Zee Best Breakfast! Voted best breakfast on the island. Authentic, fresh-baked French pastries, light-as-air crepes and scrumptious lunches. Open daily in two locations; Simpson Bay and Marina Port-de-Plaisance with a lovely view of the marina.
The Sporting Life: Get your adrenaline on in St. Maarten/St. Martin
By Donald Rodrigue
So you think the Caribbean is too laid-back for you, with all the palm trees and hammocks and such? You may find yourself at a loss for words once you experience the incredible wealth of sporting and other emotion-charged activities available on the dual-nation island of St. Maarten/St. Martin. This Caribbean isle is not for the fainthearted.
Here you can take your pick from dozens of land and sea sports, ranging from snorkeling and deep-sea fishing to hiking and mountain bike riding. So grab your sunscreen and your favorite hat and come along as we take a whirlwind tour of St. Maarten/St. Martin sports.
LAND HO!
Okay, you say you're not much on water sports and you're about to finish up the novel you brought along on vacation. What to do now? Well, remember, you haven't just come to a beach — you've come to St. Maarten/St. Martin, an exciting island full of thrilling onshore activities.
HIT THE ROAD
One of the best ways to experience the exciting bicultural ambience of St. Maarten/St. Martin is via bicycle. Biking enthusiasts will find that the island is perfect for trail bike riding. Those in good physical shape could feasibly bike around the island in half a day's time, although a more leisurely ride would include a stop for lunch in either Grand Case or Orient Bay, then a bit of relaxation on the beach before continuing on your way.
>A good practice run would be the road from Simpson Bay to the French Lowlands, passing along Nettle Bay and through Marigot before returning to Simpson Bay or Philipsburg. Though St. Maarten/St. Martin is not known for steep roads, mountain bikers can enjoy some vigorous rides along the paths to Pic Paradis (Paradise Peak) on the French side, the highest point on the island at just under 1,500 feet. To get in shape for Paradise Peak, try the run between Philipsburg and Cole Bay, which will give you a workout and provide spectacular views of the neighboring islands from the observation deck on Cole Bay Hill. Hiking also provides an even more up-close look at this fascinating island. In addition to walking our gorgeous beaches, you'll find plenty of hiking trails (some 25 miles worth), some of which will take you to the top of Paradise Peak. The Guana Bay Hike offers a look at the island's beautiful eastern coast, while trekking to the top of Mount Concordia leads to the spot where the Dutch and French agreed to peacefully share the island in 1648. You can also hike the trails at Loterie Farm (590-590-87-86-16), a 135-acre private nature reserve. Horseback riding offers another unique way to tour the island. Check with Lucky Stables on the Dutch side (599-544-5255) and Bayside Riding Stables (590-590-87-36-64) or the OK Corral on the French side (590-590-61-08-97).
BRING ON THE COMPETITION If you really want to burn off all those extra calories put on in Grand Case, a riveting round of tennis or squash will serve nicely. Most of the island's tennis courts are located on the various resort grounds, but you'll find public courts in Marigot at Alberic Richards Stadium. You won't have to let your golf game get rusty while here either, thanks to the 18-hole course at Mullet Bay (599-545-2850, ext.1850). And finally, for the highlight of your sporting experiences on St. Maarten/St. Martin, consider a tandem skydive with Caribbean Sky Dream (590-590-51-02-57). After a brief period of instruction, you and an experienced skydiver will free fall together for some 30 seconds before floating gently back to Earth under your parachute.
Our Activity Guide will get you acquainted with all the tours, attractions, sports and activities in St. Maarten/St. Martin -- for you and your kids. Contact our activities providers and get full details before you go!
Find out more; driving tours, top 10 things to do, maps and beaches.
Race aboard Dennis Conner's famous Stars & Stripes, Canada II or True North. Special programs can be designed for regattas and incentive groups. No sailing experience necessary - just bring the urge to have fun!
Over 40 dive sites!
Scuba divers will find a wealth of dive sites to explore around the island with unique underwater landscapes including rocky mazes that shelter spadefish, octopi,
parrotfish, barracuda and turtles. There are also several shipwrecks that provide interesting reefs where all manner of sea life congregate. Certified divers can take advanced courses with dive masters from Dive Adventures/Aqua Mania, while novice divers can get certified with a few hours of instruction.
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Zee Best Breakfast! Voted best breakfast on the island. Authentic, fresh-baked French pastries, light-as-air crepes and scrumptious lunches. Open daily in two locations; Simpson Bay and Marina Port-de-Plaisance with a lovely view of the marina. 
So you think the Caribbean is too laid-back for you, with all the palm trees and hammocks and such? You may find yourself at a loss for words once you experience the incredible wealth of sporting and other emotion-charged activities available on the dual-nation island of St. Maarten/St. Martin. This Caribbean isle is not for the fainthearted. 
If you really want to burn off all those extra calories put on in Grand Case, a riveting round of tennis or squash will serve nicely. Most of the island's tennis courts are located on the various resort grounds, but you'll find public courts in Marigot at Alberic Richards Stadium. You won't have to let your golf game get rusty while here either, thanks to the 18-hole course at Mullet Bay (599-545-2850, ext.1850). And finally, for the highlight of your sporting experiences on St. Maarten/St. Martin, consider a tandem skydive with Caribbean Sky Dream (590-590-51-02-57). After a brief period of instruction, you and an experienced skydiver will free fall together for some 30 seconds before floating gently back to Earth under your parachute.
Race aboard Dennis Conner's famous Stars & Stripes, Canada II or True North. Special programs can be designed for regattas and incentive groups. No sailing experience necessary - just bring the urge to have fun! 
Scuba divers will find a wealth of dive sites to explore around the island with unique underwater landscapes including rocky mazes that shelter spadefish, octopi,
parrotfish, barracuda and turtles. There are also several shipwrecks that provide interesting reefs where all manner of sea life congregate. Certified divers can take advanced courses with dive masters from Dive Adventures/Aqua Mania, while novice divers can get certified with a few hours of instruction. 
