Activities and Things to do on
"The friendly island" of St Maarten/St Martin

For Beaches click on tiki huts:

Keep in mind when calling one of the phone numbers provided below from the USA,
dial first either the Dutch country code 599 for all 7 digit numbers OR
dial the French country code 590 for all 10 digit numbers starting with 0590 or 0690 (drop the first 0)

Boat trips

There are plenty of full or half day boat trips available on the island. Try a day trip to one of the neighboring islands and hideaways. Voyager goes daily to St. Barths from Marigot or Oyster Pond 542-4096, and the Rapid Explorer leaves from Bobby's Marina (Philipsburg) to St. Barth's. Ccontact Aquamania Adventures 544-2640 for their boat excursion program (leaving from Pelican Marina in Simpson Bay). For more, see also Sailing
Day charters. Power and sail boat rentals for professional skippers are available at Any Way Marine in Marigot, 0590 879-141. 545-4533. Another exciting trip is guaranteed on the popular catamaran Scoobidoo (Oyster Pond), 0590 520-253.

Boat trips with Captain Alan

Captain Alan offers a "Three Island Snorkeling Excursion" that takes you away from the crowds to the lesser visited islands of Tintamarre, Pinel and Green Key. On your three stops you'll find incredible snorkeling, beautiful beaches and very special volcanic mud. The trip runs on high quality 30ft offshore powerboats with powerful twin 225/250hp engines. The boats can also be rented at Captain Alans for private charters (up to 14 people per boat). Trips with Captain Alan start at the dock at Great House Marina at Oyster Pond (opposite Mr. Busby's Beach Bar). For more information on this boat charter call (599) 524-1386 or (599) 580-0377, or visit Captain Alan's website, Email: fun@captainalan.com.

Captain Morgan

Boat Trips of Distinction

Butterfly Farm

Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm features hundreds of rare and exotic butterflies in a tranquil atmosphere: beautifully landscaped, in a quiet garden with waterfall, ponds, Japanese fish and mystical music. The best time to go is early in the morning to watch the butterflies emerging from their cocoons and taking their first flight. The farm does informative guided tours, and is great fun also for kids. Located in Le Galion area next to Bayside Riding stables. Open year round 9am to 4:30pm. 0590 873-121 Butterfly Farm.

Butterfly Farm

Click for website

Diving and snorkeling

The crystalline waters surrounding St. Maarten/St. Martin allow for clear visibility up to 100 feet, and often up to 150-200 feet. Coral reefs are teaming with marine life, providing more than 40 excellent dive sites off St Maarten´s coast. Some of the reefs are located close to shore making them accessible to snorkelers as well. Certified scuba divers can rent tanks and equipment at water sport shops around the island, e.g. The Scuba Shop 545-3213 in Simpson Bay or at their office in Oyster Pond Marina 0590 874-801.

Diving

Driving Off Road

Dune Buggy

Driving Off Road with an ATV

Several operators offer vehicles for going off road. They are mostly guided tours. An ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) is one method offered by Quad' Venture 524-1624 or 0690 562-036. They start their tours at Orient Bay. Half day tour starts at $ 60. No kids allowed on vehicles!Nasa, close to the cruise ship pier, offers ATV's without restrictions (kids allowed, no guided tours). See at our rental section.
There are some operators, who specialize in Buggies (VW-chassis based open car), Jeeps, Enduro motorbikes, Trucks (Austrian Steyr-Puch former army trucks). Jeeps, and motorbikes can be rented, the buggy tour ($ 69), and trucks are part of an island tour.

Driving On Road Alternatives

Scooters are available at some rental offices. We do not recommend scooters due to the road conditions, and prevalent driving style.

No mopeds are available for rent!

Harley Davidson rental is another option, see rental car section. We have the same concerns as said before for scooters.

Two Wheels

Deep Sea Fishing

Fishing

Your best chances for a fishing charter are at Lee Fish on Simpson Bay 544-4233. Best fishing grounds are close by to catch marlin, tuna or dolphin. The drop off at La Samanna Resort is supposed to be the best spot for blackfin tuna and wahoo. The "Marlin Boulevard" is a famous spot for marlin. St. Maarten/St Martin holds periodically big game fishing tournaments, e.g. the Marlin Cup in Marigot in May, or The Billfish Tournament in June.

Golf

There is an 18 hole championship golf course at the Mullet Bay Resort on Dutch Sint Maarten, surrounded by water and palm trees. The Golf course is located between the Simpson Bay Lagoon and the Caribbean sea. The Club organizes national and international tournaments on a regular basis. Call the Golf pro shop at 545-2801 before 4pm for tee off times and for more information.

