RHINO SAFARI EXCURSIONS
This two-time winner of the Prestigious Tour of the Year Award offers a fun, interactive tour where you get to pilot your own watercraft in a guided 2 1/2 hour snorkeling excursion.
St. Maarten
St.Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest island in the world to be divided between two different nations. The island is split between the Dutch and French, with both cultures living very peacefully together on 37 sq. miles. In fact, the island’s inhabitants are quite proud of their nearly 350-year history of peaceful co-existence.
ACTIVITIES
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!
HORSEBACK RIDING
Horseback rides are a unique way to explore the island. There are many acres of thriving nature, pristine beaches, and scenic coastline to ride through.
FERRY RIDES
Taking the Ferry gives you enough time to shop, dive, hike, visit various beaches and savor the unique flavors of each destination.
DAY ISLAND HOPPING
You can take a day sail and spend the day at neighboring islands during your visit to St. Maarten/St. Martin. Anguilla, Saba & St. Barths are easily accessible by a Ferry ride. (Remember that a Passport is required when you are visiting any of these islands.)
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.
NIGHTLIFE
St. Maarten is known for its sizzling nightlife. From the glittery casinos, choice of nightclubs, beach bars and intimate lounges, there’s something for everyone every night of the week. If you’re looking for a place for a nice cozy after dinner drink or dancing until sunrise, it’s all here.
ZIP LINING
Enjoy the hottest new adventure in the Caribbean at Rainforest Adventures. With a drop of 300 meters and a 41.5% slope, it will be the steepest zip line in the world. Located on the summit of Sentry Hill, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Sint Maarten. (Opening summer 2017.)
BIKING
You can choose to bike alone or join others in organized excursions. The trails around Pic Paradis (Paradise Peak) are ideal for mountain biking. There are three main trails on the island, with the most popular one being a maze of single paths called Bellevue — offering magnificent views of the lagoon.
GOLF
The Greg Norman signature design 18-hole championship golf course at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa Anguilla is just a short ferry ride from St. Maarten. With immaculate terraced greens, great water features, and views over pristine beaches, you’ll enjoy your game no matter what your form.
BEACHES
The ideal image of a Caribbean Island: Crystal clear blue waters, tranquil palm-fringed coastlines, and a powder-fine soft white sand beach. St. Maarten offers a fantastic variety of beaches that will fulfill anyone’s desires. With the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean Sea to the west, these beaches are renowned for perfect temperatures year-round, and for being cooled by the gentle breezes of the trade winds. There’s a choice of 37 beaches, offering everything from various watersports activities to complete peace and privacy. From soft white sand to dramatic rugged coastlines, St. Maarten’s beaches offer you every type of beach possible.
Ask our on-site concierges for a list of some of our favorites.
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Besides the various beaches and the wonderful watersports activities offered on the island, the following are some great activities for the entire family. Check with our on-site concierges for more information about:
- Beaches
- Butterfly Farm
- Loterie Farm
- Seaworld Explorer
- Sint Maarten Museum
- St. Martin Museum
WATER ACTIVITIES
DIVING
Experience unique views of the coral reefs and shipwrecks. Water temperatures average a comfortable 70ºF (21ºC), while visibility ranges between 75 and 125 feet (22-37 meters). Over 40 dive sites are presently available around the island.
KAYAKING
Kayak tours let you experience the hidden areas of Simpson Bay Lagoon, the largest saltwater lagoon in the northeastern Caribbean, as well as along the coastline. A scenic kayaking trip is the perfect opportunity to learn about the lagoon’s complex ecosystem and exotic animals that live there.
SUNSET SAILS
For a nice romantic voyage, there are various options for an evening coastal sail with open bar and hors d’oeuvres… a great way to end a magical day.
WINDSURFING
Orient Beach and Coconut Grove, two beaches located on the windward northeast coast of the island, are two top beaches ideal for windsurfing. The best spot for beginners and intermediates is Coconut Grove, which offers calm water and easy launching.
SAILING
The Island offers plenty of stunning anchorages, in addition to fully equipped marinas, where you can rent everything from speedboats to canoes. Rent your own sailboat or Hobie Cat and sail the bays and lagoons.
KITEBOARDING
This phenomenal new sport is a hybrid of wakeboarding, snowboarding, windsurfing, surfing, paragliding, skateboarding and gymnastics — combined into one extreme sport. As a kiteboarder, you’ll harnesses the power of the wind with a large controllable power kite to be propelled across the water on a kiteboard.
DEEP SEA FISHING
Daily fishing charters are available year-round with Marlin, Mahi Mahi, and Wahoo as common game fish in these waters. Charters usually include tackle, bait, food and refreshments. Bareboat charters are also available.
PERSONAL WATER SPORTS
Many beaches rent a variety of watersports items, including jet skis, wet bikes, water scooters and much more. The most popular beaches for rentals include Great Bay, Divi, Pelican, Kimsha, inside the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Mullet Bay and Orient Bay.
SNORKELING
There’s an underwater paradise of life waiting for you to explore in the brilliant, crystal blue Caribbean waters around St. Maarten. Nearby Dawn Beach offers the island’s best snorkeling site. Three different boats depart daily from the Oyster Bay Marina, just a 5-minute walk from the resort.
ISLAND DINING
Although most people come to St. Maarten/St. Martin for sun and fun, they leave praising the cuisine. Great dining thrives throughout the island from fabulous restaurants in Grand Case, the hopping restaurants in the Maho resort area and Cupecoy to the low-key eateries of Simpson Bay and the many lolos (roadside BBQ stands) throughout. Food takes on a whole new meaning with a multicultural blend of ethnic traditions.
During the high season (Winter months), it is essential to make restaurant reservations for some of the best places. Dutch side restaurants sometimes do include a 15% service charge; so make sure to check your bill before tipping. On the French side, service is usually included, but it is customary to leave 5-10% extra (definitely worth checking as well).
ST. MAARTEN IS CELEBRATED AS A FOODIE DESTINATION
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 jeans will take you anywhere and for women, nice pants, skirt, or shorts, are usually acceptable. Jeans are fine for men or women in the less formal restaurants.
Not all restaurants accept credit cards and you should check on what currency is accepted (euros or dollars) before hand – reservations are always recommended.
Ask our concierges for a list of our recommended restaurants.
SHOPPING
The duty free status of St. Maarten offers many possibilities for the visitors to the island.
The island’s main shopping districts are:
PHILIPSBURG
Philipsburg, 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 all the top European Fashion houses are in Marigot, the capital of the French side? You’ll find designer clothes, name brand handbags and accessories, jewels, watches, electronics, cigars and liquors — just to name a few. Stores are generally open from 9/10 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 3-7 p.m., 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.