Your Guide to Island Adventures
Best Things to Do in St. Maarten: Beaches, Tours & Attractions
Discover the best things to do in St. Maarten and French Saint-Martin, from beautiful Caribbean beaches and snorkeling cruises to exciting adventures, island sightseeing and unforgettable day trips.
Whether you're arriving on a cruise ship, enjoying a weeklong vacation or exploring the island for the first time, you'll find experiences for couples, families, groups and adventure seekers.
Explore Top Activities → Browse All Tours →Experience the Best of St. Maarten and St. Martin
St. Maarten is one of the Caribbean's most versatile vacation destinations. The island combines Dutch and French cultures, beautiful beaches, lively waterfront communities, excellent dining and exciting outdoor activities.
You can watch airplanes land over Maho Beach, relax on the sands of Orient Bay, explore Simpson Bay's waterfront, discover the streets of Philipsburg and Marigot or sail along the island's stunning coastline.
Many visitors also use St. Maarten as a gateway to neighboring islands such as Anguilla, St. Barthélemy and Saba.
Planning your first visit? Explore our 7-Day St. Maarten Itinerary for a day-by-day vacation plan combining beaches, activities and island adventures.
Our Featured Experiences
Top St. Maarten Tours & Activities to Book
From relaxing catamaran cruises to guided island adventures, these experiences are a great starting point for planning your St. Maarten vacation.
Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise
Discover beautiful Caribbean waters on a relaxing catamaran excursion with opportunities for snorkeling and enjoying the island coastline.
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Rhino Snorkeling Safari
Experience an exciting guided water adventure combining coastal exploration with a snorkeling stop.
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St. Maarten 4x4 Jeep Tour
Explore scenic island highlights on a guided Jeep adventure, including time for a beach break.
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Lambada Sunset Cruise
Enjoy Caribbean sunset views while sailing along the coast aboard a comfortable catamaran.
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St. Maarten Island Tour
Discover popular attractions, scenic viewpoints and cultural highlights on a guided tour of the island.
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Horseback Riding in St. Maarten
Explore the island's natural landscapes on a guided horseback riding experience. Check the tour details for available riding options.
View Tour & Book →Sun, Sand & Caribbean Waters
Best Beaches to Visit in St. Maarten
Exploring the island's beautiful beaches is one of the most popular free things to do in St. Maarten. Each beach offers a different atmosphere, from lively beach bars to quiet coastal scenery.
Maho Beach
Famous for airplanes landing over the beach beside Princess Juliana International Airport.
Explore Maho Beach →
Orient Bay
A beautiful French-side beach known for its beach clubs, restaurants and watersports.
Explore Orient Bay →
Simpson Bay & Kim Sha Beach
Convenient beaches near restaurants, hotels, waterfront bars and boat excursion departures.
Explore Simpson Bay →Beach safety: Swimming conditions vary by beach, weather and sea state. Pay attention to local warnings, waves and currents, especially when traveling with children.
Discover the Coastline
Boat Tours, Snorkeling & Water Activities
One of the best ways to experience St. Maarten is from the water. The island offers catamaran cruises, snorkeling trips, sunset sails, private boat charters and exciting watersport adventures.
Catamaran & Snorkeling Trips
Enjoy sailing, swimming and snorkeling on organized boat excursions. Itineraries depend on the tour and sea conditions.
Explore Catamaran Cruises →Private Boat Charters
Plan a personalized day on the water with family or friends. Private charters are ideal for special occasions and groups.
Explore Private Boat Charters →Sunset & Dinner Cruises
Enjoy a memorable evening on the Caribbean Sea, with options ranging from sunset sailing to dinner cruises.
Explore Dinner Cruises →Kayaking & Water Adventures
Explore the Simpson Bay Lagoon on a guided kayak experience or choose an exciting Rhino snorkeling safari.
Explore Kayaking →Adventure Awaits
Adventure Activities in St. Maarten
Looking for more than a relaxing beach day? St. Maarten offers memorable experiences on land and water for visitors seeking a little extra excitement.
Sky Explorer & Flying Dutchman
Take in panoramic views from the Sky Explorer and experience the famous Flying Dutchman zipline at Rainforest Adventures.
Find Zipline Experiences →Jeep & Island Adventures
Discover viewpoints, coastal roads and island attractions on an organized Jeep tour.
Explore Jeep Tours →Jet Car Experience
Try an unusual water adventure with a jet car experience in St. Maarten.
Explore Jet Car Experience →Explore Both Sides of the Island
Sightseeing, Culture & Historic Attractions
St. Maarten offers a fascinating combination of Caribbean, Dutch and French influences. Spend time exploring its towns, markets, scenic viewpoints and historic landmarks.
Philipsburg & Great Bay
Explore Front Street shopping, the historic town center, waterfront restaurants and the beach along Great Bay.
Marigot & Fort Louis
Discover the French-side capital, its markets, waterfront cafés and scenic views from Fort Louis.
Grand Case
Visit this French-side coastal community known for its restaurants, local food and relaxed seaside atmosphere.
Food, Nightlife & Shopping in St. Maarten
Beyond its beaches, the island offers a lively dining scene, waterfront entertainment and shopping opportunities on both sides of the border.
