20 Must-Do Activities on St. Martin, Including Sailing Adventures and the World’s Steepest Zip Line

Discover Philipsburg.

Philipsburg, the capital of St. Maarten, is a delightful town that deserves a visit. Spend your day wandering along the boardwalk, appreciating the colorful colonial architecture of Old Street, and shopping on Front Street. Don’t miss the opportunity to snap a photo of the courthouse with its cupola, constructed in 1793, before indulging in some delicious Caribbean cuisine.

Ascend to the summit of Pic Paradis.

Standing at nearly 1,400 feet, Pic Paradis is the tallest point on the island, offering breathtaking views. The 3.1-mile out-and-back trail to the top can be quite demanding, particularly during the Caribbean afternoon heat, so it's best to start your hike early in the morning.

Experience authentic Caribbean cuisine.

St. Martin boasts a rich blend of culinary influences, and as Marla Chemont from the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau advises, "you must indulge in the local delicacies from food trucks or roadside rib shacks that truly represent the island." Be sure to visit a roadside spot for tasty barbecue options like grilled chicken, lobster, or ribs paired with fried Johnny cake. Lee also suggests trying the island's national drink, guavaberry liqueur, made from the small red berries indigenous to the area.

Discover the vibrant underwater landscape.

Numerous shipwrecks serve as fascinating dive spots around the island, with the Carib Cargo wreck being the most famous. Rich in local folklore and often called the Carib Ghost, this site hosts stingrays, green turtles, and lobsters. Closer to the shore, Little Bay Beach features a dive site with a submerged helicopter, cannons, and a submarine, where you can enjoy the underwater sights even while snorkeling.

Witness aircraft as they soar above Maho Beach.

Maho Beach is dubbed "the most extreme beach in the world" due to the jets that swoop right above the sand while arriving and departing from Princess Juliana International Airport. It's often loud and packed with visitors, but Jamie Lee, vice president of resort operations at Sonesta St. Maarten Resorts, insists it's an experience not to be missed. The resort's family-friendly Maho Beach and adults-only Ocean Point properties are ideal for enjoying this thrilling beach and its proximity to the airport.

Discover your ideal sandy getaway.

If the excitement of plane spotting at Maho Beach isn't your scene, the island offers 36 other beaches for a more serene day by the sea. Cupecoy Beach is perfect for snorkeling and basking on golden sands, while Chemont suggests Happy Bay Beach for a more peaceful atmosphere. For true seclusion, consider a beach only reachable by hiking trails or boat rides.

Enjoy rum tasting at Topper's Rhum Distillery.

No Caribbean getaway is complete without sampling the local rum! Experience distinctive flavors and discover the blending process at Topper's Rhum Distillery near Simpson Bay Beach. You can take a tour of the distillery and mixing labs, or visit the showroom to purchase a bottle to take home.

Explore nearby islands.

"When visiting St. Martin, make sure to explore Anguilla, St. Barts, and Saba," advises Sylvie Baron from Dream Yacht Worldwide, which offers half- and full-day charters and cabin cruises from the island's French side. You can relax for a few hours on the pristine sands of Anguilla or take some extra time to trek through the rain forest on Saba.

Compete in sailboat races on an America’s Cup course.

For an exhilarating adventure in St. Martin, Chemont suggests joining a vintage yacht for one of 12 Metre Racing's daily regattas. These races take place on an America's Cup course, featuring some boats that are past America's Cup champions. You can participate as much as you like in the sailing or simply relax and enjoy the spectacle.

Groove to live tunes at 978 Sanctorum.

Nestled in Rambaud on the French side of St. Martin, 978 Sanctorum is the place to be for poolside parties on Jazzy Fridays and Caribbean Saturdays. In addition to its vibrant nightlife, it also offers a delightful Sunday Creole Brunch, perfect for a little post-party recovery.

Experience shark diving at Big Mama's Reef.

Caribbean reef sharks gather around Big Mama's Reef, located off the Dutch side of the island. This site is a top choice for adventurous travelers seeking an exhilarating wildlife experience. Shark diving is a serious endeavor that usually requires scuba certification. If you're certified and have the opportunity, think about a multi-day excursion to the reef on a liveaboard ship.

Engage in water sports at Orient Bay.

Baron suggests Orient Bay on the French side of the island as the ultimate beach spot for anyone eager to partake in various water sports. Expect to find Jet Ski rentals along with options for parasailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and kitesurfing. Right on the beach, Bikini Watersport provides a range of rentals, fishing charters, and flyboard adventures.

Catch the ferry to Pinel Island.

Only a five-minute ride from French St. Martin, "Pinel Island is a small tropical paradise featuring two restaurants where you can savor mouthwatering lobster straight off the grill," shares Baron. The island is a favorite stop for private sailing charters and group tours, and it’s also reachable by ferry from Cul-de-Sac, with departures every 30 minutes during peak season.

Dive with turtles near Tintamarre Island.

Baron also recommends a sailing trip to the uninhabited Tintamarre Island, where you can snorkel and scuba dive right from the shore. Known as "Flat Island," it's slightly further than Pinel Island. The waters here are famous for their plentiful sea turtles, many of which are friendly enough to swim alongside you (just remember to keep a respectful distance). The Tintamarre Express offers half- or full-day trips to this beautiful spot.

Indulge in authentic French cuisine.

Thanks to St. Martin's French heritage, the island is an excellent place to enjoy la cuisine Française. Restaurants like Le Cottage, L'Atelier Bar à Viande et Poisson, and L'Astrolabe serve classic dishes, while for a Caribbean twist on French favorites, try Mario Bistrot in Cupecoy Bay. You’ll also find unique menu items that incorporate Asian flavors, such as Thai crab croquettes and hoisin duck tacos.

Explore David's Hole.

David's Hole is perfect for those seeking a more secluded destination. This swimmable sinkhole, 80 feet wide, is surrounded by rocks and fed by seawater flowing in from two arches. It's best to avoid swimming when the conditions are rough, as the waters can become turbulent, earning it the alternative name, Devil's Hole.

Soar through the rain forest on a zip line at Loterie Farm.

Loterie Farm is a top destination for experiencing the island's lush, wooded interior. This nature sanctuary features a zip line that glides through a vibrant canopy of mango and mahogany trees. It also serves as the trailhead for the hike to the summit of Pic Paradis. If you prefer a more laid-back outing, enjoy drinks at the "jungle pool" or grab a bite at the on-site restaurant.

Embark on a cultural heritage tour.

Chemont suggests discovering St. Martin with the knowledgeable team at Seagrape Tours. Their cultural heritage tours span the international border, highlighting the island's rich historical landmarks. Additionally, they offer specialized food tours, street art explorations, and more for those eager to dive into the local culinary and cultural scene.

Explore Parotte Ville.

Home to about 25 species of tropical birds, Parotte Ville is a family-friendly attraction on the island's Dutch side. Founded by the vibrant George Parotte, the sanctuary allows visitors to connect with over 100 colorful birds in a welcoming environment.

Take a chairlift ride to Sentry Hill.

Referred to as the Soualiga Sky Explorer, this chairlift transports guests to one of the island's tallest summits. Prepare for breathtaking ocean vistas without the need for any challenging hikes. Some packages also feature a ride on the Flying Dutchman, a 2,800-foot zip line that plunges 1,050 feet, reputed to be the steepest in the world.