Best Things To Do in Saint Martin

St. Maarten is one of the most famous islands in the Caribbean, largely for its paradisiacal landscapes, but also for the attractions it offers. Here I tell you all the activities you can do to discover this destination.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

Best Things To Do in Saint Martin

St. Martin | Robin Canfield

If you are one of those who prefer beach destinations and paradisiacal landscapes, then perhaps St. Maarten could offer you a good alternative for your vacations. This island, located in the Caribbean Sea in an area close to Puerto Rico, is administered by the Netherlands and France and not only has one of the most picturesque airports in the world, but also many attractions to offer.

Some of the best things to do in St. Maarten include visiting the popular Maho Beach, taking a guided tour of the island's main sites, enjoying a snorkeling experience in Philipsburg, joining an ATV adventure tour, touring some of the rum distilleries, seeing Tintamarre Island and taking a full-day excursion to Simpson Bay.

1. Visit Maho Beach

Maho Beach| ©BartShore
Maho Beach| ©BartShore

Maho Beach is a popular destination located on the island of St. Martin in the Caribbean, but it is also one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Known for its location, this beach resort is right at the end of the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport, so visitors can watch planes landing close up. From there you can experience the thrill of aviation maneuvers just a few meters away.

At Maho Beach you will be amazed by the roar of the engines and the wind generated by the planes passing overhead, creating a surreal image. If you are an aviation enthusiast or adrenaline lover you will be thrilled with the opportunity to see up close how these aircraft maneuver in the limited space between the beach and the runway.

In addition, Maho Beach also has white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, which offer a perfect setting to relax under the Caribbean sun. There you can swim, go on some of St. Maarten's best snorkeling excursions or just take a dip while watching the planes fly by. The site also has bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy local dishes and cocktails featuring rum, the local drink par excellence.

Please note that in Maho Beach, due to the proximity of the airport, you must follow certain safety recommendations. Signs and warnings indicate safe zones for spectators, and it is essential that you stay behind the established barriers.

Book a tour to Maho Beach in Sint Maarten

2. Take a guided tour to see the island

Getting to know the island| ©Sura Ark
Getting to know the island| ©Sura Ark

Exploring the Caribbean island of St. Maarten is a fascinating experience that can be further enriched by opting for a guided tour. With its location split between the north and south, this tour will take you to discover the best of both sides of the island.

In the north of St. Martin, one of the must-see sites is the capital, Marigot. With its French and Caribbean charm, this city offers a unique blend of cultures. Stroll through its colorful streets, visit the local market, where you'll find fresh produce and handicrafts, and sample delicious Creole cuisine in local restaurants.

In the south of the island you'll find Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side. This lively city is known for its beaches with crystal-clear waters and its famous promenade, known as Front Street. There you will find a variety of duty-free stores, designer boutiques and casinos. In addition, if you plan to visit St. Maarten in December, you will be able to discover the Christmas markets.

A guided tour will also take you to discover some of St. Maarten's most beautiful beaches, such as Orient Bay, which is located in the north. This long white sandy beach is perfect for sun and sea lovers. With its calm waters and plenty of restaurants and bars, you are guaranteed a relaxing and fun experience in one of the most paradisiacal places in the world.

Join a guided tour of St. Maarten

3. Take a snorkeling experience in Philipsburg.

Snorkel Day| ©ollie harridge
Snorkel Day| ©ollie harridge

A snorkeling experience in Philipsburg on the island of St. Maarten is an aquatic adventure not to be missed. With its crystal clear waters and marine biodiversity, this area offers a perfect environment to explore the reefs and discover the underwater life of this beautiful Caribbean destination.

As you dive into the waters of Philipsburg, you'll find yourself surrounded by a variety of tropical fish, colorful corals and other fascinating sea creatures. You can explore the reefs close to shore or venture into deeper areas to discover hidden surprises, such as stingrays and sea turtles, especially if you plan to visit St. Maarten in October, which is the start of migration season in the Caribbean.

One of the most popular snorkeling areas in the region is the famous Little Bay beach, where you can also opt for some of the best Philipsburg tours. There you will find rich marine life and calm waters, perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. You can also join a guided boat tour that will take you further offshore for a more exclusive experience.

