Best Things to Do in St. Maarten

The tiny island of St. Maarten offers no shortage of activities and natural beauty. Set just south of Anguilla and north of Gustavia, you are likely to find St. Maarten as a port stop on a number of Eastern Caribbean itineraries. An island under two flags, St. Maarten is both French and Dutch. Philipsburg is on the Dutch side and is famous for duty-free emporia and casinos.

A short drive will bring you to Marigot, a charming French Colonial area featuring shops filled with French fashions and beautiful beaches. With so many diverse attractions, we recommend planning ahead if your next cruise includes a stop here. We’ve rounded up our top Member Tips and suggested excursions to help you plan your visit to St. Maarten. 

Something for Everyone

St. Maarten Sightseeing & Beach Day - Want to pack in the best of the island in just four hours? This tour is for you! Departing right from the cruise port, this guided adventure will bring you to famed locales such as Harold Jack lookout point, Marigot, and Orient Bay for swimming. 

Member Tip: Be sure to go to Maho Beach and see the airplanes landing overhead! - LandM

Scenic Walking Tour - Embrace the culture of St. Maarten from a local's perspective with this scenic guided walking tour of Philipsburg. You will travel to cultural hotspots and shopping areas, including the local Museum, the Guavaberry Emporium, and Philipsburg Boardwalk.

Member Tip: You must go to Sunset Beach Bar at Maho Beach for drinks and plane spotting. Crazy, raucous fun. Go to Driftwood Bar for a quieter time. It’s right down the road from Sunset. Otherwise, Phillipsburg for great shopping and people watching. - cabosal

St. Maarten for Couples

Rum and Reggae Beach Break - Enjoy authentic Reggae and adult beverages while lounging on the beach in Philipsburg. 

Champagne Sunset Cruise - Hop aboard this champagne cruise with your sweetie and watch the beautiful Caribbean sunset. Includes an open bar to enjoy tropical beverages as you sail along the St. Maarten coastline. 

Adventure Seekers 

Jeep Safari - Take a 4X4 Jeep to tropical vistas and the beaches of Marigot. You will also have the chance to stop and swim the pristine Mullet Bay Beach. 

Kayak and Snorkel Tour - This adventurous tour combines both kayaking and snorkeling in the crystal blue waters of Pelican Key. 

Jet Ski Tour - Get ready for an adrenaline-filled water adventure as you jump on a jet ski and head out to explore the coastline. Cruise the crystal clear waters and waves. You can try your hand at racing the overhead planes as they come in for a landing!

Activities for Beach Bums 

Grand Case Beach Day - This guided adventure will bring you to beautiful Grand Case beach. The small fishing village offers the most relaxing spot on the island of St. Maarten. You will spend a half-day soaking in the Caribbean sun with a tropical drink in hand! 

Member Tip: Walk off the ship and turn left. Watch for a sign that says $25 for two beach chairs, umbrella, drinks and free wifi! What a deal! - williamrneu

Snorkel and Beach Day - Escape the crowds and head to Pinel or Tintamarre Islands, for snorkeling, beaches, boat rides, and fun! 

Member Tip: We did a catamaran excursion. Absolutely fantastic! Hands down one of the best excursions I've been on. It was so much fun, and the staff was great. Snorkeling was great and they made us feel safe and kept the drinks flowing. - chasity81

Tasty Tours for Foodies 

Marigot Wine Tasting - This small group adult tour will bring you to Belmond La Samanna beachside resort’s underground wine cave distillery. You will sample some of the 12,000 wines available - one of the largest collections in the Caribbean!

Walking Foodie Tour - Experience the best local eateries on this island on this 2.5 hour tour. You will get a chance to sample and better understand the Dutch, French and Creole cuisine of the region. 

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