St. Maarten

Leaving Philipsburg, take a drive through the countryside towards the Dutch-French border, with only a stone monument visible to indicate you have entered the French side.

On passing the district of Orleans, which was once the capital of the French side, you’ll make your way to the fishing village of Grand Case, considered to be the gourmet capital of the Caribbean.

A short stop will be made at the town square adjacent to the beautiful harbour of Marigot, the French capital. Here, you’ll have time to browse the open-air market, stroll along the waterfront or through the picturesque streets with their inviting pavement cafés and shops.

Crossing over to the Dutch side to Cole Bay Hill, you’ll pause for a photo stop to enjoy the magnificent views of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, the French side and neighbouring islands.

Take in the sights of Philipsburg, capital of Dutch St Maarten, and see its quaint ‘gingerbread’ houses. Drive along Salt Point Road and over Mountain Road to the south coast.

You’ll stop en route to enjoy the breathtaking views over Orient Bay and continue passing French Cul de Sac and Grand Casse. A stop will be made at Marigot for you to browse amongst the shops, or watch the world go by from a pavement café.

You’ll join the Explorer at Marina Royale for a short cruise across the calm lagoon, which stretches across the whole of the island to join both Dutch and French sides. On board, relax on the sun decks whilst listening to the rhythmic sounds of a calypso entertainer. There are 2 bars serving an array of spirits, beer, rum punch and soft drinks. Experience the Caribbean atmosphere, before arriving at Simpson Bay for the short return drive back to Philipsburg.

Experience beautiful surroundings whilst lazing in the shade of the 63-foot tall sail en route to your beach location.

Step ashore and laze on a beautiful beach whilst soaking up some sun. Take a swim in a quiet cove or try your hand at snorkelling. Alternatively, you may prefer to simply immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters or relax on the sand.

The sails will be set for your return cruise downwind. Enjoy the scenery accompanied by local music and freshly made drinks. If you’re feeling peckish, you might like to indulge in a snack to round off your day on one of the most impressive catamarans in the Caribbean.

Prior to boarding the yachts, you’ll be divided into teams and given a brief introduction before tendering to the yachts.

Compete in an actual race around a shortened ‘America’s Cup’ course, under the watchful eyes of experienced crew as you participate in the thrill of sailing these fabulous yachts. Everyone is offered a small task and given instruction by the crew. No sailing experience is necessary. Then it’s time to practice on the way to the start. The team’s timekeeper counts down, and with the wave of a red flag from the committee boat, you’re off!

Two classic thoroughbreds, nearly 70-feet long with masts the height of an 8 storey building, duel in an equal match for a fractional advantage. After such an exciting experience, there can be no losers! And so for all the competitors there will be a victory drink back on the dock.

‘12 Metre’ have developed a line of memorabilia and souvenirs and you’ll have the opportunity to browse through the ‘America’s Cup’ Museum Boutique after the Regatta.

Setting off from the port, you’ll enjoy a scenic drive taking in the scenery surrounding Philipsburg. Your knowledgeable guide will enlighten you with interesting details of its eco-system.

You’ll then head to St Maarten Park, home to an amazing array of parrots, over 80 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians all housed in a tropical, garden setting. From the Jamaican Fruit Bats to a variety of monkeys, great care is given to these special animals which are part of a conservation project especially for Caribbean and South American species. During your visit you’ll be offered a refreshing drink.

Afterwards, you’ll continue through the mountainous Middle Region. Along this picturesque coastal road, you can view Tintemarre and the many smaller islets dotted in the Caribbean Sea. Skirt the eastern shore before heading back towards Great Bay. From the vantage point at the top of Orient Hill, the islands of Saba, Statia, St Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla are all visible. Enjoy a brief photo stop before heading back to Philipsburg.

Discover St Maarten in the most unique way as you take to the roads on a Harley Davidson.

After brief formalities, you’ll follow your guide on a scenic tour past the Simpson Bay Marina, through Maho and Mullet Bay, famous for its appeal to many visiting celebrities. Your convoy will then continue on to Marigot, the French capital, and Fort Louis.

You’ll ride across the north coast, taking in the countryside, and pass through the restaurant capital of Grand Case, before returning to Philipsburg.

A truly amazing experience, you’ll never forget.

The accent is very much on cosmopolitan French St Maarten, considered by many to be the most picturesque of this 2 nation island. Leaving Philipsburg, you’ll drive along the eastern side to the small fishing village of Grand Case.

At Grand Case Pier, you’ll board the Seaworld Explorer semi-submarine. Enjoy a 15 minute narrated tour of the coral reefs surrounding Creole Rock. Seaworld Explorer is a state-of-the-art semi-sub, allowing you to descend into the hull and sit in air-conditioned comfort 5 feet below the water’s surface. Discover the wonderful marine world in this cruising underwater observatory.

