Hiking and diving
Framed by lush marine life and a mesmerizing coastline full of pristine sandy beaches and cliffs, St. Maarten blessed with diverse landscapes filled with palm trees, cacti, orchids, fruit trees and ferns. The hilly interior is covered with scrub and cacti in the far west and a green and rich flora on the east coast. Lush places to spend some time among lizards, iguanas and more than 160 different bird species are the fairytale Loterie Farm and the slopes of Pic Paradis, the highest peak on the island.
Mangroves
Mangroves that form buffer zones between sea and marsh are the ideal breeding ground for birds. Not only is it the habitat of the brown pelican - St. John's. March's national bird - several hummingbirds, frigate birds, herons and ducks are also frequently observed here.
Coral Reefs
A little further offshore, reefs of coral flourish. Here swim protected sea turtles and numerous fish such as emperor fish, parrot fish, wrasse, seahorses, rays and a little deeper dolphins and whales and predatory fish such as nurse sharks and barracuda.
