Few islands can claim a beach where planes glide so close overhead you can feel the rush of their descent, but St. Maarten can. Watching it happen at Maho Beach tells you everything you need to know: you’re in a place that loves a little spectacle. Wander a bit and you’ll find French cafés, Dutch boardwalks and coves where turtles slip through clear water. If you’re sorting through St. Maarten things to do, expect a day shaped by bright scenery and easygoing adventure.

Key takeaways

St. Maarten things to do include standout beaches, bright bays and island experiences shaped by its Dutch–French blend.

Guests can snorkel colorful reefs, try local flavors or join coastal adventures that highlight the island’s scenery.

Princess excursions offer simple ways to explore top things to do in St. Maarten with helpful local insight.

Welcome to St. Maarten

A low-flying passenger jet approaches a runway directly above a crowded beach where people in swimsuits stand in the shallow turquoise water or gather on the sand to watch. Many beachgoers raise phones to capture the moment under a bright sky filled with fluffy white clouds.
Chase the island’s wildest view and feel a jet fly so close you’ll swear you could reach up and tap it.

St. Maarten has a talent for winning guests over quickly. The island blends Dutch charm with French coastal style, and that mix shows up everywhere Cafes, craft shops, beach clubs, you name it — this island is rich with a unique and blended culture.

Because the island is small, you can experience quite a lot in a single visit. Snorkel reefs in the morning, wander historical architecture by midday and settle into a quiet beach for the afternoon. If you need things to do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, you’ll find the island offers a wide range of ways to spend your day.

Guests sailing with Princess® often enjoy how close the port sits to town. You can walk into the heart of Philipsburg or join curated excursions that highlight local culture, outdoor adventure or time on the water. St. Maarten fits beautifully into Caribbean cruises, so you don’t have to miss out on any of the fun.

10 things to do in St. Maarten

A day in St. Maarten can go in plenty of directions, and it’s up to you how to shape your day. Check out these ideas and see what fits your pace and interests.

1. Snorkel vibrant reefs and marine life

A snorkeler glides above a bright coral reef in St. Maarten’s clear blue water with sunlight dancing across the coral and small tropical fish swimming in every direction.
Slip into St. Maarten’s crystal water and drift through reefs bursting with vivid color.

Snorkeling in St. Maarten feels a bit like stepping into a moving watercolor. Bright parrotfish sweep past the rocks, rays glide along the sand and the water stays clear enough that you can spot details on the reef from the surface. Creole Rock and Tintamarre are two favorites for guests who want gentle currents and colorful scenes that unfold the moment they dip their mask in.

Princess offers several ways to explore these waters, including the Circle Island Scenic Cruise, Snorkel & Beach and the Spirit of St. Maarten Luxury VIP Snorkel Cruise. Both bring you to calm spots known for turtles, reef fish and the kind of bright blues that make St. Maarten stands out.

2. Ride along the coastline on horseback

A small group of riders on horseback travels along a quiet stretch of beach in St. Maarten beside clear blue water. The horses walk calmly on the sand as gentle waves roll in and lush green vegetation lines the shore.
Explore St. Maarten’s peaceful side as you ride sandy trails and splash into the surf on horseback.

A horseback ride in St. Maarten feels wonderfully simple in the best way. The trail follows quiet stretches of sand, the waves drift in and the pace stays relaxed enough that you can take in the coastline without rushing. It’s a gentle way to see a quieter side of the island, especially if you enjoy being connected to nature.

Many guests love the stretch where the horses step right into the water, leaving soft ripples behind them. The Trail & Beach Horseback Ride & Scenic Drive excursion offers this experience with guides who know the paths well and share small island details along the way.

3. Test your bravery with the Flying Dutchman zipline

A woman wearing a helmet and gloves smiles while riding a zipline above dense green foliage on a sunny day in St. Maarten.
Soar above St. Maarten’s lush hills and feel the island rush past in one thrilling glide.

The Flying Dutchman, one of the steepest ziplines in the world, will make even the most confident adventurers pause for a moment at the top. The view stretches wide across the island, and the slope ahead looks steeper than you expect until the harness clips in and you feel that first rush forward. It’s fast, thrilling and unforgettable.

The ride is part of the Sky Explorer, Schooner Ride, Flying Dutchman & Canopy excursion, which also gives you time to explore other attractions at Rockland Estate once the adrenaline settles.

4. Take in panoramic island views at Rockland Estate

A wide view from a hillside overlooking St. Maarten with green mountains, colorful houses and calm blue water extending toward the horizon under a bright sky with scattered clouds.
Head up into St. Maarten’s lush hills and take in sweeping views that stretch from bright towns to turquoise bays.

Rockland Estate offers a completely different perspective on St. Maarten—literally. The Sky Explorer lift carries you above the treetops, giving you a quiet glide toward viewpoints that reveal beaches, hillsides and coves you might not spot from the road. It’s a calm, scenic ride with photo opportunities the entire way.

There’s also history wrapped into the landscape. The estate sits on former plantation grounds, and interpretive displays share stories tied to the island’s past. Guests can visit through the Rockland Estate & Sky Explorer excursion for wide-open views paired with a thoughtful look at local heritage.

