5 unique things to do in St. Maarten you can’t do anywhere else
There’s no shortage of uniqueness in St. Maarten, a quaint little island country in the Caribbean. The island itself is already divided between two worlds: the French overseas collectivity and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. These two very different cultures share this little island in Paradise. But it is not only the cultural diversity that makes this gorgeous island unique. There are plenty of other exceptional things to explore. Use our list to make sure you won’t miss out on any of the fun!
1. Boost your adrenaline on the World’s Steepest Zipline
The Rockland Estate Eco-park in Philipsburg is the home of the steepest zipline of the world called “Flying Dutchman” with a grade of 42%. Not entirely convinced yet that you’d want to risk a heart attack just for the sake of it? Well, let us tell you a little more about this unforgettable adventure: The venue also features a 360-degree jaw-dropping vista at the peak of Sint Maarten’s highest point. The park also offers four different rides to make sure that both thrill seekers and vacationers on the safer side find a suitable adventure. We recommend you take the chair lift called Soualiga Sky Explorer to the Crow’s Nest where you’ll have plenty of time to admire the beautiful landscape. You will also find a great restaurant and a museum at the bottom of the hill.
2. Watch planes land at Maho Beach
One of the most iconic sights of the island is the airport itself. The runway of Princess Juliana International Airport is so close to the ocean that the planes fly only about 35 meters above Maho Beach, which is about the same as the height of a taller apartment building. As they land, they get even closer to the beach. Should you take a flight to Sint Maarten and experience this crazy runway from first hand or go to the beach to watch the planes, be prepared to be blown away – sometimes literally. There is something scary and fascinating about this airport. Get ready for a windy adventure and experience the power of a plane landing or taking off on your own skin! While waiting for the largest planes to approach the island, have a drink at the famous Sunset Beach Bar where you can even listen to the radio transmission between the pilots and the air traffic control. Be prepared, check the flight schedule in advance here.
Excursions that stop at Maho Beach for plane spotting
3. Match the uniqueness of St. Martin by creating your own unique scent
The charming little fishing village of Grand Case is the home of the unique Tijon Perfume Making Laboratory where you can learn all about how your favourite cologne is made. Take part in an short or extensive workshop where you can create your own scent or browse around the handmade perfumes, soaps and creams!
4. Three meals - three countries - one day
Can you picture having breakfast at the Dutch, lunch at the Brits and dinner at the French? Maybe not in Europe, unless you have access to a private plane. But it’s not impossible on St. Maarten! The two sides of SXM already offer the opportunity of having two meals on different sides: breakfast on the Dutch side and dinner on the French. Dinner, of course, on the French side because nothing beats a dinner with French sophistication. During the day, simply pop over to Anguilla for lunch in an organized speedboat or catamaran day trip, or take a private charter or the public ferry for a wholesome experience.
Check the ferry schedule to Anguilla in our latest blog post on island hopping between the two islands or opt for a more convenient speedboat transfer.
5. Connect to nature at Loterie Farm
Loterie Farm caters to the relaxed and more adventurous nature lovers as well. This secluded spot on the French side of St. Martin offers both an adrenaline-pumping treetop adventure tour with ziplining and a wonderful gastronomical experience. For active leisure, enjoy a self-guided or guided hiking tour though the tropical forest and get to know the fascinating flora and fauna of the
island! You’ll be treated to a breathtaking view at 1400 feet above sea level after a 2 mile hike. If you fancy some more adventure, try the Fly Zone Extreme ziplines that can be a great fun activity for the whole family at a reasonable price. You’ll never run out of things to do at Loterie Farm.
The place also features a great restaurant with international and French cuisine. And if you’ve had enough of the amazing treats at the Tree Lounge, opt for some cocktails with your BFF by the L'Eau Lounge Pool for a truly exclusive experience.
Open from 7 days a week from 9:00 am.