St. Maarten’s historical tours offer efficient ways to discover the island’s fascinating Dutch-French heritage.
Three standout options make the most of your time and money.
The Philipsburg Bike Tour packs major historical sites into a practical 3-hour ride, with stops at the old courthouse and battle sites – perfect for active travelers who want to cover ground quickly.
We love the engaging stories about 17th-century conflicts that shaped the island.
For the best overview, the 4-hour Small Group History Tour circles the entire island by van, stopping at a colonial plantation, historic fort, and traditional salt pond.
The small group size means better access to guides and sites.
The Cultural Heritage Tour combines history with local experiences through guided hiking, rum sampling, and traditional foods – it’s our favorite for experiencing both past and present island life.
Let’s look at the details of these top historical tours.
Key Points
- The Philipsburg Bike Tour is a highly-rated 3-hour tour that explores historic landmarks in Philipsburg, such as Passangrahn Hotel and Fort Amsterdam.
- The Small Group History Tour is a comprehensive 4-hour circumnavigation of the island, highlighting its rich history and culture with visits to various landmarks.
- The Small Group Cultural Heritage Tour provides a personalized experience for up to 6 travelers, featuring a nature hike, rum tasting, and sampling of local cuisine.
- Both the Small Group History Tour and the Small Group Cultural Heritage Tour offer a maximum group size of 6 for a more intimate and personalized experience.
- The tours offer convenient pickup options from various locations in Philipsburg and Oyster Pond, making it easy for travelers to access the historical and cultural experiences.
Historical Philipsburg Bike Tour in St Maarten
Offering a unique opportunity to explore the historic town of Philipsburg, the Historical Philipsburg Bike Tour in St Maarten is a highly-rated excursion.
With 95 reviews and a 93% recommendation rate, this 3-hour tour provides a chance to discover the island’s past while cycling through the streets.
Led by professional guides, the tour includes a safety orientation, bike fitting, and the use of a bicycle and helmet.
Travelers will visit key landmarks such as the Passangrahn Hotel, Philipsburg Courthouse, and Fort Amsterdam, learning about 17th-century battles along the way.
The route also includes a scenic ride up Little Bay Hill for panoramic views of Great Bay and Philipsburg.
While not suitable for those with mobility issues, the tour is perfect for confident cyclists seeking a moderate level of physical activity.
Read our full review: Historical Philipsburg Bike Tour in St Maarten Review
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St. Martin – St. Maarten: Small Group, History Tour
Seagrape Tours’ St. Martin – St. Maarten: Small Group, History Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s rich history and culture. This 4-hour tour takes you on a circumnavigation of the island, highlighting its natural history, geology, and the evolution of its traditions.
The tour features key stops at a plantation, a fort, a salt pond, and other local landmarks, providing a comprehensive understanding of the island’s past. Along the way, you’ll enjoy homemade iced-lemongrass tea, banana bread, snacks, and bottled water, enhancing the overall experience.
With a maximum group size of 6 travelers, this tour promises a personalized and engaging experience. The knowledgeable local guides will share historical narratives dating back to 400-500 AD, captivating you with their expertise and storytelling abilities.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the island’s past, this tour is an excellent choice, with a 98% recommendation rate from previous travelers.
Read our full review: St. Martin – St. Maarten: Small Group, History Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
St.Martin – St.Maarten: Small Group, Cultural Heritage Tour
Enjoy the captivating cultural heritage of St. Martin – St. Maarten on this small group, cultural heritage tour. Rated 5.0 based on 1 review, this tour provides an intimate experience for up to 6 travelers, showcasing the island’s rich history and traditions.
For just $159 per person, you’ll enjoy a guided tour with a local expert, exploring the island’s landmarks and sampling its culinary delights. Savor homemade iced-lemongrass tea, banana bread, and a St. Martin High Tea as you listen to captivating storytelling and poetry.
Venture on a nature hike and visit a local distillery for a rum tasting, enjoying the island’s vibrant culture.
Convenient pickup is available from hotels in Philipsburg and Oyster Pond, with a 10-minute walking direction for cruise ship guests. Parking is available at the meeting point, Dock Maarten, for a fee.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the cultural essence of St. Martin – St. Maarten, leaving you with lasting memories.
Read our full review: St.Martin – St.Maarten: Small Group, Cultural Heritage Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Recap
Explore the rich history and cultural heritage of St. Maarten through guided tours. From biking through historic Philipsburg to discovering the island’s diverse cultural influences, these tours offer an immersive experience. Whether you’re interested in the island’s past or its present, these small-group tours provide an informative and engaging way to uncover the unique essence of this Caribbean destination.