St. Martin is, without doubt, one of the smallest gems in the Caribbean that are cherished by sailors and vacationers alike. The fact that the island is shared by two different nations, France and Netherlands, makes it quite special. The southern Dutch side of St. Martin is well known for its vibrant nightlife, busy resort beaches, duty-free jewelry shops, and casinos.
The French side, on the other hand, is home to nude beaches, delectable French cuisines, countless boutiques as well as huge outdoor markets. With these two culture-rich sides of St. Martin, there are literally countless activities to engage in while on your yacht charter vacation on this side of the Caribbean.
But do you really know some of the main activities that can make your holiday on the island both fun and memorable?
Well, here is a list of the top 10 things to do in St. Maarten that you may need to consider:
1. Sint Maarten Scuba Diving for Certified Divers
Diving in the waters of St. Martin is as adventurous as it is rewarding. There are more than 55 dive sites that surround the island, with some being home to a stunning variety of corals and marine creatures and others playing host to age-old shipwrecks.
Sint Maarten (the Dutch side of the island) has more wreck dive sites than the French side. Some of the highlight wreck sites here include Gregory, Fuh Sheng, Porpoise, The Bridge, Carib Cargo, and Proselyte. If you would want to see a colorful variety of hard and soft corals, king-size crabs, lobsters, turtles, and lots of marine fish, then Long Bay Reef would be a perfect choice on this side.
Fish Bowl site also has a delightful variety of corals, sponges, and other marine life that’s worth exploring.
2. Philipsburg Foodie Walking Tour
Taking a walk through ST. Martin’s capital, Philipsburg, as you sample a range of Dutch, French, and Creole foods, is something you’ll definitely love if you’re a true foodie. There is also a gamut of rum cocktails, wines, and other savory delights on the streets for the taking. But the Philipsburg Foodie Walking Tour doesn’t just end with taking several delicious bites, sipping elixir cocktails, and walking around. You’ll also get to learn more about the island’s history and culture through an experienced tour guide as you go along.
3. St-Martin and St Maarten: Sightseeing Tour of the French and Dutch Sides of the Island
A sightseeing tour to St. Martin’s Dutch side (St. Maarten) and French side (St. Martin) is something that can surely never disappoint. You can enjoy the sun as you get immersed in the pleasant views of Grand Case Beach or Orient Beach or go to Grand Case, which is ideally the Caribbean’s gourmet capital, to experience first-hand the charming food ambiance and catch amazing sights of the area’s tranquil coastline.
Visiting Marigot, the French side capital with a striking European ambiance is something that can reward you handsomely. Stroll through the streets that are lined up with beautiful original colonial buildings as you soak in the town’s tropical scenery and get to learn more about the history of Lesser.
Antilles
At Philipsburg, the side Dutch capital, you can climb up Fort Amsterdam to experience the breathtaking views of the nearby bay and the surrounding areas. Cole Bay Hill is also a spot you should not miss because from there, you can enjoy panoramic views of Philipsburg town and other islands like St. Eustatius, Saba, and Anguilla.
4.St-Martin and St Maarten Island Sights, Shopping, and Maho Beach Tour.
A 5-hour or so tour with a local guide on both the Dutch and French sides can set the face for you to enjoy the amazing sights around. After getting a historical overview of Phillipsburg, you’ll immerse yourself in the magnificent views of the island and shorelines from several points like Simpson Bay as well as Cole Bay Hill.
From there, head to the iconic Maho Beach and watch with awe as airplanes fly above you, either taking off or approaching the nearby Princess Juliana International Airport. A visit to Orient Beach for a leisurely walk and sightseeing can also prove to be great.
From there, go to Coralita Bay Nature Reserve, overlooking St. Barths, and feed iguanas. Proceed to Marigot, where you can explore the restaurant and shop-lined streets to sample the most delightful eats in town and shop for various products, all duty-free.
5. Art Tour: Visit the Artists of St. Martin
A half-day art tour to the French and Dutch sides of St. Martin Island is truly a deserved experience. The tour will take you to 4 of the renowned local artists, where you’ll explore their galleries and studios as you chat with them in the process.
The eclectic artworks paint a picture of St. Martin’s people, culture, and the nature surrounding the island. You can buy one or two art pieces from the studios to keep them as souvenirs when you get back home.
