The ‘See the Planes Adventure to Orient Beach‘ offers an exhilarating blend of coastal relaxation and aviation excitement. Visitors can indulge in thrilling water sports at the picturesque Orient Beach before transitioning to the iconic Maho Beach, renowned for its up-close views of landing aircraft. This unique 5-hour tour promises an unforgettable day filled with stunning natural beauty and the awe-inspiring spectacle of planes soaring mere feet above the sand. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or an aviation enthusiast, this adventure is sure to leave you with memories that will linger long after the day has ended.
Key Points
- The 5-hour tour combines relaxation at Orient Beach with exciting plane watching at Maho Beach.
- Enjoy various water sports like jet skiing, paragliding, and boogie boarding at Orient Beach.
- Observe massive jet airliners landing close to Maho Beach, with access to flight information at Sunset Beach Bar and Grill.
- The tour includes convenient transportation from the Philipsburg cruise port.
- The well-paced itinerary allows for a memorable experience of Saint Martin’s coastal beauty.
Tour Overview
The tour offers a 5-hour combination experience, providing visitors the opportunity to explore both the vibrant Orient Beach and the renowned Maho Beach, with convenient transportation and essential amenities included.
Departing near the Philipsburg cruise port, the tour takes guests on a scenic journey to these iconic locations.
At Orient Beach, they’ll enjoy 2 hours of relaxation and water activities like jet skiing, paragliding, and boogie boarding, all at their own expense.
The next stop is Maho Beach, where they’ll spend 2 hours watching the mesmerizing sight of jet liners landing.
With access to the Sunset Beach Bar and Grill, they can stay informed about flight details throughout their visit.
Itinerary
Orient Beach kicks off the tour’s itinerary, where visitors relish 2 hours of leisure and water-based thrills at their own expense.
A diverse range of activities awaits, including jet skiing, paragliding, standup paddleboarding, and boogie boarding, allowing guests to enjoy the beach’s vibrant atmosphere.
After soaking up the sun and waves, the tour moves on to Maho Beach, where travelers spend 2 hours marveling at the incredible sight of massive jet liners landing just feet overhead.
Visitors can access the famous Sunset Beach Bar and Grill to observe the aircraft’s approach and learn more about the airport’s unique operations.
With its seamless combination of relaxation and excitement, the tour provides an unforgettable island experience.
Orient Beach Activities
Visitors can enjoy a myriad of exhilarating water sports at Orient Beach, where they’ll find an array of options catering to various thrill-seeking preferences.
Jet skis glide swiftly across the azure waters, offering guests the chance to zip along the coastline and experience the sheer power of these personal watercraft.
For those seeking a more serene yet adrenaline-fueled activity, the beach’s tranquil lagoon provides an ideal setting for standup paddleboarding, allowing travelers to effortlessly navigate the calm waters while taking in the stunning surroundings.
Parasailing also beckons the more adventurous, providing a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking Caribbean landscape as they soar high above the sparkling sea.
Maho Beach Viewing
At Maho Beach, travelers can witness the thrilling spectacle of massive jet airliners soaring mere feet above their heads as they land at the adjacent Princess Juliana International Airport, offering a unique and unforgettable aviation experience.
The tour allows visitors two hours to soak in the excitement at Maho Beach, where they can access the Sunset Beach Bar and Grill to get information on upcoming flights.
Watching the powerful engines of the massive planes as they touch down just feet away is a highlight, creating an adrenaline-fueled atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.
Whether it’s the sheer size of the aircraft or the exhilaration of their arrival, Maho Beach provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the wonder of modern aviation up close.
Meeting and Departure
Travelers meet at the EDC Lot (Sand Bank) outside the Philipsburg cruise port, with the tour departing promptly at 9am to embark on the day’s adventure. This convenient location near the cruise port ensures a seamless start to the day.
The tour includes:
- Transportation to and between the two stunning beaches
- Refreshments, lunch, and gratuities provided for a hassle-free experience
- A friendly and knowledgeable driver to guide the group
- Ample time to explore both Orient Beach and the famous Maho Beach
- The opportunity to end the tour back at the original meeting point, making for an easy return to the cruise port.
After a day of sun, sand, and plane-watching, the tour concludes with an effortless journey back to the starting point.
Tour Duration
The Orient Beach Adventure is a 5-hour combination tour that whisks travelers to two of Saint Martin’s premier coastal destinations. Departing at 9am near the Philipsburg cruise port, the tour includes transportation to and between the beaches, as well as refreshments, lunch, and gratuities. Guests will spend 2 hours at each location, with ample time to enjoy the following activities:
| Orient Beach | Maho Beach |
|---|---|
| Jet Skiing | Watching Jet Liners |
| Paragliding | Visiting Sunset Beach Bar & Grill |
| SUP | – |
| Boogie Boarding | – |
This well-paced itinerary allows travelers to fully experience the natural beauty and unique attractions that make Saint Martin a must-visit Caribbean destination.
Accessibility and Capacity
Though the Orient Beach Adventure offers a convenient way to experience two iconic Saint Martin beaches, it may not be suitable for all travelers.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and moderate physical fitness is recommended due to the activities and transitions between locations.
The tour has a maximum capacity of 30 travelers, and infants must sit on laps. This means larger groups or families with young children may be limited in their ability to join.
Plus, the combination of transportation, refreshments, lunch, and gratuities provided helps make the tour efficient, but those with dietary restrictions or special needs may want to inquire about accommodations.
Guest Reviews
Guests who’ve experienced the Orient Beach Adventure overwhelmingly praise the tour, with an impressive 5.0 overall rating based on 5 reviews.
Highlights of the tour include the knowledgeable driver, who provides great insights throughout the journey, as well as the beautiful beaches themselves.
Reviewers particularly recommend spending more time at the spacious and clean Orient Beach, rather than rushing through it.
While Maho Beach is a must-see for plane spotting, visitors suggest saving that portion for a later visit to avoid the large crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned, though infants must sit on laps during the tour. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages, though moderate physical fitness is recommended due to the activity level at the beaches.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?
Yes, travelers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, refreshments and lunch are already provided as part of the package, so bringing additional items is optional.
Are There Any Photography Restrictions at the Beaches?
There are no strict photography restrictions at the beaches. Visitors are generally free to take photos, though they should be courteous and avoid interfering with others’ enjoyment. However, it’s wise to check for any specific rules at each beach location.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
According to the tour overview, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the standard 5-hour tour duration. The itinerary is fixed, though travelers may have the flexibility to spend more time at each beach on their own if desired.
Can We Request Special Dietary Accommodations?
Yes, the tour operator can accommodate special dietary requests. Travelers can notify the operator of any dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, when booking the tour, and the operator will make the necessary arrangements.
Recap
The ‘See the Planes Adventure to Orient Beach‘ offers an unparalleled experience, blending the tranquility of Orient Beach with the thrill of Maho Beach’s aviation spectacle.
Travelers can indulge in exhilarating water sports, then witness the incredible sight of planes landing mere feet above them, creating an unforgettable day filled with stunning coastal beauty and aviation excitement.
This tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the best of both worlds.
