What to do in Sint Maarten and Saint Martin? There are so many things to do on an island like Sint Maarten, I just don’t know where to start… So, I’ll sort the activities into a few categories for you. Unique experiences that you just must not miss while on the island. If you’re looking for a romantic activity – I got your back! It’s a rainy day or you just don’t feel very beachy today – I found some rain activities for you to check out. Or maybe you can’t get enough of hiking? I have some suggestions…
Savings tip: Get a Magic of the Caribbean Card and save 10% at many restaurants, bars, stores and various activities. Check out all cooperating organizations here. We saved the purchase amount of $29 within a week!
Dutch sideThere is one thing you simply can’t skip when on the island, and that’s the Maho Beach Experience. Best thing: it’s free!! Once you’re there, lay back, order a drink, check arriving airplanes schedule – especially the big ones like KLM, Air France, Delta, American, Jet Blue or Spirit – strike a pose and make a selfie. Then get another drink and wait for another plane, to make a nice video… Whatever you wish to do. You can even have a nice swim between the landings. Believe me, this is a phenomenal experience, that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
Visit Fort Amsterdam in Philipsburg – behind the Divi Resort. You might have to walk through the resort a bit to get there, as they mostly don’t let you park at the resort.
Visit Marigot and especially Fort Louis for an extraordinary view of Marigot. Take the beautiful painted stairs up, or drive a bit higher, if you don’t prefer to walk – that will leave you with some more stairs up, but you can take it easy, no hurry. The view is worth it, trust me! After the walk and the ‘ooooh’s’ and ‘aaaah’s’, you can do some shopping at the West Indies Mall or at the Marigot Market.
Spend a day in Grand Case. On a beautiful beach. Have a drink at Java, do some shopping in the lovely boutiques, visit the pier and take a photo on and under it, have lunch at Lolo’s or Cynthia’s, have another drink wherever you want and enjoy some more beach. At the end of the day, this is the place to enjoy the best sunset you’ve ever seen! Take a look at the Grand Case website for some more information.
Go to the Loterie Farm for a day. As they say: “Loterie Farm is probably the only example on St. Martin of a private nature reserve. At Loterie Farm, we’ve made it our business to protect all 54 hectares of this beautiful countryside set deep in the interior of the island.” Check their website for the activities and the inspiring story of its founder.
In SXM, you can experience two Caribbean Carnivals. The Saint Martin (French) Carnival season typically takes place in February or March, and at the Dutch part in late April or early May, with the exact dates varying each year. Carnival in SXM is a highly anticipated and vibrant celebration that brings the island to life with colorful parades, lively music, and an atmosphere of festivity. Carnival is one of the most significant cultural events in Sint Maarten. This multi-day extravaganza is a culmination of various events and activities, with the grand finale being the Grand Carnival Parade.
SXM has been hosting the annual Heineken Regatta boat race, since the 80’s. The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta will celebrate its 44th edition in 2024 from February 29 – March 3, 2024. It is the largest regatta in the Caribbean and likely the largest warm water regatta in the world. This 4-day event draws over 200+ vessels from across the globe and attracts over 20,000 visitors annually.
Discover SXM through unique venues and be part of a musical journey filled with exceptional decor and wonderful people from all over the world, during the SXM Music Festival. 2024 edition is set to take place March 8- March 17, 2024. It’s an unforgettable festival experience that blends music, culture, and natural beauty.
A nice thing you could do is a (private) boat trip to Anguilla, the beaches are beautiful there and you can do some great snorkling. Unfortunately I haven’t done this yet, so I can’t recommend the right place to book at, but as soon as I do, I will update you! We did experience an amazing trip with Renegades Luxury Catamaran Charter and that was just phenomenal! Read about it in this blog.
Let Blissful Picnics SXM organise a romantic picnic on the beach for you and your loved one. Look at their Instagram page for some examples of beautifully arranged picnics.
Walk around in Philipsburg, where you’ll find many romantic spots, like Wooden Heart bench on the beach or the ‘I lost my Heart in Sint Maarten’ stairs in the Backstreet, near the pier, or the ‘We love St. Maarten’ swing on the beach – like the example photo of this cute couple. I can’t take everyones picture, but you can take a selfie. Use the timer, use your shoe as phone holder in the sand and run back real quick! 😉 But, you could also try the old fashioned way, ask a passerby to take your photo – because as you know by now: this is the ‘friendly island’.
If you don’t like the weather, or if you’re just not into beaching today, go visit Parotte Ville Bird Park! Check their Facebook page for some more info. Watch the beautiful, colorful birds, feed them, film them or have them on your shoulder. You can thank me later!
Amuseum Naturalis is a museum located at the historic Old House in French Quarter. You can visit on Tuesday to Saturday. This lovely museum explains everything about the history and nature of SXM. Check their website as well!
If you’re a Star Wars fan, then you should visit the Yoda Guy Museum in Philipsburg. The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit is the brainchild of Nick Maley. An international artist and Creature Effects Designer, who’s best known for his contribution to the creation of Yoda. But, also some other creatures for Star Wars. It’s a small non-profit museum with a lot of movie history packed inside.
Rain Forrest Adventure – Flying Dutchman, the Sentry Hill Zip Line and the Schooner Ride. Check their packages to choose what you would like to do on your adventurous day on the island!
Visit the the Dutch Blonde Brewery Tour at the Caribbean Brewery Company. Find out how the award winning Dutch Blonde Beer is made, excluding some trade secrets. Get to drink straight from the tap and learn of the owners journey of creating this prize winning beer. Check their website for more info and booking.
Visit the home of Topper’s Rhum, the ‘World’s Best Tasting Rhum’ handmade right here in SXM. A tour guide will walk you through their 6000 sq. ft. distillery. You will learn a little history of rum making in the Caribbean. You’ll see their blending process and how they expertly bottle the handcrafted rhums. You’ll visit the lab and learn how to ensure that the products meet the highest quality standards and see how to create different flavored rhums. Following the tour you will be invited to the tasting bar where you’ll be welcome to taste all of their artisanal products. You will even have the opportunity to bottle your very own Topper’s Rhum to take home! Check their website for the tour.
If you live on the island, you can join a hiking club – at least in the beginning until you figure out the routes yourself.
Pic Paradis route, near Colombier in the French part is a popular and good one – but, it’s labeled ‘heavy’.
An easier route on the Dutch side, near Philipsburg is the Back Bay route. It’s labeled ‘easy’, but don’t bring your children, and do bring good hiking shoes. It can be narrow and muddy.
Babit Point on the French side, at Oyster Bay is a nice spot for an easy walk – which means you can bring your dog, see some donkeys and iguanas. It’s a a rugged mountainous landscape with rocks and cacti.
So, there are many lovely hiking routes, you just need to know them or find them. Check www.alltrails.com and search in Sint Maarten or Saint Martin.