Splashdown!
St. Maarten/St. Martin is a playground for water lovers.
If you want to get a real feel for the tropical paradise you’ve chosen to visit, just jump right in. St. Maarten/St. Martin is surrounded by the warm, richly hued waters of the Antilles Archipelago, and that means one thing for active vacationers: It’s time to play!
Let go of those workaday worries and discover why wetter is better — above and below the waves. Make like the dolphins and swim like the water is your home, grab a board and ride the surf, dive deep and hang with schools of multi-colored fish, or hook up with a parasail and fly high above the coast.
Maybe there’s a water sport you’ve long wanted to try but thought you didn’t have the time. Well, now you do, and there are plenty of island experts on hand to guide you every step of the way.
So what are you waiting for? Make a splash!
On the Waves
On this island shared by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and France, you’ll discover an extensive menu of water sports and activities. Go surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing and bodyboarding, or try your hand at SUPsquatch, a giant inflatable paddleboard suitable for surfing.
Other activities include jet-skiing, waterskiing and canoeing. Contact Tri-Sport for thrilling kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) adventures. And don’t overlook your water babies. The island offers safe, fun options for kids.
Boating is a great way to get to know St. Maarten/St. Martin, and the island offers myriad ways to make your introductions. Rent a sailboat, catamaran, motor craft or mega-yacht and take the helm for a day. Go for a dinghy or day sail. You can even sit back in comfort and watch a race at the Heineken Regatta in March.
A sea tour as well is a great way to spend a day. Aqua Mania Adventures offers a variety of island hopping and other day trips. You can also sign up for a sailing catamaran, powerboat or sailing cruise at Eagle Tours. In addition, the Sint Maarten Yacht Club offers sailing classes for young and old, as well as laser rentals. And Nitro Charters can take you out for offshore fishing and snorkel adventures.
Above the Waves
Wish you could take off like a caped superhero and soar above the ocean blue? Then hydroflying is the water sport for you. The term may be new to you but not to the folks at Sea Fun SXM. They’ll show you several adrenalin-pumping ways to kiss the sky.
With a flyboard, you step into wakeboard-style boots that are attached to a platform you operate with a controller. Hoverboarding combines flyboarding and something like surfing on a skateboard to give you an unforgettable Back to the Future sort of thrill. Or strap on a jet pack and give your inner Rocket Man permission to zoom. All three devices are powered by compressed water, and they’re easier to tackle than you might imagine — not to mention loads of fun!
Below the Waves
The waters and coral reefs surrounding St. Maarten/St. Martin offer myriad opportunities to meet and greet the local sea life. All waters are designated as protected marine parks and offer excellent opportunities for divers. Dive trips center on interesting old wrecks and stunning coral reefs, or you can sign on for an exciting night dive or a plunge with sharks.
Sea Trek offers helmet diving and safe, easy sea walks. In addition, most island dive operators conduct PADI certification courses and set you up with gear. Aqua Mania Adventures’ Discover Scuba experience is not a certification course, but you can get credit toward PADI Scuba Diver or Open Water Diver certification. Already certified but a little out of practice? Local dive operators will take you on a refresher tour.
If you prefer to snorkel, there are plenty of great opportunities, either on your own or with a group. Prime snorkeling sites include Simpson Bay Beach, Îlet Pinel, Tintamarre, Friar’s Bay, Baie Rouge, Little Bay, Cupecoy Beach, Dawn Beach and, perhaps, the best snorkeling spot of all, Creole Rock off the shore of Grand Case.
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