5. Relax on Orient Bay

A wide beach in St. Maarten with pale sand, clear turquoise water and swimmers enjoying gentle waves. Green hills rise behind the shoreline under a sky filled with dramatic clouds.
Sink into Orient Bay’s soft sand and let turquoise waves turn a simple beach day into something unforgettable.

Orient Bay brings a lively, sun-drenched atmosphere to the island’s French side. The shoreline feels open and bright, the water stays a gentle shade of turquoise and the beach clubs create a welcoming setting to settle in for a few unhurried hours. It’s easygoing, social and ideal for guests craving a classic beach day.

Restaurants line the sand with fresh seafood, frozen drinks and shaded loungers. If you’d like a seamless setup with time to enjoy the water activities, the Orient Bay Beach Club Experience excursion offers a comfortable base right on the shore.

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6. Sail the coastline on a catamaran cruise

Sail off St. Maarten’s coast and stretch out on a catamaran as the island’s blue water works its magic.
Sink into Orient Bay’s soft sand and let turquoise waves turn a simple beach day into something unforgettable.

Craving a classic Caribbean day on the water? Here, catamarans skim along the coastline with a steady breeze, and once the sails fill, the island opens up in long, beautiful stretches of cliffs and coves. It’s an easy way to see corners of the shoreline you wouldn’t reach on your own.

Many cruises include stops for swimming or snorkeling, which adds a refreshing break in clear, calm bays. Guests who enjoy a relaxed pace often choose the Golden Eagle Catamaran Sail, Snorkel & Beach Break for its mix of sailing, beach time and water stops.

7. Experience St. Maarten’s culinary side

A chef uses tongs to arrange traditional island dishes on a white plate with vegetables, lime and greens. The close-up focuses on the chef’s hands and apron as the meal is prepared.
Savor St. Maarten’s traditions with island dishes plated right before your eyes.

St. Maarten’s food scene reflects its blend of cultures, and exploring it becomes a highlight for many guests. You might try a flaky Johnny cake from a local stall, sip small-batch rum that carries island-made character or learn how regional spices shape traditional dishes. Each tasting feels like a small window into local life.

Guests who love hands-on experiences can join the Local Connections: Chef’s Table Experience or try the popular Toppers Rhum tasting. Both give you time with local experts who share stories and techniques passed down through families and small producers.

8. Paddle through the island’s calm lagoon

Two people in a blue kayak move along a calm lagoon surrounded by dense green trees under a bright sky. Red paddles rest across the boat as they glide toward the still water ahead.
Drift through peaceful lagoons where glassy water and quiet scenery make every paddle feel effortless.

St. Maarten’s lagoon offers a quieter kind of adventure. The water stays smooth, the mangroves create shaded channels and the whole area feels tucked away from the bustle of town. It’s the perfect setup for guests who enjoy slow exploration and time outdoors without needing big waves or steep trails.

Along the way, you might spot birds resting in the branches or small fish darting between the roots. The Lagoon Kayaking Adventure brings you through these calm waters with guides who know the ins and outs of the island’s natural habitats.

9. Experience a once-in-a-lifetime underwater helmet dive

Two people wearing clear helmet-style breathing gear walk along the seafloor surrounded by colorful tropical fish in clear blue water. Bubbles rise above them as they explore with a guide visible in the background.
Step into the undersea world and wander through swirling schools of fish, no diving gear or certifications needed.

Want a completely unique way to explore the underwater world? Instead of swimming, this helmet diving experience lets you walk along the seafloor on a guided path while schools of fish circle around you in slow, curious swoops. The helmet keeps your hair dry and your view clear, which makes it a great fit for guests who want the magic of the reef without the snorkeling gear.

Colorful corals and friendly fish gather around the structures at Sea Trek, creating a playful, almost dreamlike scene. Guests can try it through the Helmet Diving at Sea Trek Underwater Park excursion, a favorite for beginners and seasoned water lovers alike.

10. Explore the island on a scenic Dutch–French drive

A bright yellow vintage car sits along a row of colorful buildings with palm trees and balconies on a sunny day. The scene highlights the lively architecture found in St. Maarten’s towns.
Ride through colorful streets and watch St. Maarten’s Dutch and French sides unfold in one vibrant, story-filled journey.

St. Maarten’s blend of cultures becomes even clearer once you leave the waterfront. A scenic drive reveals shifts in architecture, language and atmosphere as you cross the invisible line between the Dutch and French sides. Coastal overlooks appear at just the right moments, and villages tucked into the hills offer glimpses of daily island life.

Guides share stories tied to both halves of the island, making the route feel personal and connected rather than simply scenic. Princess offers options like the Under Two Flags Island Drive or the Easy Scenic Drive of Dutch & French St. Maarten for guests who enjoy history, views and gentle exploration by coach.

Plan your trip to St. Maarten

If you’re deciding how to shape your time in port, the best time to go is on Caribbean cruises with Princess. We offer itineraries that highlight beaches, culture and outdoor experiences across the region, including St. Maarten.

  • Soft white sands frame the coast in every direction: Orient Bay, Maho and Mullet Bay are long-time guest favorites.
  • Local flavors add character to the day: rum tastings, beachside grills and open-air cafés.
  • Connect the dots across land and sea: reef snorkeling, panoramic drives, easygoing catamaran sails and more.

You can do it all when you sail with Princess on one of our luxury cruise ships that will take you to St. Maarten and beyond. Ready to plan your visit? Get started today!

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