Adrenaline Junkie Tour – Big 3 Rainforest Adventure & Jetski at The Pier | St. Maarten one day Itinerary
Adrenaline Junkie Tour – one day Adventure in St. Maarten
This Adrenaline Junkie Tour packs exciting experiences into a realistic oneday timeframe, designed for both cruise passengers and stayover visitors. You’ll start with highflying rainforest adventures, savor local flavors, and finish with an exhilarating jetski ride — all wrapping up by 4:00 PM so your schedule stays on track. To make the most of this itinerary, check the cruise ship schedule as days with multiple ship arrivals can be busier and it’s highly recommended to book activities in advance, especially in the winter season.
Best Days: Wednesday through Sunday — on these days all tour elements and transport options operate reliably.

Morning: Big 3 Adventure at Rainforest Adventures
08:30 – Start Near Port or Philipsburg
Begin your day with a light breakfast near Port of St. Maarten or in downtown Philipsburg. From here, catch transport toward Rainforest Adventures — planning your early departure helps ensure you avoid midday crowds, especially on cruise days. Chesterfield’s can provide a great, fast breakfast if so desired.
09:15 – Travel to Rainforest Adventures
Take a local bus from Emmaplein Central Bus Station (ten minutes from the cruise port) toward St. Peters Cul de Sac Valley and ask to be dropped off at Rainforest Adventures. This bus journey typically takes around 15 minutes from central Philipsburg. Taxis are also widely available for a quicker, direct trip if preferred.
10:00 – Big 3 Tour
Arrive at Rainforest Adventures Park for the thrilling Big 3 Tour — a combination of:
- Sky Explorer chairlift
- Flying Dutchman zipline (one of the world’s steepest)
- Sentry Hill zipline
- Schooner Ride down the mountainside
This highadrenaline activity lasts roughly 3 hours, delivering breathtaking views and an unforgettable start to your day.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable active clothing and sturdy shoes.
- Bring sunscreen, water, and sunglasses for outdoor comfort.
Lunch: Local Flavors at Ital Shack
13:00 – 10–15 Minute Walk to Ital Shack
After your rainforest adventure, take a 10–15 minute walk (or 5 minute bus ride in the direction of Philipsburg) from the adventure park to Ital Shack restaurant on Bush Road. Enjoy fresh, natural
Caribbean cuisine including plantbased specialties and tropical juices — the perfect way to cool down and refuel before your afternoon on the water. This restaurant was elected fourth best restaurant in the Caribbean by USA Today readers and has limited capacity, so make sure you make a reservation.

Afternoon: Jetski Adventure at The Pier
14:00 – Return to Philipsburg
Hop on a 10 minute walk, or take a bus or short taxi ride back to Philipsburg. Head toward the west side waterfront area where The Pier Beach Club sits right on the boardwalk overlooking Great Bay from Walter Plantz Square.
14:30 – Jetski Ride at The Pier
From the boardwalk side Pier restaurant, enjoy a 30minute jetski rental on the Caribbean Sea. Feel the breeze as you skim across the water with scenic views of the bay and downtown Philipsburg — an ideal highspeed afternoon finale.
Tips:
- Reserve your jetski in advance to guarantee availability.
- Bring appropriate water attire, reefsafe sunscreen, and any waterproof gear you prefer.
15:30 – Wrap Up at The Pier
After your jetski session along Great Bay Beach, spend a short moment relaxing back at The Pier with a refreshing beverage before your day concludes. From here, it is well under 30 minutes walking distance back to your cruise ship. You can also pick up a taxi from the nearby courthouse.
Transportation Notes
- Public Bus: Economical and connects Philipsburg → Rainforest Adventures Park → Bush Road.
- Taxi: Faster, more direct option — great for tight schedules or cruise passengers.
Tips & Suggested Related Itineraries on visitstmaarten.com
Advance booking is strongly recommended for both Rainforest Adventures and jetski rentals, especially in peak season (December through April). The necessity of booking is strongly related to how many cruise ships are in port (see the Cruise Ship Schedule). If you want additional ideas for planning your time on island, or combine two, consider these related itineraries from the visitstmaarten.com itinerary blog.
One day Cruise Visit Itineraries:
- Two Nations, Two Beaches & Two Museums — explore Dutch and French sides with beaches
and culture. - St. Maarten / St. Martin Craft Beer Tour — taste local brews and learn about island craft beer
culture. - Arts, Artists & Ateliers — meet local creatives and discover art in Philipsburg.
- Fortresses & History Hop — delve into island history with forts and heritage sites.
- Philipsburg Shopping Spree — enjoy dutyfree shopping and local flavors downtown.
- Seven Day “On a Shoestring” — explore beaches, culture, food and island highlights at a
relaxed pace.
