St. Maarten

The oldest Dutch fort in the Caribbean, built in 1631 on a dramatic headland with sweeping views over Great Bay and the cruise pier. The ruins are free to explore at your own pace.

The Dutch colonial courthouse (1793) anchors Philipsburg's main square — a lively free public space framed by pastel buildings, street food carts, and a waterfront boardwalk.

One of the most extraordinary spots in the world — jets on final approach to Princess Juliana Airport pass just 10–20 metres overhead as you stand on the beach. The blast at takeoff is legendary.

A tropical enclosure home to hundreds of free-flying exotic butterflies from around the world. Guides explain metamorphosis and you can coax butterflies onto your hand.

A floating dock restaurant in Simpson Bay Lagoon serving refined Caribbean-French cuisine — pan-seared mahi-mahi, lobster bisque, and a wine list to match. Stunning water views.

A popular waterfront institution on the Philipsburg boardwalk serving burgers, fresh catch, ribs, and signature rum punches. Great location right off the pier.

A chic French-side beach restaurant on Orient Beach serving fresh grilled fish, moules frites, and rosé under palm-thatched shade. The French side vibe is decidedly more relaxed.

A Simpson Bay favourite with generous portions of local lobster, grilled snapper, and Black Angus steaks. Lively open-air setting on the lagoon side.

A beloved hole-in-the-wall local spot serving authentic St. Maarten cooking — salt fish and fungi, BBQ ribs, stewed chicken, and johnnycakes. Locals-only prices.

The legendary bar directly beside the runway threshold at Maho Beach — cold beers in hand while watching jets skim overhead. A unique experience anywhere in the world.

A laid-back beachside bar on Kim Sha Beach in Simpson Bay — hammocks, cold rum punches, and great views of planes landing over Simpson Bay Lagoon.

A hip, Instagram-famous beach bar on Simpson Bay with colourful Caribbean decor, frozen cocktails, and a DJ most afternoons. The kind of place that makes you miss your ship.

The best breakfast spot on the Dutch side — flaky croissants, Dutch-style open sandwiches, fresh-squeezed juices, and excellent coffee. Beloved by locals and expats alike.

A simple, friendly café on the Philipsburg boardwalk ideal for a quick espresso and pastry between the shops. Outdoor seating overlooks Great Bay.

A wide, mile-long sandy beach just steps from the cruise pier — calm turquoise water perfect for swimming, with loungers, vendors, and beach bars along the boardwalk.

Widely regarded as the finest beach on the island — 2km of pristine golden sand on the French side, with calm turquoise water, beach clubs, watersports, and a clothing-optional area at the south end.

A beautiful crescent beach near the airport — clear calm water, soft sand, and far fewer tourists than Maho next door. One of the Dutch side's best-kept secrets.

Pilot your own inflatable powerboat through Simpson Bay Lagoon to a snorkelling spot at Creole Rock — a 2.5-hour guided adventure suitable for all ages and experience levels.

A small rocky islet at the entrance to Grand Case Bay on the French side teeming with reef fish, sea turtles, and coral — among the best snorkelling sites on the island without a boat trip.

A 3-hour guided ATV tour through St. Maarten's hillside interior — panoramic views across both the French and Dutch sides, local rum tastings, and a swimming stop at a scenic cove.

Race actual America's Cup 12-metre yachts against other cruise passenger crews in Great Bay — one of the most exhilarating and hands-on experiences available in the Caribbean.

Kayak across the shallow channel to tiny Pinel Island (Îlet Pinel) on the French side — a car-free island nature reserve with excellent snorkelling, two beach restaurants, and postcard-perfect scenery.