
Rainforest Adventures Rockland Estate
Experience the world's steepest zipline and breathtaking island views from Sentry Hill via the Sky Explorer chairlift.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less heat

Rainforest Adventures Rockland Estate
Best Time
Fewer crowds, less heat

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the world's steepest zipline and breathtaking island views from Sentry Hill via the Sky Explorer chairlift.
"The views from the top were amazing, and the ride down was very fast and worth the time."

🎯 Book Flying Dutchman First
Get to the top and put your name on the virtual queue for the Flying Dutchman ASAP to minimize wait times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and potentially waiting, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for all activities.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Flying Dutchman Zipline
Sentry Hill
Experience the world's steepest zipline for a thrilling 30-second descent with incredible island views.

Sky Explorer Chairlift
Sentry Hill
A scenic, slow-paced ride up the mountain offering panoramic vistas of St. Maarten.

Canopy Zipline Tour
Mountain trails
A series of shorter ziplines that prepare you for the Flying Dutchman, offering a fun adventure through the rainforest.

Rockland Estate Museum
Base of the mountain
Learn about the island's history, including its slave heritage, in this informative museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Budgeting for Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Flying Dutchman First
Get to the top and put your name on the virtual queue for the Flying Dutchman ASAP to minimize wait times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and potentially waiting, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for all activities.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It gets hot! Bring water or be prepared to buy drinks at the bar at the top.
📸 Capture the Views
The Sky Explorer ride and summit offer breathtaking photo opportunities.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Flying Dutchman First
Get to the top and put your name on the virtual queue for the Flying Dutchman ASAP to minimize wait times.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and potentially waiting, so sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for all activities.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It gets hot! Bring water or be prepared to buy drinks at the bar at the top.
📸 Capture the Views
The Sky Explorer ride and summit offer breathtaking photo opportunities.
💰 Consider Package Deals
If you plan on doing multiple rides, look into package options, but be aware of non-local pricing.
⏳ Be Patient with Waits
Long wait times, especially for the Flying Dutchman, are common. Factor this into your day.
🚫 Avoid the Schooner
One reviewer warned this ride is dangerous and can lead to injuries.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular views from Sentry Hill and the unique thrill of the Flying Dutchman zipline. However, many find the experience to be overpriced and marred by excessively long wait times, particularly for the main attraction. The Sky Explorer chairlift is generally well-regarded for its scenic journey.
"Absolutely loved this place! Timed entry made for a very short line, the ride up was quite scenic and the views from the top were amazing. The ride down was very fast and doesn't allow for you to hold anything. I'm very happy that I stopped in, this was worth the time, but was a little on the expensive side."
Caleb Smith
"Review for the ZIPLINE EXPERIENCE: SENTRY HILL ZIP & FLYING DUTCHMAN - When there was no cruises - Overall rating: 3.5
Sky Explorer: This chair lift was good. Very pretty view. It was slow but not awful. Just be patient
Sentry hill zipline: I can’t remember how many ziplines there were but they were all pretty short. Not very fast or scary. You have one employee helping you start and another meeting you at the end of each one. The auto stop at the end of each zipline is the worst part. I liked that these helped you prepare for the Flying Dutchman. If you’ve zip lined before and want to save money, you can skip this
Flying Dutchman: Not as scary as it looks!!! I am very scared of that “drop feeling” in your stomach & you experience that for hardly even a second & then it’s smooth sailing from there. The worst parts are when you’re sitting down about to start because of all the nerves & then when you go, trying not to twist and turn. Bar up there which could help with nerves
Museum: I went inside for maybe a minute. I’m sure it had interesting info but it was too hot for that
Overall: It was fun and the Flying Dutchman is a cool unique experience but I think it’s all overpriced (non-local pricing). It’s also annoying that they don’t open until 11:30 but on your ticket, the time starts at 11. The staff were nice overall.
Would I recommend? Unless you’ve never ziplined before, only do the Flying Dutchman & do it once just to say you have"
Zenbaby G
"The biggest issue here is HUGE wait times for Flying Dutchman. We waited for literally whopping 2.5 hours total in down season month of July when just two cruise ships were docked. We also did canopy zip line and slides and these 3 attractions costs us basically the whole day. We started at 11 AM and got done at 4 PM. I really wish they had better system to whiz through because taking whole day is just massive bummer. If you are going then first go all the way to top (20 min ski lift ride one way) and write your name for the virtual queue. Typical wait time is 1 to 1.5 hour before you go on second queue which is another 40-60 mins. However, view from up there is absolutely gorgeous and you want regret slow 20+20 mins ski chair ride up and down. There is drinks bar in the top and nice restaurant down. Gift shop gives you pictures from ride for $50. The Flying Dutchman experience is really good 30 seconds but be prepared to miss everything else on the island. Min weight is 100 lbs but canopy zip line is 80 lbs. Staff is really good and courteous and helpful. Bathrooms are clean. Parking is ample. I just wish they somehow eliminate wait times which is literally every step of the way. Even after buying online ticket and waivers, we still had to stand in line for 20 mins to get wristbands. Then there is line for slide again. I was under impression that rides were reserved at time we booked online but that was just not the case. If you are coming here after 11 AM, there is high likelihood that you will miss your cruise back. I really wish they allowed skip line ticket or put name on queue early or something else so you don’t end up standing in line for 2+ hours, otherwise this is easily 4 or even 5 star place."
