Highlights
- 4.5-hour St Maarten shore excursion exploring both Dutch and French sides
- Sunbathe or swim in the gorgeous sea at Grand Case Beach and enjoy a visit to Maho Beach
- Try a local drink in the island's gourmet capital, Grand Case
- Explore the open-air craft and clothing market in Marigot, a quaint French village
- Round-trip transport from cruise port included
- Covered by Viator’s worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship
Recent Photos of this Tour
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Pose with a PiratePhllipsburg waterfrontPhoto by: Katie and TonyUSA, 01 2013 -
Phillipsburg strollAfter your tour, take the water taxi over to Phillipsburg and stroll along the quaint streets and have a mokijumbie at ...Photo by: Katie and TonyUSA, 01 2013 -
Fun souvenir shoppingLoved these low / no pressure sales ladies. Other islands should take up their laid back, friendly sales style. We ...Photo by: Katie and TonyUSA, 01 2013 -
Our Guide, Burt!Thank you Burt for a fun and informative tour! Your patience for our sense of adventure was appreciated! :)Photo by: Katie and TonyUSA, 01 2013 -
French side beach visitGorgeous beach with lots of activities...Photo by: Katie and TonyUSA, 01 2013 -
This is where you meet your ...Very easy to find out guide on the steps of this building, right outside the cruise dock gates. There is an info desk ...Photo by: Katie and TonyUSA, 01 2013 -
Planes landing over beachAmazing to witness this!Photo by: Katie and TonyUSA, 01 2013 -
Useful Information
Watch planes land over Maho Beach
When your cruise ship docks in Philipsburg port, meet your guide for your St Maarten shore excursion, and get ready to explore the highlights of this Caribbean treasure. You’ll experience both sides of this Dutch- and French-colonial island, which covers just 37 square miles (60 square km) in the Lesser Antilles, and stop at scenic spots along the way.
First, head to the north end of the island, on the French side, to one of its most serene and remarkable beaches, Grand Case Beach, where you can stroll along the pure white shore. Swim or sunbathe, stretching out on the soft sand as you marvel at the turquoise water that sparkles in the tropical sunlight.
Then, in the Caribbean’s gourmet capital, Grand Case, you’ll find a diverse selection of local cuisine. Try a traditional dish such as a scrumptious Johnny Cake – a fried cornmeal pancake – for lunch (own expense), or sample guavaberry liqueur (a tasty rum made from the island berries) or sip a soda or beer on the beach (one drink included).
Then, head to Marigot, the charming capital of St-Martin, and take in the French atmosphere where shops line the colonial streets and an open-air bazaar surrounds the central square. Next, your guide will take you back to the Dutch side to Maho Beach, where you can watch planes approach at a close distance as they land at the adjacent Princess Juliana International Airport.
Your shore excursion ends with a drive past Simpson Bay on your return to the cruise port. If you wish, you may request to be dropped off in Philipsburg to explore on your own instead of being dropped off at the port. If you do so, however, the worry-free shore excursion policy no longer applies; see Additional Information for details.
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Philipsburg port for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.
Reviewed by Susan O, April 2013
This was a great overview of the island; we got to spend time at 3 amazing beaches and learned so much history of the island. Our tour guide was fantastic. It made me want to come back and spend more time in St Maarten/St Martin!!
Reviewed by Mary C, USA, April 2013
It was a wonderful day, our guide/driver Bert was informative and well organized giving us a complete tour and swim time at several stops to experience the Atlantic and Caribbean sea. The stocked cooler of rum punch, water and coke was perfect. My grandchildren were with me 9 and 7 had a great time and also enjoyed all the information about the island. It was well paced and a real value for the money. We saw the french and dutch side of the island experiencing both cultures.
