Trying to decide what the fun things to do in St. Martin really are? For many travelers, the answer is a mix of beach time, local food, scenic spots, and a few classic island experiences that make the trip feel memorable from the start. That is exactly why St. Martin is such a strong choice if you want a Caribbean trip with both relaxation and variety.
Its clear water, beautiful beaches, and blend of French and Dutch island culture give you plenty of ways to shape the trip around your travel style. You can spend the day in the sun, explore local towns and viewpoints, try well-known island dishes, or add boat trips and sightseeing tours if you want to see more in less time. That balance is what makes both St. Martin and St. Maarten such a fun destination for travelers who want more than just a beach vacation.
Below, you’ll find the best ideas to help you choose which experiences are most worth your time, whether you are visiting for laid-back beach days, local culture, or more active adventures.
✅ Browse Fun Things To Do In St. Martin
25 Fun Things To Do In St. Martin / St. Maarten:
1. Snorkeling and Speedboat Tour
During the St. Martin Snorkeling and Speedboat Tour you’ll get to see much of the island and have an unforgettable day of fun.
Starting in Philipsburg, you and a company of other happy individuals will jet around the island and visit hot spots like Creole rock, Pinel Island and the isolated Tintamarre Island.
Creole Rock and Tintamarre Island in Grand Case Bay are both excellent snorkeling spots.
After a morning of snorkeling at Creole Rock, you will enjoy a seaside lunch at one of the local restaurants (Lolo’s) in Grand Case on the French side.
Tip: If you walk down the pier next to Au Coin Des Amis, you’ll be able to spot sea turtles.
Next, you’ll jet out to beautiful Pinel Island to relax, sip on a cocktail and enjoy the crystal clear waters.
Make sure to check out the Iguanas as well, as there are many on Pinel island.
Enjoy unlimited Rum Punch, Coke, Diet Coke, Cold Beer and Soda from the onboard bar as your trip continues to stunning Mullet Bay and Maho beach while the captain enlightens you about St. Maarten and its surroundings.
If you’re short on time and there’s only one thing you do while visiting St. Maarten, it should be the Snorkeling And Speedboat Tour!
Also highly recommended for cruise ship passengers visiting the island.
2. Luxury Catamaran Sailing
Photo by iSAW Company on UnsplashSet sail on a 5-Hour, Luxury Catamaran Excursion in Sint Maarten.
This excursion combines water activities with pure relaxation.
You’ll enjoy swimming, snorkeling and kayaking in the crystal-clear Caribbean waters, or simply lounge on the deck and soak up the sun.
You’ll also get to witness the awe-inspiring sight of planes flying overhead Maho beach.
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch, along with a choice of cocktails and drinks, as you depart from the conveniently located Dock Maarten (Great Bay) in Philipsburg.
3. Private Island Tour
Go on a Private Island Tour around St. Martin and St. Maarten in cozy vehicles.
You’ll be shown around the island, highlighting the mix of Dutch and French culture.
This trip’s all about what you like – and plans can be changed to suit you.
Stop by some beautiful spots, chill on pretty beaches, check out historical places, browse through lively markets and find some great shopping deals.
You’ll be taken to famous places and some secret spots too.
Learn all about this famous island where lots of different cultures come together.
Make amazing memories, snap awesome photos, and have a really good time. Consider these private and exclusive tours in St. Martin.
4. Tiki Hut Snorkel Park
In the Tiki Hut Snorkel Park, you can walk through a network of floating platforms before diving into the ocean to check out the fantastic marine life of Sint Maarten.
There are complete courses and supervised experiments accessible.
Between snorkeling sessions, you can relax on the deck chair or one of the floating sofas.
It’s all about relaxing and having a good time.
The Tiki Bar and Grill serves traditional American burgers and hot dogs alongside tropical cocktails like rum punch and Carib beer.
There is the possibility of doing a 2,5 hour underwater sea trek to discover all about the underwater world.
A shuttle service operates hourly to bring visitors to this Sint Maarten attraction.
The tiki hut company has agreements with a number of different cruise lines to transport you to and from the port.
Bookings can be made directly via the cruise ship or via the website.
