Description
- Round-trip transportation from your St. Maarten cruise ship terminal!
- Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation!
- English-speaking certified St. Maarten shore excursion guides!
- Enjoy and shop on both sides of the island - French and Dutch!
- Complimentary refreshments - water, beers, Rum punch, and soft drinks!
- Stop at Maho Beach and Orient Beach!
- Visit the best places to try local foods, sample free Rhum and cheese, get great photo options, and much more!
This St. Maarten and Sint Martin Island's Best Island Excursion is available from both Philipsburg (St. Maarten) and Marigot (St. Martin) cruise ports.
On this sightseeing excursion, you will get to see it all - the entire island, all of the highlights, all of the views. Your guide will provide you with educational as well as entertaining information about this unique island. This St. Maarten sightseeing shore excursion starts at your cruise ship port when you meet your driver and he starts his introduction. So be sure to have your cameras fully charged and ready.
Your excursion begins as you pass on the outskirts of downtown Philipsburg and approach the Freedom Monument statue. As you circle this statute your guide will give you a brief explanation of its history of the statute. Then continue driving past the Great Salt Pond on Coralita Bay, a natural reserve overlooking the French island of St. Barth. Your first stop is at the number one photo stop on the French side "Baie Lucas".
Then continue on a scenic route, for a bonus stop where you can take pictures of some iguanas, feed, and even pet them. Up next is a 10-minute drive to Orient Beach. There are many bars and restaurants to choose from, photo options, great water sports, and snorkeling; or just take a dip in the crystal clear water!
Up next is Lolos, which was voted number one in the Caribbean for best local food and Mardi Gras nights. Then you're on your way to Marigot, the capital of the French side, where you will get to experience the unique French boutiques, duty-free and tax-free luxury shopping for souvenirs, alcohol, organic coconuts, real Cuban cigars, and taste some exquisite French pastries. You can choose to just hang out, and talk to some locals; or, if you are up for an adventure, you can hike the 100 steps to the biggest fort for the best panoramic views.
The adventure does not stop there, as your next stop is the most popular beach in the world, Maho Beach. Watch the planes come in and take off or simply kick back and enjoy the beach as you sip on the national drink Guava berry colada. If you're feeling lucky, there is also a casino about 10 feet away. The fun doesn't stop here, as off you go to explore Simpson Bay, the home of mega yachts. So have your cameras ready because you're sure to spot some famous yachts here. You'll have a refreshing stop for some ice cream and also stop at Toppers Rhum Distillery, where you'll get an overview of how one of the best-selling Rums in the Caribbean is made.
You will have the option to purchase for lunch in Marigot or at Maho Beach! There will be a choice of local and international food with a starting price range of $20 (some of the dish options can be burgers with fries, BBQ chicken, and BBQ ribs, and the national dish is Grilled or fried snapper fish with rice and peas, shrimp, etc!) Most restaurants accept credit cards however, you can bring cash as the lunch is not included in the price of this St. Maarten cruise excursion!
As your St. Maarten excursion continues back towards Philipsburg, you will pass through Simpson Bay with a photo stop on Cole Bay Hill. Guests have the option to be dropped off in Philipsburg and return to the ship at their leisure. It's a 15-minute walk from downtown back to the cruise facility or a 4-minute regular taxi ride for $3.00 USD p/p or take the water taxi for $7.00 USD p/p not included. Those who remain on the excursion bus will get an amazing last stop at the Amsterdam cheese and liquor store to get free taste samples of some of the best local alcohol and wine while you snack on different types of cheese.
Where we meet
For this St. Maarten Best Island Excursion, you will meet outside your St. Maarten cruise terminal. All necessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket.
Excursion Restrictions
Standard-size wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not allowed (only foldable walkers and small foldable wheelchairs).
Cancellation
For the St. Maarten Best Island Excursion - Sights, Shopping, and Beach, we issue full refund for your deposit or full payment to us if: Canceled by client prior to excursion date with a minimum of 24 hours prior notice by email to reservations@shoreexcursioneer.com.
For cancellation reasons below, you must contact us via email within 14 days after your excursion:
- Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location (we will verify with the tour operator).
- Your ship skips/misses the port.
- Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator from running the excursion.
- A medical problem prevents you from safely participating in the excursion (we will verify with the excursion operator and the guest may send doctor's note). This applies to individuals only and not the remainder of the group.
- Cancellations/deposit refund requests that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund.
- Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information.
