St. Maarten is one of the most fascinating destinations in the Caribbean. Known as “The Friendly Island,” it combines beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, exciting water activities, historic landmarks, and excellent food.

What makes St. Maarten unique is that the island is shared by two countries: the Dutch side, known as Sint Maarten, and the French side, known as Saint-Martin. Although the island is relatively small, it offers a wide variety of experiences for first-time visitors.

Whether you are arriving by cruise ship, planning a romantic getaway, or spending a full vacation on the island, these are the 15 best things to do in St. Maarten.

1. Watch Planes Fly Over Maho Beach

Maho Beach is one of the most famous attractions in St. Maarten. It is located close to Princess Juliana International Airport, where arriving aircraft pass low over the beach before landing.

Watching a large aircraft approach the runway is an unforgettable experience and has become one of the island’s most photographed activities.

What to expect

Aircraft arriving at different times throughout the day
Beach bars and restaurants nearby
Opportunities for memorable photographs
A lively atmosphere with visitors from around the world
Beautiful views of the surrounding bay

For safety, remain behind designated barriers and follow local warnings, especially during aircraft takeoffs when jet blast can be powerful.

2. Relax at Orient Bay Beach

Orient Bay Beach, on the French side of the island, is one of St. Maarten’s best-known beaches.

The beach offers a combination of soft sand, clear water, beach restaurants, sun loungers, and water activities. Some sections are lively and social, while other areas provide a more relaxed atmosphere.

Popular activities include:

Swimming in suitable conditions
Sunbathing
Paddleboarding
Windsurfing
Beach dining
Enjoying coastal views

A section at the southern end of the beach is known for clothing-optional sunbathing. Visitors should choose the area that best suits their preferences.

3. Explore Philipsburg and the Boardwalk

Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side of St. Maarten and a popular stop for cruise passengers.

The town combines colorful Caribbean architecture, shopping streets, restaurants, historic buildings, and a lively waterfront. The Boardwalk runs alongside Great Bay Beach and is a pleasant place to walk, enjoy refreshments, or watch the activity around the harbor.

Things to do in Philipsburg

Walk along the Boardwalk
Visit local shops and boutiques
Enjoy Caribbean food and drinks
Take photographs of the waterfront
Explore historic streets
Relax at Great Bay Beach

Philipsburg is a great place to begin discovering the island’s Dutch-Caribbean character.

4. Visit Great Bay Beach

Great Bay Beach is located directly beside Philipsburg and is especially convenient for cruise passengers.

The beach has a long stretch of sand, calm-looking coastal scenery, beach bars, restaurants, and easy access to the town. It is a practical choice for visitors who want to combine beach time with shopping and sightseeing.

Great Bay Beach is ideal for:

Cruise day visits
Swimming when conditions are safe
Beach walks
Relaxing near the town center
Enjoying local food
Taking a short break between activities

Because it is close to the cruise port, always leave enough time to return to your ship before departure.

5. Discover the French Side of the Island

One of the best things to do in St. Maarten is to explore both sides of the island.

The French side, Saint-Martin, offers a different atmosphere, with French-Caribbean culture, charming villages, scenic beaches, cafés, art galleries, and excellent dining.

Places to explore include:

Marigot
Grand Case
Orient Bay
Anse Marcel
Friar’s Bay
French-side markets and boutiques

Traveling between the Dutch and French sides allows you to experience two distinct cultural influences in one destination.

6. Visit Marigot and Fort Louis

Marigot is the main town on the French side and is known for its waterfront market, French-Caribbean atmosphere, cafés, and shopping.

Above the town stands Fort Louis, a historic hilltop fort offering panoramic views over Marigot Bay and the surrounding coastline.

Why visit Fort Louis?

Enjoy views over Marigot
Learn about the island’s colonial history
Take scenic photographs
Explore a historic landmark
Combine sightseeing with a visit to the town market

Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk up to the fort. The views are particularly beautiful in clear weather.

7. Enjoy the Food in Grand Case

Grand Case is widely known for its food scene and is often considered one of the best places on the island for a culinary experience.

The area features elegant restaurants, beachside dining, and small local eateries known as “lolós.” These casual restaurants serve traditional Caribbean dishes in a relaxed setting.

Foods to try include:

Grilled seafood
Creole-style chicken
Fresh fish
Barbecued ribs
Johnnycakes
Accras
Local sauces and side dishes
French pastries and desserts

Grand Case is ideal for travelers who want to experience the blend of French cuisine and Caribbean flavors.

8. Take a Catamaran or Sailing Cruise

The waters around St. Maarten are perfect for exploring by boat. A sailing or catamaran cruise allows visitors to see the island from a different perspective.

Depending on the excursion, you may stop for swimming, snorkeling, beach visits, or a relaxed lunch on board.

A sailing excursion may include:

Coastal sightseeing
Snorkeling stops
Swimming in clear water
Music and refreshments
Visits to nearby beaches
Sunset views
Opportunities to spot marine life

A sunset cruise is especially popular with couples, while daytime sailing trips are excellent for families and groups.

9. Go Snorkeling or Diving

St. Maarten offers several opportunities to explore the underwater world. Its surrounding waters contain reefs, rocky coastal areas, colorful fish, and interesting marine habitats.

Beginners can choose a guided snorkeling experience, while certified divers may prefer a more advanced dive excursion.

Popular underwater experiences include:

Snorkeling from selected beaches
Guided reef trips
Boat excursions to marine sites
Diving around coastal reefs
Exploring the UnderSXM underwater sculpture park

Always choose an activity that matches your experience level and follow instructions from your guide. Sea conditions, visibility, and currents can change throughout the day.

10. Ride the Soualiga Sky Explorer and Flying Dutchman

Adventure seekers should consider visiting Rainforest Adventures at Rockland Estate.

