St. Maarten Bucket List: Top Things to Do in One Week

The Ultimate St. Maarten Bucket List (And How I Actually Did It in One Week)

I had seven days. Just one week to explore the island I’d heard so much about, the Caribbean’s most action-packed paradise, St. Maarten. I’d read the listicles. I’d seen the Instagram reels. But I wanted to make this trip mine.
So, I created the Ultimate St. Maarten Bucket List, and (somehow) managed to check off every single item. Here’s exactly how I did it, and how you can too.

Day 1: Arrival, Cocktails, and Sunset Cruise

Nothing says “welcome to the Caribbean” quite like a warm ocean breeze and a rum punch in hand. After landing at Princess Juliana International Airport, I headed straight to Simpson Bay, checked into my hotel, and got ready for my first official bucket list item: a sunset cruise.

Book the Sunset Cruise from Simpson Bay here »

Gliding along the coast, with music playing and the golden sun dipping behind the hills, I met other travelers, sipped local cocktails, and watched the shoreline glow. It was the perfect start.

Day 2: Maho Beach Madness & Jet Fuel Thrills

You haven’t really been to St. Maarten until you’ve felt a jet engine blast past your face.

I made my way to Maho Beach early, grabbed a spot at Sunset Bar & Grill, and watched as plane after plane descended terrifyingly close overhead. It was surreal.

Want to visit Maho without the stress? Book a guided Island Sightseeing Tour »

That afternoon, I joined the ATV Adventure Tour, tearing through the island’s backroads, climbing scenic viewpoints, and splashing through muddy trails. My adrenaline was definitely checked off the list.

Day 3: Eco Snorkeling and Secret Beaches

I’d heard about the island’s coral reefs and marine life, but experiencing it firsthand on the Full Day Eco Snorkeling & Beach Tour was something else. We visited hidden coves, snorkeled in turquoise waters, and lounged on beaches I never would’ve found on my own.

Snorkel your way through paradise — book the tour here »

Our guide knew exactly where to go to avoid the crowds. At one point, we had a beach completely to ourselves.

Day 4: Island Hopping to St. Barts

Time to tick off another bucket list dream: Island hopping.

I booked the St. Barts Day Trip and caught the ferry over to the island known as the French Riviera of the Caribbean. Designer boutiques, fresh croissants, and secluded beaches made for a luxurious escape.

Ferry to St. Barts from St. Maarten here »

And just like that — two countries in one day.

Day 5: Local Culture in Philipsburg

Today was all about culture and flavor. I joined a guided walking food tour of Philipsburg, St. Maarten’s historic capital. From colonial architecture to colorful street art and local market stalls, this was the side of the island you don’t always see in the brochures.

Explore Philipsburg’s hidden gems — book your tour »

I finished with drinks at a beachfront café and some shopping along the Boardwalk.

Day 6: Anguilla Escape & Beach Bliss

Still chasing that turquoise water dream, I booked a Day Trip to Anguilla. Less than 30 minutes by ferry and you’re on another island, with white-sand beaches and fewer crowds.

Anguilla Fast Ferry & Beach Day trip here »

Rendezvous Beach was beyond beautiful. No wonder it’s consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.

Day 7: Relax and Reflect (But Not Before One Last Treat)

My final day was for recovery. Or so I thought…

A friend I met on the snorkel tour invited me on a private boat charter to Pinel Island. One last adventure. One last toast. And just like that, I added one more tick to the list.

Browse Private Charters & Boat Tours »

That night, I watched the stars from the beach and thought to myself: this is what bucket lists are made for.

My Final Bucket List from St. Maarten

✔️ Sunset cruise
✔️ Watch planes at Maho Beach
✔️ ATV island ride
✔️ Snorkel hidden beaches
✔️ Visit St. Barts
✔️ Explore Philipsburg
✔️ Day trip to Anguilla
✔️ Private charter to Pinel Island
✔️ Taste local cuisine
✔️ Relax by the Caribbean Sea

Planning Your St. Maarten Bucket List?

You don’t have to do it all in a week — but you can.

Start with a few must-do experiences and build your dream itinerary from there. We’ve handpicked the best tours in St. Maarten for every kind of traveler — from beach lovers and thrill-seekers to foodies and couples.

Explore all tours now »