St. Maartens geography makes it perfectly suited for a one day full island exploratory tour. Though lively and varied in activities, areas and landscapes, the island is compact and easily traveled within a day. An island tour allows for a great impression of the island, its scenery, history and people – be it as a reconnaissance of locations and activities of how to spend your holiday week(s) or as a full island immersion on a cruise visit.
Clearly, an island tour of dual nation St. Maarten / St. Martin is not complete if it does not provide a feel of its unique binational character. All tours selected for this page touch base on both “Dutch side” St. Maarten and ”French side” St. Martin. If you feel like visiting a specific location or excursion on either side of the island not listed here, we refer to a full overview at the St. Maarten excursions page or the index of things to do on island when on a cruise.
A St. Maarten island tour can have many shapes and forms, depending on your preferences. Tours vary from active excursions where you have to <paddle or pedal yourself><#>, <nautical trips by sailing ship or motorboat><#> visiting famous beaches and sights via the sea and lagoons, to <guided motorized tours><#> by experts. And of course, <private tours><#> are available too so that you can customize your tour to your hearts desire. Island tours can be centered around must-see landmarks, <history><#> or immersion in local culture and the islands’ famed status of Culinary Capital of the Caribbean>. You can rely on the fact that any tour passes by a befitting selection of St. Maartens most precious gems – its 37 pristine beaches.
For a general introductory tour of the island, consider the following excursions:
The “Island Discovery Tour” provides a great impression of binational island highlights, from cheese and rum tasting to landmark locations.
Shopaholics should try the retail therapy tour , assisting you in finding binational bargains in Caribbean #1 shopping paradise St. Maarten.
The ATV Escapade Full Island Circle Tour needs no explanation. Have yourself guided along key sights on island whilst steering your own quad.
For those who want to immerse in local identity, see the following tours:
The Cultural Heritage Tour provides for a journey through St. Maarten / St. Martin history, from fortresses to monuments.
Seagrape Tours takes their binational Cultural Roots Tour very literally, as you do not just paint a Titah Frock statue, make your own Johnny Cakes but you also plant a Mangrove tree yourself!
The St. Maarten History Tour provides a great overview of St. Maartens past, its salt industry heritage and includes a visit to Fort Louis and Amuseum Naturalis.
The Art & Artist Discovery Tour leads you along well known artists and galleries on both sides of the island.
Discover island museums and indulge in a beach lunch on the Museum Beach Lunch Tour.
The “Culinary Foodie Tour” by Seagrape Tours gives you a literal bite of both sides of the island, and that of Caribbean flavors in between.
The culinary boat tours of Pyratz disembark on one of the islands’ great beaches with you, a full barbecue setting and experienced chefs to provide a Caribbean culinary experience never to forget.
Twin Island Excursions organizes a deep dive “Island Delights” culinary tour around the island including a stop at famed Orient Bay Beach and rum factories.
The two nation historical cheese tasting tour makes you sample a joint Dutch – French delight: Cheese!
Many tours by boat visit both sides of the island and allow to hop on and off on some of the most important island spots. For example:
Eagle Tours’ Tropical Sailing Catamaran Beach And Snorkel Tour brings you to Little Bay, Mullet Bay and Maho Beach on the Dutch side, and Long Bay / Baie Longue on the French side. Clearly, anchoring on some of the most famous beaches on island is included.
Aqua Manias Santino around the Island Tour touches base on amongst others Pinel Island, Tintamarre, Creole Rock and Grand Case.
If you want to experience the unique binationality of St. Maarten / St. Martin in a more active manner, consider the following tour options:
Tri-Sport organizes kayak tours through the binational Simpson Bay Lagoon. A once in a lifetime way to cross international boundaries, with great views of mega yachts and charters in the process.
The “Two Countries One e-bike tour” brings you from Dutch side capital Philipsburg to French side capital Marigot and back. Or rather, you do that yourself on e-bike!
The Gem of St. Maarten e-bike tour also leads you to France, but now along the Atlantic coast to famous Orient Bay Beach.
With a stop at world famous Maho Beach, the Tour de Lagoon by e-bike guides you around the two national sides of the Simpson Bay lagoon with yourself in charge of your easy e-bike.
Many of the tour providers catering to above excursions can also provide private group tours and customize itineraries to your needs. For general tours and in-depth history and culture routes, contact Seagrape Tours or Twin Island Tours. Twin Island also provides ATV quad tours for your private group. Kayak and bike journeys can be booked via Tri-Sport. Private motorboat and sailing tours can be arranged via Eagle Tours and Aqua Mania. Many taxis are also experienced in advising you where to go and what great routes are.
As St. Maarten ranks amongst the safest destinations of the region, there is of course always the opportunity to take a map and explore the island along your own desired itinerary. Some ideas how to:
Rent a car at one of the trusted island rentals.
Rent a bike at Tri-Sport, and use their ready made itineraries to find your way.
Rent a kayak, and explore the binational lagoon all the way to Marigot.
Rent a quad at Twin Island Excursions and enjoy the open air!
The Public – Private Bus System, operating with mini-vans, also connects the two sides of the island. At the Marigot bus station and in French quarter the two national systems meet; buses to Philipsburg leave from both stations. The systems are separate, so you need to change buses in these areas to travel further to your desired side of the island.
