In the hills behind Philipsburg, an 18th-century plantation called Rockland Estate has been turned into the island’s biggest land-based attraction. Rainforest Adventures opened here in late 2017, shortly after Hurricane Irma, with a chairlift that climbs to the top of Sentry Hill — at around 340 metres one of the highest points on the Dutch side — and several ways of getting back down very quickly.
The headline is the Flying Dutchman, promoted as the steepest zipline in the world: you sit in a harness chair and drop about 320 metres in altitude along a cable roughly 850 metres long. But you do not have to zip. The chairlift alone, with the viewing deck at the top, gives one of the finest panoramas on the island — on a clear day you can pick out Anguilla, St Barths, Saba, St Eustatius and St Kitts.
The estate is associated with Emilio Wilson, a descendant of enslaved people who worked this land and who later bought the plantation himself. The restored great house contains a small museum about the estate, slavery and the island’s history.
Top things to do: Rainforest Adventures (Rockland Estate)
Ride the Sky Explorer
A four-seat chairlift carries you in two stages up the forested slope of Sentry Hill, with the cruise piers, Great Bay and the salt pond dropping away behind you. At the top there is a circular viewing deck and a bar. Allow at least an hour for the ride up, the view and the ride down.
Fly the Flying Dutchman
From the summit you are clipped into a seated harness and released down a single long span to the base. It is over in well under a minute and is as steep as advertised. Height and weight limits apply and are enforced at check-in — read them on the ticket page before booking.
Add the Sentry Hill zipline
A more traditional multi-stage zipline runs along the upper ridge, with platforms among the trees and views to both coasts. Tickets that combine it with the Flying Dutchman are the best value for zipline fans.
Slide down the Schooner Ride
An inner-tube run down a winding track on the lower slope — think of a summer toboggan with a rubber ring. It is the family favourite and less intimidating than the ziplines.
Visit the Emilio Wilson Museum
The exhibition in the old plantation house is small but worthwhile, and puts faces and names to the estate’s history. Entry is included with most tickets.
How to get to Rainforest Adventures (Rockland Estate)
- From the cruise port: about 10–15 minutes by taxi. It is one of the closest major attractions to the ship, which makes it easy to combine with Philipsburg.
- From Simpson Bay / Maho: 20–35 minutes by car over the Cole Bay hill, depending on traffic.
- From the French side: 20–30 minutes from Marigot or Orient Bay via the main cross-island roads.
- Parking: free on site.
Insider tips
- Go early on cruise days. Queues for the chairlift and the Flying Dutchman build from mid-morning when several ships are in.
- The attraction closes or pauses rides in high wind, rain and lightning. If the weather looks unsettled, book a ticket with free cancellation.
- Wear closed shoes and secure your phone — loose items are not allowed on the ziplines. Lockers are available.
- Not zipping? Buy the chairlift-only ticket; it is much cheaper and the view is the same.
- Opening days can be reduced outside the cruise season. Check current hours before you go.
Best tours for Rainforest Adventures (Rockland Estate)
These well-reviewed experiences are the easiest way to see Rainforest Adventures (Rockland Estate):
Zipline ticket from US$109 Sky Explorer and Flying Dutchman Entry Ticket
Ride the Sky Explorer chairlift up Sentry Hill, take in the panorama, then come back down strapped into the Flying Dutchman. The headline attraction at Rainforest Adventures, a short drive from the cruise port.
- Chairlift ride up Sentry Hill
- The Flying Dutchman, billed as the world’s steepest zipline
- Views over much of the island
Zipline combo from US$129 Sentry Hill & Flying Dutchman Zipline Adventure
The two-zipline ticket at Rainforest Adventures: a run along the mountain ridge on the Sentry Hill line, then the steep Flying Dutchman back to the bottom.
- Sentry Hill zipline along the ridge
- The Flying Dutchman drop
- Big views on the way
Chairlift ticket from US$59 Sky Explorer with 360° Views and Museum Ticket
The gentle option at Rockland Estate: ride the chairlifts to the top for the view, ride them back down, and visit the estate museum. No zipline required.
- Two chairlifts up Sentry Hill
- 360° views from the top
- Museum entry included