Back on dry land, you’ll continue to the French capital of Marigot, where you’ll have time for a spot of shopping.

You’ll join your biking guide at the pier, and after a short briefing you’ll set off along the Point Blanche road. Follow your guide along the colourful and bustling boardwalk into the heart of the Dutch capital, Philipsburg.

During your ride, you’ll take in some of the town’s highlights including St Maarten’s oldest hotel, the historical Courthouse, and Fort Amsterdam. You’ll also enjoy lovely views across the Caribbean sea from the Little Bay lookout point.

Your return ride will take you back along the boardwalk, with a short stop en route at Great Bay Beach. Perhaps take a brief refreshing dip in the ocean, before cycling back to the pier.

During your tour a cooling refreshment will be served in a local restaurant.

Setting off from the port, you’ll take a scenic drive to Kim Sha beach in Simpson Bay, passing by the Cay Hill lookout point.

Upon arrival, you’ll be given a safety briefing and instruction before boarding your double or single kayak and setting off. You’ll head out into the Simpson Bay saltwater lagoon, paddling towards the Bellevue mangroves. Your guide will point out the wildlife species that make this area their home and the imaginary water border between the Dutch and French sides of the island.

From the mangroves you’ll paddle to a sandy beach within the bay, where you can take some time to relax and enjoy a refreshing swim.

Afterwards, you’ll rejoin your kayak and take a final paddle across to a beautiful cove. Here your adventure will end and a cooling refreshment will be offered, before the return drive to the port.

Embark on a short scenic drive to Guana Bay, located just north east of Philipsburg. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the trail entrance by your hiking guide where instruction and an informative talk will be given. You’ll also be provided with a bottle of water and a snack bar contained in a hip pack, before setting off.

You’ll head along the rocky trail that leads to Geneve Bay, offering lovely panoramic views along the way. During your hike, look out for the numerous cacti and plant life in the area. You may also catch a glimpse of the neighbouring island of St Barts. A short stop will be made at the rocky beach of Geneve Bay for you to admire the surf.

Afterwards you’ll turn back, heading along another trail to Guana Bay Beach and finally on to the Iguana Beach Bar. Here, you’ll be offered a welcome soft drink refreshment before the return drive to Philipsburg.

Step aboard a high speed RIB at the pier, and embark on a foam-flying adventure along the coastline.

You’ll head to Simpson’s Bay and on to Marina Royale in Marigot. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy around 1 hour of free time to explore the quaint French capital.

Afterwards, you’ll whizz across to the south coast, where a snorkelling stop will be made. Discover the underwater marine life, or if you prefer, simply relax on the boat. You’ll then zip off to a local beach for a short stop. Relax on the warm sand or enjoy a quick dip in the clear Caribbean sea.

Throughout your tour, soft drink refreshments will be offered. Rum punch and beer will also be available on the return boat ride.

This simple transfer to the French side will allow you to discover Marigot at your own leisure.

During your unguided journey, sit back and relax and take in the St Maarten scenery. Upon entering the French side of ‘St Martin’, your drop off point will be Marigot town square. A tour representative will greet you to assist with any questions you may have, and advise you of your return meeting point and time.

You’ll have around 1½ to 2 hours of free time to spend as you please. Perhaps take a stroll along the quaint harbour and promenade or relax in a nearby café and watch the world go by. During your visit, you may choose to browse the shops during opening hours.

Afterwards, you’ll meet as requested for the return drive to Philipsburg.

At the pier, step aboard your catamaran and embark on a relaxing cruise. Sit back and take in the unspoilt beauty of St Maarten’s coastline.

After around 1 hour, your captain will anchor just offshore. Here, you can enjoy a refreshing swim or simply relax and remain on board the catamaran.

Afterwards, with everyone all back onboard, it’s time to head back along the coast to Philipsburg. The good mood prevails, as you listen to the rhythm and tunes of the Caribbean.

Throughout your cruise you’ll be offered soft drink refreshments, and alcoholic beverages will be available on the return cruise.

Embark on a scenic drive through the Caribbean’s smallest island shared by two nations. Your journey will pass the Dutch capital, Philipsburg, and through the countryside towards the Dutch-French border. Look out for the stone monument, which is the only indication that you have entered the French side of the island. During your drive, you’ll notice the contrast between the two sides of the island.

You’ll drive through the bustling small French capital of Marigot, before heading to one of the island’s local beaches.

Upon arrival, you’ll have some free time at the beach to do as you please. Perhaps enjoy a leisurely stroll, take a refreshing swim or relax on the warm sand, before the return drive to the port.