Sint Maarten is a fantastic outdoor playground for families, offering a blend of adrenaline-pumping adventures and serene natural wonders. Here are the top Saint Martin and Sint Maarten accommodation rentals with 10 outdoor activities that will create lasting memories for both kids and parents.
1. The Pinel Island Day Trip: A Perfect Family Adventure
Just a short, scenic ferry ride from Cul-de-Sac on the French side lies the pristine paradise of Pinel Island. This is arguably the ideal family excursion, offering a little bit of everything in a safe, contained environment.
Why Families Love It: The water between the mainland and Pinel is shallow, calm, and crystal-clear, making it a giant, natural wading pool for younger children. Older kids and adults can snorkel right off the beach, where they’re almost guaranteed to spot friendly, curious sea turtles and colorful fish. The island has two main beaches, easy hiking trails leading to a scenic overlook, and two fantastic beach restaurants (like Karibuni) where you can enjoy lunch with your feet in the sand. It’s a manageable, full-day adventure that feels worlds away.
2. Snorkeling at Creole Rock
Located just off the coast of Grand Case, Creole Rock is a protected marine site that serves as a natural aquarium, making it the best spot on the island for beginner and intermediate family snorkeling.
Why Families Love It: The rock is surrounded by relatively calm, shallow waters. The marine life is abundant and used to people, with schools of tropical fish, rays, and occasionally sea turtles. Many local tour operators from Philipsburg, Simpson Bay, and Grand Case offer half-day snorkel trips that include Creole Rock as a stop, often combined with other sites. It’s an easy and rewarding way to introduce children to the wonders of the underwater world.
3. A Catamaran Sail to Tintamarre Island and the “Natural Pool”
For a truly classic Caribbean day, book a family-friendly catamaran tour to the uninhabited Tintamarre Island. These tours are designed with fun and relaxation in mind.
Why Families Love It: The sail itself is a thrill, with the catamaran gliding over the turquoise sea. At Tintamarre, families can rub the island’s famous white clay on their skin for a fun, natural spa treatment. The main attraction for kids is often the “Natural Pool,” a calm, shallow area enclosed by sandbars where they can splash and swim safely. These tours typically include snorkeling gear, a delicious lunch, and drinks, making it a completely seamless and unforgettable day out on the water.
4. Ziplining and Treetop Adventures at Loterie Farm
For families with older children and teens seeking an adrenaline rush, Loterie Farm on the French side is a must-visit. This private nature reserve offers a thrilling way to experience the island’s lush interior.
Why Families Love It: The “Fly Zone” extreme course features a series of ziplines, rope bridges, and Tarzan swings that propel you through the jungle canopy. It’s a challenging and exciting activity that builds confidence. For parents or less adventurous members, Loterie Farm is also home to the “Hidden Forest Cafe” and a stunning, tranquil pool club, offering a perfect blend of high-energy fun and sophisticated relaxation all in one location.
5. Plane-Spotting at Maho Beach
While not a traditional “activity,” a visit to Maho Beach is a unique and unforgettable sensory experience that fascinates visitors of all ages.
Why Families Love It: The sheer awe of watching massive commercial jets descend just feet overhead is a thrill unlike any other. Kids will be mesmerized by the roar of the engines and the powerful jet blast. It’s best to visit for a short, focused period—check the airport schedule online for the arrival of larger planes. Crucial Safety Tip: Always hold younger children’s hands tightly and stand to the sides of the beach, never directly behind the engines of a departing aircraft.
6. Exploring the “Wild Side” at Happy Bay
For families that enjoy a sense of discovery, a trip to Happy Bay is a perfect mini-adventure. This beautiful, secluded beach is inaccessible by car, which keeps the crowds away.
Why Families Love It: The 15-minute hike from Friar’s Bay is an easy and fun trek through a scenic path, making the arrival at the pristine, undeveloped beach feel like a true reward. The waters are calm and excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Pack a picnic and plenty of water, and you can spend hours enjoying this “secret” cove, building sandcastles and exploring the rocky outcrops at either end. It’s a wonderful way to escape the busier, more commercialized beaches.
7. A Scenic Hike to Fort Louis
Combine a bit of history with stunning panoramic views with a family hike up to Fort Louis in Marigot. The climb is short and manageable for most children, and the payoff is immense.
Why Families Love It: The well-maintained path leads to the ruins of this 18th-century fort, where kids can let their imaginations run wild, playing explorer and pirate. From the top, you are treated to a breathtaking 360-degree view of Marigot, the Simpson Bay Lagoon, and the neighboring island of Anguilla. It’s a free activity that provides fantastic photo opportunities and a great lesson in the island’s colonial history.
8. Kayaking or Paddleboarding in Simpson Bay Lagoon
The massive, calm waters of the Simpson Bay Lagoon are an ideal place for families to try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking.
Why Families Love It: The lagoon is protected from the ocean waves, making it a safe and stress-free environment for beginners. You can rent equipment from several vendors along the shore. Paddling across the glassy water offers a unique perspective of the island, the mega-yachts in the marina, and the planes taking off from the airport. It’s a peaceful yet active way to spend a morning or afternoon together.
9. Riding the “Funboard” at Orient Bay Beach
Orient Bay is the epicenter of water sports on the island, and it’s the perfect place for older kids and teens to try something new. The “Funboard” is a great starting point.
Why Families Love It: A Funboard is a large, stable, inflatable board that you can kneel or stand on, towed by a boat. It’s much easier and less intimidating than water-skiing or wakeboarding. Operators on Orient Bay offer this and other thrilling rides like banana boats. It provides a short burst of exhilarating fun, after which the family can relax on the vibrant beach and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
10. A Relaxing Beach Day at Grand Case Beach
After days of adventure, a classic, low-key beach day is essential. The beaches in Grand Case, particularly Petite Plage, are perfect for this.
Why Families Love It: The water here is exceptionally calm, clear, and shallow, functioning as a giant, safe bathtub for young children. The soft sand is perfect for castle-building. The proximity to the restaurants of Grand Case means you can easily grab a casual lunch or a delicious ice cream without a long trek. It’s the ultimate setting for a day of pure, uncomplicated family relaxation and play.
By mixing these activities, your family can experience the full spectrum of what Sint Maarten has to offer—from great St Martin Sint Maarten luxury vacation home rentals, the thrill of the jungle canopy and the awe of low-flying jets to the serenity of a hidden beach and the wonder of its underwater world.