Tropical Vegetation

Although the island has a rich history, and its nature is fascinating, only very few places remind to this rich heritage. The initiative of local entrepreneurs has made a change. In July 2005 opened a park and museum at Mont Vernon, close to Orient Bay. Click!

Electronic audio tour sets in English, French, and Spanish are included in the entrance fee. Plan approx. 1 hour for a tour. Shops with genuine products from the Caribbean supplement the great exhibits. The park is located in the French part between Grand Case and Orient Bay, click for map (see "Plantation MV"). Open from 9am-5pm 0590-295-062 

Plantation Mont Vernon

Located at the place of an ancient plantation, the park features tropical plants, and shows the historical, and the economical development tied to these plants, such as coffee, cotton, indigo, and sugar. The well designed area includes new, and historical buildings, embedded in a lush park. Easy to walk footpaths make this an enjoyable excursion.

Descriptive signs in English and French provide the historical and economical links to the plants, to sugar cane processing, coffee growing, indigo production, and dying, and many more subjects of historical impact to the island.

Plantation

Open from 9am-5pm
0590-295-062

Email:
fwimontvernon
@yahoo.fr

Hiking & Running

You can do a little bit of a work out at the Lottery Farm hike. The Loterie Farm´s eco-hike is a must for sports enthusiast or nature lovers! Tri-Sport is another eco tourism specialist. The Heritage Foundation 542-4917, and the St Maarten Museum also organize hikes. The St Maarten Road Runners Club is open to the public, and does weekly fun training runs, 556-7815. They also organize special events. Best time to run is early morning and sunset.

Hobbie Cat Sailing

If you are up to get away from it all, discover the neighboring islands with a day at sea on a thrilling Hobbie Cat. On Orient Bay, you will find the best choice, e.g. Club Nathalie Simon
0590 295 157 offer family tours, short rides from island to island or a full day package. Rentals are also available at
Bikini Beach 0590 270-748
Kakao Beach 0590 274-994 or
Kontiki Watersports 0590 874-689
Hobbie Cat Resort 0590 294-157.

Horseback Riding

Lucky Stables takes riders around Cape Bay (Dutch side), one of the few undeveloped areas of St. Maarten, for a chance to experience the island how it would have been 50 years ago. 544-5255. Bayside Riding Stables on the road to Le Galion Beach (French side) is a perfectly run and well equipped Equestrian Center with horses and ponies for all courses. The rides take trails through the Marine Reserve and along the shore of Le Galion Beach. Open 9am to 5pm. 0590 873-664.

Jet Ski

Jet Skis and Wave Runners can be rented at several beaches. The most popular locations are Orient Beach and Great Bay (Philipsburg). Going on a Jet Ski is usually restricted to a zone in view of the beach. On Orient Bay check out the JetSki concessions at:
Bikini Beach 0590 270-748,
Kakao Beach 0590 274-994.
Kontiki Watersports 0590 874-689 offer Jet Ski tours accompanied by a guide who takes you to uninhabited islands such as Pinel, Tintamarre, Petites and Grandes Cayes.

Kayaking

Kayak tours are a great way to explore some of the hidden areas of the Simpson Bay Lagoon and coastline that you wouldn´t see otherwise. The Lagoon Explorer Tour offered by
Tri-Sport, 545 4384, takes you along the mangroves on the Bellevue coastline, and makes a stop on the deserted beach at Grand Islet, a small island in the middle of the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Tri-Sport offers kayaks for rent for the ocean as well. Tropical Wave on Le Galion Beach also rents kayaks 0590 873-725, or check out Wind Adventures 0590 294-157. A new little place for Kayak rentals is in French Cul de Sac, where the taxi boats leave for Pinel Island.

Kid´s Activities

Aquamania Adventures, located at Pelican Marina in Simpson Bay, organizes great trips for kids. Thursday afternoon, a mini catamaran takes the children into Simpson Bay Lagoon for a fun ride and sightseeing. They can water bomb the wreck near Explorer Island, and have fun with inflatable animals. On Fridays, the kids can participate at a "Survivor Trip" on a deserted beach with lot´s of games, races, prizes and fun. 544-2640 Aquamania Adventures

Kite surfing

Kite surfing is becoming more and more popular, and this "new wave" doesn´t stop on this island either! Perfect places to start with Kite surfing are Orient Bay and Le Galion. Since summer 2002, St Martin runs an own Kite surfing School on Orient Bay (between Kakao and Kontiki beach) at Club Nathalie Simon 0590 294-157. They use to take beginners to Green Cay to practice off its deserted beach. The most popular spot however for already experienced Kite surfer is at the Lookout, at "Baie d'Embouchure", located half way between Oyster Pond and Quartier d'Orleans (French Quarter). To buy Kite Surf and other surf stuff go to Surface, Marigot 0590 879-324.

