St. Maarten Day Trips: Top 5 Island Adventures & Tours

St. Maarten, you know, it’s almost like the perfect starting point for Caribbean exploration, right? Think of it maybe like this friendly home base from where you can hop to lots of other seriously cool spots. Very many people might not realize that a St. Maarten vacation can easily include incredible day trips to nearby islands and, very very occasionally, secret beaches too, which just offers like a whole new layer to your experience. The choice is almost certainly yours: You can take boat rides, see gorgeous views and taste all of those super tasty local flavors. So, let’s get going, and by that, I mean let’s check out the absolute best day trips from St. Maarten that people just love.

1. Anguilla: A Slice of Paradise Very Nearby

Anguilla is so close by, right? It’s a super popular choice for anyone looking for a little bit of extra island bliss. Imagine this: sparkling waters, super white beaches, and you’re just there, chilling, more or less, away from any real crowds. Getting to Anguilla is almost too easy; you’ll typically find ferries that go a few times a day from Marigot or Philipsburg. Once you get there, you could be exploring famous beaches such as Rendezvous Bay, known for how calm and chill it typically is, and Shoal Bay East, with its super pretty sands and a very fun beach bar atmosphere.

For lunch, maybe you want to find yourself some fancy beachside dining spot or perhaps a totally laid-back local eatery? You know, Anguilla tends to be famous for super delicious seafood, and you’ll find that grilled lobster is rather a specialty. Then, really, you may just spend your afternoon soaking up the sun, maybe take a swim, or heck, even see if you can get in a little bit of snorkeling in those super clear waters. Anyway, Anguilla provides like this awesome mix of chill and upscale charm, that just could make it that super perfect day trip.

2. Saba: The Unspoiled Queen

Alright, have you maybe heard of Saba? Sometimes called the “Unspoiled Queen” of the Caribbean, very, very rarely do people expect just how striking it may just be. You know, unlike a lot of your usual flat, sandy Caribbean islands, Saba sticks up like a very tall, volcanic peak kind of towering out of the sea. Basically, to get there, it’s normally a ferry ride from St. Maarten, typically about 90 minutes, which ends up being a super scenic adventure itself. People head to Saba often because it’s amazing for hiking, with trails that wind all around, like up into the cloud forests and lead you to stunning views. The Mount Scenery trail? People tend to find that it’s pretty challenging, yes, but honestly the reward is always the totally breathtaking view from the tippy top.

If you’re much more into doing some underwater things, Saba is known to be really, really something to see for diving and snorkeling. Its waters are so very full of sea life, healthy corals, and a very unique underwater landscape because it has lava flows. The island may just have a few very small villages, like The Bottom, that may just make you think that you went way back in time to some other, way different era. So, if you maybe like your travels to be all about adventure and really cool landscapes, Saba, is almost certainly the one for you.

3. Tintamarre Island: A Secluded Paradise

Alright, Tintamarre Island is that kind of gem many people just look for when it may just be about finding pure relaxation and to get to some secluded vibes. People find it easily accessible by boat trips from St. Maarten, these cruises will often give you the chance to snorkel along the way, right? As you make your way toward Tintamarre. People know this place for its very peaceful beaches and the incredibly super clear waters. Bring your snorkel gear, so you can see this lively underwater life. It is that island, sometimes, where turtles are seen, basically!

Besides all that water stuff, take a bit of your time and then explore the island and all those interesting bits left by history. What you might find are old buildings and an old airstrip, so these all kind of remind us of a very different time. This spot could really be where you can spend an afternoon, reading while in the shade, or working on your tan with almost no interruption at all. Tintamarre really just shines as this perfect escape. What if you are wanting an idyllic break from St. Maarten’s very popular beaches? This one might be where it is at for that time off!

4. Pinel Island: Family Fun

For those who, very perhaps, like it simple and fun, so Pinel Island is that one option that might very easily win you over, right? Very, very close to St. Maarten, it’s really no effort to get over there with this short ferry or even sometimes a water taxi from Cul-de-Sac. The beaches tend to be calm, shallow, and totally perfect for the kids and families that may want to spend some of their day there. As well, the snorkeling here ends up being just what those beginners, even, really enjoy. People have said there is tons of colorful fish very close to where it is shallow. Pinel Island has it’s own distinct charm.

So, there are usually just a couple of little restaurants that may very easily give you what is needed while soaking up those stunning beach vibes. A lot of visitors may very often rave at all that fresh grilled seafood, wow, so it just makes lunch something that is almost heavenly. Get on and unwind, so the way things tend to play out around Pinel feels easy, with no stress. Perfect as a day outing.

5. St. Barts: Luxurious Getaway

Are you seeking something a little classy for this outing? Then St. Barts, which is only sometimes referred to as St. Barthélemy, can easily win your heart, or could just wow you, alright. A speedy ferry, or potentially this quick flight will get you there. Yet a little higher dollar than most spots around the Caribbean Sea! Its reputation almost exceeds itself. It’s home to high end shopping that may be appealing to those wanting designer shops. Don’t pass up spots such as St. Jean. People also tend to enjoy relaxing. St. Barts has so very much to discover that tends to add to the delight while travelling about!

Get very set to be charmed. Where this destination is more of this rich island-style. Getting ready for experiences here, and this also could entail having unforgettable meals and dining somewhere high-end! Remember as well to bring that camera of yours! Get some memorable snapshots around Flamands Beach, so its setting feels almost hidden to some degree. Overall, very classy with a style that could bring one back over and over!