The St. Maarten Shore Excursion promises an unforgettable day exploring the island’s captivating French and Dutch sides. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of Orient Beach, stroll through the charming town of Marigot, and witness the thrilling spectacle of planes soaring low over Maho Beach. Thoughtfully curated with convenient transportation, refreshments, and a shopping stop in Philipsburg, this guided tour offers a comprehensive cultural experience. Whether you’re seeking sun-soaked moments or unique island adventures, this excursion is sure to leave you with lasting memories. But what truly sets this tour apart from the rest?
Key Points
- This shore excursion covers both the French and Dutch sides of the island of St. Maarten, including visits to popular destinations like Orient Beach, Marigot, and Maho Beach.
- The tour includes transportation in air-conditioned minivans, as well as beverages and a taxi ride back to the cruise port from downtown Philipsburg.
- Guests can experience the unique Gallic charm of Marigot, browse local markets and boutiques, and witness the thrilling jet engine blasts at Maho Beach.
- The excursion offers an immersive cultural experience and opportunities to capture stunning island vistas, with a maximum of 15 travelers for a personalized experience.
- The tour is not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or medical conditions, and participants should plan for crowds and lines at popular attractions.
Tour Overview
This shore excursion in St Maarten takes visitors on a journey through both the French and Dutch sides of the island, offering a diverse range of experiences.
Guests will stop at the picturesque Orient Beach, known for its stunning views and lively atmosphere.
The tour then heads to the charming town of Marigot, where travelers can explore the local shops and take in the French-Caribbean ambiance.
Next, it’s on to the famous Maho Beach, where visitors can witness the thrilling sight of planes landing just overhead.
Throughout the tour, guests will enjoy beautiful vistas from various lookout points.
The excursion also includes a shopping stop in Philipsburg before returning to the cruise port.
Included in the Excursion
The St Maarten shore excursion includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise port, as well as air-conditioned minivan transportation to guide guests through the destinations.
Beverages like rum punch, beer, soda, and water are provided to keep travelers refreshed. If guests are dropped off in downtown Philipsburg, they’ll receive a taxi ride back to the cruise port.
The tour doesn’t include food or activities, and guests are responsible for gratuities. With a minimum of 2 adults per booking and a maximum of 15 travelers, the excursion ensures a personalized experience.
The convenient transportation and included amenities allow guests to fully enjoy exploring the French and Dutch sides of the island.
Pickup and Meeting Location
Guests meet the tour at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities, located on Juancho Yrausquin Blvd in Sint Maarten.
The tour departs from behind the information desk below the jumbo screen on the first two-story building as guests exit their cruise ship.
This convenient pickup location means travelers don’t have to go far to begin their adventure.
The tour’s air-conditioned minivans provide comfortable transportation throughout the day, allowing guests to sit back and enjoy the sights.
The tour’s proximity to public transportation makes it easy for guests to explore the island on their own before or after the excursion.
Visiting the French Side
After departing the cruise port, the tour makes its way to the French side of the island, where guests can enjoy the unique Gallic charm of Marigot, the island’s capital. Strolling through the bustling harbor, visitors will be enchanted by the colorful buildings, sidewalk cafes, and chic boutiques that line the streets.
The tour then heads to scenic lookout points, offering breathtaking vistas of the island’s natural beauty.
Whether it’s browsing the local markets, admiring the yachts in the marina, or simply soaking in the laid-back French ambiance, this portion of the tour provides a delightful contrast to the Dutch side, showcasing the cultural diversity that makes St. Maarten such a captivating destination.
Exploring Maho Beach
One of the most iconic stops on the tour is Maho Beach, where visitors are treated to a thrilling up-close encounter with the powerful engines of departing and arriving aircraft at the nearby Princess Juliana International Airport.
Maho Beach is renowned for its unique location, allowing visitors to feel the full force of the jet blasts as planes take off and land just feet above their heads. This heart-pounding experience is a must-see for any visitor to St. Maarten.
The tour includes several key highlights at Maho Beach:
- Watching planes fly mere feet over the beach, creating a thrilling and unforgettable experience
- Feeling the incredible force of the jet engine blasts as planes take off and land
- Capturing the perfect photos and videos to share with friends and family back home
Shopping in Philipsburg
The shopping opportunities in Philipsburg offer visitors a delightful blend of duty-free boutiques, bustling open-air markets, and local artisan shops, catering to a diverse range of interests and budgets.
Whether you’re seeking high-end designer goods, locally crafted souvenirs, or unique Caribbean-inspired accessories, the shopping district in Philipsburg has a lot to offer.
Stroll along the lively Front Street, known as the ‘Boardwalk,’ and browse through a variety of stores offering everything from jewelry and electronics to apparel and specialty items.
Beyond the main shopping area, you’ll also find hidden gems in the side streets, where talented local artisans showcase their handmade crafts and paintings.
The vibrant shopping scene in Philipsburg is a must-visit for any cruise ship passenger looking to enjoy the island’s dynamic culture and bring home a piece of St. Maarten.
Key Considerations
Tourists booking this St. Maarten shore excursion should consider a few key factors to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Not recommended for travelers with mobility issues or medical conditions, as it involves extended periods of walking and exposure to sun and heat.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18 years old.
Prepare for crowds and lines at popular attractions, especially at Maho Beach, and plan accordingly to make the most of their time.
Tour Capacity
This tour accommodates a maximum of 15 travelers per group, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. Smaller group sizes allow for more flexibility, allowing the guide to cater to individual interests and needs throughout the excursion.
With a cap on the number of participants, the tour maintains an exclusive feel, providing ample opportunities for guests to interact with the guide and fellow travelers. This helps foster a sense of camaraderie and allows for a more immersive exploration of the destinations.
The limited capacity also enables the guide to navigate the sights and attractions with ease, minimizing wait times and maximizing the time spent at each location. The tour’s capacity is designed to deliver a high-quality and personalized shore experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Restroom Break During the Tour?
The tour includes several stops where participants can use restrooms. Restroom breaks are likely available at various points throughout the excursion, allowing travelers to refresh themselves as needed during the sightseeing activities.
Can We Stop for Lunch on Our Own?
The tour does not include a scheduled lunch stop, but participants are free to spend time exploring Marigot and finding their own dining options during the visit. This allows for flexibility and independent discovery during the tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
There is a minimum drinking age of 18 years for this tour. While there are no other explicit age restrictions, the tour may not be suitable for young children due to the activities and transportation involved.
Can We Bring Our Own Drinks and Snacks?
The tour includes beverages like rum punch, beer, soda, and water, so guests can’t bring their own drinks. However, they’re welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during the excursion.
Is There Any Flexibility in the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary may offer some flexibility, allowing guests to spend more time at certain sites or adjust the schedule to accommodate their interests. However, significant changes to the set itinerary are generally not permitted.
Recap
The St. Maarten Shore Excursion offers an exceptional opportunity to discover the island’s diverse charms.
Visitors can enjoy the picturesque French and Dutch landscapes, from the serene Orient Beach to the thrilling Maho Beach.
The tour’s convenient transportation, refreshments, and shopping stop in Philipsburg ensure a well-rounded cultural experience for up to 15 travelers.
This comprehensive excursion promises to leave a lasting impression on those seeking to explore the wonders of St. Maarten.
