Best Activities

Here are some of the the best activities to do in St. Maarten. A vacation to St. Maarten offers the ultimate in relaxation and luxury. But while you could absolutely spend a full week or two just basking in the sun from the white sandy beaches, adventurous souls will want to take advantage of the many amazing activities available to those visiting the island. If you find yourself overwhelmed with the numerous options, you’re in luck. To help you plan your St. Maarten itinerary, we’ve drafted a list of the best activities to try during your spectacular escape to paradise.

Private Boat Charters

Enjoy the pristine island of St. Martin/St. Maarten from a whole new perspective. From out on the water, you can take in the incredible views of the lush green hills surrounded by sparkling blue waters. Here are some of the best St. Maarten private boat charter companies:


Pyratz Gourmet Sailing

We love Pyratz Gourmet because it affords travelers the ultimate in luxury. Whether you want to sail leisurely around the island on a full or half-day tour or want to embark on a day trip to nearby islands, you’ll be able to do so while living the high life. Private tours include breakfast, a gourmet lunch, an open bar, and the equipment you need to enjoy water activities like paddling, kayaking, and floating.

Nérée Charters

Another posh way to spend your day on the water is to climb aboard Nérée Charter’s spectacular private yachts. Whether it’s a private boat trip for two or a luxury cruise with family and friends, you’ll enjoy sheer fun, relaxation, and pampering as the crew makes it their mission to take care of your every need. Enjoy access to soft drinks, beer, wine, cocktails, snorkeling, paddle boards, floating mattresses,  gourmet snack platters, and more. Feeling a little worn out from so much time in the sun? Some of Nérée’s boats come with fully equipped queen cabin rooms where you can take a break before returning to the open waters.

Boomerang Charters

The thing we love most about Boomerang Charters is that you will enjoy a lot of flexibility from your private charter experience. Like the other companies, you can decide whether you’d like a day around the waters of St. Martin/St. Maarten, or a day trip to another island while enjoying delicious cocktails and drinks. You get to customize the bar selection and choose where you’d like to eat. Whether you want to enjoy an incredible onboard BBQ or stop at a nearby luxury restaurant, you’re sure to have a spectacular experience. Boomerang also lets you determine which beaches you’d like to explore and where you’d like to go snorkeling. Finally, they offer flexible pickup and drop-off times, so your private boat excursion works within the scope of your schedule.

Island Tours

Go beyond the typical island experience and embark on an adventurous tour of the island. This is a fantastic way to customize a vacation that allows you to encounter wildlife and nature while trying something new that will leave you breathless. Here are some of our favorite island tours:


ATV Island Tour

ATV Island makes it super easy for you and your loved ones to have an incredible time exploring the island. There are many great options for seeing the sights in a way that makes you happiest and most comfortable. The free ride ATV rental is probably the most popular option, as it allows for one or two rides to head out on their own, get their adrenaline pumping, and explore whatever they want to see. Other people prefer to head out on an ATV-guided tour, where a trained guide shows you the highlights of the island and can provide you with more information. Beyond standard ATVs, ATV Island also offers “free ride” and guided scooter rentals and 6 Seater Side-by-side ATV tours that can accommodate your group or family of up to 6 people. No matter what option you choose, you will have an incredible day!

Rhino Safari Tour

We love introducing people to Rhino Safari because it connects travelers to the majestic thrill of water adventuring! You don’t need any prior experience, but you’ll walk away feeling like a pro. If you want to see what the world looks like under the aquamarine sea, sign up for a snorkeling tour. Your guide will direct you on how to drive and operate your own watercraft out to Creole Rock, where you can don your snorkel, jump in the water, and check out a diverse ecosystem of tropical fish and coral reefs. Another great option is the beach getaway tour. Here, you get to pilot your own Rhino Rider along the coast. Your guide will direct you to Happy Bay – a private, secluded, gorgeous beach perfect for lounging, exploring, and snorkeling. You can even reach out to Rhino Safari to create your own custom tour package based on your wildest Caribbean desires.

Jeep Wrangler Tour

Vacationers love setting out on Jeep Wrangler island tours, and it’s not hard to see why! St. Maarten offers numerous tour companies with part and full-day Jeep rentals that allow you to check out incredible scenery while cruising the island in style. Although most tours are on the road, some off-roading opportunities are available.

Day Trips

We definitely recommend setting aside plenty of time to sip on cocktails and relax with your toes in the white sand, but we also encourage visitors to embark on local day trips that will allow them to check out more of this incredible tropical region. Some of our top picks for day trip locations include:

Day Trip to Anguilla

Anguilla is a short 30-minute boat ride away from St. Maarten, making it a fantastic place to steal away for the day. It is known for its sprawling white sand beaches and an incredibly relaxed vibe. Shoal Bay is a “must-see” for nature lovers, as it features reefs just off the shore. For those searching for restaurants and bars, Sandy Ground is a hot spot for fun in the sun. While in Anguilla, you can also visit the uninhabited Prickly Pear Cays for spectacular snorkeling adventures. Access Anguilla by ferry, a guided boat tour, or a private charter.

Day Trip to St. Barth’s

St. Barths Island is about 45 minutes away from St. Maarten by Ferry and is the perfect size for a day-long excursion. We recommend making a hike to Colombier Beach. Because it can only be accessed by hiking or boating, it’s not very crowded, and it’s a special experience. It can be a bit of a trek, so be sure to head out early in the day (unless, of course, you charter a boat!). While on the island, be sure to also check out Gustavia – a vibrant seaport with tons of opportunities for shipping and dining in style.

Day Trip to Tintamarre

Tintamarre is a tiny but gorgeous island about two miles off the coast of St. Martin/St. Maarten. It is probably best known for its incredible sea life and the opportunity to snorkel and swim alongside the majestic sea turtles. So if you love marine life, this is the day trip for you!

Make the most of your upcoming vacation. Any one of these fantastic things to do in St. Maarten will allow you to create unforgettable memories that will last for a lifetime.

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