Sint Maarten & St. Martin: ATV Island Tour with Beach Stops

Summary

ATV adventure across French & Dutch sides with beach walks, iguanas, island views

You’ll ride an ATV through Sint Maarten & St. Martin’s lively streets and open roads with a local guide leading the way. Expect beach time at Orient Bay, feeding iguanas at Oyster Pond, and walking across shallow water at Coralita lookout—plus plenty of laughs and salty air along the way.

What’s the experience like?

We kicked up dust as soon as we rolled out from Philipsburg — helmets on, sun already warming my arms. Our guide, Jean-Luc (who had this easy laugh), waved us into line and pointed out how the road curves meant “lean in or you’ll feel it tomorrow.” The engine’s hum was louder than I expected, but honestly kind of soothing after a minute. We passed pastel houses and people waving from porches; I tried to wave back without letting go of the throttle — not graceful.

The first big stop was Orient Bay Beach. I didn’t realize how blue the water would look under that late morning light — like someone turned up the color dial. Some folks grabbed cold drinks at a shack while others just walked barefoot in the sand (I’m still shaking sand out of my shoes). There was this salty tang in the air and music drifting from somewhere behind the palms. Jean-Luc showed us where to rent chairs if we wanted to just sit and watch the waves for a bit.

After that, we wound our way over to Oyster Pond — you get these wild views of St. Barths across the water, all hazy on the horizon. There’s a spot where you can feed iguanas (which is exactly as weird and funny as it sounds; one snatched lettuce right out of my hand). The guide told us about how Dutch and French sides blend here — he even switched languages mid-sentence once or twice, which made me smile because nobody blinked.

Coralita Beach lookout was next, with something called “the Moses Walk.” Basically you walk across shallow water to this little island — felt strange at first but then kind of magical. My shoes got soaked but I didn’t care; everyone was laughing about who slipped most. By then I’d stopped worrying about looking cool on the quad and just enjoyed it all — wind in my face, salt on my lips, that low rumble under me. It’s hard to explain but I still think about that view from Coralita sometimes when things are too quiet at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour of Sint Maarten highlights

• Ride on major island roads
• Detour off-road briefly
• Pass Front Street in Philipsburg
• Stop at Orient Bay beach
• Walk beach and take photos
• Use restrooms and buy snacks
• Stop at Oyster Bay
• Take photos and feed iguanas
• View neighboring island St. Barths
• Stop at Coralita Beach lookout
• Walk on water to nearby island
• Take photos at Moses Walk

Top questions

How long does the guided ATV tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 to 4 hours.

Do I need previous ATV experience for this tour?

No prior experience is needed; there’s an in-depth tutorial before departure.

Are there stops for swimming or relaxing on beaches?

Yes, there are stops at Orient Bay Beach where you can walk the beach or relax with chairs provided.

Is lunch included in this Sint Maarten ATV tour?

No lunch is included but snacks and drinks can be purchased during stops.

What attractions are visited during the day trip?

The tour visits Orient Bay Beach, Oyster Pond (with iguana feeding), Coralita Beach lookout (“Moses Walk”), and passes through Philipsburg.

Are helmets provided for riders?

Yes, helmets are included for all participants.

Is there an age limit for children joining as passengers?

The minimum age is 6 years old for passengers.

What do I need to bring for this ATV day trip?

You must bring a valid driver’s license if you wish to drive; comfortable clothes and sunscreen are recommended.

What’s included

Your day includes fuel for your ATV, helmets for safety, an in-depth tutorial on operating your quad before heading out, plus beach chairs and umbrellas when you stop at Orient Bay Beach—all led by a local guide who keeps things moving (and fun) throughout your ride.