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Planning a trip to Sain Maarten? You’ve come to the right place!
This island sums up everything we love about the Caribbean. From pristine beaches and thrilling water sports to rainforest adventures, Saint Maarten truly has it all. The only challenge is deciding what to do first!
After soaking up the best of Saint Maarten ourselves, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 must-do activities here. If you follow this guide, you’ll be sure to get the most out of your time on this gem of an island. And of course, we’ve included all of the need-to-know info to make planning a (tropical) breeze. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE Saint Maarten experience was this island hopping and snorkeling tour! We cruised on a speed boat, visited stunning islands, and snorkeled with sea turtles and stingrays – incredible!
Check out the 3,700+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Saint Maarten
- 1. Explore the full island with a guide
- 2. Island hop and snorkel with sea turtles
- 3. Tour and taste at the famous Topper's Rhum Distillery
- 4. Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV tour
- 5. Relax on a luxury catamaran
- 6. Kayak around Pinel Island
- 7. Take a day trip to Anguilla
- 8. Drive your own mini-speed boat on a snorkeling adventure
- 9. Go parasailing
- 10. Experience Rainforest Adventures – zipline, the Flying Dutchman, and a schooner ride
- Where to Stay in Saint Maarten
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Saint Maarten
1. Explore the full island with a guide
- Duration: 5 – 6 hours
- Time: 9 am or 10 am
- Highlights: Beaches, forts and monuments, museums, sipping on local beers and rum punch, learning about the island’s history, shopping
- Inclusions: Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, air conditioned transport, fully stocked cooler, professional guide, rum tasting
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 750+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If it’s your first time visiting Saint Maarten, then we highly recommend booking this sightseeing tour! It’s also a great option for cruise passengers or those who are short on time.
Our guide, Cutty, was outstanding. His stories really brought Saint Maarten’s history to life for us. We also loved sipping on cold beers and refreshing rum punch in the van as we drove around the island – talk about traveling in style!
Our first stop of the day was the Harold Jack Lookout Point, where we enjoyed panoramic views of Simpson Bay Lagoon and the surrounding islands. Next up, we visited Maho Beach. Planes fly very low over this beach, so it was an exciting spot to visit. It felt like we could reach up and touch the aircrafts!
Later on, we visited Marigot to do some duty-free shopping and grab some delicious French pastries. Then, we decided to walk them off by walking up the 100 steps to the top of Fort Louis!
The tour also included a visit to Topper’s Rhum Distillery, where we got to try some local rum, and free time to explore Philipsburg. All in all, it was such a well-balanced experience that gave us a great overview of the island. Whether you’re here for a day or just getting started on your trip, this tour is a fantastic way to see Saint Maarten.
Book our favorite sightseeing tour here and access FREE cancellation!
2. Island hop and snorkel with sea turtles
- Duration: 6 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Visiting the Dutch and French sides of the island, avoiding the crowds, swimming and snorkeling, chance to spot turtles and stingrays, sunbathing on white sand beaches, entertaining commentary, complimentary drinks and snacks
- Inclusions: Boat transport, captain, lunch, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, use of snorkeling equipment, floatation devices
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 3,900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for the most fun and exciting way to explore Saint Maarten, this speedboat and snorkeling tour is our top pick! It’s perfect for anyone wanting to see the island on one incredible day, including cruise passengers.
As soon as we boarded, we were welcomed by a friendly and knowledgeable crew. They treated us like VIPs all day long, ensuring that we were comfortable, entertained, well-fed, and watered.
The stops we made were nothing short of magical. We loved snorkeling at Tintamarre Island because we got to see sea turtles, stingrays, and tons of tropical fish. It was the pinnacle of an epic Caribbean adventure! Snorkeling on Creole Rock was fantastic, too, as we had fun exploring the vibrant coral reefs.
Later on, we headed to Pinel Island, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch and spent some time relaxing on the sand. We also loved exploring the beautiful Mullet Bay, and of course, no tour of Saint Maarten would be complete without experiencing the thrill of planes roaring overhead at Maho Beach!
We covered so much ground – or rather, water – on this tour, and managed to avoid the big crowds. It was the perfect way to explore this paradisiacal island, and we would definitely do this tour again!
Grab your spot on this top-rated boat tour here, before it sells out!
