St Maarten Full Combo: Flying Dutchman, Zip Line & Schooner Ride

Experience the Best of St. Maarten in One Adventure:
This 5-hour full combo tour at Rockland Estate offers a mix of breathtaking vistas, adrenaline-pumping zip lines, and a unique dry-surface schooner ride. For $189 per person, you gain access to four major attractions: the Soualiga Sky Explorer, the Sentry Hill Zip Line, the Flying Dutchman, and the Schooner Ride, plus a walk through the estate’s historic grounds.

What we love most about this experience is how smoothly it combines spectacular views with thrilling activities. The Sky Explorer chairlift offers sweeping panoramas of St. Maarten’s landscape, which sets an awe-inspiring tone for the day. The zip lines — especially the world’s steepest zip line — deliver undeniable adrenaline, and the Schooner Ride provides a fun, dry alternative to actual sailing, making it accessible to all ages.

However, a notable consideration is that some visitors have found the organization a bit lacking — with long waits for tubes during the schooner ride and the steep Dutchman zip line, which can be frustrating if the park gets crowded. This tour suits thrill-seekers and families with kids (minimum age 7), especially those eager for a combination of scenic beauty and adventure.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The Sky Explorer gives panoramic shots of the island’s rugged terrain and coastline.
• Extreme Thrills: The Flying Dutchman zip line is the steepest in the world, promising an exhilarating ride.
• Historic & Scenic: The estate visit offers a glimpse into St. Maarten’s plantation past and beautiful viewpoints.
• Convenient Combination: All four attractions are accessible in one well-organized, five-hour tour.
• Value for Money: For $189, you get multiple activities, scenic rides, and some local history — a good deal for thrill and culture lovers.
• Possible Drawback: Long waits and crowding, particularly for the Tube ride and zip lines, may impact your experience.

A Detailed Look at the Tour

Starting at Rockland Estate

Your adventure begins at Rainforest Adventure St. Maarten, located just about 30 minutes from the cruise port. The meeting point at L.B. Scott Rd serves as the gateway to a day full of excitement. Once you check in, you’re presented with a mobile ticket that grants access to a mix of attractions, all within the estate’s scenic setting.

The Soualiga Sky Explorer

The highlight of the initial phase is the Sky Explorer chairlift, which takes you up to the top of Sentry Hill. As the lift ascends, expect remarkable views of the island’s diverse landscape — from lush greenery to the shimmering coastline. The view from the summit is ideal for photos and offers a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of St. Maarten. We enjoyed the leisurely ride, which serves as a perfect warm-up before the more adrenaline-fueled activities.

The Sentry Hill Zip Line

After reaching the top, you’ll get the chance to zip over the mountain ridge. The Sentry Hill Zip Line stretches for 500 meters (about 1,640 feet), giving you a taste of speed and wind in your face. The equipment is generally well-maintained, and guides are on hand to ensure safety. It’s a terrific way to experience the landscape from a different perspective, with the thrill of flying over the treetops.

The Flying Dutchman: The Steepest Zip Line

This is undoubtedly the most talked-about part of the tour. The Flying Dutchman is famed for being the world’s steepest zip line, with a length of 2,800 feet and a vertical drop of over 1,000 feet. The ride starts from a high point and plunges downhill at surprising speeds. It’s a true adrenaline rush for thrill-seekers, and the views are equally spectacular as you zoom downward.

However, some visitors, like Kim, have expressed frustration over long waits — sometimes up to 2 hours — and not enough tubes during peak times. This bottleneck can diminish the fun if the lines grow too long or if you’re pressed for time. The organizers have responded by adding more tubes, but if you’re eager to avoid delays, visiting early in the day might be best.

The Schooner Ride: Dry Mountain Surfing

Next, you’ll descend back on the Sky Explorer to a dedicated Schooner Ride station. This activity is a dry inner-tube ride designed for fun and thrills without getting wet. It’s set on a specially designed track that simulates surfing, with plenty of splashy excitement. This stop is especially popular among families, since it adds a playful element to the adventure and is suitable for children aged 7 and up.

Exploring the Estate & Heritage

Between activities, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Emilio Wilson’s Museum and the historic plantation house. The estate dates back to the 1700s, and guides share stories about the island’s plantation past and Wilson’s contribution to local culture. This walk adds an enriching element to the day, giving context to the natural scenery and reminding travelers of St. Maarten’s colonial history.

Relaxation & Dining

After the adrenaline, you might want to unwind at Emilio’s Restaurant, which offers local and international dishes. It’s a good chance to recharge and soak in the estate views. Plus, there are scenic viewpoints perfect for some last photos before heading back.

Practicalities & Tips

• The tour lasts around 5 hours, making it suitable for those with limited time ashore.
• The price of $189 covers all four major attractions plus the estate visit, which makes it fairly good value considering the variety of experiences.
• Transportation back to the cruise ship can be arranged by the staff, or you can call a cab — a quick 30-minute ride from the pier.

What the Reviews Tell Us

While most travelers find the activities fun and the views stunning, there’s a recurring theme of disorganization and long waits — particularly for the Tube ride and the Flying Dutchman zip line. Kim’s honest comment about a two-hour wait highlights how crowds can sometimes overwhelm the system. The response from the tour provider indicates they are working to improve the experience, but it’s worth being aware of potential delays.

On the upside, some guests praised the amazing vistas, the variety of activities, and the chance to learn about St. Maarten’s heritage. The delicious food at Emilio’s Restaurant also earned positive mentions, making the experience more rounded.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This combo experience is perfect for adventurous families, couples, or groups eager to get a taste of St. Maarten’s natural beauty and thrills in one go. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy heights and speed but are also interested in a bit of cultural exploration. If you’re worried about long lines or limited time, arriving early or traveling during less busy hours could make a big difference.

Conversely, if you prefer a more relaxed, less crowded experience, you might want to explore individual activities separately or consider other options.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a wonderful balance of spectacular views, exciting rides, and a dash of history, making it a solid choice for those wanting to pack a lot into a short visit. The Sky Explorer and zip lines deliver the adventure, while the estate visit adds depth and context. The dry schooner ride is a fun, lighthearted touch that all ages can enjoy.

While some organizational hiccups have been noted, the overall value and uniqueness of the experience make it a worthwhile option, especially if you’re craving adventure and scenery in one go. Just be prepared for possible wait times during peak hours, and plan accordingly.

This tour is best suited for thrill-seekers, families with kids, and history buffs who also appreciate stunning landscapes. If you’re looking for a memorable, action-packed day in St. Maarten, this combo tour provides a good mix of everything.

FAQ

Is transportation included to and from the cruise port?
No, transportation isn’t included but you can easily call a cab from the meeting point, which is about 30 minutes from the pier.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour runs approximately 5 hours, including all activities, estate visits, and breaks.

What is the minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 7 years old. The tour is suitable for kids who meet the height (52 inches minimum) and weight (100 pounds minimum) requirements.

Are the zip lines safe?
Yes, the zip lines are operated with safety equipment, and staff are on hand to guide and assist you throughout.

What should I wear?
Close-toed shoes are required, and comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities is recommended.

What if my cruise ship doesn’t call port?
The tour offers a full refund if your ship doesn’t arrive in port, so you won’t lose your money due to circumstances beyond your control.

In all, this combo tour offers a lively way to experience St. Maarten’s natural beauty, history, and adventure. With some patience for potential waits, it can be a thrilling, scenic, and culturally enriching highlight of your cruise or island stay.