8 BEST Things To Do In St Maarten

St. Maarten is one of my favorite Caribbean islands, and it’s easy to see why. You get the best of both worlds here, including laid-back beach days, amazing food, and plenty of fun activities all packed into one island.

During my time on the island, I found there was never a shortage of things to do in St. Maarten, whether we were plane-watching at Maho Beach, lounging at Orient Bay, sailing on a catamaran, or ending the night at a casino.

Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or a full week, this post covers the best experiences to help you make the most of your trip and see why St. Maarten is such a favorite Caribbean getaway.

Overview of St Maarten

St. Maarten is one of the most unique and exciting destinations in the Caribbean, offering a little something for everyone, stunning beaches, incredible food, and a fun mix of cultures. This island is split into two countries: the northern half, Saint-Martin, is French, while the southern half, Sint Maarten, is Dutch.

On the French side, you’ll find a distinctly European vibe, with charming cafés, boutique shopping, and delicious French-Caribbean cuisine, including fresh baguettes, fine wines, and incredible seafood. This side is also home to some of the island’s most beautiful beaches, like Orient Bay and Pinal Island, and has a more laid-back, upscale feel.

The Dutch side, on the other hand, is more lively and built-up, featuring a buzzing nightlife, casinos, and duty-free shopping. It’s where you’ll find the famous Maho Beach, where planes fly just overhead, as well as plenty of resorts, bars, and activities.

No matter which side you explore, St Maarten is packed with amazing things to do. If you’re wondering where to start, here are eight of the best things to do in St. Maarten!

1. Mary’s Boon

If you’re looking for a chill beach day with amazing food, Mary’s Boon is the place to be! This beachfront spot is part bar/restaurant, part relaxing beach club, and the best part? The beach loungers are free as long as you order food or drinks!

You can kick back in a lounger, soak up the sun, and sip on a refreshing beer. It’s also worth mentioning that their service was top-notch! Our waiter was Juan, and he was always checking on us and bringing us drinks. He made a reservation for us for lunch inside, and the menu includes unique appetizers, fresh seafood, and creative drinks. Whether you’re spending the whole day lounging or just stopping by for a meal with a view, Mary’s Boon is a must-visit.

2. Maho Beach/Mullet Beach

Maho Beach is one of the most popular spots on the island, and for a good reason! Where else can you lie in the sand while giant planes fly right over your head? It’s a wild experience that you have to see to believe!

The beach itself is small and can get crowded, but the thrill of watching low-flying planes makes it worth it. Sunset Beach Bar is right by the beach, and I would recommend stopping in there for a drink and some appetizers. It’s the perfect place to watch the planes come in and take a selfie!

If you’re craving a more relaxed beach vibe, Mullet Beach is just around the corner and offers a totally different experience. It’s got the same stunning turquoise water and soft white sand, but without the crowds and airplane noise. It’s perfect for swimming, floating, or just unwinding in paradise.

There are a few bars and restaurants on Mullet Beach. Da Waterhole is the main restaurant on the beach that serves drinks and lunch. We ate lunch here, and the food was great! This is also where you can rent a beach lounger. We paid $30 for two chairs.

There is another restaurant down the beach called Rosie’s Snack Bar, which was very popular. I found the drink prices were cheaper here, but it was cash only.

3. Orient Bay

If you’re looking for a St Martin beach with a fun and lively vibe, Orient Bay is the place to be! Often called the “St. Tropez of the Caribbean,” this beach on the French side of the island has everything from water sports to beachfront bars where you can grab a cocktail and relax in a lounger, or you have the option to walk and explore the rest of the beach.

And just a heads-up: if you do stroll further down the beach, you’ll reach the nude beach area near Club Orient. It’s totally optional, of course, but good to know if you’re planning a walk or just want to be aware of the scene. It’s part of what makes Orient Bay such a unique and diverse spot!

One of my favorite restaurants in Orient Bay is Orange Fever, a laid-back beach bar with amazing food and great service. They’ve got super comfortable loungers that you can rent for the day, and they even offer lunch service when hunger strikes. Order a delicious mahi mahi ceviche or a plate of crispy fries, sip on a cold rosé, and enjoy a perfect beach day in true French style!