3. Tour and taste at the famous Topper’s Rhum Distillery
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 10 am – 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Visiting an iconic distillery, learning about rum production, enjoying unlimited rum samples at the tasting bar, tasting rhum infused cake and gelato
- Inclusions: Welcome glass of rum punch, knowledgeable guide, hands-on distillery tour, rum samples, rum-infused desserts
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Drinking rum is an essential part of any Caribbean vacation, so why not go one better and take a tour of the iconic Topper’s Rhum Distillery? We absolutely loved this tour and learned so much about this beloved local alcohol along the way.
We were welcomed to the distillery with a glass of refreshing rum punch and then began an exciting behind-the-scenes tour. Our guide, Guilia, taught us all about the different stages of rhum making and explained how Topper’s signature flavors are crafted. We also learned how “rum” is different than “rhum”!
Of course, the best part of any distillery tour is tasting. There were over 20 different varieties of flavored rhums to choose from at the tasting bar and we were allowed to try as many as we liked.
We sampled everything from classic vanilla and coconut to unique creations like spiced coffee and banana caramel. As if that weren’t enough they showed us how to make rhum-infused desserts such as rhum gelato and rhum cake, both of which we got to try.
Honestly, neither of us are usually big rum drinkers, but we absolutely loved this tour. It was one of the highlights of our time in Saint Maarten and it definitely gave us a newfound appreciation for the Caribbean spirit. It’s not to be missed!
Read the 500+ 5-star reviews and secure your spot here!
4. Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV tour
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Exciting ATV ride, Maho Beach, Marigot, Mullet Bay, Grand Case, Phillipsburg
- Inclusions: Use of ATV, helmet, fuel, local guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This ATV tour is the most exhilarating way to explore Saint Maarten! We had an absolute blast navigating the island’s stunning scenery and iconic beaches.
We met our guides in Philipsburg where, after a quick safety briefing, we geared up and got ready to ride. The ATVs were super easy to handle and the guides were on hand to help throughout the tour.
We started out by cruising along the main roads, taking in the gorgeous coastal views along the way. Occasional off-road stretches added a thrilling twist and allowed us to see a different side of the island.
Our first big stop was Maho Beach, where we got to experience the thrill of planes flying low overhead. Then, we made our way to the pristine Mullet Bay to enjoy the soft sand and turquoise waters.
Another highlight of the tour was Marigot, which is the capital of the French side of the island. We loved whizzing through the town’s colorful homes and we had a chance to check out the charming local markets. Oh, and if you’re an animal lover then seeing loads of iguanas and getting the chance to feed them is sure to make your day!
The tour ended back in Philipsburg, where we washed the sand and dust off with a refreshing swim in the Great Bay. The entire experience was an amazing mix of adventure and sightseeing. It’s also ideal for first-timers, so there’s no need to worry if you’ve never ridden an ATV before.
Book this ATV tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
5. Relax on a luxury catamaran
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: Cruising around Saint Maarten, snorkeling and kayaking, visiting Little Bay, seeing planes fly overhead at Maho Beach, visiting Mullet Bay, eating fresh fruit and pound cake, cooked lunch on board, sipping cocktails
- Inclusions: Luxury catamaran ride, captain and crew, use of snorkel equipment, paddle boards and kayaks, soft drinks, cocktails, lily water mat
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This sailing catamaran tour around Saint Maarten is the epitome of luxury and relaxation. We were thoroughly pampered from start to finish and the vessel itself was sleek and comfortable. We especially loved the sun deck, which was perfect for topping up our Caribbean tans.
Taking off from Philipsburg, the day began with a breakfast of fresh cut fruit and pound cake. Our first stop was Little Bay, where we explored the calm, crystal-clear waters on a guided snorkeling excursion. We even saw a sunken helicopter and submarine, which was pretty surreal! It sent shivers down my spine.
Later on, we sailed past Maho Beach with cocktails in hand as we watched planes soar overhead. The crew anticipated our every need and never let our glasses run dry. They also ensured we had time to relax on the giant lily pad, which was so much fun.
Anchoring at Mullet Bay was the perfect finale for the tour. We grabbed some SUP boards and paddled through the turquoise waters before enjoying a delicious lunch on board. Being served a freshly cooked meal right on deck really made us feel like VIPs and it was the perfect note to end on.
