St. Maarten: Jeep Tour Dutch & French Sides with Beach

Drive Both Sides of St. Maarten in One Jeep, Ending at the Beach

You drive your own Jeep (or ride as a passenger) across both sides of St. Maarten with a guide leading the way via radio. The route includes overhead jet landings at Maho Beach, a nature reserve stop on the French side, the unmarked border at Oyster Pond, and ends with a swim and beach time at Philipsburg. No border formalities, small groups, and you're back at the cruise port in time to relax before departure.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Maho & Mullet Bay20m
2. Oyster Pondpass by
3. St. Maarten Cruise Port1h

Jeep tour and beach time in St Maarten

• Watch jet landings at Airport Beach
• Visit Lucas Bay nature reserve
• Pass through Oyster Pond community
• Relax and swim at Great Bay beach

The experience

Yeah, so you're basically steering your own Jeep around the whole island in a few hours, which sounds wild until you realize the guide in the lead Jeep is radioing ahead the whole time, and you're just following the route. The loop hits both the Dutch and French sides without any border hassle (there's literally just a sign on the road), and you stop at Maho Beach first, where the planes come in so low you can practically wave at the pilots. It's the kind of thing that looks unreal in photos, but standing there with the jet overhead and the beach right there, you get why people make it a must-do.

After Maho you head into the quieter side of things, Lucas Bay on the French side, where the water's shallow and the nature reserve is just peaceful. You're not swimming there, just cooling off your feet if you want. Then you loop through Oyster Pond, which is this half-French, half-Dutch residential area perched on a hill overlooking two resort beaches. The guide points out the border marker (spoiler: it's tiny) and explains how the whole thing just works without paperwork. It's the kind of detail that makes you realize how small and interconnected this island actually is.

The Jeep tour wraps at Philipsburg Beach, which is the 2-mile stretch right in front of the cruise port. Three-quarters of it is lined with the Boardwalk (bars, restaurants, shops, the whole thing), and the other quarter is basically empty sand if you want quiet. You get time to swim, walk around, grab lunch if you're hungry, and there's good photo stuff nearby: old Creole houses with the gingerbread trim, Front Street for shopping if that's your thing. The whole day is paced so you're not rushed, and since you're driving yourself (with a valid physical license), you control the speed and can linger at stops.

Max five people per Jeep, so it stays small. You'll need to bring your actual driver's license, not a photo on your phone, if you want to be behind the wheel. When you book, just let them know your ship name or where you're staying on-island so they can time the return right.

What’s included

Your tour includes a local guide, use of a Jeep with fuel, and radio communication between your vehicle and the guide's Jeep. You'll visit Maho Beach (for the jet landings), Lucas Bay on the French side, Oyster Pond, and finish with a swim and beach time at Philipsburg Beach near the cruise port.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 13:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Infant (under 6)

GroupUp to 40

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Blue Bubbles

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want to see both sides of the island without arranging your own transport or worrying about timing. The guide handles the route and radio communication, and the return is timed to get you back to the ship or your accommodation without stress.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (under 6).

Do I have to drive the Jeep myself?

No. You can ride as a passenger. If you want to drive, you need a valid physical driver's license (not a digital copy).

Is there a border crossing between Dutch and French sides?

No. There are no border formalities. A simple road sign marks the boundary.

Can I swim during the tour?

Yes. You cool off at Lucas Bay (shallow water, feet only) and have a full swim at Philipsburg Beach at the end.

How many people fit in each Jeep?

Maximum 5 occupants per vehicle.

What's included in the price?

Local guide, Jeep use and fuel, and radio communication with the guide's vehicle.

Do I need to be fit for this tour?

No. It's suitable for all physical fitness levels and is paced as a sightseeing tour, not an adventure activity.