St-Martin and St Maarten: Sightseeing Tour of the French and Dutch Sides of the Island

The island of St-Martin and St Maarten offers a unique blend of French and Dutch cultures, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an immersive Caribbean experience. A sightseeing tour of the island’s two sides promises a captivating journey, where visitors can explore stunning beaches, vibrant towns, and witness the thrill of planes landing at the renowned Maho Beach. With knowledgeable guides and a chance to savor local specialties, this tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the diverse charms of this Caribbean paradise. For those eager to uncover the hidden gems and rich cultural tapestry of this island, the tour presents an opportunity not to be missed.

Key Points

• Comprehensive 4.5-hour sightseeing tour that explores both the French and Dutch sides of the Caribbean island of St-Martin and St Maarten.
• Highlights include swimming at Grand Case Beach, exploring historic Marigot, and witnessing thrilling plane landings at the renowned Maho Beach.
• Immersive cultural experiences, such as tasting local specialties like guavaberry rum punch and Johnny Cakes in Grand Case.
• Breathtaking scenic views of the island’s natural beauty, including Coralita Bay and Cole Bay Hill.
• Convenient transportation with hotel pickup or central meeting point, ensuring a hassle-free sightseeing experience.

Overview of the Tour

The sightseeing tour of St-Martin and St Maarten offers an immersive 4.5-hour experience that allows visitors to explore the island’s French and Dutch sides.

Travelers will visit Grand Case Beach, Orient Beach, Marigot, Coralita Bay, Cole Bay Hill, and the famous Maho Beach.

The highlights include learning about the island’s vibrant history, taking in the tropical scenery, and experiencing the local culture and cuisine.

From swimming and sunbathing to shopping and sightseeing, the tour provides a well-rounded look at this unique Caribbean destination.

Transportation is included, with pickup options from hotels or a central meeting point in Philipsburg.

Activities and Highlights

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and highlights during this sightseeing tour of St-Martin and St Maarten.

At Grand Case Beach, they can swim, sunbathe, or relax on the soft sand.

In the charming town of Grand Case, they’ll have the chance to taste local specialties like guavaberry rum punch and Johnny Cakes.

In the historic town of Marigot, they’ll explore colonial architecture, browse shops, and visit duty-free markets.

One of the tour’s must-see highlights is Maho Beach, where they can watch planes land at the nearby Princess Juliana International Airport.

Throughout the tour, guests will also take in scenic views of the Caribbean at Coralita Bay and Cole Bay Hill.

Grand Case Beach and Town

First, guests explore the quaint town of Grand Case, known for its lively local cuisine and vibrant culture. Here, they can savor the island’s signature guavaberry rum punch and traditional Johnny Cakes, seeing the authentic flavors of St-Martin.

Sensory Experience	Cultural Encounter	Natural Beauty
Indulge in the rich, creamy texture of Johnny Cakes and the bold, fruity notes of guavaberry rum punch.	Interact with friendly local vendors and artisans, gaining insights into the island’s heritage and traditions.	Stroll along the picturesque beachfront, taking in the serene Caribbean vistas and swaying palm trees.

The tour then continues to the stunning Grand Case Beach, where visitors can swim, sunbathe, or simply relax and soak in the tropical atmosphere.

Exploring Marigot

Next, the tour journeys to the charming town of Marigot, the capital of the French side of the island. Guests explore the colonial architecture, browse the shops and duty-free markets, and enjoy the local culture.

Wandering through the streets, they discover quaint boutiques, art galleries, and cafes serving up authentic French cuisine. The colorful markets offer a vibrant display of local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

Visitors can indulge in some duty-free shopping, picking up goods ranging from designer fashion to fine wines and spirits. With its European flair and Caribbean ambiance, Marigot provides a delightful glimpse into the cultural blend that defines the French side of St-Martin.

Maho Beach Experience

After exploring the charming town of Marigot, the tour makes its way to the iconic Maho Beach, where visitors can witness the thrilling spectacle of airplanes landing and taking off just feet above their heads.

Situated at the end of the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport, Maho Beach is a unique and exhilarating experience. Travelers can stand mere feet away from the planes as they roar overhead, feeling the incredible force of the engines.

The tour guide provides context on the airport’s history and the beach’s popularity among aviation enthusiasts. With ample time to take in the action, this stop offers an unforgettable highlight of the day’s sightseeing adventure.

Scenic Views of the Island

Transitioning from the excitement of Maho Beach, the tour continues to showcase the island’s scenic natural beauty, treating guests to breathtaking vistas at two renowned viewpoints.

First, visitors ascend Cole Bay Hill, which offers panoramic views of Coralita Bay and the surrounding Caribbean landscape. From this lofty perch, they can admire the turquoise waters, verdant hills, and picturesque villages that define the island’s charm.

The tour then moves on to Coralita Bay itself, where guests can marvel at the serene bay and its picturesque shoreline.

These scenic stops allow participants to pause, take in the natural splendor, and capture the essence of St-Martin and St Maarten’s unparalleled beauty.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour conveniently provides hotel/port pickup and drop-off services, ensuring a seamless start and end to the excursion.

Travelers can choose to meet the group directly at the EDC Parking Lot in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, the designated meeting point for the tour.

The tour is accessible for wheelchair and stroller users, and service animals are welcome.

At the tour’s conclusion, guests will be returned to the original meeting point.

The transportation and logistics are well-organized, allowing participants to focus on enjoying the sightseeing experience without hassle.

With pickup and drop-off options, the tour caters to the needs of various travelers, providing a convenient and accessible way to explore the highlights of St-Martin and St Maarten.

Inclusions, Exclusions, and Reviews

The sightseeing tour includes professional guides, beverages like water, soda, beer, and the signature guavaberry rum punch, as well as hotel/port pickup and drop-off.

However, food and additional drinks, beach chairs/umbrellas, and gratuities aren’t included.

The tour has received impressive reviews, with a 4.5-star rating from 283 travelers.

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, especially Humphrey, the enjoyable atmosphere, and the informative experiences across the island’s French and Dutch sides.

Some common critiques include difficulty finding the meeting point and wishing for more time at specific locations.

Travelers recommend confirming the pickup location and allowing extra time to locate the meeting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

The tour allows service animals but does not accommodate other pets. Passengers traveling with pets should make alternative arrangements, as the tour focuses on accessibility for guests with mobility needs.

What Is the Policy for Children on the Tour?

The tour is child-friendly, accommodating both children and families. Strollers and service animals are allowed. There’s no specific age limit, but parents should ensure their children’s comfort and safety during the tour activities.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are not permitted to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour includes beverages such as water, soda, beer, and guavaberry rum punch for participants to enjoy during the excursion.

Is the Tour Offered in Languages Other Than English?

The tour is primarily offered in English, but the company may accommodate other languages upon request. Guests should inquire about language options when booking the tour to ensure their needs are met.

How Do We Communicate Changes in Our Cruise Schedule?

To communicate changes in your cruise schedule, inform the tour operator as soon as possible. This allows them to adjust the tour itinerary and logistics accordingly. Provide clear details on your new arrival and departure times.

Recap

The St-Martin and St Maarten sightseeing tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant blend of French and Dutch cultures on this Caribbean island.

Visitors can enjoy stunning beaches, picturesque towns, and the thrilling Maho Beach experience, all while learning about the island’s history and traditions from knowledgeable guides.

With transportation and local specialties included, this tour provides a comprehensive and memorable way to explore the beauty and diversity of St-Martin and St Maarten.