In addition to underwater exploration, snorkeling in Philipsburg also allows you to enjoy the sights from the surface. Little Bay Beach offers spectacular scenery with its rocky cliffs and turquoise waters. Admire the Philipsburg coastline and lively waterfront as you dive into the underwater world.

4. Join an adventure ATV excursion.

Buggy on the beach| ©Documerica
Buggy on the beach| ©Documerica

Joining an exciting ATV adventure tour in St. Maarten is the perfect opportunity to explore the island's natural beauty while enjoying a dose of adrenaline. Riding an ATV will allow you to travel over varied terrain and discover places that would otherwise be inaccessible, especially along the cliffs of the region.

During the excursion you will ride along winding trails and roads that will take you through lush rainforests, steep hills and secluded beaches. One of the popular routes is the one that will take you to the famous Pic Paradis lookout point. There you will have access to a panoramic view of the island, from which you can appreciate its beaches, lagoons and lush local vegetation.

In addition to enjoying the ATV adventure, you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural environment of St. Maarten. Many tours include stops at scenic locations, such as hidden waterfalls or subway caves, where you can cool off and marvel at the island's natural beauty.

Please note that when joining an ATV adventure tour, you must follow all instructions and safety precautions provided by the tour guides. This includes using the proper protective equipment, respecting traffic rules and following environmental regulations.

Book an ATV tour in San Martin

5. Live a pirate experience at Rusty Parrot

Rusty Parrot| ©Anita Barber
Rusty Parrot| ©Anita Barber

Live a pirate experience at Rusty Parrot in St. Maarten and immerse yourself in an exciting world of adventure and fun. This theme park will transport you back to the time of the pirates, offering an interactive and entertaining experience for the whole family.

Here you will find yourself surrounded by an authentic pirate atmosphere. From the detailed décor to the staff dressed in period costumes, every detail is carefully designed to create an immersive experience. You'll feel like you've been transported to a pirate ship ready to set sail for new horizons!

One of the main attractions at Rusty Parrot is the exciting pirate show. Aboard a ship, you'll witness a battle on the high seas, complete with swords, cannons and hyper-realistic acrobatics. This captivating show will keep you on the edge of your seat as the privateers battle for hidden treasure.

In addition to the show, Rusty Parrot offers interactive activities and games. You can search for treasure, challenge mazes in the Caribbean sun and enjoy walks along the shore. Children can participate in special activities designed for them, such as age-appropriate scavenger hunts. You can arrive at this theme park on your own or by shuttle from the St. Maarten airport.

Book a pirate experience at Rusty Parrot

6. Visit the Loterie Farm nature reserve

Loterie Farm| ©howderfamily.com
Loterie Farm| ©howderfamily.com

Visiting the Loterie Farm nature reserve in St. Martin is an experience that combines the natural beauty of the island with exciting and relaxing activities. Located on the slopes of Pic Paradis, the highest mountain on Sint Maarten, this reserve offers a tranquil and lush environment where you can enjoy nature at its best.

At Loterie Farm you will be amazed by the serenity of the surroundings. With extensive tropical vegetation, waterfalls and nature trails, this reserve is a nature lover's paradise. You can explore the trails on foot, enjoying the local flora and fauna, or opt for a zipline experience that will take you through the jungle canopy.

In addition to outdoor activities, Loterie Farm has a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Caribbean sun while cooling off in the crystal clear waters or while participating in a buggy tour through the nature trails.

One of the most outstanding attractions of this site is its observation platform. From there you will be able to contemplate panoramic views of the island, including the beaches, mountains and surrounding landscape. It is the perfect place to capture spectacular photographs and admire the natural beauty of Sint Maarten.

Rent a buggy in Sint Maarten

7. Tour the Topper's distillery

Topper's Distillery| ©verifex
Topper's Distillery| ©verifex

A tour of the Topper's distillery in St. Maarten will take you into the world of Caribbean rum production. Located on the French side of the island, this family-owned distillery is renowned for its high-quality rum and artisanal approach to making spirits.

