In my opinion, St. Martin is one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean. Its wide variety of activities makes it an excellent trip for anyone! This list reviews fun things to do in Saint Martin and St. Maarten to make your trip unforgettable.
I’ve been to over ten different islands in the Caribbean, and St. Martin is one I could see myself returning to over and over (I already have twice). It really has something for everyone, from incredible beaches to amazing food and adventurous activities. You’ll find something amazing for your trip on this list.
1. Spend the day at the beach
Saint Martin has no shortage of amazing beaches. With 37 to choose from, you can spend days just relaxing on different beaches. One of the best things about St. Martin, though, is that there are lots of affordable places to grab a beach chair and umbrella for the day with service, even without staying at a resort.
You can head to beaches like Mullet Bay or Orient Bay and grab a beach chair and umbrella for an affordable price all day long. These beach clubs will also have food and drinks; you can grab something when hungry.
It makes an excellent and relaxing way to spend the day! There are so many beautiful white sand beaches here, and the water is a beautiful Gatorade blue, as I like to call it. Several, you can snorkel right off the coast from, too! Below are a few of my personal favorites.
- Orient Bay (soft sand and vibrant beach clubs)
- Cupecoy Beach (beautiful scenery
- Mullet Bay (calm waters, chill beach clubs)
- Plum Bay (secluded beach with golden sands and blue water)
- Maho Beach (the famous beach where planes fly incredibly low overhead)
2. Go Snorkeling
Speaking of snorkeling, there are several great places to snorkel around St. Martin, and it’s a must do activity. There are plenty of beaches you can snorkel from, but there are many options for day trips to smaller islands (cays) and offshore coral reefs to take an excursion to. Below are a few options to choose from.
- Snorkel an underwater sculpture garden in Divi Little Bay, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
- Take a catamaran snorkel tour
- Take a day trip to Anguilla to explore shipwrecks
- Snorkel the reef between Cupecoy Beach and Mullet Bay
Tour Options:
3. Ride the steepest zipline in the world
You read that right, the steepest zipline in the world, The Flying Dutchman, is in St. Maarten and quite a thrill for the adventurous traveler!
Located at Rainforest Adventures at Rockland Estate Park, The Flying Dutchman is part of a larger skyline tour that takes you to the highest peak on the Dutch Side, Sentry Hill.
You start by taking a Skylink to the top of Sentry Hill. Then, you take the zipline, which drops 1,050 feet in elevation. On this adventure, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of St. Maarten!
At the bottom is a museum called Emilio Wilson Museum, where you can learn more about the island’s history before grabbing lunch at Emilio’s.
Tour Option: Full Experience Flying Dutchman, Schooner Ride and Zipline
4. Hike and Zipline the tallest peak on St. Martin
If you want an adventure on the French side, head to Loterie Farm. Located at the island’s highest peak, Pic Paradis, Loterie Farm has poolside cabanas at its eco-lounge. It features hiking trails up to the island’s peak, ziplining through the tropical forests, and thrilling obstacle courses tailored to new and experienced zipliners.
You can drive to this area, but the hike is beautiful. Start from the trailhead near Colombier, and it’ll be a 3.1 mile out-and-back journey to the pinnacle.
Tour Option: Zipline Experience at Loterie Farm
5. Get up close with birds at Parrote Ville Bird Sanctuary
George Parotte opened this spot in 2015. It is perfect for those passionate about birds, plants, and history. You can get up close to the birds here and enjoy personal encounters with some of the island’s colorful feathered inhabitants.
There are 26 different species and about 140 birds, including sun conures–one of the world’s friendliest and most colorful birds–and some sun conure hybrids, which can only be found at Parotte Ville, such as ring-neck parakeets and black-headed caiques. The park also has a Heritage (Family) Museum where visitors can see various antique items and a medicinal garden.
Tour Option: Colorful Species Of Birds Parotte Ville Bird Park
6. Shop and Dine in Philipsburg
Explore duty-free shops, local restaurants, and bars with a seaside view. Philipsburg is colorful and vibrant, with historic buildings lining some streets. The further away from the water, the less touristy it gets.
We loved Old Street, a historic passageway between Front Street and Back Street known for its colorful Colonial architecture. Old Street is home to local art galleries, small shops, and a French cafe called “The French Touch” which was so delicious!
7. Learn about St. Martin and St. Maarten’s history at a fortress
Visit one of the national historical sites on St. Martin to learn about the island’s history. The island’s French and Dutch sides are home to historic fortresses that continue to tell the tumultuous past of this island. It is historic and offers amazing views, so it’s worth visiting for an hour!
Below are two fortresses to consider visiting:
- Fort Louis: French military fort built in the eighteenth century in Marigot (French side), offering panoramic views of the town and harbor.
- Fort Amsterdam: Built by the Dutch in 1631 on a peninsula that juts out between Great Bay and Little Bay (Dutch side). You do have to walk through Divi Bay Beach Resort to get here, but it is a short walk!
8. Relax (or Adventure) on a boat for the day
Take a sunset cruise, have dinner on a boat, or sail away for the day. St. Martin is beautiful from the water, and there’s no shortage of options to explore on the water. You’ll find that there are boat companies all over the island, so no matter where you choose to stay, you’ll have an option. Below are some to consider.
- Catamaran Day Cruises: Relaxing sails around the island, stops for snorkeling, and beautiful coastline views. Often, these include gourmet meals, open bars, and snorkeling gear.
- Speedboat Adventures: High-energy tours that visit multiple locations around the island in a day. Often include snorkeling, secluded beaches, and a more adventurous pace.
- Private Charters: A personalized experience for small groups or families. Often include luxurious amenities and, of course, privacy.