Caribbean & French Dining
Try local favorites such as Johnny cakes, grilled seafood and barbecue, or explore French-Caribbean restaurants in Grand Case and Marigot.
Simpson Bay Nightlife
Enjoy waterfront restaurants, beach bars, live entertainment and nightlife around Simpson Bay and Maho.
Explore Simpson Bay →Shopping in Philipsburg
Explore Front Street and the surrounding shopping area for jewelry, souvenirs, fashion and gifts.
Beyond St. Maarten
Island Hopping & Day Trips from St. Maarten
St. Maarten is a convenient gateway to neighboring Caribbean islands. Depending on your schedule, you can plan a day trip or an extended visit.
Anguilla
Visit Anguilla for beautiful white-sand beaches and a relaxed island atmosphere. Ferry services connect the islands.
Explore Anguilla Ferry →
St. Barthélemy
Discover Gustavia, beautiful beaches, boutique shopping and French-Caribbean dining. Travel is available by ferry or air service.
Explore St. Barts →
Saba
Explore the Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean, known for hiking, diving, natural beauty and charming villages.
Explore Saba Island →Before island hopping: Check passport and immigration requirements, departure times, return connections and weather-related changes. Ferry and flight schedules can vary.
One Day in Paradise
Best Things to Do in St. Maarten for Cruise Passengers
Arriving at the cruise port in Philipsburg? You can experience some of the island's most popular attractions even during a shorter visit.
Cruise-friendly options include guided island sightseeing, visiting Maho Beach, exploring Philipsburg and enjoying selected boat or beach excursions.
Shared Island Sightseeing Tour
Discover island highlights with a guided tour designed to help visitors explore within a limited time.
Explore Shared Island Tour →Private Island Tour
A private experience offers greater flexibility for families and groups wishing to explore selected attractions.
Explore Private Island Tour →Cruise planning tip: Allow sufficient time to return to your ship. Confirm tour meeting points, transport times and return arrangements before booking.
Fun for the Whole Family
Family-Friendly Things to Do in St. Maarten
Planning a family vacation in St. Maarten? From snorkeling adventures and coastal cruises to scenic chairlift rides and exciting attractions, the island offers unforgettable experiences for families traveling with children and teens.
Discover some of our favorite family activities and create lasting Caribbean vacation memories.
Santino Coastal Cruise & Snorkeling
Explore the beautiful coastline of St. Maarten on a memorable boat excursion featuring snorkeling, opportunities to spot sea turtles, Grand Case and Pinel Island.
A wonderful way for families to discover the island from the water.
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Sand Dollar Snorkel Adventure
Enjoy a half-day Caribbean snorkeling experience aboard the Sand Dollar. Discover beautiful coastal scenery, swim in tropical waters and explore the underwater world together.
A great option for families who love spending time on the water.
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Sky Explorer & Schooner Ride
Take your family on an exciting adventure at Rainforest Adventures St. Maarten. Ride the Sky Explorer for spectacular panoramic island views, then enjoy the Schooner Ride for an extra dose of fun and excitement.
View Tour & Book →Traveling with children? Activity age, height and swimming requirements may vary. Check the individual tour details before booking to ensure the experience is suitable for your family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in St. Maarten
What are the best things to do in St. Maarten?
Popular activities include visiting Maho Beach, relaxing at Orient Bay, exploring Simpson Bay, snorkeling, catamaran cruises, island tours and day trips to Anguilla.
What can you do in St. Maarten for free?
You can enjoy many public beaches, explore Philipsburg and Marigot, watch airplanes near Maho Beach and take in scenic viewpoints. Parking, beach equipment and other services may cost extra.
What should first-time visitors do in St. Maarten?
Consider visiting Maho Beach, Orient Bay, Simpson Bay and Philipsburg, then adding a guided island tour or boat excursion.
Is St. Maarten good for families?
Yes. The island offers beaches, sightseeing, selected boat tours and outdoor activities suitable for different age groups. Check tour requirements before booking.
What is there to do in St. Maarten on a cruise stop?
Popular options include Philipsburg shopping, Maho Beach, guided island sightseeing and selected shore excursions. Allow time to return to the ship.
What are romantic things to do in St. Maarten?
Couples often enjoy sunset cruises, waterfront dining, beach days, private boat experiences and exploring Grand Case.
Can you visit Anguilla from St. Maarten?
Yes. Anguilla is accessible by ferry and boat services, subject to schedules, weather and immigration rules.
How many days do you need to explore St. Maarten?
Five to seven days allows time to enjoy popular beaches, visit both sides of the island and experience several excursions.
What can you do in St. Maarten when it rains?
Depending on weather severity, visitors can explore shops, restaurants, museums and other indoor attractions. During severe weather, follow official safety guidance.
Should I book St. Maarten excursions in advance?
Booking ahead is recommended for popular tours, private charters and activities during busy travel periods.
Ready to Explore St. Maarten?
From world-famous beaches and thrilling adventures to relaxing cruises and island-hopping escapes, your Caribbean experience starts here.
Discover and book St. Maarten tours and excursions through SintMaartenVacation.com.
Explore & Book Tours → Plan Your 7-Day Itinerary → Explore Travel Guides →