Note: This tour may include tea, coffee, and banana bread on various stops as complimentary.
6. La Samana Wine Tasting and Marigot
At Belmond La Sammnana’s Le Cave, your senses will be awakened as you go on a wine-tasting adventure at the resort’s underground wine distillery. An expert sommelier will act as a guide and will usher you into one of the Caribbean’s most expensive wine collections, accompanied by a set of fruit and French cheeses.
With more than 12,000 wines to sample, the wine-tasting experience here just gets finer and better. The resort also serves locally-branded rum, which can be great to indulge in. From there, head off to Marigot and shop for top European brands, purchase luxury jewelry, and pick a few charming souvenirs.
To finish your tour in style, visit one of the restaurants on the Marigot promenade and enjoy delectable lunch or cup of coffee as you get lost in the picturesque views of ST. Maarten.
7. St. Maarten History Tour
One of the other most interesting things to do in St. Martin takes a 4-hour or so tour starting from Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten. As you go all the way around the island, you’ll get to learn important facts about the half-French, half-Dutch island’s natural history, culture, traditions, and geology, all narrated by an experienced guide.
The tour also presents a unique opportunity to visit various landmarks and stunning viewpoints such as Fort Amsterdam, Fort Louis, Great Salt Pond, a former plantation, and more. Along the way, you can stop for some iced coffee, tea as well as Caribbean cake.
8. Flavors of St. Maarten Food Tour
The culinary experience on this side of West Indies never at one point gets boring. And if you can take a 4-hour guided food tour around, you can appreciate what the local restaurants have on offer.
Stop by a couple of the hidden, locals-only spots, and you’ll get delighted with a range of French, Dutch, and Creole cuisines.
A comfortable and air-conditioned coach is definitely the best way to get around on your food tour and your guide will point out important island landmarks as your ride along.
9. Jeep Wrangler Explore ST. Maarten
Hopping onto a 4-door Jeep Wrangler and riding around the island can be a great way of exploring the beautiful sceneries around without having to deal with huge crowds and/or long lines. You’ll be provided with highlights of the best spots to visit, the directions, and a map for the same. Navigating around with the Jeep is easy as there’s only one road, with two lanes, going around the island.
10. Jet Ski Flyboard Experience
There’s nothing as exciting as floating above the surface of the shimmering waters of the Caribbean on a flyboard. You can almost feel like a superhero. Now, the ST. Martin Jet Ski Flyboard experience allows you to explore the ocean on a water-propelled fly board that is attached to the Jet Ski’s instructor. While at it, you can enjoy fantastic views from a vantage point as you enjoy an adrenaline-filled ride in the air.
Conclusion
If you charter a vessel to sail St. Martin, then visiting many spots within the island can be easier, faster, and more fun. While there, remember to try a couple or most of the above-listed activities for a fun-filled adventure on the island.
What activities have you practiced in St Maarten? You are welcome to share your experiences in the comments below.
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
I just came from St. Maarten and these pictures I know 🙂 I wish I had seen this post before I went, but I did do a couple things on this list. It was a cruise port stop, so probably couldn’t have done too much more. Definitely a place I plan to go back to, to spend more time. Thanks for the great review. I am ready with my list now 🙂
Hi Matts,
Well, it’s never too late:) Next time you’ll be in St Maarten, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy these fun activities:)
Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day.
This is interesting. This really came at the right time because I have been thinking of where to visit that will be fun for my vacation. I read an article on Jamaica but reading this has convinced me. I will love to also have an experience on jet ski. I have seen where to visit this is an end to my search for where to visit.
HI Lok,
I am glad you found this article useful and I hope you will experience the Jet Ski very soon because it is a really fun toy:)
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any help, I am always happy to assist!
Thank you for the comment and wish you a great day.
Hi Daniella,
I have read the whole article about best things to do in St. Maarten. I believe this is great place for Charter Vacation. Some of my friends are really adventure lover and I am going to suggest this for their next adventure. I need to check out availability and price option to plan our budget while on vacation. I will bookmark your page now and will read more for better concept. Thanks for sharing.
Hi there,
Indeed, St Maarten is a great sailing ground and the weather is pleasant all year round.
