Activities in St. Martin

When planning a trip to the Caribbean, most people imagine themselves lying on the beach with the sun beating down on them and a fruity drink in hand.  While this is a great way to spend your St. Martin trip, there is plenty to do for those who envision a more exciting vacation.

Water Sports

Rather than spending the day covered in sand, another way to experience St. Martin's beaches is by getting out in the water.  Swimming through the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea is like nothing you'll ever experience, and many vacationers choose to take their exploration a step further. By renting some snorkeling equipment, or going on a scuba or snuba tour, you can catch a glimpse of what life under the water's surface is like. You can get an up-close and personal look at coral reef, marine life, and even a few sunken ships. Read more about diving and snorkeling here.

The waters off the coast of St. Martin are really great for deep sea, big game fishing. If you're an angler at heart, you won't want to miss the opportunity to pull in a big catch like dolphin, marlin, or wahoo. You can rent your own boat and head out on the waters on your own, or take part in a fishing tour, where the company will often cook your fish for you to eat upon your arrival back at shore.

If fishing isn't your thing, there are other tours of St. Martin's waters available, from dinner cruises to crewed chartered boats that will help you to sail around St. Martin and other islands in the Caribbean.  Just discuss your desired itinerary with your captain, and you can spend a few glorious days exploring the Caribbean Sea.

Sports

Staying active is important to many vacationers, and there are plenty of sports available in St. Martin/St. Maarten to help them keep in shape. Hiking and biking around the island are great ways to get in some exercise, as well as see the sites. Swimming is another great option. 

If you play tennis regularly, you're in luck here as well. Many resorts on the island have tennis courts that are available to guests as part of their room cost, and some even offer a few hours of instruction. Golfers don't have quite as much luck as tennis players, as there is only one golf course in St. Maarten, and it is only open to the public on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

If you prefer to watch sports rather than participate in them, there are a number of options. St. Martin has a wide variety of athletic programs, including baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball, and track and field teams. Regardless of when you choose to visit, there is always one sport or another in season. 

Events and Festivals

Attending an event and festival during your St. Martin/St. Maarten vacation is a great way to experience local culture, sample local food, and purchase locally made souvenirs. For  a glimpse at a celebration unique to the Caribbean, visit St. Martin during Carnaval season, which occurs in February in St. Martin and April in St. Maarten. Click here to read more about St. Martin's events and festivals. 

Shopping

Shopping in St. Martin is duty free, which means travelers are exempt from paying customs taxes on the items when they return home. There are so many great deals to be had, especially in Phillipsburgh, that people visit St. Martin strictly for a day of shopping when they are on vacation in other Caribbean islands. Check out Front Street for jewelry, and Maho Plaza for name brand offerings.

Nightlife

St. Martin/St. Maarten has more bars per capita than any other Caribbean island, and very few bars and clubs have cover charges. This means you can enjoy a night on the town – or every night on the town – at minimal cost to you. You can also visit a casino in St. Maarten, or attend one of the lively events that your resort is likely to host free of charge to guests. Read more about nightlife here.

And this is just the tip of the ice berg. Available activities in St. Martin extend beyond what is listed here, as you'll learn as you get out and explore the island. You may not know exactly where your vacation will take you, but with an open mind you are sure to enjoy the journey.