Fabulous Dutch and French Tour
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Fabulous Dutch and French Tour

Active
(77 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience

Visit St. Maarten/St. Martin best spots, full of history and magnificent views, on both the French and Dutch sides of the island.

Available options

Fabulous Dutch and French Tour

What's included

Professional guide
Transfer drop-off to cruise ship
Free Drinks

Detailed itinerary

1

Visit The Great Salt Pond

Drive around the Great Salt Pond where you see the Salt Pickers statue depicting how the salt was harvested in the olden days.

2

Drive Thru Fort Willem

Next, we will drive through Fort Willem where you will get a great view of Philipsburg, Great Bay/ Little Bay and one of our historical forts “Fort Amsterdam” --The Fort was built by the Dutch in 1631 and is located on a peninsula that juts out between Great Bay and Little Bay.

3

HAROLD JACK HILL

From Harold Jack Hill lookout, enjoy vast views of Cole Bay, Simpson Bay, and the airport. The distant Caribbean islands of Saba, St. Eustatius, and Anguilla are also visible on clear days. For an even more expansive panoramic view, consider walking to the flagpole, where the large Sint Maarten flag sometimes flies.

4
Stop 4 Pass by

Simpson Bay hosts the yacht club, offering the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while marveling at the impressive Mega Yachts.

In Simpson Bay you can also find the local fish market where fishermen sell their fresh catch and visit a row of first-class Caribbean eateries at the Simpson Bay Market, offering a variety of specialties. Sampling the local cuisine here is highly recommended for a taste of the island's culinary delights.

5

French & Dutch Border Monument:

St. Maarten/St. Martin is a dual nation island, with the French part in the north, and the Dutch part in the south. St. Maarten/St. Martin is the only location where France shares a border with the Netherlands!

The border monument, also called the 'Concordia Monument', was erected in 1948 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Treaty of Concordia (1648), where the Kingdom of France and the Dutch Republic agreed to share ownership of the island peacefully.

When we pass the monument, then we are actually in France: "Bienvenue !".

6

Marigot

Marigot is the capital on the French side of the island, known for its waterfront, market, and bakeries.

Marigot is overlooked by the ancient Fort Louis ruins. The fort welcomes the adventurous to visit if they're willing to climb the 99 steps to get to the fort

The town features rows of bakeries and bistros, where you can sit to enjoy delicious French pastries.

Positioned right by the sea, the market is perfect for finding souvenirs or gifts for family and friends. Here, you can purchase local products, spices, clothing, jewelry, and more.

7

Grand Case has a long sandy beach well known for its many cafés, bistros, bars, shops, and local restaurants.

Situated behind Grand Case, the French airport is located where, from the beach, you might occasionally see small to medium planes making their landing. However, this spectacle is minor in comparison to the renowned experience at Maho Beach!

8

PARADISE VIEW

This serene location offers nice views, making it a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
On the horizon, we can see Orient Bay, Tintamarre, and St. Barth.

9

French Quartier

We'll take you on a scenic drive through the French Quarter, "Quartier d'Orléans," which is known as the area where the French first settled and the largest district on the French side. We'll make a quick stop at the French/Dutch border for pictures.

10

Return to the departure point

We will ensure your return to the original departure point, or Philipsburg if you're in the mood for shopping.

For cruise ship guests, we guarantee a prompt return to their ship, giving them peace of mind.

What's not included

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
Beach chairs

Available languages

Guide guide
DE EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5
17 reviews
5★
13
4★
1
3★
1
2★
2
1★
0
Tripadvisor 4.7
60 reviews
5★
51
4★
5
3★
0
2★
1
1★
3

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Itinerary subject to change due to weather and traffic

Meeting point

The reception center is located behind the Claude Wathey statue. To the left is a walkway to the vending area and duty-free shops. Walk down the walkway and continue walking past the vending area until you reach the roundabout. We are under a white tent.

Important notes

• It is recommended that you bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and sandals
• Itinerary subject to change due to weather and traffic

About Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten is a unique destination that offers the best of two cultures and landscapes. The island is divided between the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint Martin), each offering distinct experiences. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse dining options, it's a tropical paradise that caters to a wide range of travelers.

Top Attractions

Maho Beach

Famous for its close proximity to the airport runway, where planes fly extremely low. A must-see for thrill-seekers.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Orient Bay Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, known for its white sand and clear waters. Ideal for water sports and relaxation.

Beach Half day to full day Free (rentals and activities extra)

Philipsburg

The capital of Sint Maarten, known for its colorful Dutch architecture, duty-free shopping, and vibrant nightlife.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore (shopping extra)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Conch Fritters

Fried fritters made from conch meat, a local delicacy.

Appetizer Contains seafood

Johnny Cakes

Fried dough bread, often served with butter or jam.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Bouillon

A hearty soup made with chicken, dumplings, and vegetables.

Soup Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Popular Activities

Jet-skiing Parasailing Ziplining Hiking Beach hopping Spa treatments Sunbathing Yoga

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the peak tourist season with the best weather, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. It's ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures.

24°C to 29°C 75°F to 84°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Dutch (Sint Maarten), French (Saint Martin)
  • Widely spoken: English, Papiamento (Creole dialect)
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

Netherlands Antillean Guilder (Sint Maarten) / Euro (Saint Martin) (ANG / EUR)

Time Zone

GMT-4 (Atlantic Standard Time)

Electricity

110V (Dutch side) / 220V (French side)V, 60Hz (Dutch side) / 50Hz (French side)Hz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sint Maarten is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates in tourist areas. However, petty theft and scams can occur, so it's important to stay vigilant.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure
  • • Use official taxis
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air
  • Princess Juliana International Airport • 3 km from Philipsburg

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable but infrequent and can be crowded. They are a good option for budget travelers.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Local taxi services, no Uber or Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Philipsburg Maho Marigot

Day trips

Anguilla
15 km (9 miles) • Half day to full day

A nearby island known for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and high-end dining. A great escape for a day of relaxation and exploration.

Sint Eustatius
30 km (18 miles) • Full day

A small, historic island with a rich colonial past. Known for its well-preserved ruins, diving spots, and laid-back atmosphere.

Tiny Island
10 km (6 miles) • Half day

A small, uninhabited island with beautiful beaches and clear waters. Perfect for a day of snorkeling, swimming, and picnicking.

Festivals

Carnival • April (dates vary) St. Martin Jazz Festival • March (dates vary) St. Martin Day Parade • November 11

Pro tips

  • Visit Maho Beach for the thrilling experience of watching planes land and take off
  • Explore the French side for a taste of European charm and culture
  • Try local dishes like conch fritters and Johnny cakes for an authentic culinary experience
  • Book accommodations and transport well in advance, especially during peak season
  • Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 4-70
1
Infants
Age 0-3
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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