Plan your vacation
Add dates
Add travelers
Tropical beach
Tropical beach - Photo by Janne Simoes

Explore the Caribbean Paradise of Sint Maarten: Photos, Tips and

About Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten, Sint Maarten: A beautiful Caribbean island split between French and Dutch territories, known for its stunning beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. Enjoy the best of both worlds in this tropical paradise with a rich cultural heritage. Book your trip now and escape to this idyllic destination.

Sint Maarten is a small island in the Caribbean Sea that offers an unforgettable travel experience. This tropical paradise is home to stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a vibrant culture that blends Dutch, French, and Caribbean influences.

One of the main draws of Sint Maarten is its beaches. The island is home to 37 beaches, each with its own unique character. Some of the most popular beaches include Maho Beach, which is famous for its close proximity to the airport and the thrilling experience of watching planes take off and land overhead, and Orient Bay, which is known for its white sand and turquoise waters.

In addition to its beaches, Sint Maarten is also home to a number of cultural attractions. The island has a rich history and heritage, and visitors can explore this through its museums, galleries, and historic sites. Some of the most popular cultural attractions include the St. Maarten Museum, the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, and the Fort Amsterdam.

Visitors to Sint Maarten can also enjoy a range of outdoor activities. The island is a popular destination for snorkeling and diving, with a number of reefs and wrecks to explore. Other popular activities include hiking, horseback riding, and zip lining.

Foodies will also love Sint Maarten, which offers a diverse range of cuisine that reflects the island's cultural influences. Visitors can sample local specialties such as conch fritters, goat stew, and johnnycakes, as well as more familiar dishes such as pizza and burgers.

Overall, Sint Maarten is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a tropical getaway. With its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and range of activities, it's the perfect destination for a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation.

More Detail

Things to do in Sint Maarten

Choose from a range of unique experiences and fun activities in Sint Maarten

Enjoy a full-circle itinerary on both the Dutch & French Side of Sint Maarten, while experiencing the major highlights & beaches !  This is a guided excursion at a "sightseeing pace", mainly on-road, with a portion off-road.  All drivers must present a valid driver's license.  All Jeeps have radio communication with the tour guide's Jeep.  Includes 2 beverages per person (bottled water & soda's).  Cool off at the end of the Jeep ride, with a refreshing swim at the beautiful Philipsburg beach. For the "shared Jeep" option, we allow a maximum of 4 occupants per vehicle. You may share the Jeep with other vacationers or with the tour leader/guide. For the "Jeep-buyout" option, we allow a maximum of 5 occupants per vehicle. So : 5 people join for the price of 4 ! LARGE GROUPS order per Jeep buy-out. If the # of participants is not a multiple of 5, you may reserve the remaining spaces per person. Please mention your group arrangement in the "special requirements" section of the order.
With the itinerary stretching over both Dutch & French territory, you'll be introduced to the pick-of-the-day highlights of "The Friendly Island". There'll be multiple 15-20 minute stops for photo opportunities. This is a guided excursion at a "sightseeing pace", accessible to beginners.  You'll ride mostly on-road, with a small portion off-road. All individuals interested in steering the ATV must bring a valid driver's license.  Includes 2 beverages per person (bottled water & soda's).
Are you ready to go Sailing? True sailing on board of No1Sxm Trimaran: stable, smooth, fast. The 5 hour experience takes you along the south west coast of St.Maarten/Saint Martin & up Anguilla Channel. Included are a stop in a calm bay for swimming/snorkeling, drinks, snacks & a sandwich lunch on board. With only 14 passengers max. it is personable, intimate and fun. The wind in the sails and water against the hull are your musical companion. The 2 hour Sunset Sail is pure bliss, with a cocktail and snacks, meeting the sunset, sailing along the St.Maarten Coast. Captain/Owner Pieter is a sailing expert with 40 years experience on various sailing boats and ships.
Are you ready to go Sailing? TRUE sailing on board of No1Sxm Trimaran: stable, smooth, comfortable. The 2 hour Sailing Experience is pure bliss, with a cocktail and snacks, meeting the sunset, sailing along the St.Maarten Coast. It all starts already on the dock at 4:30pm in winter, 5pm in summer & we take you with a dinghy to the boat in Simpson Bay and welcome you aboard. Settle in with a drink while we hoist the sails for an awesome experience, sailing along the coast of St.Maarten. The actual sailing time is 1 1/2 hour during this sail. Upon our return to the dock, you will feel completely relaxed & want to do it again! With only 16 passengers max. it is personable, intimate and fun. The wind in the sails and water against the hull are your musical companion. Captain/Owner Pieter is a sailing expert with over 42 years experience on various sailing boats and ships.
Make your jet ski experience a unique one : discover the amazing landscapes of St. Maarten Dutch and French Sides and their breathtaking Caribbean waters. Professional service, friendly team and unforgettable memories guaranteed ! As you will have a guide, no boat licence is required.
Welcome to St.Maarten / St.Martin Pelican Island , come and have a time of your life with us. Our goal is for you and your family to have fun in the sun. Our impressive service will educate you and your family with valuable information about our beautiful Island on both French and Dutch side of St.Maarten / St.Martin. Our aim is to make you and your family will leave with a luxuriance of knowledge and insight about St.Maarten.
Our Tours are one of a kind. our goal is to give you the best experience tour you have ever gotten in your entire life. we focus on Fun, Education and more Fun. what makes us different then the rest tour companies is we make sure you leave St.Maarten with a big smile on your face. Our tours are educational and exploring the most amazing Island views and Beaches that St.Maarten has to offer. Our tour comes with free cold beverages throughout the entire tour.
This half day tour is a perfect getaway excursion for tourists and vacationers from cruise ships and St. Maarten stays. There will be an open bar onboard for unlimited drinks and water, to of the line snorkeling equipment and floatation devices will be provided to enhance your activities, music for ambience, good clean boat, and our tour guides/concierge are there to meet all your needs and accommodate all special requests that you may have. Note, Guests will need to take a taxi to our meetup point. Please proceed to the taxi dispatch location and tell them Simpson bay at the dinghy dock bar is where you are going.

