Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

May 19 , 2023
Stop 4 of 20
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

About This Stop

St. Maarten brought the thrill and the chill. With the family splitting up again for different kinds of fun, one group raced down the world's steepest zip line while the other sunk their toes into soft white sand. Whether high above the treetops or lounging by turquoise waters, everyone agreed—this was a pretty cool island.

Aubrey, Tyler, and Andrew chose the ultimate adrenaline rush by taking on The Flying Dutchman, recognized as the world's steepest zip line. Their adventure began at Rockland Estate in Philipsburg, where they were transported to the launch point perched atop Sentry Hill, the island's highest point at an impressive 1,125 feet above sea level. The journey to the top was an experience in itself, as they rode the scenic Soualiga Sky Explorer chairlift while taking in panoramic views of St. Maarten and the neighboring islands of Saba, St. Barts, and Anguilla spread out like jewels across the Caribbean Sea.

After a quick but thorough orientation that prepared them for what was about to come, they launched into a heart-racing descent that exceeded all expectations. The zip line experience involved dropping a staggering 1,050 feet over 2,800 feet of cable, reaching speeds up to 56 mph as they flew over lush tropical hills. Every second of the descent offered breathtaking views of the island's diverse landscape, from dense green forests to pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. The combination of speed, height, and stunning scenery created an unforgettable adventure that not only lived up to the hype but surpassed it, leaving them with an incredible rush and memories they would treasure forever.

Meanwhile, Bryan, Madison, and Kennedy opted for a more relaxed approach to their St. Maarten experience, choosing the simple pleasure of a perfect beach day. They walked to a nearby beach conveniently located right next to the port, making their transition from ship to sand effortless and stress-free. For just $20, they secured a shaded umbrella and even had access to free Wi-Fi, creating the perfect setup for a comfortable day by the water.

They spent hours swimming in the calm, protected bay where the gentle waves and warm Caribbean waters provided ideal conditions for relaxation. Between swims, they enjoyed digging their toes into the powdery white sand that St. Maarten is famous for, feeling the stress of daily life melt away under the warm tropical sun. This easy, laid-back day under the Caribbean sky proved that sometimes the simplest pleasures—sun, sand, and sea—create the most satisfying experiences, offering the perfect counterbalance to the high-energy zip line adventure happening simultaneously on the other side of the island.

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