5. Inflatable Boat Excursion
Rhino Safari Tours provide a unique way to experience the island by guiding you across Simpson Bay Lagoon on inflatable boats.
As you make your way to Creole Rock in the St. Martin National Natural Reserve, you’ll enjoy the benefits of being in safeguarded waters.
Discover the rich marine life of St. Martin’s waters up close on a guided snorkeling tour.
This is a great tour for couples but for families with kids as well. You must be 18 to operate a boat independently.
On the clear seas, you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, making for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
6. Kayaking In Simpson Bay
Simpson Bay Beach – Wikimedia Enjoy a pleasant 2-Hour Kayak and Snorkel Adventure in Simpson Bay.
This peaceful adventure is a good choice for inexperienced kayakers and snorkelers.
With plenty of pauses and training, you will spend 1 hour snorkeling and 1 hour kayaking with your adventure guide.
The clear visibility will allow you to see the island’s beautiful underwater life, which includes coral and many fish species like tang, parrot fish, and trumpet fish.
7. Rent A Jet Ski
Go on an unforgettable Jet Ski adventure as you jet ski across the turquoise waters.
Start at Marigot Bay, renowned for its premier jetski rentals.
Or head over to Orient Bay, which is another hotspot popular for its calm waters and panoramic views.
Guided tours are available, but for the ultimate thrill, explore the coastline at your own pace.
Experience a blend of tranquility and adrenaline as you jet ski in the Caribbean sun!
8. Horseback Riding
Tourists on horseback in water – Wikimedia Visitors to Seaside Natural Park on Sint Maarten can ride horses around the park’s trails or along the beach without needing any prior experience.
I’m sure you have fantasized about riding a horse on the beach!
Now you have the chance to do so along a variety of riding trails that offer the excitement of riding but also beautiful views of the coast.
The trail also ends at the beach, where you can dismount and swim in the waves.
An experienced guide will accompany you on every ride and they will tell you all about the island and give you pointers on how to ride if you need them.
The Seaside Natural Park is located in Cole Bay.
9. Rent A Car And Explore The Island
Marigot – Wikimedia Going to the Caribbean and not exploring as much as possible would be a missed opportunity.
Renting a car in St. Martin will be the most convenient way to get around the island as most places are too far to walk.
Of course, St. Martin and Sint Maarten have a lot of stunning beaches to explore (37 of them!).
Great ones are Mullet Bay Beach, Simpson Bay on the Dutch side and Orient Beach on the French side.
You would miss out by going to the same beach every day just because it’s more convenient for you. Go out and explore as much as possible.
If you want to shoot some memorable pictures, make sure to drive around and visit places like Marigot and Grand Case.
Making a stop at the secluded Baie Rouge to shoot some colorful pictures is also recommended.
10. Parotte Ville Bird Park
Sun Conure – Wikimedia Parakeets, conures, caiques, and other tropical bird species can be seen in their natural habitat at the Parotte Ville Bird Park, a hidden gem within this paradise island.
Birds like the ring-necked parakeet, black-headed caique and the sun conure are just some of the many colorful birds you get to see as you walk around the enclosures and get to feed the parrots yourself.
The park even provides bird seed for you to throw into your cup and give to the birds.
They will fly towards you and sit on your shoulder!
In addition, there is a small ‘museum’ where you’ll learn about the history and different plants on the island.
It is definitely worth your time to spend an hour or two in the Parotte Ville Bird park in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.
11. The World’s Steepest Zip Line
Saint Martin has the World’s Steepest Zip Line.
Plunging down almost 1000 feet and crossing more than 2,800 feet, this zipline has the most spectacular panoramic view of the entire island, which is an adventure of its own
So for you adrenaline junkies out there, this has to be your next ride to try!
12. Maho Beach
Maho Beach – Photo by Ramon Kagie on UnsplashInitially, what made this island famous was Maho Beach on the Dutch side, which offers the best views of planes landing at Princess Juliana International Airport.
This place has become a favourite among plane watchers and is one of those bucket list activities to do while in Saint Martin.
Want to experience the ultimate flyovers at Maho Beach?
