gourmet Sailing is a top choice. The two-boat fleet brings together luxury, discovery, and gastronomy at sea. Discover the waters of St. Maarten/St. Martin, or head to Anguilla or St. Barths while enjoying a fine dining experience paired with wine and craft cocktails from the open bar.
Xisle Boat Charters is a one-stop solution for all boating needs and water-based activities with a wide selection of boats, excursions, and watersports. Xisle Boat Charters always has something new to discover. Plan ahead or contact them when you want to go; it’s never too late to make lasting memories. Whether you choose a private boat charter or a shared one with an intimate group of 10 guests, a professional and flexible crew will commit to making your day special and unique with service on board that’s beyond your expectations.
One of the perks of vacationing on this island is having mini getaways within your vacation, or day trips. Several ferry options are available to whisk you away to neighboring gems like St. Barths, Anguilla, and Saba. A more recent addition is the opportunity to travel to the historically rich island of St. Eustatius, with a stopover at Saba for added exploration.
Is competitive sailing more to your liking? The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is in its fourth decade and attracts boats in various categories to compete in challenging courses around the island. This exciting sporting event is held annually on the first weekend of March. You can also enter your own sailing boat or join a crew!
If you’re eager for more aquatic adventures, there are numerous water sports to try. Whether it’s the thrill of jet-skiing and kitesurfing, the excitement of parasailing, or the wonder of snorkeling in the clear waters, the possibilities are virtually endless. You can easily find water sports and many other entertaining activities at all the prominent beaches.
If you lean toward a more relaxed encounter with the ocean, stake your claim on a beach chair or spread a towel on the sandy shoreline and let the gentle waves tenderly caress your toes.
Landlubbers’ Delight
Did you know that you’re on an island that boasts the world’s steepest zip line? Rainforest Adventures St. Maarten at Rockland Estate is the home of The Flying Dutchman, an unparalleled zip-lining experience. Begin your adventure by taking the chairlift to Sentry Hill, the highest point on the Dutch side of the island, and then zoom down in a heart-pounding ride that lasts just a few thrilling minutes. Don’t miss out on the other zip lines and the exhilarating journey down the winding tube.
For a journey off the beaten path, consider renting a bicycle or kayak from Tri-Sport. Explore the wetlands around Simpson Bay Lagoon on a kayak trip and immerse yourself in the rich mangrove ecosystem, a cradle of marine life. Alternatively, opt for a historical bike tour through Philipsburg, a venture between two countries on a cross-border bike excursion, or challenge your group to the thrilling “Adventure St. Maarten Race” with Tri-Sport.
If you’re up for a motorized adventure, check out Solid ATV Scooter Rental. Embark on an around-the-island tour with stops at the most Instagram-worthy locations. It’s an experience you won’t regret, and not everyone can say they’ve driven an ATV through border points without showing a passport.
The Rusty Parrot offers a unique sunken pirate ship experience, where you can immerse yourself in the life of a pirate below deck through interactive activities and enjoy food and drinks on deck. It’s a fantastic spot to sip a cocktail while watching the sunset.
Vacations are about relaxation, and there’s no better place to unwind than at a spa. At The Spa at La Samanna, you’ll be pampered in a serene garden setting, feeling like you’re melting away in the Garden of Eden.
The Nectar Wellness Spa at Oyster Bay Beach Resort offers natural skin care treatments made from aromatherapy and plant-based ingredients crafted on the island. A visit to Nectar Wellness Spa is like infusing the essence of the island into your skin, a truly unique and rejuvenating experience.
Exploring the roots and historical narrative of a location fosters stronger connections and inspires meaningful experiences. Museums serve as valuable venues for this purpose. The compact yet knowledge-rich Sint Maarten Museum, nestled within the vibrant Speetjens Alley just off Front Street in Philipsburg, exemplifies this. Its ground floor houses a charming gift shop, while the upper floor showcases a curated account of the island’s history, tracing its evolution from its formation to the contemporary era.
Further enhance your understanding of the island by visiting Amuseum Naturalis, known as the “Old House Museum,” on the French side. This museum offers a journey into the island’s plant and animal life. Strolling through the grounds also allows you to enjoy picturesque views of the nearby surroundings.
Seagrape Tours has crafted many tours bringing together elements of the island: culture, heritage, environment, food, and so much more. Bird-watching is your thing? They have a guided tour. If you want to meet some talented artists who call the island home, Seagrape Tours is your hookup.
Shopping, of course, is one of the best experiences on the island. AMAsterdam, famed for its tiny alley of delights, also offers shopping tours for those seeking something different.
Caribbean Brewing Company has developed the taste of “Beer from Here.” The brewery tour will get you up close and personal with the entire beer-making process, from milling ingredients to brewing to bottling the beers. You also taste all the beers in a drink session in the taproom.
Test how clever you are with Dutch Blonde Experiences. Any one of the four escape rooms at Dutch Blonde Beach Bar will take you and your friends on an inspired adventure to escape if you dare.
Visit Topper’s Rhum Distillery to delve into the production of the potent elixir called rhum. Tantalize your taste buds with rum samples, pick your favorite flavor, savor a delightful cocktail, and don’t forget to secure a few bottles as souvenirs to bring back home.
And, naturally, your exploration of St. Maarten/St. Martin would be incomplete without experiencing the thrill of being jet blasted at Maho Beach. This stretch of shoreline lies adjacent to Princess Juliana International Airport, where you can witness the dramatic jet blast from large planes as they turn for takeoff. The spectacle of landing planes approaching the beach at such a low altitude is equally impressive, making it feel like you could reach out and touch them.
In this idyllic island paradise, a myriad of experiences awaits, catering to a diverse range of tastes and preferences. Challenge yourself to incorporate as many signature adventures as possible into your itinerary!
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