Maho Beach
Region: south of Simpson Bay
nature
The world's most thrilling beach with passenger planes passing just tens of meters overhead.
Tourism in Sint Maarten
Explore notable sights and destinations in this country
Tourist attractions
Philipsburg Boardwalk
Region: Great Bay
modern architecture
Seaside promenade lined with restaurants and souvenir shops; also cruise ship gateway.
Front Street
Region: central Philipsburg
cultural heritage
Shopping street with duty-free jewelry stores and 19th-century architecture.
Fort Amsterdam
Region: Great Bay promontory
historical ruins
Fortress ruins built in 1631 with good views and pelican nesting site.
Loterie Farm
Region: foothills of Pic Paradis
nature
Former sugarcane plantation with rainforest trail, pool, and restaurant.
Rainforest Adventures (Zipline)
Region: emerald mine ruins
modern attraction
Descend from mountaintop on world's fastest zipline "Flying Dutchman."
Simpson Bay Lagoon
Region: western island
nature
Vast inland sea enjoyable for kayaking and SUP with beautiful sunset views.
Guavaberry Emporium
Region: Philipsburg
cultural experience
Island's signature guavaberry liqueur tasting and distillery tour available.
Mullet Bay Beach
Region: western island
nature
White sand beach with high transparency shallow sea and golf course views.
Sint Maarten Museum
Region: Philipsburg
cultural heritage
Small museum exhibiting materials from indigenous times to present.
Great Salt Pond Observatory
Region: outskirts of Philipsburg
nature
Salt pond history and migratory bird watching spot.
Suggested itineraries
Weekend Resort Enjoyment 2-day Course
Duration (days): 2
Highlights: Maho Beach, Philipsburg walk, seafood BBQ
Condensing beach, duty-free shopping, and evening casino for short stays.
Island Tour Drive & Cultural Experience 3-day Course
Duration (days): 3
Highlights: Fort Amsterdam, Loterie Farm, French side visit
Leisurely enjoying nature and history by circling the island by rental car.
Active 5-day Plan
Duration (days): 5
Highlights: zipline, diving, Heineken Regatta viewing
Greedy plan covering marine sports and mountain activities.
Travel tips
- US dollars and credit cards are most convenient; prepare small amounts of cash.
- Travel insurance and flexible schedule are essential during hurricane-prone August-October.
- Tap water is purified, but bottled water is recommended.
- Buses are shared minivan format; check destination display on windshield.
- Strong sunlight requires constant SPF30+ sunscreen.
- Voltage is 110V/60Hz, US-style A and B plugs.
- At restaurants, confirm whether service charge is included at checkout.
- Dress code is casual smart when leaving the beach.
- Euros can be used on French side, but change may be given in euros when paying with dollars.
- Reef-safe sunscreen is recommended for coral protection.
- Taxis have no meters, so negotiate fare before boarding.
- Island Wi-Fi is widespread but unstable in mountainous areas.
- Road signs are bilingual in Dutch and English.
- Front Street is very crowded during weekend cruise ship rush hours.
- Long sleeves and insect repellent spray are recommended near wetlands with many mosquitoes.