Water Based Fun

Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, with several uninhabited islands close by, you haven't experienced St Maarten - St Martin without a day on the water. Take a sailing catamaran yacht for a snorkeling adventure, or visit St.Marteens' famous neighbors Anguilla or St. Barths by boat.

One of the island's unique geographical features is the huge, landlocked Simpson Bay Lagoon, where several boats are offering cruises in totally calm water - no chance to get seasick here, even for the most sensitive stomach. Enjoy a sunset cruise, or explore the island's nightlife with a 'bar crawl'.

Take sailing lessons on a competent, little 24-footer, or rent a power boat for the day to explore the island's coast line and remote beaches.

There are many, many more water sport activities to be found.

Land Based Activities

Golf: The 18 hole golf course at Mullet Bay is open to the public, even though the resort around still hasn't been rebuild since its hurricane forced closing in 1995. The course is praised by many experienced golfers as attractive. The pro-shop is open and can be reached at 545-2801.

There is a mini-golf facility in Cole Bay (Simpson Bay), close to the Paradise Casino.

Bowling: The bowling alley is located in Philipsburg in the A.T. Illidge Road, Madame Estates, next to a Shell station. Call 543-0203 for opening hours.

Loterie Farm: One of the highlights to be visited is Loterie Farm (Phone: 0590 590 878-616) in the mountainous center of the island. This private nature reserve features the only intact tropical forest system on St Martin, with two hundred year old mango trees (pick some fruits in season) and the tallest palms. There are guided hikes through the forest, showing you traces of the former sugar plantation, with fascinating historical information about the harsh live of the slaves working here before, about the herbs used during these days for medicinal purposes and much more.

Loterie Farm is also home of 'The Fly Zone': Zip lines connect the huge trees and suspended above the ground, you will 'zip' with amazing speed from tree to tree. There are obstacles, such as rope bridges to be mastered. Completing the track can take up to two hours and is a real work out. Cost is about $40 per person.

Need some wheels?

Even though St Maarten/St Martin with a landmass of 36 square miles is only a tiny speck in the ocean, there is an amazing variety of landscapes. Many activities away from beach and water are offered to the visitor. If you had your fill of sailing, jet-skiing, snorkeling and sunburning, don't leave the island before you have explored it by car. It is safe for visitors to drive around - local drivers are courteous and tolerant of visitors trying to find their way. Rental car rates are amongst the lowest in the world: get a new model, top-maintained car from Empress Rent-a-Car for between $25 to $40 per day (depending on season and model).

Stay away from scooters.
There are as expensive as cars, but much too dangerous for someone not familiar with the local roads and driving habits. If you like to explore on two wheels and you are experienced with motorcycles, you might be interested to rent a Harley Davidson.
Several models are available. Still not as safe as a car, but at least you get a bit more respect than on a scooter.