St. Maarten offers a wide variety of activities. You can choose from a variety of sports activities, whether your aim is fitness or fun… or both. There is an array of watersports activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, kayaking, laser sailing, parasailing, wakeboarding, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing and island hopping, lagoon cruising, deep sea fishing, wave-runner, and speed boat safaris. In addition, there is mountain biking, off road touring, hiking, horseback riding, sightseeing tours, golf, and more!
The climate and natural beauty make St. Maarten a perfect place to enjoy the many options for sports and recreation, or to simply explore the island’s natural splendor — including the 37 secluded, white sand beaches. St. Maarten has the best of nightlife, regardless of which side of the island you choose. Casinos (on the Dutch side), nightclubs, and dance bars are just some of the attractions available. In addition, there are over 60 gourmet and family restaurants. Our concierges will be happy to provide additional information about the island activities available to you.
Dining
St. Maarten/St. Martin is celebrated as a foodie destination and is filled with more wonderful, eclectic places to dine compared to any other island in the Caribbean. The island is known as the Gastronomic paradise in the entire Caribbean boasting over 400 restaurants.
Food takes on a whole new meaning on our island…The food is a multicultural blend of ethnic traditions. The variety is truly amazing along with the creative and evocative cuisine that is offered at the higher end restaurants.
What to Wear – Although appropriate dining attire ranges from swimsuits to sport jackets, casual dress is usually accepted. For men, a nice shirt and khakis or jean will take you anywhere and for women, dressy pants, a skirt or even fancy shorts are usually acceptable. Jeans are fine in the less formal restaurants.
Shopping
Philipsburg
Is the capital of the Dutch side, is the unavoidable shopping paradise. Best of all, it offers duty free prices! Front Street, Back Street and Old Street represent a wonderful shopping world to spend a pleasurable day. Prestigious jewelers, electronic stores and the latest trending fashion boutique are all located in Philipsburg. The stores are typically open from 9/10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Some of the stores also open for a few hours on Sunday morning, if there’s a cruise ship in town.
Marigot
Who needs to go to Europe to shop when there is a selection of top European fashion located right in Marigot, the capital of the French side…The entire center of the Creole inspired town, the harbor and the Marina Royal are lovely shopping districts with a charming Caribbean flair, thanks to the old Creole style buildings. Enjoy bistro bars, sidewalk cafes, restaurants, delicatessens, French fashion & designer boutiques, a fine selection of jewelers, perfume stores, cigar stores and more. Stores are generally open from 9:00 or 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 6:00 or 7:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.
Maho
The Maho shopping area, located at Maho Beach Resort, is open late into the evenings daily. You’ll find a fine selection of designer items, fine jewelry, beach wear and gift items.
Adventures on the Water
Snorkling & Scuba Diving
With its warm, shallow waters, 100 foot visibilities and ideal conditions divers have long recognized the Caribbean as one of the world’s best diving venues. St. Martin diving offers over 40 sites around the island where you can experience views of coral reefs and shipwrecks all while enjoying the beauty of the under sea world and making friends with the interesting sea life such sea turtles, angelfish, grouper, stingrays and tangs.
Sailing & Boating
Wether it is a sunset sail or a day of adventure – St Maarten is one of the Caribbean’s leading sailing venues, a status that is annually reconfirmed every March by the St Maarten Heineken Regatta, one of the world’s biggest sailing events. This race draws hundreds of participants from Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean to the island of St Martin all battling to win this prestigious race.
Deep Sea Fishing
Deep sea fishing in St. Martin is an exciting adventure and the migration period of large fish is awaited with much anticipation every year. One reason why deep sea fishing generates so much excitement is because Saint Martin is situated close to Saint Thomas, which is known as “the capital of marlins”. Another reason why fishing in St. Martin is so popular is because there are opportunities to fish in both The Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