During your tour of Topper's, you'll get an up-close look at the rum distillation process. From the selection of the best sugar canes to fermentation and distillation, you'll learn the secrets of creating the drink. Expert guides will show you every step of the process and provide information about local techniques and traditions, so your visit is often included in the best tours of St. Maarten.

In addition to learning about rum production, you will also have the opportunity to taste different varieties at the distillery. You can savor the rich flavor and smoothness of Topper's different products, from aged drinks to more exotic and creative flavors. You can also purchase bottles to take home and share the experience with friends and family.

Topper's Distillery also has a store where you can purchase local products such as rums, liqueurs and other distillery-related souvenirs. In addition, you can enjoy a charming setting, surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and panoramic views of the island.

8. Get to know Tintamarre Island

Tintamarre Island| ©Jessy Dinane
Tintamarre Island| ©Jessy Dinane

Visiting Tintamarre Island in St. Martin will allow you to enter a tropical paradise of natural beauty and tranquility. Located just a short boat ride from the coast of St. Martin, this small uninhabited island is a hidden treasure in the Caribbean.

In Tintamarre you will find white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. This island is known for its coral reefs, which makes it an ideal place for snorkeling. Exploring the waters will allow you to discover a variety of tropical fish and other colorful sea creatures.

In addition to its stunning beaches and marine life, Tintamarre is also home to a large population of iguanas. You may encounter these fascinating creatures as you walk around the island, which you can reach on your own or on some of the best full-day excursions from St. Martin.

The tranquility of Tintamarre makes it a perfect refuge for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There you can enjoy a picnic on the beach, sunbathe on the soft sand or simply relax while gazing at the turquoise waters. There are no tourist facilities on the island, which adds a wild, unspoiled charm to the experience.

9. Tour the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit

Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit| ©Richie Diesterheft
Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit| ©Richie Diesterheft

Touring the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit on St. Maarten is an exciting activity for movie lovers and Star Wars fans. Created by special effects master and character designer Nick Maley, known as the Yoda Guy for his work on George Lucas' iconic saga, this exhibit offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the most famous films in history.

At the exhibit you'll find yourself surrounded by authentic artifacts from the Star Wars films. From original costumes to props, models and detailed replicas, you'll appreciate the artwork and attention to detail that went into creating these galactic worlds. Nick Maley is also on hand at the exhibit, sharing his experience and anecdotes about his time working on the franchise.

However, the exhibit is not limited to just Star Wars. You can also explore exhibits dedicated to other films and projects the filmmaker has been involved in, such as Superman, Highlander and Alien.

In addition to the exhibit itself, the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit also has a store where you can purchase movie-related souvenirs and memorabilia. From T-shirts and toys to collectibles, you'll find a wide selection of items to take home a piece of movie magic. If you consider yourself a movie buff and have the opportunity to join a private or customized tour of Sint Maarten, this is a must on your tour.

Book a private tour of Sint Maarten

10. Take a full day excursion to Simpson Bay

Simpson Bay| ©alljengi
Simpson Bay| ©alljengi

Taking an excursion to Simpson Bay in St. Maarten is a great way to enjoy the many attractions this bay has to offer. With its location on the Dutch side of the island, this bay is known for its beaches, restaurants, lively nightlife and a variety of water activities.

One of the most popular activities in Simpson Bay is to rent a boat and explore the crystal clear waters of the bay. You can sail along the coast, stop at different beaches and enjoy the sun and sea. You can also enjoy water sports such as water skiing, paddleboarding and snorkeling, and discover the rich marine life that inhabits these waters.

In addition to water activities, Simpson Bay has a wide selection of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy local dishes and cocktails. During a full-day excursion from St. Maarten you can discover many of these establishments, which offer views of the bay, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal or a drink while watching the yachts and sailboats glide through the water.

Simpson Bay is also famous for its vibrant nightlife. After a day full of activities, you can rejoice with live music, lively bars and nightclubs that will keep you dancing late into the night. The bay becomes a hub of nightlife entertainment, where you will find a wide variety of options for all tastes.