St. Maarten Tours: Island Cruises, Hidden Beaches & Culture a boat sitting on top of a sandy beach

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St Maarten Tours: Beaches, Culture, and Scenic Routes

Intro to St Maarten Tours

Where turquoise water meets cosmopolitan flair, St Maarten tours reveal the vibrant heart of the Dutch Caribbean. The island’s southern half bursts with beach bars, casinos, sailing marinas, and friendly smiles that welcome every traveler. Guided adventures take you beyond the boardwalk to hidden bays, rain-kissed hills, and snorkeling sites teeming with tropical life. Whether soaring over Maho Beach, sipping rum at sunset, or sailing the calm Simpson Bay Lagoon, this island thrives on discovery. For extended tips and itineraries, see the St Maarten Travel Guide for the best hotels, festivals, and island experiences.

Why Take a Tour in St Maarten

Guided tours make exploring St Maarten effortless, connecting its beaches, culinary scene, and history without the stress of driving or navigation. Local guides introduce you to family-run restaurants, secret lookouts, and the island’s fascinating Dutch-French heritage. From catamaran cruises to zipline thrills, organized excursions deliver insider access and stories that solo travelers might miss. Whether your goal is adventure, photography, or indulgence, St Maarten tours offer the ideal gateway to the Caribbean’s most dynamic playground.

Top Tours by Popularity

St Maarten Full-Island Sightseeing Tour

Circle the island in comfort, stopping at Philipsburg’s boardwalk, Marigot’s markets, and panoramic Cole Bay Hill. Guides share stories of colonial trade, hurricanes, and the friendship bridging the border.

Catamaran Sail to Tintamarre & Creole Rock

Depart Simpson Bay for a full-day sailing adventure that combines snorkeling, open-bar relaxation, and dolphin spotting. Ideal for couples and families.

Sentry Hill Zipline & Sky Explorer

Ride a chairlift to the island’s highest point, then plunge down one of the Caribbean’s steepest ziplines with views stretching to Anguilla and Saba.

Maho Beach Plane-Spotting Experience

Watch jets roar overhead from only a few yards away — an adrenaline rush that defines St Maarten’s personality. Pair it with cocktails at Sunset Bar & Grill.

Tropical Catamaran Sunset Cruise

Drift along the southern coast as the sun dips behind Saba Island. Music, rum punch, and pink-gold skies make it a magical end to any day.

ATV Adventure Across Two Nations

Rev through coastal trails, hilltop roads, and border crossings on a guided all-terrain adventure. Stops include Grand Case and Orient Bay for swimming.

Creole Rock Snorkeling Trip

Crystal-clear shallows and colorful coral gardens make this one of the Caribbean’s easiest and most rewarding snorkel tours.

Lagoon Kayak & Mangrove Eco-Tour

Paddle through Simpson Bay Lagoon to learn about mangrove ecosystems and spot iguanas basking on the branches.

Rhum Tasting & Cultural Tour in Philipsburg

Sample locally distilled rums and discover Dutch colonial landmarks before browsing duty-free shops downtown.

Horseback Ride at Le Galion Beach

Gentle horses carry riders along turquoise surf — a serene, photo-worthy outing perfect for beginners.

Top Recommendations for You

Luxury Yacht Charter to St Barts

Cross the channel on a private crewed yacht to shop, dine, and sunbathe in glamorous Gustavia.

Local Food and History Walk in Philipsburg

Taste Johnny cakes, saltfish fritters, and Dutch pastries while hearing how trade shaped island cuisine.

Off-Road Jeep Safari

Follow rugged trails to hidden beaches and hillside villages that buses can’t reach.

Nightlife and Casino Crawl

Join a small-group evening tour through beach bars, live-music spots, and casinos along Maho Strip.

Scuba Dive Proselyte Reef

Certified divers explore shipwrecks surrounded by angelfish and coral gardens under expert supervision.

Private Helicopter Flight Over the Island

Soar over lagoons and beaches for breathtaking aerial photos and champagne toasts mid-flight.

Let St Maarten Inspire Your Next Trip

Waves shimmer beneath a descending jet while laughter rises from the sand.
Steel drums echo from beach bars as sails catch the evening breeze.
Colorful markets glow under pastel skies, each scent telling a new story.
And somewhere between ocean and rhythm, you’ll find your perfect island pace.

Discover top-rated St Maarten tours and curated experiences that reveal the best things to do in St Maarten. We may earn a commission if you book through our links — at no extra cost to you.

Must-See Nearby Adventures

Anguilla Day Trip by Ferry

A short 25-minute ride opens the door to serene beaches and seaside dining — passports required.

Saba Volcano Hike & Eco Tour

Take the ferry to Saba and climb Mount Scenery for views above the clouds.

Pinel Island Getaway

Reachable only by boat, Pinel Island offers calm lagoons and rustic grill restaurants.

St Barts Shopping & Beach Hop

Luxury meets tranquility just an hour away — ideal for day-trippers craving style.

Orient Bay Watersports Package

Kitesurfing, jet-skiing, and parasailing fill a thrilling morning on the island’s most active beach.