This sailing trip is truly a 5-star escape into paradise – plus full of 5-star reviews (see them all here!). If you’re looking for a luxurious way to explore the stunning beauty of Saint Maarten, there’s no better choice!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book it in advance here!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Kayak around Pinel Island
- Duration: 3 – 7 hours
- Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
- Highlights: Kayaking around Little Key and Pinel Island, control over the pace and direction, short beach hike, exploring peaceful coves and pristine beaches
- Inclusions: Independent kayak rental, paddle, lifejacket, detailed directions and map, National Park fees
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 450+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Saint Maarten isn’t the kind of place you ever need to escape from, but a quick getaway to nearby Pinel Island is a must while you’re here. What better way to explore than with this self-guided kayak tour?
We loved this tour because we were able to take it at our own pace. At the meeting point, the friendly staff gave us lots of tips on the best to explore, and detailed route suggestions. Then, armed with a map and newfound insider knowledge, we began the serene journey over to Pinel Island.
As we glided across the gentle waves, we had amazing views of the coastline – at one point we spotted a sea turtle swimming alongside us. It was truly a magical moment!
When we reached Pinel Island, we beached our kayak and explored the pristine shoreline. The beaches were beautiful, with powdery sand and turquoise waters. We took our guide’s advice and snorkeled near the coral reefs, where we were amazed by the colorful array of fish and marine life.
Then, for a bit of adventure, we hiked one of the island’s nature trails and visited a gorgeous viewpoint. Finally, after a morning of activity, we relaxed on the peaceful secluded beach before heading back to Saint Maarten with big smiles on our faces.
This self-paced adventure was the perfect way to connect with nature. If you’re an adventurous traveler who likes to explore independently, we highly recommend this tour.
Check availability and book this top-rated kayak tour here!
7. Take a day trip to Anguilla
- Duration: 7 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Cruise across the Caribbean Sea to Anguilla, swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters, relax on pristine white-sand beaches, and enjoy a beachside lunch with unlimited drinks included
- Inclusions: Open bar, snorkeling equipment, your professional guide, a fresh and delicious lunch
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 430+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This full-day cruise to Anguilla felt like the ultimate Caribbean escape, turquoise water, powdery white sand, and that blissful feeling of having absolutely nothing to do but enjoy it all. If you’re looking to explore beyond St. Maarten for a day, this getaway cruise is an easy (and stunning) option.
The adventure starts with a scenic boat ride across the Caribbean Sea. The crew keeps things light and friendly from the moment you step on board, and the views along the way are straight out of a travel brochure. Once you arrive in Anguilla, it’s all about sun, sea, and slow living.
You’ll stop at spots like Shoal Bay, where the water is impossibly clear and perfect for swimming or snorkeling. There’s plenty of time to relax on the beach, float in the shallows, or grab a drink and just take it all in. Midday, you’ll enjoy a laid-back beachside lunch, think grilled food, cold drinks, and the best ocean views.
We loved how this tour offered that “remote island” feeling without the hassle of planning ferries or logistics. Everything’s taken care of, from snorkeling gear to drinks on the boat, so you can truly unwind.
If you’re craving a day of barefoot luxury and postcard-perfect beaches, this Anguilla cruise is a dream. It’s the kind of outing that makes you forget what day it is!
Don’t miss out on this fun day trip – book it in advance here!
8. Drive your own mini-speed boat on a snorkeling adventure
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Riding around on a self-drive inflatable boat, snorkeling in protected waters, seeing sea turtles and tropical fish, visiting hidden beaches and bays
- Inclusions: Use of mini speed boat, snorkeling equipment, use of life jacket, bottled water or soda, local guide
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Driving our very own mini-speed boat along the stunning coastline of Saint Maarten was such a thrilling adventure! It’s not every day that you get to be your own captain in the Caribbean so as far as we’re concerned, booking this tour is a must while you’re in town!
We had a quick briefing and got comfortable using our speedboat, and then before we knew it we were off, cruising across the Simpson Bay Lagoon. We were whooping and hollering as we passed by mega yachts owned by the rich and famous. Our guides even shared some fun stories about the owners of these luxurious vessels, which made the ride even more interesting.
Once we crossed under the Dutch causeway and into the French waters, we made a seamless transition into the world of pristine beaches and cute coastal towns. We especially loved visiting Creole Rock, which is easily one of the island’s best snorkeling spots. Jumping into the water and exploring marine life was a blast, especially as we got to see Sergeant Major fish and colorful parrot fish.
On the way back, we passed hidden bays and secluded beaches, including the charming Happy Bay. It was so quiet, with such pristine scenery that we could scarcely believe it was real! Basically, this tour is a must if you’re looking for excitement and natural beauty.
Don’t miss out on this unique boat adventure – grab your spot here!