Shital Shah
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From the cruise port in Philipsburg, you can take a taxi or rent a car. Taxis are readily available and can take you directly to the estate. Renting a car offers more flexibility if you plan to explore other parts of the island.
Yes, it's generally well-signposted. Follow the signs for Sentry Hill or Rockland Estate. If driving, GPS will guide you.
The primary transportation within the estate for attractions is the Sky Explorer chairlift to reach the summit.
Yes, car rentals are available at the airport and through various agencies on the island. It's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak season.
The drive from the cruise port to Rainforest Adventures Rockland Estate typically takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pricing can vary, but expect non-local pricing to be on the higher side. A package for the Sky Explorer and Flying Dutchman can be around $109 USD per person. Look out for potential monthly deals that offer tickets for around $25.
While you can purchase tickets on-site, booking in advance is recommended, especially if you want to secure a specific time slot or take advantage of online deals.
Operating hours can vary, but they often don't open until 11:30 AM. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, combo tickets for multiple attractions like the Sky Explorer, Sentry Hill Zipline, and Flying Dutchman are available.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, it's worth inquiring at the ticket counter. Some deals might be available through cruise line excursions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Flying Dutchman zipline is a unique thrill, and the Sky Explorer offers stunning views. The canopy zipline tour is also popular.
Be prepared for significant wait times, especially for the Flying Dutchman. The entire experience, including waits, can take up to 5 hours or more.
The minimum weight for the Flying Dutchman is 100 lbs, while the canopy zipline has a minimum of 80 lbs.
While it looks intimidating, many find it less scary than expected, with the intense 'drop feeling' lasting only a second.
The views from Sentry Hill are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the island and surrounding Caribbean Sea.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a bar at the top of Sentry Hill and a restaurant at the base. You can get drinks and snacks.
The offerings typically include drinks, snacks, and standard restaurant fare. Beers at the top bar are around $5.
It's generally best to check their policy, but usually, outside food and beverages are not permitted in the attraction areas.
Philipsburg offers various restaurants and cafes if you prefer to dine before or after your visit.
The restaurant at the top offers convenience and views, but reviews suggest it might be pricier than options elsewhere.
📸 📸 Photography
You cannot hold anything, including phones or cameras, during the Flying Dutchman zipline due to safety regulations. Photos are available for purchase.
The Sky Explorer chairlift ride up and the summit of Sentry Hill provide incredible panoramic photo opportunities.
Yes, they offer professional photos taken during your ride, which can be purchased for a fee, typically around $50.
Check their specific policy, but often action cameras are allowed if securely mounted to a helmet or chest harness, provided they don't pose a safety risk.
You can generally take photos and videos during the Sky Explorer ride as you are seated and it's a slower pace.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families considering the Flying Dutchman, ensure your children meet the 100lb weight minimum and are comfortable with heights and speed. Be prepared for potentially long waits, which can be challenging with younger children. The Rockland Estate Museum offers a quieter, educational experience that might be a good break from the adventure activities.
💰 Budget Travelers
Alternatively, explore the island's other offerings. Many Reddit users suggest renting a car and exploring beaches or smaller local attractions which can be more economical. If you do visit, pack your own water and snacks to save on on-site purchases.
❤️ Couples & Thrill-Seekers
Thrill-seekers will appreciate the unique nature of the Flying Dutchman. While the canopy ziplines offer a fun warm-up, the main draw is that record-breaking descent. Be prepared for the potential wait times, but the payoff in terms of adrenaline and unique bragging rights is significant. Consider visiting during sunset for an even more spectacular view.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Flying Dutchman
It's crucial to manage expectations regarding wait times. Even during the off-season, queues for the Flying Dutchman can be substantial, sometimes exceeding 2.5 hours. Visitors are advised to head directly to the top via the Sky Explorer and add their name to the virtual queue to minimize waiting. While the ride itself is a thrilling 30 seconds, the overall experience can consume a significant portion of your day.
Safety is paramount, and due to the speed and nature of the ride, you won't be able to hold onto any personal devices like phones or cameras. Professional photos are available for purchase, capturing your exhilarating descent.
Navigating the Sky Explorer and Summit Views
At the summit, you'll find a bar and restaurant, perfect for grabbing a refreshment while soaking in the scenery. This is also where you'll join the queue for the Flying Dutchman. The leisurely ascent and descent on the Sky Explorer, each taking about 20 minutes, allow ample time to appreciate the landscape and take photos.
While the Sky Explorer itself is a pleasant experience, remember that it's the access point to the main attractions. The views are consistently praised, making the ride worthwhile even if you opt out of the more extreme activities.
Understanding the Wait Times and Value
The pricing is also frequently mentioned as being on the higher side, especially for non-locals. While the attractions are unique and the views spectacular, visitors question the overall value when factoring in the cost and the extensive waiting periods. Some suggest that if you've ziplined extensively before, you might consider skipping the shorter canopy ziplines and focus solely on the Flying Dutchman to save time and money.
To maximize your experience and potentially mitigate some of the wait, arriving early, heading straight to the Flying Dutchman queue, and being strategic about which attractions you prioritize are key. Some visitors have found success with special $25 ticket deals that occur monthly, making the experience much more budget-friendly.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit