Under Water Adventures
Under the sea of St. Maarten you will find many beautiful things. Yet what better way to see it, than with a scuba trip, which can be provided by some of the best in the Caribbean. Divers have long recognized the Caribbean as one of the world's best diving venues. Its warm, shallow waters create ideal conditions, and St. Maarten's diving is true to the good reputation of the region as a whole. Water temperatures average a comfortable 70 degrees F (21 C), while visibility ranges between 75 and 125 feet (22-37 m). The island's reefs are rich and often located close to shore, accessible to snorkelers as well as divers. The best snorkeling spots are off Little Bay Beach, Dawn Beach, and Maho Bay. Certified divers can rent tanks and equipment from watersport shops throughout the island. Beginners can take advantage of lessons from experienced professionals. Many of the island's resorts have scuba facilities on

One of the most popular dive sites is the wreck of the British man-of-war HMS Proselyte, which sank in 1801. Today its haunting remains lie atop a reef a mile south of Great Bay. Another common destination is the freighter Teigland, sunk deliberately on Cable Reef in 1993. It has already begun to attract animal life and underwater vegetation.

Para Sailing
Orient Beach is the place for parasailing. This two mile long beach offers water sports locations next to the many restaurants right on the beach. Strap yourself into the parasailing rig and soar 30-50 ft above the ground - taking in the spectacular view.... and don't worry about the landing - the professional parasailing team-members bring you down nice and dry, onto the launch pad where you first lifted off. On the Dutch side you can also experience the full water sports fun at Pelican Water sports.Other fun things to do on the water include - jet ski, wind surfing, hobie cat sailing, water skiing, wakeboarding or 12 meter racing.

Sky Diving
For the most adventurous who have no qualms about opening the door of an aeroplane and jumping out at 10,000ft. Caribbean Sky Dream based at Grand Case airport on the French side offers tandem jumps with an instructor. Freefall at 150 mph for about 50 seconds before slowly floating down to terra firma. Take in the incredible views of Orient Bay, Grand Case and Anse Marcel as you descend. Also ask them about paragliding.

Kayak
Fast becoming a popular sport on the island. Tri-sport offers kayaks for rent fro the ocean or for exploring Simpson Bay Lagoon, a large enclosed salt-water lagoon. You can also kayak between Pinel Island and the main island. Pinel is a small atoll just off the coast near the orient beach area where many partygoers hang out for a great day of tanning.

Personal Watercrafts
At just about any major resort or beach, you can rent a watercraft. Cruise the crystal clear waters on these jetskis, wet bikes and water scooters while soaking up that warm Caribbean sun.The most popular areas for watercraft rentals are Greatbay, Divi, Pelican, Kimsha, Inside the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Mullet Beach and Orient.