Sint Maarten: Private Island Tour with Beaches & Markets

Summary

Private tour of Sint Maarten exploring beaches markets history

You’ll drift between Sint Maarten’s Dutch & French sides with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Sip cold drinks as you pause at breezy viewpoints, browse colorful open-air markets, and stretch out on soft-sand beaches—with pickup, towels, and laughter along the way. It’s all easygoing but full of life—you might even pick up a word or two of Creole by accident.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely landed in Philipsburg when our guide, Jean-Luc, waved us over to his van—ice-cold drinks already waiting. The air smelled like warm salt and sunscreen. He grinned and asked if we wanted to start with the French side or Dutch side of Sint Maarten. I didn’t know there was such a difference until he pointed out the street signs changing languages as we crossed over. There’s something funny about how you can just slip from one country to another in a few minutes here, no passport check, just a new accent and suddenly more baguettes in the bakeries.

Our first stop was this lookout over Grand Case—wind tugging at my shirt, gulls circling above. Jean-Luc told us stories about hurricanes and how the island always bounces back (he called it “island stubbornness”). We ducked into an open-air market where I tried on a hat that made my wife laugh so hard she nearly dropped her fresh mango juice. The vendors were joking around in Creole and French; I understood maybe half but somehow felt included anyway. The private island tour let us linger wherever we wanted—no rush, just wandering.

Later we sprawled out on Mullet Bay Beach with towels Jean-Luc handed us—soft, not scratchy hotel ones for once. Kids were building sandcastles nearby while someone played reggae from a phone tucked in a shoe (I still hear that beat sometimes). At Marigot, I tried to say “merci” but probably butchered it; the lady selling pastries smiled anyway and gave me an extra napkin. It’s those little things that stick with me more than any photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore both Dutch and French sides

• Travel in premium connected vehicles
• Visit beautiful pictorial spots
• Stop at stunning beaches
• Explore places with historical stories
• Shop at local open-air markets
• Visit best stores with great prices
• See internationally known mythical places
• Enjoy surprises and cultural insights

Top questions

Is pickup included for the private island tour in Sint Maarten?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for your convenience.

Are drinks provided during the Sint Maarten private tour?

Fresh drinks are included as part of your day.

Can infants or small children join this private island tour?

Yes, infants can ride on an adult’s lap or use specialized infant seats.

Is the vehicle wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible for guests who need it.

Will we visit both Dutch and French parts of Sint Maarten?

Yes, you’ll explore both sides during your private island tour.

Are towels provided for beach stops?

Towels are included for your comfort at the beaches.

Is WiFi available during the tour?

Yes, WiFi is provided in the vehicle throughout your trip.

Can I customize the stops on this private island tour?

The route is flexible based on your preferences—just ask your guide.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in a comfortable vehicle with WiFi onboard; fresh drinks to keep you cool; soft towels for beach stops; plus plenty of time to explore local markets and both sides of Sint Maarten at your own pace before returning whenever you’re ready.