Loterie Farm / Fly Zone

Located just off the road to Pic Paradis, is an excellent place to explore what life in the Caribbean must have been like. This unique farm once cultivated sugar cane, now, it is the ecological showcase of a Californian philanthropist. You can hike for an hour through the "hidden forest" with splendid views towards the Caribbean Sea, Marigot, and the island of Anguilla. Alternatively "fly the trees" on a tree top tour at the Fly Zone along ropes from tree to tree. The higher and more challenging tour is for adults and youngsters > 4 ft. tall. The lower and easier tour is for kids. They also have an excellent restaurant and a bar/lounge on site. Reservations for Fly Zone recommended on busy days (cruise ship days!). CLOSED ON MONDAYS. Local phone: 0590 878-616. From US/Canada call 011-590-590-878-616.

Mountain Biking & Trekking

The trails around Pic Paradis, the island´s highest point, are ideal for mountain biking. A great way to enjoy the more tranquil parts of the island. There are basically three main mountain bike trails on the island. The most popular one being a maze of single tracks called Bellevue with magnificent views of the Lagoon. Find out more from Tri-Sport in Simpson Bay, 545-4384, or from
Authentic French Tours in Marigot 0590 870-511.

Parasailing

If you are up to be suspended on a giant, inflated wing above the Atlantic ocean, go to Orient Beach. The scenery is terrific, particularly with a bird´s eye view under a parasail. The 2 mile long Orient Bay beach offers the largest range of options. Once there, try the water sports concessions at Bikini Beach 0590 270-748, Kakao Beach 0590 274-994, Kontiki Watersports 0590 874-689, or go with Sunsmile Parasail, next to Club Orient (between Pedro's and Salsa) 0690 714-780. On the Dutch side check out Aquamania Adventures 544-2640, or Westport Watersports 544-2557 at Kim Sha Beach.

Parasailing

Sailing

Ever dreamed of sailing in the America's Cup? On St. Maarten you can find out what it feels like to be a crew member on a 12 Meter America's Cup Yacht. The trip lasts 2 1/2 to 3 hours. If interested, drop by Bobby´s Marina (Great Bay, on the Dutch side) , browse through their web site at
The St Maarten 12 Metre Challenge or call at 542-0045.
Or sail on one of the big catamarans to St. Barths or to one of the other surrounding islands. There are many sail boats to choose from, one is The Golden Eagle 543-0068, or at eagle@sailingsxmcom. Cruise to the deserted island of Tintamarre on a picnic-sail and snorkel among the live coral reefs. A trip on a cat includes drinks, snacks and a lot of fun. Aquamania Adventures 544-2640, offer sail cats aboard Lambada and Tango to Anguilla and Prickly Pear, and on board the Sand Dollar they offer a sightseeing and snorkeling combo.

Sailing

Bluebeard Charters offer day sail trips on their catamaran called the Heineken Cat to Anguilla and Prickly Pear with fabulous snorkeling included, from Simpson Bay 557-5935.
If you consider a lagoon sunset booze cruise, you can go on Celine, a 40ft ocean-going catamaran. This cat takes you on a sunset tour of Simpson Bay Lagoon, never venturing out on the high seas 545-3961.
Lagoon Sailboat Rental offers both, sailing lessons, as well as day sailor with and without a skipper. The calm protected waters of the Simpson Bay Lagoon offer ample sailing room and lot´s of fun. 557-0714 or at caryrobbie@caribserve.net
Never heard about Laser Sailing? Time to find out all about it on St. Martin! Actually the island has the most active Laser Sailing Club, 542-4235 in the Caribbean. The Club organizes regattas on a regular basis at Club Orient Watersports. Laser rentals are available.

Sunset Cruise

Simpson Bay Lagoon
Watersports Rentals

New: Watersports Rentals
on Simpson Bay Lagoon
provided by DeepBleu

Simpson Bay Lagoon
Watersports and Boat Rentals

Located on the lagoon side of the Summit Resort Hotel in Cupecoy, Deepbleu has a unique selection of watersports and boat rentals to fit any mood. Rent a Mini Hobie sailboats, Mini Powerboats, Peddle Kayaks or Electric Lounge Cats for an hour or for the day, it’s up to you! Open daily from 10am to sunset. (599) 580-3314 or email

Simpson Bay Lagoon Watertaxi Service

Deepbleu offers a relaxing alternative to get around the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Dutch or French side. Take a ride to your favorite lagoon-side restaurant or shopping place or just ride around the lagoon taking in all the sights, like those unbelievable mega yachts! Rates are comparable to the land taxis and each boat is rain-protected with deep seating for 12 passengers. For pick up anywhere on the Lagoon call (599) 580-3314 or email

Simpson Bay Lagoon
Watertaxi Service

Watertaxi Service Simpson Bay Lagoon with DeepBleu

Submersible / Semi-Submarine

If you are up to observe the underwater world without getting wet, take a ride on the Seaworld Explorer, 542-4078. The craft does not submerge, but has a lower observation deck five feet below the surface.