The Soualiga Sky Explorer takes visitors up the mountain, offering impressive views of the island and surrounding sea. The attraction also features the Flying Dutchman, a thrilling zipline experience for visitors looking for an adrenaline rush.

Why add it to your itinerary?

Spectacular island views
Exciting aerial experiences
Great option for adventure travelers
Memorable photographs
A different way to experience St. Maarten’s landscape

This activity may not be suitable for everyone, so check age, height, weight, and health requirements before booking.

11. Take an Island Tour

A guided island tour is one of the easiest ways for first-time visitors to see many of St. Maarten’s highlights in a single day.

A well-planned tour can combine beaches, viewpoints, historic sites, shopping areas, villages, and cultural attractions.

An island tour may include:

Maho Beach
Philipsburg
Marigot
Orient Bay
Grand Case
Fort Louis
Scenic coastal viewpoints
Local markets
Great Bay Beach

A private tour is useful for travelers who want flexibility, while a group tour can be a good choice for visitors looking for a social and affordable experience.

12. Visit Little Bay Beach and Fort Amsterdam

Little Bay Beach is located near Philipsburg and is known for its scenic setting and water-based activities.

The beach is also close to Fort Amsterdam, a historic site built on a peninsula overlooking the bay. The area offers an opportunity to combine swimming and relaxation with a little history.

Things to enjoy in the area

Beach relaxation
Swimming in suitable conditions
Snorkeling
Scenic views
Historic exploration
Photography

Little Bay can be a good option for families and travelers who want a beach experience close to Philipsburg.

13. Go Shopping on Front Street

Front Street in Philipsburg is one of the island’s best-known shopping areas.

The street features jewelry stores, boutiques, souvenir shops, clothing stores, local products, and cafés. St. Maarten is also known for duty-free shopping, although visitors should compare prices and understand any customs allowances that apply to their destination.

14. Visit the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit

Film enthusiasts may enjoy the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit in Philipsburg.

The exhibit celebrates the work of special-effects artist Nick Maley and features movie memorabilia, behind-the-scenes material, and items connected with major film productions.

Why visit?

Interesting for movie fans
A unique indoor attraction
A different experience from the island’s beaches
Conveniently located in Philipsburg
Suitable for a short sightseeing stop

It is a particularly appealing activity when you want a break from the sun or when the weather is unsettled.

15. Enjoy a Sunset or Beachside Dinner

A sunset dinner is a wonderful way to end a day in St. Maarten.

The island has many restaurants and beach venues where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, Caribbean specialties, French-inspired dishes, cocktails, and views of the sea.

Ideal locations for a memorable meal include:

Grand Case
Simpson Bay
Philipsburg
Orient Bay
Maho
Marigot

For a special occasion, consider combining dinner with a sunset sailing cruise or booking a table overlooking the water.

More Activities to Consider in St. Maarten

If you have extra time, you can also consider:

Kayaking through Simpson Bay Lagoon
Renting an ATV or buggy
Horseback riding along the beach
Visiting local museums
Exploring island art and murals
Taking a day trip to Anguilla
Visiting nearby Tintamarre
Taking a ferry to St. Barthélemy
Enjoying a rum-tasting experience
Hiking along coastal trails
Trying jet skiing or paddleboarding

Best Things to Do in St. Maarten for Different Travelers

For families

Families may enjoy:

Little Bay Beach
Great Bay Beach
Island sightseeing tours
Boat trips with swimming stops
The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit
Easy beach and shopping combinations

For couples

Couples may prefer:

Sunset sailing
Grand Case dining
Orient Bay Beach
Private island tours
Scenic viewpoints
Beachside dinners

For adventure lovers

Adventure travelers can consider:

The Flying Dutchman zipline
Snorkeling and diving
ATV excursions
Jet skiing
Kayaking
Hiking
Boat trips to nearby islands

For cruise passengers

Cruise visitors with limited time may want to prioritize:

Maho Beach
Philipsburg
Great Bay Beach
A guided island tour
Shopping on Front Street
A short beach or boat excursion

Always confirm the travel time between attractions and the cruise port before booking activities.

Tips for First-Time Visitors to St. Maarten

1. Plan around travel time

Although St. Maarten is a small island, traffic can become busy, especially near Philipsburg, the airport, and popular beaches.

2. Carry sun protection

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, comfortable shoes, and drinking water. Some attractions require walking or climbing.

3. Check beach conditions

Water conditions vary between beaches. Always pay attention to local advice, warning flags, currents, and weather conditions.

4. Bring identification

Because the island is divided between Dutch and French territories, keep your identification and travel documents secure, especially if you plan to take a ferry or visit nearby islands.

5. Reserve popular excursions early

Boat trips, private tours, adventure activities, and cruise-day excursions can fill up during busy travel periods.

6. Respect local culture

St. Maarten is a multicultural destination. Respect local communities, traditions, beaches, wildlife, and public spaces.

7. Leave time for relaxation

It can be tempting to visit as many attractions as possible, but some of the best moments in St. Maarten come from simply enjoying the beach, food, scenery, and island atmosphere.

Explore St. Maarten with Across Caribbean Excursions

St. Maarten offers an impressive combination of beaches, culture, history, adventure, food, and island-hopping opportunities. Whether you want to watch planes at Maho Beach, explore both sides of the island, sail through turquoise waters, or enjoy a private sightseeing experience, there is something for every traveler.

With Across Caribbean Excursions, you can discover memorable activities and excursions designed around your schedule, interests, and travel style.

From beach escapes and boat adventures to cultural tours and island exploration, start planning your St. Maarten experience today.

Ready to discover the best things to do in St. Maarten? Plan your Caribbean adventure with Across Caribbean Excursions.