Getting to Maho beach is easy. You can take a local taxi or your own rented car and explore the Maho beach area.
The experience of watching planes fly overhead so near is breathtaking.
Besides plane spotting, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to browse near Maho beach where you can relax and enjoy a cocktail, lunch or dinner.
If you like typical French crêpes or always wanted to try one, there is a Crêperie located on Rhine Road near Maho Beach.
Crêperie Cape Cafe makes the most delicious French crêpes.
13. Make Your Own Signature Perfume
You can Make Your Own Signature Perfume to always remind you of your time spent here in St. Martin.
The Tijon parfumerie located on the French side in Grand Case has been producing the best perfumes in their labs.
They also give you an hour-long perfume making class.
Having made your own perfume, you can ensure that you have the ideal souvenir.
14. Rum Tasting Tour
Rum Tasting – Wikimedia If you are curious to find out how the best tasting Caribbean rum is produced (and sample it as well) then the Rum Tasting Tour is definitely for you.
Now you can visit the Sint Maarten factory where the “World’s Best Tasting Rhum” is created.
You will be led by a tour guide through the 6000 square foot distillery and gain some insight into the history of Caribbean rum production.
Their Rum Expert will tell you everything there is to know about Toppers Rum’s history and the history of rum in general.
After that you’ll get to see how they blend the artisan rums and precisely package them.
Followed by a look inside the lab to discover how the various flavors of rhum are made, and even sample a taste!
After the tour, you’re welcome to visit the tasting bar and sample any of the many rum’s. Even better, you can take home a bottle of your very own Rhum!
15. Eat At A Lolo
A taste of the regional cuisine is a must.
If you haven’t heard of St. Martin’s Lolo’s, then you are definitely in for a treat.
Lolo’s are the local restaurants where you can enjoy dishes like baked lobster or a variety of fish like Mahi Mahi or Red Snapper with rice.
They are mostly located in two places on the island.
In Grand Case, the fishing village, and in Marigot, the Creole capital. This is where the locals come to enjoy a good meal for a good price.
Lolo’s in Marigot
- Chez Coco
- Coconut House
- Les Delices Creoles (Enoch’s Place)
- Strickly Lokal
- Chez Maria
- Chez Raymond
- Chez Tatie Aline
- Bruno’s Place
- Cisca’s Delicacy
- Fruits And Root’s (Juice bar)
- Francis Restaurant
- Sandy’s Creole Cuisine
- 123 Restaurant
- Hot Spot
- Kashina’s Place
- Rosemary’s
Lolo’s in Grand Case
- Ribs Shack
- Scooby’s
- Cynthia’s Talk Of The Town
- Sky’s The Limit
- Chez Karim
- Au Coin Des Amis
With so many Lolo’s in Marigot and Grand Case, there are plenty to choose from.
Go out and explore the local restaurants and indulge yourself in the delicacies they have to offer.
16. Visit Orient Beach
Orient Beach – Wikimedia One of the island’s signature beaches has to be Orient beach.
This beach has always been compared to some of the world’s most famous beaches.
The 2017 hurricane swept away some of the beach but it has already bounced back and is back to all its glory.
It is also famously known for its optional clothing, but the nude beaches are just part of Orient beach.
You can also expect beach volleyball and various fun water sports to enjoy your day in the sun.
17. Anguilla and Prickly Pear Day Trip
Set sail from St. Maarten on a catamaran for an adventure to neighboring island Anguilla and Prickly Pear Cays. Look for epic day trip ideas here.
Spend your day cruising from one beautiful bay to another, looking for the best snorkeling spots.
You might see sea turtles and tropical fish in the clear waters.
There’s time to chill on the beaches, paddleboarding, and for the daring, cliff jumping.
Enjoy an all-day open bar and a tasty BBQ lunch right on the beach.
Swim, snorkel, and soak in the Caribbean sun. You’ll be provided with all the gear you need, like snorkels, paddleboards, and floaties.
18. Take A Fishing Trip
Looking for a unique and exciting way to spend your day in St. Martin?
Why not combine the beauty of nature and the thrill of fishing?
St. Martin is a paradise for avid anglers.
With its diverse marine life and many fishing hotspots, St. Martin offers some of the best fishing in the world.