Most Loved Attractions & Activities

Maho Beach: The iconic spot where planes land nearly overhead.
Front Street Shopping: Duty-free fashion, watches, and electronics in Philipsburg.
Loterie Farm: Rainforest pools, hiking trails, and zip lines.
Pic Paradis: The highest viewpoint on the island, reached by scenic drive or hike.
Great Bay Boardwalk: Colorful bars and oceanfront promenades ideal for sunset walks.
Guavaberry Emporium: Sample the island’s signature liqueur straight from the source.
Fort Amsterdam: Colonial ruins offering sweeping harbor views.
Little Bay Beach: Calm waters perfect for paddleboarding and snorkeling.

Local Secrets You’ll Love

Friar’s Bay Hideaway: Locals’ favorite sunset beach bar far from cruise-ship crowds.
Baie Rouge Sea Caves: Swim through red-rock arches at low tide for natural-light photography.
Locals’ BBQ Fridays in Cole Bay: Follow the smoke for ribs, chicken, and laughter under the stars.
Art Galleries of Simpson Bay: Small studios showcasing Caribbean modern art and recycled-material crafts.
Saturday Fish Market in Marigot: Early-morning freshness and genuine island energy.

Savor the Local Cuisine

Guavaberry Colada: A sweet, spiced cocktail that defines island hospitality.
Johnny Cake Sandwiches: Fried bread filled with saltfish or jerk chicken.
Dutch Cheese Platter: Sample Edam, Gouda, and local blends paired with rum syrup.
Creole Conch Stew: Slow-simmered with tomatoes, peppers, and thyme.
French-Style Pastries: Baked daily in Marigot — croissants meet coconut.
Fresh Grilled Mahi Mahi: Best enjoyed beachside with plantains and cold beer.

Sample St Maarten Itineraries

3-Day Escape

Day 1: Explore Philipsburg’s shops and boardwalk.
Day 2: Full-island sightseeing with beach stops.
Day 3: Morning snorkel at Creole Rock, sunset cruise to finish.

5-Day Adventure

Day 1: Relax at Simpson Bay Beach.
Day 2: ATV ride to Orient Bay.
Day 3: Ferry to Anguilla for the day.
Day 4: Zipline at Sentry Hill and visit Loterie Farm.
Day 5: Duty-free shopping and rum tasting before departure.

7-Day Immersion

Days 1–2: Beaches and casinos around Maho Village.
Day 3: Culinary walk in Philipsburg.
Day 4: Day trip to Saba.
Day 5: Catamaran cruise to Tintamarre.
Day 6: Rainforest hike and market visit in Marigot.
Day 7: Relax at Friar’s Bay with sunset cocktails.

10-Day Grand Experience

Days 1–3: Culture and shopping in Philipsburg.
Days 4–6: Multi-island sailing to Anguilla and St Barts.
Days 7–8: Adventure sports and ziplining.
Days 9–10: Beach lounging and fine dining send-off.

Ideal Seasons to Explore

December to April: Peak season with clear skies and festivals like Carnival.
May to June: Warm, breezy shoulder months with smaller crowds.
July to October: Rain showers and lower prices; perfect for quiet getaways.
November: Pre-season sales and beach reopenings after hurricane watch.

What to Know Before You Reserve

Bring a passport for Anguilla or St Barts day trips.
Cash tips of 10–15 % are appreciated for guides and crew.
Tours often include hotel pickup — confirm time and location.
Always use reef-safe sunscreen.
Roads can be steep; let local drivers handle mountain routes.
Carry small bills for markets and beach bars.
Pack a light rain jacket for afternoon showers.
Book zipline and catamaran slots early in winter.
Ferry tickets sell out before weekends — buy ahead.
Keep hydrated — Caribbean sun is intense year-round.
Download offline maps for remote areas.
Verify entry requirements for nearby islands if sailing.

Accessibility & Special Considerations

Many catamarans and beaches offer accessible ramps and seating.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)
Private drivers can accommodate wheelchair users on custom tours.
Resorts near Simpson Bay and Philipsburg feature accessible rooms.
Most restaurants gladly adjust menus for dietary needs.
Hospitals and clinics on both sides provide modern medical care.

Moving Around Made Simple

Taxis are readily available; confirm price before ride.
Rental cars allow flexible island hopping — drive on the right.
Public minivans run cheaply along main routes.
Ferries connect to Anguilla, Saba, and St Barts daily.
Navigation apps work well offline for road explorers.

Stay Close to the Action

Maho Village: Nightlife, beach bars, and plane-spotting in one spot.
Philipsburg: Convenient for shopping and cruise excursions.
Simpson Bay: Central marina area with resorts and restaurants.
Orient Bay: Watersports and family-friendly resorts.
Marigot: French markets and charming cafés within minutes of the border.

Plan Smarter, Travel Better

Combine land and sea tours for a balanced experience.
Morning departures beat traffic and heat.
Carry both USD and euros for cross-border shopping.
Book eco-certified operators to protect marine life.
Chat with guides — they share the best local secrets.

Choose Your Next Adventure

Anguilla: Pristine white sand and laid-back luxury.
Saba: Volcano treks and diving adventures.
St Barts: French chic meets Caribbean cool.
St Kitts & Nevis: Rainforest hikes and colonial forts.
St Lucia: Dramatic Pitons and volcanic springs.

It’s Time to Experience St Maarten

Ready to plan your island escape? Explore curated St Maarten tours and authentic Caribbean experiences crafted for explorers and sunseekers alike. We may earn a commission if you book through our links — at no extra cost to you.