For Cruise Passengers: Guided ATV Tour of Dutch & French St. Maarten

For cruise passengers visiting St. Maarten, the Guided ATV Tour of Dutch & French St. Maarten promises an exhilarating adventure. Boasting a 5.0 rating from over 1,330 reviews, this highly-acclaimed tour allows guests to discover the island’s stunning landscapes, vibrant local culture, and iconic spots like Maho Beach. With knowledgeable guides ensuring safety and providing historical insights, participants can enjoy thrilling ATV rides, beach time, and opportunities for snacks and shopping along the way. But what makes this tour truly stand out is the chance to explore the unique duality of the island, experiencing both the Dutch and French sides in a single excursion.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In St Maarten.

Key Points

• Comprehensive ATV tour exploring the Dutch and French sides of St. Maarten, with highlights including Philipsburg, Maho Beach, and scenic coastal sights.
• Shuttle transportation available from Philipsburg cruise terminal, with morning and afternoon tour options.
• Tour includes ATVs, helmets, fuel, and beach equipment, led by knowledgeable guides who provide historical insights and ensure safety.
• Participants must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license, and the maximum combined weight per double ATV is 350 pounds.
• Positive customer reviews praising the knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and overall enjoyable experience, making it a recommended activity for cruise passengers.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The guided ATV tour of St. Maarten offers a unique blend of on-road and off-road experiences, allowing visitors to explore both the Dutch and French sides of the island.

With over 1,330 reviews and a 5.0 rating, this popular tour showcases the island’s highlights, including the charming downtown of Philipsburg, the famous Maho Beach, and a variety of inland and coastal sights.

The tour includes the use of an ATV, helmet, fuel, and beach equipment, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable adventure.

Along the way, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the island’s history and ensure the safety of participants.

The tour offers a perfect mix of thrill, culture, and relaxation for cruise passengers visiting St. Maarten.

Meeting and Pickup Information

For those interested in the guided ATV tour, shuttle transportation is available from the Philipsburg harbor at $10 per person roundtrip.

The meeting point is the Philipsburg Cruise Terminal, situated behind the Claude Wathey statue at the Tourist Information Center. Alternatively, participants can meet at 54 C.A. Cannegieter St, Philipsburg, next to the Pollos Hermanos Restaurant.

The tour schedule includes:

• 8:30 AM arrival time for morning tours

• 12:30 PM arrival time for afternoon tours

• Maximum group size of 20 travelers

• Not wheelchair accessible and not recommended for certain medical conditions

Participation Requirements

Drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driver’s license to operate the ATVs, while passengers need to be at least 6 years old.

The maximum combined weight per double ATV is 350 pounds. Individuals with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions should avoid this tour, as it’s not wheelchair accessible.

The tour has a maximum group size of 20 travelers, so it’s recommended to book early to secure your spot. Participants should be prepared for a mix of on-road and off-road riding, as well as opportunities for shopping and beach visits.

Safety is the top priority, with guides ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience throughout the tour.

Tour Experience and Activities

During the tour, guides provide insights into the island’s history and ensure safety throughout the experience. Participants have opportunities to see local wildlife and enjoy beach time at the end of the tour.

The tour also includes stops for snacks, shopping, and photo opportunities, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the Dutch and French sides of St. Martin.

Key highlights of the tour experience include:

• Unique mix of on-road and off-road ATV riding

• Chances to stop for local food tastings

• Opportunities to capture stunning photos of the island’s scenery

• Time to explore downtown Philipsburg and Maho Beach

• Complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas provided

Customer Reviews and Recommendations

Overwhelmingly positive customer feedback highlights the tour’s knowledgeable guides, beautiful scenery, and enjoyable experiences.

Reviewers consistently praise the fun ATV ride, with many also mentioning the beach visits and opportunities to sample local cuisine.

The tour receives a 5.0 rating from over 1,330 reviews, indicating exceptional satisfaction among past participants.

Many reviewers recommend the tour for families and groups of all ages, citing highlights like the low-flying planes at Maho Beach and the chance to explore both the Dutch and French sides of the island.

Exploring Dutch and French Sides

The guided ATV tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural influences found across the Dutch and French sides of St. Maarten. Guests can look forward to:

• Riding through the lively capital of Philipsburg with its Dutch colonial architecture.

• Visiting the iconic Maho Beach, known for its close proximity to the airport runway.

• Discovering scenic coastal roads and inland trails that showcase the island’s natural beauty.

• Experiencing the laid-back French ambiance of Marigot, the capital of the French side.

• Stopping for shopping, dining, and photo opportunities to enjoy the local culture.

This dynamic tour allows visitors to appreciate the best of both worlds on the island shared by two nations.

Safety Precautions and Considerations

Participants must adhere to several important safety precautions throughout the guided ATV tour.

Drivers need a valid driver’s license, and the combined weight of each double ATV can’t exceed 350 pounds. Plus, riders must be at least 18 years old to operate the ATVs, while passengers must be at least 6 years old.

The tour isn’t recommended for individuals with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with serious medical conditions, as it may not be wheelchair accessible.

Tour guides prioritize safety and provide insights into the island’s history, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all.

Participants can look forward to stops for snacks, shopping, and photo opportunities, as well as time to explore the beach at the end of the tour.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Travelers can book the guided ATV tour through the tour operator’s website or by contacting them directly. Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours before the scheduled tour, with a full refund provided.

The booking and cancellation policy for this tour includes:

• Reservations can be made online or by phone.

• A 24-hour cancellation window is available for a full refund.

• Payments can be made by credit card or through the website.

• No-shows or late cancellations will result in forfeiture of the tour fee.

• Guests are encouraged to review the policy before booking to ensure they understand the terms and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Gopro or Camera on the Tour?

Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own cameras or GoPros on the ATV tour. The tour guides encourage capturing photos and videos to document the scenic routes and highlights throughout the experience.

Is There a Weight Limit for Individual Riders?

There is a maximum joint weight limit of 350 pounds per double ATV. Individual riders must weigh within this limit. Drivers must be at least 18 years old, and passengers at least 6 years old, with valid driver’s licenses required for operators.

Do I Need to Know How to Ride an ATV Before the Tour?

No prior ATV experience is required for the tour. The guides provide thorough instructions and safety briefings to ensure all participants can operate the ATVs comfortably and safely, even if it’s their first time riding.

Can I Request a Specific ATV Model or Color?

Guests generally cannot request specific ATV models or colors on this tour. The tour operator assigns ATVs based on availability and participant weight. However, guests can discuss any preferences with the staff upon arrival.

What Happens if I Need to Use the Restroom During the Tour?

During the tour, there are scheduled stops where participants can use restroom facilities. The guides ensure there are sufficient breaks for this purpose. Passengers should inform their guide if they need to stop unexpectedly, and the guide will accommodate the request if possible.

Recap

The Guided ATV Tour of Dutch & French St. Maarten offers cruise passengers an exhilarating way to discover the island’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and iconic spots.

With knowledgeable guides, thrilling rides, and opportunities for beach time and shopping, this highly-rated tour provides an unforgettable experience.

Passengers can explore both the Dutch and French sides of the island while ensuring their safety and comfort.