Top Things to Do in Sint Maarten | Best Places to Visit for Tourists

Sint Maarten stands out among Caribbean spots, soft sands, blended traditions, and moments that stick with you. Split into Dutch and French sides, it mixes beach life with old charm and action-packed fun. If you're dropping by for the first time or coming back around, this guide shows what to hit up and where to go, what could be in your Sint Maarten bucket list destinations, shaping your trip into something truly worth recalling.

In this Sint Maarten travel guide, we’ll check out the best things to do in Sint Maarten: its sandy shores, old landmarks, wild nature spots, plus ways to dive into the top spots in Sint Maarten, the island life that turn it into a must-visit tropical escape.

Best Beaches and Coastal Activities in Sint Maarten

Coastlines define Sint Maarten’s tourist spots, the best things to do in Sint Maarten. Every stretch brings a different feel, whether it's busy scenes with splashy action or quiet hushes from rolling tides. In this Sint Maarten travel guide, let’s explore the best Sint Maarten bucket list destinations for beaches.

1. Maho Beach

Maho Beach? Hands down, a must-see and top spots in Sint Maarten. Right next to Princess Juliana Airport, so close you’ll taste jet fumes when big planes skim low over the shoreline. Feels wild - engines blasting as they line up for landing. Instead of just sunbathing, folks here chase heart-pounding moments and snap shots no one else has. No typical tourist fluff - just raw, loud, unforgettable action

2. Simpson Bay Beach

A little ways from the airport zone, Simpson Bay Beach gives a chill coastal feel - yet still shows off bright blue waves. Great for splashing around, riding wind boards, or kicking back near palm shade with a cold one.

3. Mullet Bay Beach

A go-to spot for both residents and visitors, Mullet Bay Beach offers calm vibes with a quiet vibe. Great for lying in the sun or checking out underwater life, usually not packed like other well-known shores close by. Travelers say it stands out

4. Orient Bay Beach (Nearby French Side)

Known as the Caribbean’s St. Tropez, Orient Bay Beach sits close to Sint Maarten, is one of the top spots in Sint Maarten. Just minutes by car. With miles of pale sand and sparkling waves, it's perfect for unwinding or trying activities such as jet skiing - or even soaring high on a parasail

Water Adventures and Marine Life

Sint Maarten's waters feel just as welcoming as its sandy shores, full of colorful coral gardens where fish dart through clear blue seas.

5. Snorkeling & Scuba Excursions

The bright blue seas near Sint Maarten work great for snorkeling or diving trips. Favorites like Creole Rock, Little Bay, along with Proselyte Reef let you see vibrant fish, rays, maybe even sea turtles. Plenty of nearby companies run guided excursions while also providing gear to rent.

6. Catamaran & Boat Cruises

Checking out Sint Maarten on a boat? Super common thing people do. Whether it's a quick sail in the morning or a whole day kicking back on a fancy ride. Because it is one of the best things to do in Sint Maarten. You’ll usually get to jump into the water with a mask, grab some food onboard, then float around hidden spots near the shore.

7. Sunset Cruise

For a chill or cozy vibe, one of the best things to do in Sint Maarten is hop on a sunset sail near the shore. Glide by pretty spots, listen to tunes, catch drinks, as daylight fades out.

Historic and Cultural Discoveries

Beyond the shoreline, Sint Maarten holds intriguing stories from the past plus a lively mix of traditions - both make your trip more meaningful.

8. Fort Amsterdam

This old Dutch fortress from 1631 stands close to Philipsburg, showing wide-open scenes of Great Bay as well as Little Bay. Even if it's partly broken down now, strolling through makes you feel the island’s colonial times more real.

9. Philipsburg Boardwalk & Front Street

Check out Philipsburg, one of the top spots in Sint Maarten, full of bright old-style houses plus stores without taxes that grab your attention. Head to Front Street if you want to buy things, look at handmade stuff, or taste island food by the water.

10. St. Maarten of Tours' Church

This old Catholic church sits in Philipsburg, dating from 1844 - still one of the longest-standing local sites on the Dutch part.

Local Street Food Experiences

Grab a bite at Sint Maarten’s roadside 'lolos', cozy outdoor stands dishing up island classics such as spiced goat wraps, fried bread bites, or just-caught fish. Skip fancy restaurants; these no-frills joints pack bold taste plus real local spirit. Tasty eats meet friendly chats here

Nature & Outdoor Adventures

If you’re into action-packed sights on Sint Maarten, this place fits - its diverse terrain offers just that. But swap sightseeing for movement? The outdoors here answers every call.

