St Maarten Shore Excursion:Sights, Shopping & Sand Small Group Tour
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This unique offers you two countries on one island for almost 400 years. Come and join us to discover how they do it?
This half day tour is in a small group making it a better experience than the cruise line tours and at a better price.
Available options
St Maarten Shore Excursion:Sights, Shopping & Sand Small Group Tour
What's included
Beverages are included.
Detailed itinerary
1
Come along on this St. Maarten excursion for an Island Drive and Beach Tour with a twist, and you'll visit parts of the island usually not seen by the normal cruise tours.
Departing the cruise terminal, you will drive through part of Philipsburg driving towards Cole Bay and Belle Vue, making a photo stop at the Harold Jack lookout point high on a hill overlooking the sea where (clouds permitting), you will have fantastic views of the neighboring islands of Saba (the home of Kong in the original King Kong movie) and St. Eustatius to the south, and British Anguilla to the north. You will also begin to see Simpson Bay and its lagoon as you crest the hill.
2
We head then onto the French capital Marigot, this quaint French village offers a unique Caribbean twist. Sidewalk cafes serving cappuccino overlook mega-yachts, framed by palm trees.
Gourmet restaurants sit in the shadow of a 200-year-old fort, and bold tropical prints in the open-air markets mix with the latest fashions from French boutiques. You will have some free time to experience this wonderful blend.
3
hen it's on to Orient Bay. This sweeping two-mile long, white-powdered sand beach is protected from the Atlantic waves by a reef, and the bottom has a very gradual slope. It is the island's most popular and busiest beach. You will have approximately an hour and a half to swim, beach walk, or relax on the white sand.
You will also have the opportunity to purchase lunch or indulge in a tropical drink in paradise at a local restaurant located on the east end of the beach.
Returning to Philipsburg through the center of the island, you will have the option of being dropped off downtown for shopping or taken back to the pier.
Guests departing downtown will need to arrange their own transportation back to the cruise pier at their own expense via taxi, water taxi or walking.
What's not included
Food
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
We meet you at the cruise pier in St Maarten. Full details will come through on your voucher.
Important notes
We will email through a direct ticket showing the meeting point and time 14 days before your tour.
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
Instant confirmation
