Attractions
Only on St. Maarten: Experiences
With her emerald hills and sapphire seas, St. Maarten offers plenty to do and see. A melting pot of cultures, St Maarten is an inclusive and diverse getaway accepting of all. Travelers may know of other Caribbean escapes, but no other vacation spot offers these iconic adventures that can only be found in St. Maarten.
Two Countries One Island
St. Maarten is the smallest island in the Caribbean shared between France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With its open border, you can freely travel to the French Side or Dutch Side whenever you please. Explore the quaint streets of Marigot, party in the vibrant Simpson Bay Area, and watch the sun rise at Mullet Bay Beach with a fresh pain au chocolate in hand. Take a photo at one of the many colonial landmarks throughout the island or visit the local museum in Philipsburg to learn about the island’s native past and its colonial history. Discover the island’s duality on your own clock as you uncover its unique culture around every corner.
Touch the Belly of a 737
If you’re looking for a thrilling view you can’t get anywhere else, Maho Beach is the place to go. Directly across Princess Juliana International Airport and open to the public, Maho Beach has more than a stunning sunset. With international and regional flights landing every 15 minutes, Maho Beach is the only place in the world where airplanes take off just above your head. Thrill-seekers take it a step further and dare to withstand the blasts of departing flights.
Steepest Zipline
Did you know St. Maarten offers the steepest zipline in the world at Rainforest Adventures? Get a 360-degree view of the island from up above where you will even be able to see our neighboring islands Saba, St. Barths, Anguilla, and St Kitts. If you are daring, zip down on the Flying Dutchman. St. Maarten has a second zipline at its highest peak, Peak Paradise located on the French Side. There hides an eco-tourism getaway, Loterie Farm, that is a nature sanctuary paired with an unmatched culinary experience. You can hike to the peak, zip through the trees, dine, or relax under a cabana.
Discover St. Maarten’s Wildlife
Featuring unique wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, St. Maarten is an ecotourist’s paradise. Animal lovers can learn about over 25 species of exotic birds, like the ring-neck parakeet, at Parrotte Ville’s charming walk-in bird sanctuary. Or explore the island on horseback at another one of St. Maarten’s animal sanctuaries, Seaside Nature Park, which offers trail rides along the beach or through the hills. If underwater creatures are what you seek, dive with local divers to the bottom of one of our many local shipwrecks and say hello to the diverse marine life that calls St. Maarten home. Or simply trek through the island’s lush trails to find one of our beautiful natural pools and take a dip. If you’re looking for spectacular views, visit David’s Hole, located on the French side of the island. This world-class geological wonder was formed by the collapse of a large sea cave chamber thousands of years ago. And since you’re already on that side of the island, you can’t miss the Natural Reserve where visitors can hike and take tours to experience the island’s natural beauty.
