St.Martin-St.Maarten: Small Group, History Tour
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Visit historical landmarks and discover beautiful viewpoints on this guided and very informative 4-hour History Tour of St. Maarten and St Martin. See the entire island and learn about the unique and fascinating history of this 37 square mile island divided between the Dutch and French. With a maximum of six guests per group, enjoy personalized attention from the guide. Learn about St. Martin's culture, as well as their geological and natural history. Along the way, a stop with iced coffee or tea and homemade banana bread is included.
Great for cruise ship guests as well, starting point of the tour is a parking lot next to the cruise ship port.
Available options
Starts at 8.30 AM Local Time
Duration: 4 hours<br/>Bottled Water and a Snack<br/>Around the Island<br/>Airconditioned Mini-van or SUV<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Local guide
Home made iced-lemongrass tea
Water Cooler
Home made banana bread
Detailed itinerary
1
Viewpoint overlooking Philipsburg, Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond
2
Visit to Emilio Wilson Park
3
Stop 3
Visit to Fort Louis. Fort Louis in the capital of the French side of St Martin, Marigot. Beautiful viewpoint and great stories about the battles that took place there. Not only between St Martin's French and neighbouring British Anguilla, and the Spanish, but also against it's own islanders, the Dutch St Maarteners.
4
Visit to the Natural History Museum. Find out which animals live on St Martin, how they arrived here or whether they're endemic or invasive. This museum is set up in and around The Old House, a former plantation.
What's not included
Gratuities
Souveniers
Personal Expenses
Dock Maarten: Parking is available for the first hour at USD $2.00, each additional hour USD $1.00
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.6
30 reviews
5★
22
4★
6
3★
1
2★
0
1★
1
Tripadvisor
5.0
63 reviews
5★
61
4★
2
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
One 5-minute uphill walk on steps to get to the Fort
Meeting point
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
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