That’s a good idea to check availability, I hope you will find something that suits you:)
Please, let me know if you need help, I’ll be glad to assist.
Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day.
OMG, I am so excited, I am planning a trip to the caribeans and your post came very handy!
I am really on I WANT TO DO IT ALL MODE, I am just not sure if I will be able to.
I want to try all the food I can, rest, swim, dive, jeep tours, walking tour…
And I got even more excited when I just got to know I can even make a WINE tasting, I LOVE WINE.
Thanks so much for the info, I will keep following you so keep it up!
Hi Luiz,
Yes, there is nothing better than enjoy food, wine, outdoor excursions, and relax, especially in the Caribbean:)
I am glad this article has inspired you.
Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day!
if anything to do with pictures is togo by that is very beautiful place on the caribbean and i believe it should be a must visit for those who planning a visit into caribbean the part i love most is where i have chance to go for wine testing that is what i would whirlwind of adventures in one single place so let us make plans
HI Charle,
You have great taste, the wine tour is just fantastic! I am sure you will love it.
Thank you for the comment and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.
hi
st. masrtens has been on my bucket list for some time and just haven’t gotten around to visiting it yet.
your top 10 things is a great mix of everything. I am really looking forward to fly board experience. quick question – is it safe for those with back issues? and do you need to know how to swim just in case its goes bad?
Tarun,
It would better to know how to swim, but there are life jackets to help you float on the water if it’s the case. Anyway, I would not recommend doing Flyboard if you have back issues, this could only aggravate your situation.
Let me know if you need further assistance; I’ll be glad to help:)
Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day.
St Martin sure sounds like an interesting place to visit. I like the idea of going scuba diving and seeing life that exists beneath the waters. The foodie walking tour is appealing to foodies like myself. Quick question though,is the scuba diving only for certified divers? Is there no attraction for people whole love music and dance?
Hi Louis
Yes, the diving tour is for certified divers. There are fun night tours, but I couldn’t put all of them on one page:) Anyway, I will reviewing them very soon.
So stay tuned!
Thank you for the comment and I hope you have a nice day.
Hey, Daniella! What an amazing place! Thank you for your top 10 list! St. Martin is always in my travel list. I know it is a beautiful island. Beside those adventure activities, do you know any parent-child activities if we visit St. Martin as a family? Thank you! Sam Chen
Hi Chen,
Thank you for passing by!
Some of the activities listed in the article can be done with children as long as they are under surveillance. They are other fun tours that I will be reviewing very soon.
Let me know if you need help with anything. I’ll be more than happy to assist.
Your post is truly amazing and contents filled, I have heard about St. Maarten a couple times and I always thought it is a French island, I never knew that Netherlands had a share of it too. Is the island safe for family vacation with little kids? I am taking scuba driving lessons and I will love to travel to St. Maarten with my family .
Hi Clement,
Yes, St Maarten is a fun place for kids and the whole family. There is nothing to worry more than any other places. Of course, kids always need surveillance:)
Great idea to take a scuba diving course, St Maarten underwater world is fantastic.
Let me know if you need any help; I’ll be glad to assist.
Thank you for the comment and wish you a lovely day.
Good afternoon Danielle,
Your post brought back fond memories of 2011 when I did my Carribean cruise. In the 1970s I worked for 3 months on a Greek and 7 months on a Russian cruise so this time I wanted to experience it from the passenger’s point of view. I must say I like cruising. The only problem is that you never have enough time in one place. Your visit will give you an overall impression which might make you want to come back there one day.
I did visit St Maarten but it was too short and that is why I like your detailed post telling me all the nice things I missed out on.
I definitely would go Scuba Diving. I have done that of the coast of Gran Canaria. The Philipsburg walking tour would be on my list, to savor great drinks and eat creative and unusual bites appeals to me. Going to a new place I always eat local foods. The art tour is a must as I love to buy local handicrafts as souvenirs. The history tour has to fit into my program as well as I am always interested in the past of the places I visit. Thank you for this nice post.
Regards, Taetske
HI Taetske
Thank you for sharing your experience!
Bear in mind though that people who work on a yacht or a cruise have barely the time to enjoy the trip. They are always around the clock working on board:) That’s not the case for the charterers:)
I am glad this post has inspired you. Thank you for the kind comment. I wish you a nice day.