Local experts weigh in on how to explore the Caribbean island.
Top 5 Cant Miss
Explore Philipsburg.
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Philipsburg, the capital of St. Maarten, is a charming town worthy of exploration.
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Hike to the top of Pic Paradis.
Sample traditional Caribbean fare.
Lee also recommends trying guavaberry liqueur, the national drink of St. Martin.
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The small red berries it’s made from are native to the island.
Explore the underwater world.
you’ve got the option to see the underwater sights just by snorkeling.
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Watch planes fly overhead at Maho Beach.
Find your perfect stretch of sand.
Sip rum at Topper’s Rhum Distillery.
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What would a trip to the Caribbean be without tasting local rum?
Sample unique flavors and learn all about the blending process atTopper’s Rhum Distillerynear Simpson Bay Beach.
Hop over to neighboring islands.
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Race sailboats on an Americas Cup course.
Dance to live music at 978 Sanctorum.
Dive with sharks at Big Mama’s Reef.
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This is a prime destination for adventure-minded travelers looking for a thrilling wildlife encounter.
Shark diving is serious business that typically requires scuba certification.
If you’re qualified and have the time, consider a multiday trip to the reef on aliveaboard ship.
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Enjoy water sports on Orient Bay.
Expect Jet Ski rentals, as well as parasailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and kitesurfing opportunities.
Located right on the beach,Bikini Watersportoffers all kinds of rentals, plus fishing charters and flyboard excursions.
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Take the ferry to Pinel Island.
Swim with turtles off of Tintamarre Island.
Also called “Flat Island,” the destination is a little farther than Pinel Island.
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TheTintamarre Expresswill take you there for a half or full day.
Eat authentic French cuisine.
St. Martin’s French influence makes the island a great spot to samplela cuisine Francaise.
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You’ll even sense a slight Asian twist with menu items like Thai crab croquettes and hoisin duck tacos.
Visit David’s Hole.
David’s Holeis ideal for travelers looking for a more off-the-beaten-path destination.
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Zip line through the rain forest at Loterie Farm.
Loterie Farmis one of the best places to enjoy the island’s rich, forested interior.
The nature-filled sanctuary has its own zip line that sails through a lush canopy of mango and mahogany trees.
It also contains the starting point for the trek to the summit of Pic Paradis.
Take a cultural heritage tour.
Chemont recommends exploring St. Martin with the experts atSeagrape Tours.
The operator’s cultural heritage tours cut across the international border to showcase the entire island’s historical sites.
Visit Parotte Ville.
Ride a chairlift to Sentry Hill.
Unbeatable ocean views await and without any strenuous trekking involved.