Why People Love Sint Maarten

See what people have to say about activities and accommodations in Sint Maarten

J
jaliscac
4
Oct 2022
I love the tour the walking in the water and the total experience was great the tour guides was the boom
H
Haela58
5
Oct 2022
Edwin was a great tour guide. My boyfriend & I enjoyed him immensely. Would most definitely recommend & even come back!
E
Esthermalter
5
Sep 2022
We recently visited while on a cruise and had THE BEST time! I wouldn't change a thing and am already planning for my return to St. Maarten. Starting with owner Bob Cleveland who I reached out to weeks before our arrival and prior to payment; he was such a pleasure to work with and took the time ...

Explore all things to do in Sint Maarten

Explore other popular holiday destinations

Frequently Asked Questions about Sint Maarten

What are the must-visit attractions in Sint Maarten?

Sint Maarten has something for everyone. If you're interested in history, you should visit Fort Amsterdam, which is a historic fort that dates back to the 17th century. There's also the Sint Maarten Museum, which has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of the island. If you're interested in nature, you should visit Loterie Farm, which is a nature reserve that offers hiking trails, zipline tours, and a treetop obstacle course. And of course, you can't visit Sint Maarten without spending some time at the beach. Some of the best beaches on the island include Maho Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, and Orient Bay Beach.

What are some fun activities to do in Sint Maarten?

Sint Maarten has plenty of fun activities to keep you busy. You can go snorkeling, scuba diving, or take a boat tour to explore the island from the water. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. If you're looking for something more relaxing, you can book a spa treatment or take a yoga class. And of course, there's always shopping and dining to enjoy in the island's many towns and villages.

Where are the best places to stay in Sint Maarten?

There are plenty of great places to stay in Sint Maarten, depending on your preferences. If you're looking for a luxurious experience, you might consider staying at one of the island's many high-end resorts, such as the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort or the Belmond La Samanna. If you're looking for something more low-key, there are plenty of smaller hotels and guesthouses to choose from, such as the Holland House Beach Hotel in Philipsburg or the Alamanda Resort in Orient Bay.

What are some of the best restaurants in Sint Maarten?

Sint Maarten is known for its diverse cuisine, thanks to its mix of French, Dutch, and Caribbean influences. Some of the best restaurants on the island include Le Pressoir in Grand Case, which serves French cuisine with a Caribbean twist, and The Palms at Pelican Cove, which is known for its fresh seafood and stunning ocean views. Other popular options include The Greenhouse in Philipsburg, which is a casual spot for burgers and sandwiches, and Topper's at the Oasis in Simpson Bay, which serves Caribbean-inspired dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

What's the best time of year to visit Sint Maarten?

The best time to visit Sint Maarten depends on your preferences. The high season runs from December through April, when the weather is mild and dry, but prices are higher and the island can be more crowded. If you're looking for a more affordable and less crowded time to visit, you might consider traveling in the shoulder season, which runs from May through August. Keep in mind that hurricane season runs from June through November, so you'll want to keep an eye on the weather forecast if you're traveling during that time.

Is Sint Maarten safe for tourists?

Sint Maarten is generally a safe place for tourists, but like any destination, it's important to take common sense precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy tourist areas, and avoid walking alone at night. You should also be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if you feel uncomfortable in a particular situation.

What's the best way to get around Sint Maarten?

The best way to get around Sint Maarten is by car. There are plenty of car rental companies on the island, and having your own car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. If you're not comfortable driving, you can also take a taxi or use the island's public transportation system, which consists of buses and minibuses called 'vans.'

What's the local currency in Sint Maarten?

The local currency in Sint Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted on the island. Many businesses also accept major credit cards, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash with you, especially for small purchases and tips.

What's the weather like in Sint Maarten?

Sint Maarten has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The average high temperature is around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season runs from May through November, but even during this time, you can expect plenty of sunshine and warm weather.

What's the nightlife like in Sint Maarten?

Sint Maarten is known for its vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and casinos to choose from. Some of the most popular spots include the Sunset Bar and Grill on Maho Beach, which is known for its live music and beachside setting, and Tantra Nightclub in Simpson Bay, which is a popular spot for dancing and socializing. You can also try your luck at one of the island's many casinos, such as Casino Royale in Maho or Diamond Casino in Philipsburg.

What's the best way to experience Sint Maarten's beaches?

Sint Maarten is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, and the best way to experience them is to spend some time soaking up the sun and enjoying the warm water. Some of the best beaches on the island include Maho Beach, which is known for its proximity to the airport and its stunning sunsets, Mullet Bay Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling, and Orient Bay Beach, which is known for its white sand and turquoise water. You can also try your hand at water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, and parasailing, or take a boat tour to explore the island from the water.