Exploring the captivating island of St. Martin/St. Maarten is a must-do for nature enthusiasts. The Small Group, Coastal Hike & Swim Tour promises an immersive adventure that showcases the island’s diverse landscapes, from towering peaks to vibrant underwater realms. Guests embark on a guided journey, venturing to the island’s highest point for breathtaking vistas and wildlife sightings, before plunging into the crystal-clear waters for a snorkeling excursion. With round-trip transportation, complimentary refreshments, and a personalized experience, this tour caters to travelers seeking an authentic connection to the island’s natural wonders. What secrets and surprises might this coastal hike and swim unveil?
Key Points
- Small group tour (maximum 6 travelers) for a personalized nature exploration of St. Martin – St. Maarten’s diverse landscapes and wildlife.
- Highlights include a hike to Pic Paradis, the island’s highest peak, and a snorkeling excursion in a calm bay.
- Complimentary refreshments, such as coffee, tea, and homemade snacks, provided throughout the tour.
- Pickup service available from select hotels and residences, ensuring a seamless start to the adventure.
- Moderate level of physical fitness required, with children needing to be accompanied by an adult.
Tour Overview
This nature tour from Philipsburg offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the diverse landscapes and natural wonders of St. Martin – St. Maarten over a 4-hour period.
The highlight of the tour is a visit to Pic Paradis, the highest peak on the island, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the sparkling sea.
Along the way, guests will have the chance to spot a variety of wildlife, including lizards, birds, and iguanas, at a saltwater pond.
The tour also includes a snorkeling excursion in a calm bay, where participants can discover the vibrant underwater world.
Throughout the adventure, guests will enjoy coffee, tea, homemade snacks, and refreshing drinks.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour offers pickup services from hotels and residences in Philipsburg and Oyster Pond, providing convenience for participants.
For those staying elsewhere, an additional fee applies, or they can meet the group at the Dock Maarten parking lot.
Cruise ship guests can easily access the tour, as the Dock Maarten is just a 10-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
The pickup service ensures a seamless start to the adventure, allowing guests to sit back and relax as they’re transported to the tour’s starting point.
This considerate arrangement caters to the needs of travelers, making the experience as effortless as possible from the very beginning.
Transportation and Inclusions
Round-trip transportation from select hotels is included in the tour package, ensuring a hassle-free commute for participants.
The local guide accompanies the group throughout the journey, sharing insightful information about the region’s natural wonders.
Along the way, travelers can enjoy complimentary refreshments such as coffee, tea, homemade iced-lemongrass tea, and banana bread, as well as bottled water to stay hydrated.
For the snorkeling segment, the tour provides floating noodles to aid in the exploration of the underwater world.
These inclusions contribute to an immersive and well-rounded experience, allowing guests to fully engage with the stunning natural landscapes and marine life without having to worry about additional expenses.
Exclusions
While the tour package includes a variety of amenities, a few key expenses are not covered. Travelers are responsible for gratuities, as well as any personal expenses they may incur during the excursion. Plus, parking at the Dock Maarten location carries a fee of $2 for the first hour, with each additional hour costing $1.
| Exclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Gratuities | Tips for the local guide and any service providers |
| Personal Expenses | Any additional purchases or activities not included in the tour |
| Dock Maarten Parking | $2 for the first hour, $1 for each additional hour |
These additional costs are the responsibility of the tour participants and are not covered by the tour package. Careful planning and budgeting can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the St. Martin – St. Maarten coastal hike and swim tour.
Confirmation and Accessibility
Conveniently, confirmation of the tour booking is provided at the time of reservation.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, requiring participants to maintain a moderate level of physical fitness. Children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the excursion.
With a maximum of 6 travelers per group, the tour offers a personalized and intimate experience.
Guests can expect to embark on an engaging 4-hour nature adventure, exploring the island’s diverse wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. From scaling the highest peak, Pic Paradis, to snorkeling in a tranquil bay, the tour promises an immersive and unforgettable journey through the captivating natural wonders of St. Martin – St. Maarten.
Fitness Level and Group Size
To participate in this excursion, a moderate level of physical fitness is required from travelers.
The small group size, capped at a maximum of 6 individuals, ensures a personalized and intimate nature tour experience throughout the 4-hour adventure.
Hikers will ascend to the island’s highest peak, Pic Paradis, where panoramic vistas of the stunning landscape and azure seas await.
While the terrain is manageable, a decent level of endurance is necessary to complete the coastal trail.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, as the itinerary involves some moderately challenging elements.
This curated small-group format allows the local guide to tailor the experience to the abilities and interests of each participant, resulting in an unforgettable exploration of St. Martin’s natural splendor.
Wildlife and Scenery
During the scenic coastal hike, travelers spot a variety of intriguing wildlife, including vibrant lizards scurrying across the rocks, majestic birds soaring overhead, and the iconic iguanas sunbathing near a tranquil saltwater pond.
The lush, verdant landscape provides a picturesque backdrop for these captivating natural encounters.
The panoramic views from the highest peak, Pic Paradis, showcase the island’s breathtaking beauty, with the sparkling Caribbean Sea stretching out to the horizon.
Whether it’s admiring the rugged terrain, spotting unique creatures, or simply taking in the serene coastal vistas, the tour offers a truly immersive experience in St. Martin’s stunning natural environment.
Activities and Refreshments
After scaling the heights of Pic Paradis, travelers are rewarded with an array of refreshing treats. Coffee, tea, and homemade iced-lemongrass tea await, complemented by freshly baked banana bread – a delightful respite amidst the coastal exploration.
Floating noodles are provided for the subsequent snorkeling adventure, allowing participants to effortlessly enjoy the underwater world. The tour’s thoughtful inclusions ensure guests can fully enjoy the natural wonders without interruption, staying hydrated and energized throughout the journey.
Whether sipping a soothing beverage or gliding through the calm bay, these activities and refreshments enhance the overall experience, leaving travelers rejuvenated and eager to discover more of St. Martin – St. Maarten’s captivating coastline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Duration of the Entire Tour?
The tour lasts 4 hours, providing ample time for visitors to experience the natural wonders of the island. Guests will explore the highest peak, observe local wildlife, and enjoy snorkeling in a calm bay during this comprehensive nature excursion.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
The tour doesn’t have age restrictions, but children must be accompanied by an adult. This ensures their safety and enjoyment throughout the 4-hour nature experience, which involves hiking, snorkeling, and exploring wildlife.
Are There Restroom Facilities Available During the Tour?
The tour provides restroom facilities at the starting point, Dock Maarten. However, there are no dedicated restroom stops during the 4-hour nature tour itself. Participants should plan accordingly based on their personal needs and the duration of the excursion.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks?
Yes, guests can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. However, the tour provides coffee, tea, homemade iced-lemongrass tea, banana bread, and bottled water, so bringing extra may not be necessary.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Physical Disabilities?
The tour may not be suitable for people with physical disabilities, as it requires a moderate level of fitness and involves hiking up to the peak of Pic Paradis. However, alternative arrangements may be possible for those with limited mobility.
Recap
The St. Martin – St. Maarten: Small Group, Coastal Hike & Swim Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the island’s natural beauty.
From the breathtaking vistas of Pic Paradis to the vibrant underwater world, this tour caters to adventurous travelers seeking an authentic and personalized experience.
With its convenient transportation, refreshments, and small group size, it’s the perfect way to discover the wonders of this captivating Caribbean destination.
