You’ll probably spend your time on the beaches. And honestly — I get it. Our beaches are extraordinary, and I’d never tell you not to go.
But there’s something waiting for you at 1,125 feet above sea level that most people miss entirely.
At the top of Sentry Hill, the whole island opens up beneath you. St Maarten, Anguilla, St Barths, Saba — all of it, in every direction, in one single view. It’s the kind of moment that makes you realize just how special this little piece of the Caribbean actually is.
And then you zip back down at 56 miles per hour on the steepest zipline in the world.
The Flying Dutchman will surprise you. You’ll arrive at the top a little unsure — everyone does. You’ll leave already wondering if you can do it again.
The park has four experiences. You can do one, or combine them all into a full half-day:
Sky Explorer — a 25-minute chairlift ride up to the top of Sentry Hill at 1,125 feet. The views start immediately and just keep getting better. Honestly, even if you decided not to do the ziplines, the ride up alone would be worth it.
The Flying Dutchman — the world’s steepest zipline. 2,800 feet long, 1,050 feet of elevation drop, speeds up to 56 mph. You’re seated in a chair harness rather than hanging — which makes it feel more controlled than you’d expect. The ride lasts 45 seconds. The memory lasts considerably longer.
Sentry Hill Zipline — three lines along the mountain ridge with views over Simpson Bay and Philipsburg. A proper zipline experience without the extreme angle of the Flying Dutchman. Great if you want the thrill without the vertical drop.
Schooner Ride — an inner-tube slide down the mountain. Fun, fast, and the perfect way to end a full morning up there.
And then you go. And 45 seconds later, you’re at the bottom, wondering why you hesitated.
The chair harness makes a real difference — you’re seated rather than hanging, which feels more secure and lets you actually take in the view on the way down. The braking system is smooth. The guides at the top are calm, experienced, and clearly enjoy watching people’s faces when they realize it wasn’t as terrifying as they expected.
It’s the kind of experience that makes the whole trip feel bigger. Don’t skip it.
Sky Explorer + Flying Dutchman — the classic. Chairlift up, world’s steepest zipline down. If you only have time for one thing, this is it.
The Big Three — Sky Explorer + Flying Dutchman + Schooner Ride + Sentry Hill Zipline. The full experience. Best value if you want to make a half-day of it. This is what I’d recommend for most visitors.
Sentry Hill Zipline only — good for those who want the zipline experience but aren’t ready for the Flying Dutchman’s angle. Still excellent views, still a proper rush.
Duration: Half day | Includes: Chairlift up + world’s steepest zipline | Location: Rockland Estate, Philipsburg
Chairlift to the summit, 360° views, then the Flying Dutchman back down. The essential Rainforest Adventures experience. 392 reviews on Viator.
⚠️ Likely to sell out — especially on cruise ship days when the park gets busy. Morning slots are best.
✅ Free cancellation | Secure booking via Viator
→ Check availability & book
Duration: Half day | Includes: Sky Explorer + Flying Dutchman + Schooner Ride + Sentry Hill Zipline
All four attractions in one package. Best value if you want to make the most of your time at Rockland Estate. The Schooner Ride (inner-tube slide) is a fun add-on that most people end up loving.
🎯 Best value — all four attractions at the best combined price. Allow at least 3-4 hours.
✅ Free cancellation | Secure booking via Viator
→ Check availability & book
Duration: 2-3 hours | For: Those who want the views and a zipline without the extreme angle of the Flying Dutchman
Chairlift up to the summit, three ziplines along the mountain ridge with views over Simpson Bay and Philipsburg, chairlift back down. A great option if the Flying Dutchman’s steepness puts you off — the Sentry Hill lines are proper ziplines with spectacular views.
✅ Good for families — less extreme than the Flying Dutchman, still great views and a proper zipline experience.
✅ Free cancellation | Secure booking via Viator
→ Check availability & book
On the French side, most visitors never even hear about Loterie Farm’s Fly Zone Extreme. Which is a shame — because it’s genuinely one of the best outdoor experiences on the island.
You’re in the treetops of Pic Paradis, the highest point on St Martin, at up to 200 feet above the ground. Multiple ziplines, obstacles, lush tropical forest all around you, and views over both sides of the island. It’s not just one line — it’s a full course, a proper adventure that takes you through the forest canopy from start to finish.
The vibe is completely different from Rainforest Adventures. Smaller, more intimate, more local. No cruise ship crowds. Just you, the trees, and the sound of the wind through the canopy. The setting is beautiful in a way that’s hard to describe until you’re actually there.
At €85 per person, it’s not cheap — but it’s worth every euro. If you’re staying on the French side and want an adventure that feels genuinely off the beaten path, this is it.
Practical details :
💡 French Side Zipline: Loterie Farm operates independently — no online booking platform. Head directly to their website to check availability and book. Open Friday to Tuesday, departures at 10am, noon & 2pm. €85 per person.
📏 Height & weight requirements: Minimum height 52 inches, maximum 80 inches. Minimum weight 100 pounds, maximum 275 pounds. Minimum age to participate is 11 years old.
⏰ On timing: The park is open from 11am to 4pm. Morning slots are recommended — the park gets very busy on cruise ship days and lines can get long by midday.
👟 What to wear: Closed shoes required. Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and a camera. Leave valuables at your accommodation — you'll want both hands free.
🌊 Looking for more adventures?
→ See all things to do in St Maarten
→ Day trips to Anguilla from St Maarten
I've lived in St Martin for 25 years — and I'm an epicurean at heart, in love with my island. I've been giving out insider tips for almost 15 years.
Let me help you plan your perfect vacation in St Martin / St Maarten!
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