- Deep Sea Fishing Trips: Excursions to catch tuna, mahi-mahi, and marlin. Professional guides, top-notch fishing equipment, and the thrill of reeling in big fish.
9. Take a sunset cruise
There’s something special about sunsets in the Caribbean, and there’s no better way to experience them than on a boat overlooking the island! Several different companies offer sunset cruises of St. Martin.
Romantic and scenic evening trips to enjoy the Caribbean sunset. Many of these cruises also include champagne, light snacks, and spectacular views of the sun setting over the horizon. There are also dinner cruises like the one we took on our most recent trip.
Tour Option: St. Martin Tango Dinner Cruise
10. Adventure on ATVs
If you want something really adventurous, consider taking an ATV around the island to explore. This is a popular day trip with options from exploring the main sights to off-roading.
These tours typically last 2-4 hours, and you’ll need a valid driver’s license to take one. They are a great way to see unique views of St. Martin and catch incredible views that can only be seen by getting off the beaten path.
Tour Option: UTV / ATV Guided Tour in Philipsburg
11. Take a day trip to a nearby island
St. Martin and St. Maarten are close to several beautiful islands that are well worth a day trip. Many nearby islands are a quick ferry of less than an hour and easily accessible. Below are a few different islands to consider for a day trip.
- Anguilla
- Distance: 25 minutes by ferry or 20 minutes by speedboat from Marigot.
- Highlights: Amazing beaches, great seafood, relaxing and quiet (get a massage at Zemi Beach House!)
- St. Barthélemy (St. Barts)
- Distance: 45 minutes by ferry or 10–15 minutes by plane.
- Highlights: A chic, French-Caribbean vibe with luxury boutiques and gourmet dining. Celebrity spotting is also common here.
- Saba
- Distance: 90 minutes by ferry or 12 minutes by plane.
- Highlights: Known as the “Unspoiled Queen” for its lush forests and eco-tourism. Go hiking to Mount Scenery, diving among underwater volcanic formations.
12. Explore Pinel Island
Pinel Island (Îlet Pinel) is a small, stunning island just off the northeastern coast of St. Martin. It’s a must-visit destination for its tranquility, pristine beaches, and laid-back atmosphere. It’s a 5 minute ferry ride from Cul de Sac, but many people choose to rent kayaks and kayak there instead.
Either way, once there, you can enjoy the pristine beach, snorkel, take a hike, and more. The island also has fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and local dishes at the island’s two beachside restaurants, Yellow Beach and Karibuni Restaurant.
Tour Option: Discover Pinel Island: Kayak Adventure for Couples & Families
13. Eat fantastic food
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love St. Martin and Sint Maarten! Their diverse food scene reflects the many cultures worldwide—this island has the highest number of nationalities per capita.
Below are some foods to try while in St. Martin and Sint Maarten:
- Conch fritters (recommend Da Waterhole in Mullet Bay)
- Johnny Cakes
- Caribbean BBQ – spare ribs, jerk wings, grilled pork (recommend Captain’s Rib Shack)
- French pastries (recommend L’Express by Bacchus)
- Oxtail stew
- Conch & Dumplings
- Rum-based guavaberry liquors (recommend Topper’s Rum Distillery)
14. Have some fun in Maho Village
Maho Village is just next to Maho Beach, the famous beach where you can watch planes fly overhead at the beach. This area is also known for its nightlife close by in Maho Village.
You’ll find the island’s largest casino, live music venues, and rooftop bars here. You can easily walk from one place to another and have a fun night!
Consider a few of the following spots in Maho Village:
15. Rent a car and explore the island
While it can be easy to take taxis around St. Martin or choose to do a tour each day, sometimes exploring on your own can bring you to the lesser known, quieter, and most beautiful spots.
Renting a car in St. Martin can be a great way to explore the island. If you’re from the US, you don’t need an international license or permit, and you can easily take a car around the island.
Take note of the traffic. Traffic in St. Martin and St. Maarten can get pretty bad, and Google often misrepresents traffic alerts. Plan double the time if you have somewhere you need to be by a specific time of day!
16. Sample amazing French pastries
We’ve called out the food on this list, but the French pastries deserve a spot of their own, too! On St. Martin, the French side of the island, you’ll easily find amazing French pastries.
One of the best places to go is the shops by Baccus (L’Express by Bacchus). There are a few around the island, and they are amazing! We walked into one on the French side and realized almost everyone in the shop was French.
You’ll find all types of French goodies here, including croissants, macarons, and baguettes. Definitely a must to get some amazing pastries while on St. Martin!
17. Shop local goods in Marigot Market
Marigot Market is a vibrant hub in the island’s French capital, Marigot. It’s one of the most iconic spots for experiencing local culture, shopping, and savoring authentic Caribbean flavors.
This lively open-air market has colorful stalls, and the background of Marigot Bay gives it an even better ambiance! The market is open daily, but the busiest and most vibrant days are Wednesday and Saturday mornings when the market is in full swing.
When visiting, make sure to bring cash, as many of the vendors only take this as a form of payment. USD and Euro are taken across both sides of the island.
18. Rent jetskis and get out on the water
Last on the list but not least, renting jet skis on St. Martin is a fun way to explore this island and do something adventurous! St. Martin is known for its crystal clear, calm waters, so it’s a great place to go jet skiing.
Orient Bay or Mullet Bay are great areas to jetski, with plenty of calm water space and coastline to enjoy. Many times, you’ll be able to just walk up and get a jetski for thirty minutes or an hour, but I always recommend trying to book in advance when it’s something you really want to do.
Tour Option: 2 Hours Private Jet Ski Tour in Saint Martin with free passenger
There’s no shortage of amazing things to do on St. Martin, you’ll love exploring this beautiful island and all there is to do here. I think it’s one of the most unique islands in the Caribbean and well worth a visit!
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