9. Go parasailing
- Duration: 15 minutes
- Time: 10:30 am – 4 pm
- Highlights: Parasailing at Orient Bay, 360-views of the Caribbean coastline and sea
- Inclusions: Parasail boat and equipment, professional instructor, use of restroom and shower
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This parasailing experience over Orient Bay was an unforgettable adventure! I think we can all agree that parasailing is a bucket list experience, and there’s nowhere better to do it than on a beautiful Caribbean island.
We received a warm welcome from the crew. I’ll admit that I was a little bit nervous, but the crew put me right at ease. And when it came down to the experience itself, it wasn’t actually scary at all!
Once our group was out on the boat, the anticipation built as we watched others ascend into the sky. And since we booked the double parasail option, we were able to go at the same time which made the experience even better!
Being whisked along by the boat was very exciting but we felt very secure the entire time. As our feet lifted off of the ground, we began to feel as though we were flying! It was amazing to see the bright blue waters of Orient Bay stretching endlessly beneath us, as well as the lush green hills of Saint Maarten in the distance.
The feeling of floating so high above the sea was just incredible and we couldn’t stop smiling as we landed back on the boat. The combination of excitement, adventure, and stunning scenery makes this tour a true must-do in Saint Maarten. We can’t wait to do it again someday!
Reserve your place on this paragliding tour here!
10. Experience Rainforest Adventures – zipline, the Flying Dutchman, and a schooner ride
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 11 am – 4 pm
- Highlights: Flying Dutchman ride, Sentry Hill zipline ride, Sky Explorer ride, schooner ride, amazing views, Emilio Wilson Museum
- Inclusions: Zipline rides, schooner ride, local guides, museum entry, Sky Explorer ticket
- Rating: 4.1 stars (check 200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’re looking for a tropical rainforest adventure, then it doesn’t get much better than this combo tour! The day was chock full of activities – oh, and did I mention it involved the steepest zipline in the entire world? Yep, you cannot miss this!
The experience started out pretty gently with a ride on the Sky Explorer. We loved the views as we glided up the mountainside and then at the top of Sentry Hill, the adrenaline factor ramped up with a ride on the zipline. We’ve done a lot of ziplining in our time, and this has to be one of the most scenic lines we’ve ever tackled.
Then came the main event: The Flying Dutchman. We were both pretty nervous, since this zipline is famously steep and reaches speeds of up to 56 mph (90 kmph), which is pretty crazy! It was pure, heart-pounding excitement.
The Flying Dutchman was a hard act to follow, but the Schooner ride offered a different kind of thrill. Sliding down the mountain in an inner tube and laughing at the top of our lungs as we twisted and turned along the track was pure, wholesome fun.
We loved this tour because it allowed us to enjoy three of the island’s best adventure attractions in one go. Plus, the Sky Explorer ride was super scenic, too. You really can’t go wrong with this one!
Check out all the 5-star reviews and book this experience here!
Where to Stay in Saint Maarten
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Saint Maarten, you need somewhere perfect to stay! Luckily, this island isn’t huge, so whether you want to stay beachfront or close to the city, you’re never far from the top attractions. Here are three excellent hotel options for a range of budgets.
Luxury – $$$
The Morgan Resort Spa & Village is a luxury hotel in a pristine location! Located in Simpson Bay on Maho Beach, this is exactly what you’d expect for a Caribbean escape. You can enjoy the modern rooms with amazing views, the onsite pool, or lounge chairs that are right in the ocean. Plus the restaurant, bar, and spa!
Rooms average around $400 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
If you want the perfect location – near the beach and close to Phillipsburg, Holland House Beach Hotel is my top choice! This hotel sits right on Great Bay beach so you can enjoy sea views and all of the fun amenities to pair. They offer standard rooms or suite-style, a large luxury pool, a spa, and a traditional Caribbean restaurant.
Prices start around $240 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Alicia’s Inn is an affordable hotel located in the heart of Phillipsburg. You are just a three-minute walk from the beach and some of the best restaurants in the city. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the perfect place to stay if you want to be out exploring Saint Maarten. They offer queen or twin rooms starting at $90 USD per night.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Saint Maarten was a destination we won’t soon forget! It’s hard to be bored here between the stunning blue Caribbean waters, locally made rhum, and thrilling adventure activities. Even if you only hit half of the top things to do on this list, you will have a fantastic vacation in paradise!
If you need help planning your next adventure, check out our other travel guides. We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related blogs to help inspire your travels – cheers!