Loterie Farm

Hidden among the hills of Pic Paradis, this quiet nature spot offers walking paths, exciting zip lines, or a refreshing dip in cool spring pools. Grab a tasty meal outdoors, surrounded by green jungle vibes.

Hiking Pic Paradis

Head up to Pic Paradis for stunning sights across both the Dutch and French parts of the island - it’s the tallest spot around. Thanks to green, lively landscapes, making the climb feels worth it

Man of War Shoal Marine Park

This sheltered ocean zone holds untouched sea life settings, while becoming a go-to spot for eco efforts plus diving fun near Sint Maarten’s coast.

Parrotte Ville Bird Sanctuary

For nature lovers, this bird sanctuary is home to dozens of tropical bird species, making it one of the best wildlife activities to do in Sint Maarten if you enjoy birdwatching and nature walks.

Thrills and Unique Experiences

Seeking a trip you won't forget? This island offers more than just sunbathing on sand. In this Sint Maarten travel guide, let’s know about the thrills and unique experiences.

Rainforest Adventures Zipline

Inside Costa Rica’s green jungle, you’ll find the “Flying Dutchman” - a wild zipline that drops fast, giving riders a rush as they fly above trees. This spot, called Rainforest Adventures, delivers wide-open sights mixed with speed and treetop action. A place where nature meets adrenaline in a smooth blend

Horseback Riding Along the Shore

Some trips offer horseback rides by the sea, mixing fun with peaceful sights - giving you a unique take on the island’s coast.

ATV and Scenic Land Tours

Grab a quad bike or join a guided ride to check out backcountry paths, rough terrain - also hidden spots inside the island where you’ll catch sights and make breaks regular tourists miss

Day Trips and Nearby Islands

Sint Maarten sits right where trips to nearby islands begin. Whether you're jumping on a boat or heading out for the day, it's the perfect starting spot.

Pinel Island

A quick trip by sea lands you on Pinel Island - calm, quiet, just right for floating in the waves or peering through goggles at fish. Kick back on shore with a crab sandwich or cold prawns under the sun.

Anguilla and Other Island Tours

Folks often hop over to nearby islands, Anguilla, for example. To hit new beaches or try out snorkeling areas plus top-notch eats within minutes by boat as it is one of the best things to do in Sint Maarten.

Best Time to Visit: The peak months stretch from December through April, with sunny, mild conditions. Late spring or early autumn might bring lower prices plus less hustle around.

Getting Around the Island: Folks often rent cars when they want to roam far. Yet, hopping on taxis or water shuttles works just fine, especially if driving’s not your thing. These are considered the best things to do in Sint Maarten.

Currency and Language: Over on the Dutch part, they use the Netherlands Antillean guilder, though you can often pay in U.S. cash. Most folks speak English across the island. So visitors don't struggle to get by. Tours through Viator tend to run smoothly as it is the best thing to do in Sint Maarten.

Capture & Share Your Sint Maarten Adventure with SimCorner’s Sint Maarten eSIM

Curious about cool spots in Sint Maarten while posting updates as you go? Keep up the pace with solid phone data - grab a Sint Maarten eSIM from SimCorner. That Sint Maarten eSIM will give you the best experience outside your country. Snap wild pics at Maho Beach, hike up Pic Paradis, or wander into quiet nooks such as Parrotte Ville - all without losing signal. Jump into our breakdown of Sint Maarten eSIM picks and get set faster.

Things to Do in Sint Maarten: FAQs

What’s highly recommended to do in Sint Maarten?

Check out planes landing near Maho Beach, kick back at Mullet Bay or Simpson Bay, walk through Philipsburg’s seaside path, peek under the water by Creole Rock, also climb up Pic Paradis for views

Is Sint Maarten good for a family vacation?

Yep. Sint Maarten’s got beaches good for families, plus there’s nature spots where you can explore outdoors. Snorkel trips keep kids busy while catamarans offer chill rides on the water. Fort Amsterdam gives a peek into old island times - fun for everyone. The island shares roots with both Dutch and French sides

Can you visit French Saint Martin from Sint Maarten?

Yes. You can cross freely from Sint Maarten into French Saint Martin - no checkpoints slow you down. That means hitting spots on either side is hassle-free

Is Sint Maarten safe to visit for tourists?

Sint Maarten’s pretty safe for visitors. Stick to basic travel tips, watch your stuff closely, or pay attention to alerts - especially near crowded places such as shores by runways. Tourists usually don’t have trouble here

What water activities are best in Sint Maarten?

Snorkeling, scuba diving, catamaran sailing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are among the best water activities you can do in Sint Maarten.