Submersible / Semi-Submarine

The Seeworld Explorer is the only semi-submarine on the island, and takes you to some great reefs to admire the best of the underwater life. It departs from the pier, downtown Grand Case.

Submarine

Surfing

Surfers should know that winter waves reach the North and West coasts of St Maarten/St Martin from November through March. The East coast comes alive with the passing of tropical systems from July through November. Some of the most popular surf spots include Guana Bay, Le Galion, Mullet Bay and Orient Bay. Board rentals are available at Le Galion beach and Orient Bay, e.g. at
Windy Reef 0590 870-837 or
Tropical Wave 0590 873-725
See also Windsurfing.

Surfing, Bodyboarding or Boogie Board

Tennis

You will find several tennis courts on St. Maarten/St. Martin. Almost every larger hotel or resort has its own court, or has made arrangements with a neighboring resort. There is a public Tennis and Fitness Center in Dutch Cul-de-Sac. On the French side on the road crossing to Orient Bay and Anse Marcel is a public Tennis Court open to the public, daily until 9pm.

Tri-Sport

The eco tourist specialist Tri-Sport will guide you on hiking, biking or kayaking tours. They have offer bicycles and kayaks for rent only, or for sale. Tri-Sport is located on Airport Road near the Simpson Bay bridge, 545-4384 or email to trisport@caribserve.net.

Wakeboarding

The community of wake boarders is rapidly growing, and this is true for St. Martin, too. For five years in a row, the annual growth rate of wake boarders is 10%! If you are into it or into wake skating, check out Phat Wake Zone at Hotel Mercure, Nettle Bay (Simpson Bay Lagoon side) 0590 879-962, or Academie de la Glisse at Flamboyant Hotel, Nettle Bay 0690 641-828. One of the most popular spots for wakeboarding is in Grand Case (ask at the Zen-it beach bar).

Waterskiing

If your game is water skiing, check out
Academie de la Glisse at Flamboyant Hotel, Nettle Bay 0690 641-828. They also offer wakeboarding and barefoot skiing.

Watersports
Rentals

DeepBleu Watersports
& Boat Rentals

Watersports Rentals

Deepbleu has a unique selection of watersports and boat rentals. Rent a Mini Hobie sailboats, Mini Powerboats, Peddle Kayaks or Electric Lounge Cats for an hour or for the day! Open daily from 10am to sunset. (599) 580-3314 or email

Watertaxi Service

Deepbleu offers a relaxing alternative to get around the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Dutch or French side. Rates are comparable to the land taxis. Seating for 12 passengers. For pick up anywhere on the Lagoon call (599) 580-3314 or email .

Watertaxi Service

DeepBleu Watertaxi Service
on Simpson Bay Lagoon

Windsurfing

Windsurfing with the gentle trade winds on St Martin is a treat! Season actually starts in Winter with the so called "Christmas Winds". Otherwise, Southern trade winds provide consistent conditions averaging 15 knots until July. Intermediates and advanced wind surfers should definitely go to Orient Bay, despite its frequent choppy conditions as the bay is facing the windward Atlantic coast. The possibilities are endless here: flat water sailing; swell and chop sailing between Green Cay and Pinel Island; speed runs to Pinel from Club Orient; or wave sailing in the reef at Green Cay. Another great place for Wind surfers, beginners and intermediates, is Le Galion Beach.

Windsurfing

Where to rent windsurfing equipment:
Club Orient Watersports 0590 873-385
Wind Adventures 0590 294 157
Le Galion Watersports (Tropical Wave) 590 873-725
Windy Reef 0590 870-837
Bikini Beach 0590 270-748
Kakao Beach 0590 274-994 or
Kontiki Watersports 0590 874-689
Club Nathalie Simon 0590 295-157
Reserve naturelle St Martin 0690 342-185.

Workout & Gym

For the workout addicts, there is Marci´s Mega Gym in Simpson Bay. A training session at the gym will certainly help you to get rid of what you gained the previous night in one of the yummy restaurants! 545- 5616. Or check out Lorraine´s Fitness Center 542-2122.

Zoo

The St Maarten Park is top of the list of child-friendly activities. Discover over 80 species of exotic mammals, reptiles and birds (including the largest display of exotic parrots in the Caribbean), featured in a tropical garden setting. It is the largest park of its kind in the Caribbean, and includes a large playground for kids. Located opposite Philipsburg at the northern edge of the Great Salt Pond. Open daily 9.30am to 5pm. 543-2030.