St Maarten Activities
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For those who don't want to take part in an cruise-organised excursion, the following are a selection of activities you can enjoy at St Maarten. You'll usually save money over cruise-organised excursions to the same places, but might have to arrange your own transportation.
Fort St Louis
Explore the largest historical monument on St. Maarten, overlooking Marigot Bay. This magnificent fort, built in 1767 by France's King Louis XVI, is steeped in history and provides an amazing view of the island.
Mount Concordia
Take to the trail on Mount Concordia! See where the original treaty dividing St. Martin and St. Maarten was signed by the French and the Dutch.
Marigot
Discover a small gem of a city, only four streets wide and filled with all the flavors and finery of a French market town. Enjoy cafes and pastry shops. Find designer fashions and jewelry in beautiful boutiques.
Phillipsburg
Tour Phillipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten. Founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy, it became a bustling center of international trade. Today it is as dynamic as ever, with fabulous shopping and captivating cafes.
The Sint Maarten Museum reflects the history and culture of the island and its people from prehistoric to modern times.
Butterfly Farm
On the French side of the island, 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. Located in Le Galion area next to Bayside Riding stables.
Click here for more details.
Beaches
With over 30 white sandy beaches on the island you'll be spoilt for choice! From romantic, deserted beaches to family friendly beaches you're sure to find one to suit you, there are even nudist beaches.
In general , the beaches to the east or winward side are windier, and the waters of the Atlantic are rougher. The leeward beaches to the west and southwest are calmer, facing the Caribbean Sea.
Beaches on the Dutch St Maarten side include Dawn Beach, Guana Bay, Great Bay, Little Bay, Pelican Key, Simpson Bay and Mullet Bay.
St Maarten Park Zoo
The St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden, themed to the animals and plants of the Caribbean and South America, houses more than 100 animals of 35 species and more than 100 plant species. It's the largest park of its kind in the Caribbean and includes a large playground for children. Located opposite Philipsburg at the northern edge of the Great Salt Pond.
Click here for more details.
Atlantis Submarines
A variety of Atlantis Adventures St. Martin tours are offered.
The Seaworld Explorer Semi Submarine Tour begins in Grand Case on the French side of the island. The semi submarine doesn't submerge, instead you descend into the vessel's hull and sit in air-conditioned comfort five feet below the surface. From there you'll see underwater gardens, coral reefs and tropical fish.
The Rhino Rider Snorkel Adventure sees you zipping along in two-man inflatable motorboats. After riding by picturesque coastline, and discovering secluded beaches, you'll reach Creole Rock. There you can either snorkel the reef or just relax and soak up the sun.
Visit the website for more details and to book.
Half Day Snorkel Trips
Sand Dollar is a great half day trip offering sightseeing, snorkelling and swimming. The cruise takes guests through the lagoon, along the beautiful coastline and up to Creole Rock, off Grand Case. Creole Rock is a large rock formation with a reef extending out towards to the mainland, about a mile offshore. Waters are shallow and calm and provide excellent snorkelling. The boat picks up a mooring in a large sandy patch, in about 8' of water.
Visit the website for more details and to book
Eagle Tours
Eagle Tours is a charter company located on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of St. Maarten. Catering primarily to the cruise ship industry, the tours are also available for any visitors to the island. With great facilities and fantastic crew on all the vessels, the tours are a fun and enjoyable way to see a side of the island that most visitors would miss.
Several different tours available including sailing on the Golden Eagle catamaran, a coach tour to Marigot and power rafting tours.
Visit the website for more details and to book
