St. Maarten's modern amenities cater to every interest, from watersports to horseback riding. The opportunity for an exciting, active vacation is never far away.

Boating:
St. Maarten is one of the Caribbean's leading sailing venues, playing host each year to the Heineken Regatta and offering plenty of stunning anchorages. Fully-equipped marinas welcome visiting boats and rent everything from speedboats to canoes. Day trips can also be arranged for deep-sea fishing or for visits to secluded nearby islands.

Diving:
The rich coral reefs right off the coast offer a wide variety of underwater sights. The island has numerous dive shops, all of which can provide scuba equipment and lessons. In addition to the reefs, two separate shipwreck sites are popular destinations. For a look at marine life after dark, night dives can also be arranged. For more information, click here.

Watersports:
Watersports have become an important part of the St. Maarten experience. Beaches and resorts around the island offer windsurfing board rentals and lessons. Jet skis are another popular option, and most people can master riding the waves after two or three tries. The calm, protected waters of Simpson Bay Lagoon are perfect for waterskiing. For a real thrill, parasailing gives adventurers the chance to lift off the beach and take in the views from the air.

Marinas:

Yachtclub at Isle de Sol
Airport Road Simpson Bay
St Maarten
Phone: 5995-442408
Fax: 5995-442906
US: 1-800-773-6973
www.yachtclubisledesol.com

Palapa Marina
Airport Road
St Maarten
Phone: 5995-452735
Fax: 5995-452510
www.palapamarina.com

Bobby’s Marina
PO Box 383
Philipsburg St Maarten
Phone: 5995-422366
Fax: 5995-425442
www.bobbysmarina.com

Snorkeling:
Snorkeling is a popular activity on many of St. Maarten's beaches. Outstanding water clarity allows excellent views of colorful fish and coral, while the warm water welcomes swimmers year-round. A number of coral reefs are within easy reach of Dawn Beach and Little Bay Beach, so snorkelers won't have far to go for a first-hand view of marine life.

Dolphin Swimming

Offshore Sunsations Activity Center
Palm Plaza # 3
Cole Bay Sint Maarten
Phone: 599 552 6026
Contact: zippity@neo.rr.com

Biking:
The main road which circles the island offers an excellent introductory tour. It's a vigorous workout (35 miles/56 km for the whole circuit), combining stunning views of the coastline with peaceful stretches in the unspoiled hillsides. Mountain biking is best pursued along the trails surrounding Paradise Peak, the highest point on the island (1400 ft/420 m). The road around Simpson Bay Lagoon is just right for a more relaxed ride.

Golf:
The 18-hole golf course at Mullet Bay Resort is the only one on the island. It is considered one of the most challenging in the Caribbean. While resort guests have first priority, the course is open to the public who make reservations in advance.

Tennis:
Many of St. Maarten's resorts have tennis courts available for both day and night games. All are open to the public who make reservations in advance and pay an hourly fee.

Running:
The Road Runners Club of St. Maarten invites all visitors to join in a Fun Run every Wednesday. On Sundays, there's an early bird run of two to fifteen kilometers, starting at the Pelican Resort and Casino. Additional runs are scheduled throughout the year.

Horseback Riding:
Several operators offer horseback riding excursions across the countryside of the interior and along the coast. Some rides end on the beach, with both horses and riders wading out into the cool sea. Riders of all skill levels are welcome.

Shopping:
Shopping on St. Maarten can easily become a full-time activity. As a completely duty-free port, the island offers international luxury items for as little as one half of their usual prices. The stores along Front Street in Philipsburg are stocked with high-fashion clothing, elegant jewelry, and top-of-the-line electronics. Resorts like Maho Bay have boutiques open late into the night.

Skydiving:
Tandem-skydiving, a new development on St. Maarten, offers visitors the chance to see the whole island in a way unlike any other: coming straight at them at 120 MPH. After only a 5-minute briefing, an experienced skydiver will accompany passengers on exhilarating, 30-second freefall from 9000 feet.