Reef-fishing or Deep-sea fishing?
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner looking for a new adventure, St. Martin has something to offer everyone.
From deep-sea fishing for marlin, sailfish, and tuna, to reef fishing for red snapper, grouper and Mahi Mahi.
There’s no shortage of fishing opportunities in this tropical paradise.
Together with your experienced guides, you’ll explore the best fishing locations Sint Maarten has to offer.
They’ll provide you with all the equipment you’ll need to reel in the big catch and create memories that will last a lifetime!
19. Visit Loterie Farm
Loterie Farm is a private nature reserve and former sugar plantation located on the French side of the island.
Here you can fly, jump, swing, and trek among old architecture and spot animals like birds and iguanas.
There are lots of different activities available at this tree-top adventure park for kids, teens, and adults, including one of the island’s fastest and steepest zip lines.
You can choose to go for a hike through the natural tropical rainforest, where you might come across birds, lizards, and colorful butterflies while you’re passing through the tropical surroundings.
There is also plenty of space to kick back, relax and sip on a cocktail at the swimming pool.
For the adrenaline junkies there is an adventure course available where one can swing and climb over suspension bridges, cables, and swinging ropes.
This is all situated on an old sugar plantation in the middle of Saint Martin.
When you go, make sure to go early as there can be traffic near Loterie Farm.
20. Enjoy the French Cuisine on St. Martin
Codfish Fritters – Wikimedia Locally owned cafes and coastal bistros serving tasty fusions of French and Creole Caribbean food are abundant on the French side.
From local Lolo’s to luxurious restaurants with dishes like codfish fritters, lobster salad, creole soup, and passion fruit rum punch.
The French side has it all when it comes to dining out along with a choice selection of hotels.
Try the delicious local French cuisine and you won’t be disappointed.
21. Take A Hike To Pic Paradis
After so much food and drinks you may wish to go for a hike.
Pic Paradis is one best hikes to take on the island.
The word very much clarifies itself, the best views from the island are unquestionably from this top.
From here you get a complete view of the island and the surrounding sea. You will be totally mesmerized.
The best place to start your hike to Pic Paradise is from Loterie Farm on the French side.
22. Historic Fort And Cannons At Fort Amsterdam
The fort is situated near Little Bay beach and was originally founded in the 1600’s.
It has been destroyed in multiple fights and fires but this only adds to its magnificence.
The viewpoint on the hill offers a breathtaking view of the Bay of Phillipsburg.
When the weather is clear you can even spot the surrounding islands.
If you are interested in knowing more about the history of the island, Fort Amsterdam is definitely a place for you to explore.
23. Philipsburg Boardwalk
Philipsburg Boardwalk – Wikimedia The Great Bay beach is the place where the capital meets the sea.
Right by the beach is where you will find the Philipsburg boardwalk, with colorful and fun artwork on one side and regional street food stands on the other.
Have a refreshing drink at one of the many cafes and restaurants to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Philipsburg boardwalk and the stunning view of the ocean all at the same time.
24. Discover Tintamarre Island and Pinel Island
Tintamarre Beach – Wikimedia If you’re looking for a day trip that will leave you with unforgettable memories, look no further than Tintamarre island and Pinel island which are top family-friendly choices.
These two breathtaking little islands are a must-see for any traveler who wants to experience the best of St. Martin.
Tintamarre island is a secluded island with pristine sand beaches, clear blue waters, and the opportunity to spot sea turtles.
Pinel Island is another small, picturesque island on the French side that’s popular with locals and tourists alike.
If you’re an explorer at heart, don’t forget your comfy sneakers to discover the two secluded beaches on the other side of Pinel Island.
With its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and delicious cocktails, Pinel Island is the perfect spot to spend a relaxing day in paradise.
25. Sail Around St. Martin
Book a lovely trip on a yacht or a sailboat and enjoy the waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Holding your partner’s hand in one and a cocktail in another while watching the sunset. It can’t get better than this.
Enjoy a fun night of dancing with your partner or family while cruising along the coastline of St. Martin.
It might just be your favorite romantic activity in St. Martin to look back on.