Things to do in Sint Maarten (Dutch part)

Stand on the sand directly under the flight path as jumbo jets roar just overhead before touching down at Princess Juliana International Airport—an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind photo op.

Stretch out on the wide curve of golden sand fronting Philipsburg’s boardwalk, with calm turquoise water, beach bars, and views of passing cruise ships.

Browse a lively stretch of jewelry shops, electronics, and boutiques on this colourful Caribbean shopping strip, where you can snag tax-free bargains.

Wander the stone ramparts and rusty cannons of this 17th-century Dutch fort perched on a peninsula, offering panoramic views over Little Bay and Great Bay.

Soar down the Sentry Hill Zip Line and the heart-pumping Flying Dutchman—the world's steepest zip line—through the lush hillside estate overlooking the sea.

Uncover the island's layered past through Arawak artifacts, plantation-era exhibits, and salt-panning stories in a small but engaging heritage museum.

Sail out into the Caribbean with a drink in hand as the sky ignites in orange and pink, with the coastal silhouette of Sint Maarten glowing in the twilight.

Slip into the clear, calm waters off this crescent of white sand to spot colourful reef fish and sea fans just a short swim from the shore.

Try the flaky, deep-fried dough bread at a roadside lolo, where locals gather for authentic Caribbean barbecue and hearty, affordable meals.

Head to Maho’s buzzing entertainment strip after dark for DJ beats, tropical cocktails, and a lively crowd that keeps the party going until dawn.

Escape the crowds on this wild, windswept stretch backed by cliffs—perfect for a solitary walk, dramatic rock formations, and powerful surf.

Approach the historic fort from the water for a pirate’s-eye view of its stone walls and the turquoise cove, then wade ashore to explore.

Scramble over sandstone cliffs at low tide to discover shallow, sun-warmed pools filled with tiny marine life, tucked into the island’s westernmost cove.

Step into a quirky museum packed with original Star Wars and movie memorabilia curated by Nick Maley, the creature designer who helped build Yoda.

Descend to the coral-encrusted remains of an 1801 British frigate lying in shallow water, now a thriving artificial reef teeming with fish and rays.

Join the island’s biggest annual party with vibrant parades, calypso music, and elaborate costumes that transform Philipsburg into a cultural spectacle each spring.

Pull over at this scenic lookout high above Simpson Bay Lagoon for sweeping vistas of mega-yachts, mangrove cays, and the island's interior green hills.

Walk the rocky shoreline to find calm, crystal-clear basins carved by the sea, ideal for a refreshing dip away from crowded beaches.

Tee off on an 18-hole course framed by lagoons and ocean breezes, where iguanas often spectate from the rough as you navigate tropical fairways.

Sample this creamy, spinach-like soup made with okra, coconut milk, and spices at a local eatery—a comforting taste of Caribbean home cooking.

Paddle the calm, sheltered waters of the lagoon, gliding through narrow mangrove channels where shorebirds nest and sea turtles occasionally surface.

Discover vivid Caribbean and European paintings and sculptures in an intimate gallery on Front Street, showcasing works by local and resident artists.

Stroll through the atmospheric remains of a 19th-century sugar estate, with crumbling stone walls, old boiling coppers, and a backdrop of green hills.

Saddle up for a guided ride along a quiet, undeveloped beach, with the sound of hooves in the surf and uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea.

Encounter over 80 species of tropical birds, monkeys, and reptiles in a compact, family-friendly zoo nestled in the Madame Estate residential area.