Sint Maarten: Guided Jeep Tour Both Sides & Philipsburg Beach

Summary

Jeep adventure through Dutch and French towns, markets, jet landings and a Philipsburg beach break

You’ll drive your own Jeep across both Dutch and French Sint Maarten with a local guide leading by radio. Taste spicy sauces at Marigot Market, feel jet engines thunder overhead at Maho Beach, then cool off swimming in Great Bay near Philipsburg before heading back salty-haired and happy.

What’s the experience like?

First thing: I didn’t expect to get nervous about driving a Jeep, but there I was, clutching my license at the starting point in Sint Maarten while our guide (his name was Dwayne) explained the radio system. He joked that we’d all be “island DJs” for the day — honestly, I just hoped I wouldn’t stall out in front of everyone. The sun was already sharp at 9am, but that salty breeze made it bearable. We set off in this little convoy, radios crackling with Dwayne’s voice and random laughter from the other Jeeps. It felt weirdly communal.

We crossed from the Dutch side to the French side without even noticing — just a faded sign by the road and suddenly everything looked a bit different. Marigot Market was loud with color and voices; I tried some peppery hot sauce on a toothpick (instant regret), and watched an old woman selling necklaces laugh at my expression. There was time to poke around for souvenirs or just people-watch. Later, at Lucas Bay, Dwayne pointed out how quiet it gets — you could hear birds over the water and smell seaweed drying in the sun. Not really a swimming spot but good for stretching your legs.

The part everyone talks about is Maho Beach. You stand there with sand sticking to your legs, watching planes roar right overhead as they land — it’s louder than you think, almost ridiculous how close they get. Some folks tried to take selfies with jets behind them; I mostly just stared up like a kid. After looping back through Oyster Pond (pretty mellow area, boats bobbing in the marina), we ended up at Great Bay in Philipsburg for an hour of beach time. The boardwalk’s busy but not overwhelming — you can grab a drink or just float in warm water looking back at your ship. My skin still smelled faintly of sunscreen and salt when we left.

I keep thinking about that moment under the plane at Maho Beach — how everyone yelled and laughed together without knowing each other’s names. If you want to see both sides of Sint Maarten without rushing or getting lost in crowds, this guided Jeep tour does it right. Not perfect driving on my part (I definitely missed a turn once), but nobody cared much except maybe Dwayne on his radio.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Jeep tour and beach relaxation

• Watch jet landings at Airport Beach
• Browse souvenirs at Marigot Market
• Enjoy scenery at Lucas Bay Coralita
• Pass through Oyster Pond residential area
• Relax and swim at Great Bay beach

Top questions

Can I drive the Jeep myself on this tour?

Yes, anyone with a valid driver's license can drive their own Jeep during the guided tour.

How long is the guided Jeep tour including beach time?

The tour includes 3 hours exploring Sint Maarten by Jeep plus 1 hour relaxing at Philipsburg beach.

Is pickup included for cruise passengers?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at the designated starting point near St. Maarten Cruise Port.

What are some stops on this Sint Maarten Jeep tour?

You’ll visit Marigot Market, Maho & Mullet Bay (for plane landings), Lucas Bay/Coralita area, Oyster Pond, and Philipsburg's Great Bay beach.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, each person receives two beverages (bottled water and soda) during the excursion.

How many people fit in each Jeep?

The shared option allows up to 4 per vehicle; buyout option allows up to 5 people per Jeep.

Is swimming included on this day trip?

You’ll have one hour for swimming or relaxing on Great Bay beach after touring by Jeep.

Do I need to bring anything special for this tour?

A valid driver’s license if you want to drive; swimwear and sunscreen are also recommended for the beach stop.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a shared or private Jeep with fuel provided, radio communication with your local guide throughout the route across Dutch and French Sint Maarten, two drinks per person (water and soda), plus an hour of free time to swim or relax on Great Bay beach before returning near your cruise port or accommodation.