Best Things To Do in Saint Martin

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 holiday. 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 Martin include visiting the popular Maho Beach, taking a guided tour of the island's main sites, enjoying a snorkelling 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.

Maho Beach is a popular destination on the Caribbean island of St Martin, but it's 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 manoeuvres just metres away.

At Maho Beach you'll 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 an adrenaline junkie you will be thrilled with the opportunity to see up close how these aircraft manoeuvre in the limited space between the beach and the runway.

In addition, Maho Beach also boasts white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, which provide the perfect setting for relaxing in the Caribbean sun. Here you can swim, go on some of St. Maarten's best snorkelling excursions or simply take a dip while watching the planes fly by. There are also bars and restaurants where you can enjoy local dishes and cocktails featuring rum, the local drink par excellence.

Please note that at 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.

Exploring the Caribbean island of Sint 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 Sint Maarten, 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 the colourful streets, visit the local market, where you'll find fresh produce and handicrafts, and sample delicious Creole cuisine in the local restaurants.

In the south of the island, you'll find Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side. This lively town is known for its pristine beaches and its famous waterfront promenade, known as Front Street. Here you'll find a variety of duty-free shops, designer boutiques and casinos. If you plan to visit St. Maarten in December, you can also discover the Christmas markets.

A guided tour will also take you to some of Sint 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 an abundance of restaurants and bars, you're guaranteed a relaxing and fun experience in one of the most paradisiacal places in the world.

A snorkelling experience in Philipsburg on the island of St Martin is an aquatic adventure not to be missed. With its crystal clear waters and marine biodiversity, this area offers the 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, colourful corals and other fascinating marine 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 Martin in October when the Caribbean migration season begins.

One of the most popular snorkelling areas in the region is the famous Little Bay beach, where you can also opt for some of Philipsburg's best snorkelling tours. Here you'll find rich marine life and calm waters, perfect for beginners and experienced snorkellers 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, snorkelling in Philipsburg is also a great way to enjoy the sights from the surface. Little Bay Beach offers spectacular scenery with its rocky cliffs and turquoise waters. Admire Philipsburg's coastline and lively waterfront as you dive into the underwater world.

Joining a thrilling 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 tour you'll ride along winding paths and trails that take you through lush rainforests, over rugged hills and along secluded beaches. One of the popular routes is the one that takes you to the famous Pic Paradis lookout point. Here you'll get a panoramic view of the island's beaches, lagoons and lush local vegetation.

As well as enjoying the quad biking adventure, you'll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural environment of St Martin. Many tours include stops at scenic spots, such as hidden waterfalls or underground 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 wearing the proper protective equipment, respecting traffic rules and following environmental regulations.

A pirate experience at Rusty Parrot in St. Maarten will immerse you 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 costume, every detail is carefully designed to create an immersive experience - you 'll feel like you've been transported onto a pirate ship ready to set sail for new horizons!

One of the main attractions at Rusty Parrot is the thrilling 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 fight for hidden treasure.

In addition to the show, Rusty Parrot offers interactive games and activities. You can hunt for treasure, challenge mazes in the Caribbean sunshine and enjoy walks along the coastline. Children can participate in special activities designed just for them, such as age-appropriate treasure hunts. You can arrive at this theme park on your own or with a transfer from St. Maarten airport.

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's 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 highlights of this site is the observation deck. From here you can take in 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.

A tour of Topper's Distillery on St Maarten will take you into the world of Caribbean rum production. Located on the French side of the island, this family-run 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 selecting 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 on local techniques and traditions, so a visit is often included in the best tours of St. Maarten.

In addition to learning about the production of rum, you'll also have the opportunity to sample different varieties at the distillery. You can savour the rich flavour and smoothness of Topper's different products, from aged drinks to more exotic and creative flavours. You can also buy bottles to take home and share the experience with friends and family.

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

Visiting Tintamarre Island in Sint Maarten allows you to step into a tropical paradise of natural beauty and tranquillity. Located just a short boat ride from the coast of Sint Maarten, this small uninhabited island is a hidden treasure in the Caribbean.

Tintamarre is home to white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. This island is known for its coral reefs, making it an ideal place for snorkelling. Exploring the waters will allow you to discover a variety of tropical fish and other colourful sea creatures.

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

The tranquillity of Tintamarre makes it a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Here 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, unspoilt charm to the experience.

Touring the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit on St. Maarten is an exciting activity for film buffs 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 exhibition offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the most famous films in history.

At the exhibition you will find yourself surrounded by authentic props 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 present at the exhibition, sharing his experience and anecdotes about his time working on the franchise.

However, the exhibition is not just limited to 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 exhibition itself, the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit also has a shop where you can buy souvenirs and memorabilia related to the films. 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 film buff and have the opportunity to join a private or personalised tour of Sint Maarten, this is a must on your itinerary.

A trip to Simpson Bay in Sint 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, paddle boarding and snorkelling 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. On a full day excursion from St Martin 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 across the water.

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