4. Philipsburg

If you’re in the mood for a little retail therapy, spending a day in Philipsburg is a must! This bustling town on the Dutch side is known for its duty-free shopping, with everything from high-end jewelry and designer sunglasses to souvenirs and locally made goods. Old Street is one of the shopping strips, lined with charming boutiques, lively street vendors, and well-known brands.

To quench your thirst while shopping, head over to Dirty Sanchez, one of the best beach bars in town, for a margarita and some laid-back vibes right by the beach! And don’t miss lunch at The Greenhouse, I’m still dreaming about their bang bang shrimp! 

5. Sunset Cruise

There’s no better way to end a day in St. Maarten than with a sunset cruise, and the Lambada Sunset Cruise is a great option!

You will first check in at Simpson Bay and receive a ticket from the crew to board the catamaran. When it’s time to board, they will take you out to the dock and ask you to remove your shoes; you don’t get to wear them! Once everyone is boarded and they go over the safety protocols, you will start sailing!

The crew keeps the good vibes going with unlimited rum punch, wine, beer, and snacks. They even play music to get the party started! Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or want to have a fun night on the water with friends, this cruise was an unforgettable experience!

6. Deep Sea Fishing

If you’re up for an adventure and want to try your luck at catching some big fish, Coconut Reef Deep Sea Fishing is the way to go. Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced angler, the crew will do all they can to make sure you go home with some fresh fish! Some of the most common fish to catch are mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, and maybe even a marlin if you’re lucky!

Even if you’re not a hardcore fisherman, something is exciting about being out in the deep ocean, waiting for that big catch. Plus, the views from the boat are just as incredible as the fishing itself. If you get seasick in the slightest, I would highly recommend taking an anti-nausea medication, like Dramamine. Our captain told us, “It’s not if you get seasick, it’s when.”

We caught one Mahi Mahi in the half-day at sea, but we had at least 4 lines in the water at all times. We had quite a few bites throughout the day, and lost a few fish, too. The crew was really good about making sure if we got a bite, one of us would put the belt on and reel it in. There is definitely a technique to reeling in big fish!

The crew filleted the fish we caught when we got back, and they gave us a whole mahi-mahi to eat for dinner!

7. St Maarten Catamaran

One of the absolute best ways to see St. Maarten, and the nearby islands is by catamaran. There’s something magical about being out on the Caribbean Sea with the wind in your hair, a drink in hand, and panoramic views of turquoise water in every direction.

Whether you’re looking to snorkel at various beaches in St Maarten or island-hop to spots like Anguilla or St. Barts, catamaran tours offer a relaxing and scenic way to spend the day. Many tours include lunch, open bar, and snorkeling gear, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy.

St. Maarten is actually the perfect base for sailing. The island is surrounded by calm, protected waters and stunning coastline, making for smooth sailing even if you’re not usually the seafaring type. Fun fact: St. Maarten is one of the few places in the Caribbean where you can easily visit two or three different countries in a single day by boat.

On some catamaran trips, you can sail from the Dutch side to the French side, then over to Anguilla, and still be back by sunset. Other tours will take you to several different beaches around St Maarten. There are several different catamaran tour options. I would first decide which beaches you want to visit and then sign up for the one that will take you there!

8. Hollywood Casino St Maarten

If you’re looking to mix a little nightlife and excitement into your trip, a visit to Hollywood Casino on the Dutch side is a fun way to spend an evening. It’s one of the island’s most popular casinos and has a classic Vegas-style feel, complete with bright lights, themed décor, and a lively atmosphere.

You’ll find plenty of slot machines, table games like blackjack and roulette that make the whole experience fun, even if you’re not a seasoned gambler.

The casino is located in Simpson Bay, so it’s easy to pair your visit with dinner or drinks nearby. There is actually an Italian restaurant next door, Isola, that has great food!

It’s a great option for travelers who want a clean, safe, and entertaining night out. Whether you try your luck at the tables or just enjoy the ambiance with a cocktail in hand, Hollywood Casino gives you a fun glimpse into St. Maarten’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Final Thoughts

St. Maarten is an island that truly has it all, breathtaking beaches, thrilling adventures, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences.

With its unique blend of French and Dutch influences, St. Maarten offers something for every type of traveler, whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or a little bit of both. No matter how you choose to spend your time, you’ll never run out of things to do in St. Maarten!

Have you been to St. Maarten? Let me know your favorite spots in the comments! And if you’re planning a trip, I hope this guide helps you make the most of your time on this beautiful island.