Big three-Full Experience at Rainforest Adventures St Maartin

Planning an adventure in St. Maarten? For thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike, the Big Three-Full Experience offers an exhilarating combination of mountain rides, ziplining, and scenic views. Priced at $159 per person, this 5-hour tour is packed with activities that take you from the island’s highest point down through lush rainforests, all with plenty of opportunities for photos and adrenaline.

What we love about this experience is how diverse and well-rounded it is. You get to ascend on the Sky Explorer to Sentry Hill, the island’s highest point at 1,125 feet, offering wide panoramic views. Then, zoom down the mountain on the Flying Dutchman zipline—claimed to be the steepest in the world—and enjoy the spectacular vistas over the eastern Caribbean. The Sentry Hill Zipline offers a thrilling ride with breathtaking island scenery, and the Schooner Ride provides a fun, laid-back inner tube descent.

A few considerations: the long wait times and organization issues have been noted in reviews, especially during busy cruise days. This might affect your overall enjoyment if you’re on a tight schedule or expecting a seamless experience. Still, for those who enjoy a mix of adventure and scenic beauty, this tour can be a highlight of your trip.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy adventure activities, scenic views, and well-rounded excursions. Families with children who meet height and weight requirements will find it especially appealing, while those looking for authentic rainforest scenery and a taste of island thrill will also love it.

Key Points

• Diverse activities including ziplining, mountain tubing, and sightseeing.
• High vantage points with panoramic views over St. Maarten.
• All entrance fees and equipment included, making it an all-in-one adventure.
• Potential long wait times during peak cruise times; plan accordingly.
• Safety and instruction are provided, suitable for beginners and thrill-seekers.
• Limited food and drink options available; bring water and small bills.

In-Depth Review of the Rainforest Adventures Big Three-Full Experience

Location and What Makes It Special

This tour takes place at Rainforest Adventures, located on Rockland Estate in Philipsburg. The setting is ideal—high up on Sentry Hill, offering sweeping views of the island, the ocean, and neighboring islands. The ride up on the Sky Explorer provides a gradual ascent over lush greenery, gradually revealing the island’s beauty from a bird’s-eye perspective.

The highlight for many is the Flying Dutchman, which claims to be the world’s steepest zipline. The thrill of flying down a mountain at an angle that surprises many first-timers adds a unique adrenaline rush. Sharing the experience with a partner or family member, as some reviews mention, makes it more memorable. The Sentry Hill Zipline continues the adventure over ridges with more stunning views, offering a different perspective on the island’s diverse landscape.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

Start at Rockland Estate, where check-in involves gathering your gear and receiving safety instructions. The tour begins with the Sky Explorer ride to the mountain’s summit. Expect a ride that encircles the mountaintop with 360-degree views, perfect for sunrise or sunset, or simply to take photos of the lush surroundings.

Once at the top, you’ll get the chance to stand on platforms that showcase the panorama of the island. Many reviews praise the breathtaking vistas, with comments like “the views from the top are absolutely stunning” and “the top of the mountain offers views of everything”.

Next, the heart-pounding Flying Dutchman zipline. This is where the tour earns its reputation. Expect a steep, fast descent that catches many by surprise—”you don’t realize how steep it is until you get to the top,” one reviewer notes. The zipline is designed for thrill-seekers, but the safety instructions make it accessible even for first-timers.

The Sentry Hill Zipline then takes you across a mountain ridge, with views over the island’s rugged terrain. The experience is both exhilarating and scenic, with some describing it as “fun, and very safe.”

Finally, the Schooner Ride gives you a relaxing yet fun inner tube descent back down the mountain. It’s a playful way to close the adventure, but reviews mention that the tubing can sometimes be short or not as wet as expected, so don’t expect it to be a long ride. Some found it “sketchy” or “dated,” but others still enjoyed the experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The stunning panoramic views from the top of Sentry Hill are an absolute highlight. Many travelers, including some who feared the height or steepness, found the scenery breathtaking and worth the effort. The Flying Dutchman is a true showstopper—the steepest zipline in the world, offering an adrenaline rush unlike anything else in the Caribbean.

Another aspect we appreciate is the inclusion of an onsite museum, which adds an educational element and offers insight into the island’s history and rainforest ecology. The friendly, safety-oriented staff and clear instructions make even novices feel comfortable.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the experience is undoubtedly thrilling, the reviews reveal some organizational issues. Long wait times—sometimes over three hours—can detract from the fun, especially during busy cruise days. Several guests have expressed frustration over inefficient crowd management and waiting in line in intense heat.

Safety concerns were raised by a guest who suffered injuries on the inner tube ride, highlighting that the tubing activity may carry some risk if not managed carefully. The tip jars at each station and inconsistent staff behavior also left a few travelers wary about tipping practices and overall professionalism.

Lastly, the short length of some activities, like the tubing and certain zip lines, led some to feel that the experience could be more substantial for the price. If you’re looking for in-depth, long-lasting rides or a more relaxed pace, this might not be your ideal choice.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for families with children who meet height and weight requirements, especially those eager for a mountain-top adventure with scenic views and ziplining. It’s also great for adventure enthusiasts who want to conquer the steepest zipline in the Caribbean and enjoy the thrill of flying down mountain ridges.

Those seeking photo opportunities will appreciate the stunning vistas, and if you’re curious about rainforest ecology, the onsite museum adds an educational touch. If you enjoy combining adrenaline with sightseeing, this tour offers a balanced mix.

However, travelers on a tight cruise schedule should be aware of potential long waits and plan accordingly. If your goal is to avoid crowds and maximize adventure, visiting early or on a less busy day might be wise.

The Big Three-Full Experience at Rainforest Adventures offers a dynamic mix of thrill and scenery that captures the essence of St. Maarten’s natural beauty. You’ll love the spectacular views from Sentry Hill, the exhilaration of the Flying Dutchman zipline, and the fun of mountain tubing. The inclusion of an onsite museum and safety instructions ensure a well-rounded, engaging experience for most visitors.

While organization and wait times have been identified as areas for improvement, the overall value remains high, especially given the all-inclusive price. This is a good fit for adventure seekers, families with active kids, and those wanting a comprehensive rainforest escape with plenty of photo-worthy moments.

If you’re prepared for some waiting, enjoy scenic vistas, and are eager to try one of the Caribbean’s most extreme ziplines, this tour will likely be a memorable highlight of your trip. Just remember to bring water, sunscreen, and a sense of humor for any delays!

FAQ

Is transportation provided?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll meet directly at the Rainforest Adventure Maarten location on L.B. Scott Rd, Philipsburg.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, starting from check-in to returning to the meeting point.

Are there age or height restrictions?
Yes, children must be at least 52 inches tall and weigh between 100 and 275 pounds. Travelers should have moderate physical fitness.

What’s included in the ticket price?
All the activities—Sky Explorer, Flying Dutchman, Sentry Hill Zipline, Schooner Ride, and Museum access—are included. Food, drinks, and souvenirs are extra.

Are the activities suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The staff provides instructions and safety gear, making it accessible for first-timers and thrill-seekers alike.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

Is the experience safe?
Yes, safety gear and instructions are provided. However, some reviews mention safety concerns with tubing, so use your judgment and listen carefully to staff.

Whether you’re craving a mountain-top adventure, thrilling zip lines, or scenic rainforest views, the Big Three-Full Experience offers a well-rounded taste of St. Maarten’s natural beauty. Just prepare for possible lines and delays, and you’re in for a memorable day of island exploration.