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6 BEST Things To Do In St Maarten

ByBrenda

Are you planning a trip to St Maarten and wondering what are the best things to do?

In this post, I’m sharing my favorite things to do in St Maarten, including top excursions, hidden gems, and some of the best dining spots!

Mullet Bay Beach

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 more European vibe, with charming cafés, boutique shopping, and delicious French-Caribbean cuisine, like 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 livelier and more built-up, with 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. From beach-hopping and sunset cruises to deep-sea fishing and world-class dining, this island is the perfect tropical escape. If you’re wondering where to start, here are five of the best things to do in St. Maarten!

A hand with red nails holds a bottle of SXM beer under a red beach umbrella. In the background, a sunny beach, blue ocean, and sailboats create a relaxing vibe.

Mary Boone’s


If you’re looking for a chill beach day with amazing food, Mary Boone’s 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 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 Boone’s is a must-visit.

  • Beach bar on a sunny day with bright flags fluttering above. Bar stools line the counter under vibrant, colorful umbrellas. Relaxed, tropical vibe.
    Mary Boone’s Bar
  • Sunny beach scene with a yellow Carib cooler holding drinks and ice. Umbrella shade and loungers in the background, vibrant blue sky and sea.
    Beach Beer Bucket
  • A serene beach view with gentle waves on golden sand, under a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy clouds. Distant hills and sailboats enhance tranquility.
    Mary Boone’s Beach

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 lay on 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!

Woman in sunglasses smiles for a selfie on a beach as an airplane flies low overhead. Clear sky with scattered clouds, and ocean waves in the background.

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.

  • Colorful wooden sign on a sandy beach reads "Welcome to Mullet Bay." Palm trees frame the scene, with beach chairs and blue umbrellas in the background.
    Mullet Bay Beach Entrance
  • A restaurant menu from "Da Waterhole" on a wooden table. It lists seafood, pasta, and burgers with prices. Colorful food images add a tropical vibe.
    Da Waterhole Menu
  • Grilled lobsters topped with herbs and cheese on a white plate, set on a green placemat.
    Da Waterhole Lobster

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.

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!

  • Orange and white sign for "Orange Fever Beach Bar" features a thumbs-up icon. Below, a chalkboard menu lists desserts, mounted on wooden walls. Beachy, relaxed vibe.
  • Drink menu on a table showing signature cocktails, water, soft drinks, beer, and coffee options. A pink towel is partially visible beside the menu.
  • Beachside restaurant with wooden tables and red chairs under a corrugated roof. People sit in the background near colorful beach umbrellas, creating a relaxed, holiday vibe.

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! 

  • Coastal landscape with turquoise water, a curving sandy beach, and lush green hills under a partly cloudy sky. A palm tree adds tropical charm.
    Drive into Philipsburg
  • Old Street Shopping
  • Cozy outdoor restaurant with yellow umbrellas, potted palms, and wooden tables. Bright, sunny day. Sign reads "Dirty Sanchez Crew Bar." Relaxed atmosphere.
    Dirty Sanchez Crew Bar

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 ready to board, they will take you out on 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 just want to have a fun night on the water with friends, this cruise is an unforgettable experience!

  • A sleek catamaran docked at a sunny marina with people on deck wearing life vests, under a clear blue sky and mountains in the background.
  • A smiling man and woman stand on a boat in sunny weather. The woman wears a pink dress, and the man is in a light shirt and pants. A sailboat is visible on the ocean.
  • Sunset over a calm ocean viewed from a boat's deck, with pastel clouds scattered across the sky, creating a serene and tranquil scene.

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 they 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 that if we got a bite on one of the lines, 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 for us when we got back and they gave us the whole fish to eat for dinner!

  • A boat deck with fishing rods facing the ocean under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. Several yachts are anchored in the distance.
  • A group of eight people smiling on a boat under a clear sky, with one person holding a large fish. The ocean is calm, and sailboats are visible in the background.

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.

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