St. Maarten: ATV Tour Dutch & French Sides with Beach Stops

Summary

ATV adventure through St. Maarten’s lively streets and quiet beaches

You’ll ride an ATV across both Dutch & French sides of St. Maarten with a local guide, stopping at places like Airport Beach and Marigot for photos or just to soak it in. The pace is easygoing—even beginners can handle it—and drinks are included along the way. It’s those small moments between stops that really stay with you.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit it — I stalled my ATV before we even left the parking lot in Philipsburg. Our guide, Jean-Luc, just grinned and waved me on like he’d seen a hundred nervous tourists do the same thing. The engine finally rumbled to life, and suddenly we were weaving out onto the island roads, helmets a little too big but spirits high. It’s funny how quickly you forget about looking silly when the wind hits your face and you catch that salty air mixed with something sweet — maybe from a bakery nearby? Hard to tell.

We zipped past pastel houses and kids waving from doorways, crossing from the Dutch side into French St. Martin without even noticing at first (no border drama here). Jean-Luc pointed out where the languages changed on street signs — I tried to pronounce “Marigot” properly and got a laugh from him for my effort. We stopped at Airport Beach just as a plane thundered overhead so low I could almost read its wheels. The sand was warm underfoot, but honestly, I was still buzzing from the ride itself.

The pace was relaxed — not some wild off-road chase — which meant we had time to pull over for photos or just stare at the water for a bit. At Mullet Bay, I sat on my helmet for a second longer than everyone else, just watching sunlight scatter across the waves. Someone handed me a cold soda (included in the tour), which tasted way better than usual after all that sun. There were moments of silence too — rare for group tours — like when nobody spoke as we looked out over Marigot’s rooftops. That view sticks with me more than any postcard shot.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guided ATV tour highlights St Maarten

• Check-in and briefing at meeting point
• Start 3-hour ATV adventure
• Stop at Airport Beach for photos
• Stop at Mullet Bay for photos
• Stop at Marigot for photos
• Enjoy beverages included during tour

Top questions

Do I need a driver’s license to drive an ATV in St. Maarten?

Yes, anyone wanting to steer an ATV must bring a valid driver’s license.

Is this ATV tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed for beginners and runs at a sightseeing pace mostly on paved roads.

What places do we visit during the ATV tour?

You’ll stop at highlights like Airport Beach, Mullet Bay, Marigot, and other scenic spots on both sides of St. Maarten.

Are drinks included on this guided ATV tour?

Yes, each person gets two beverages—bottled water and soda—during the trip.

Can children join this St. Maarten ATV tour?

The minimum age for passengers is 6 years old; drivers must be at least 18.

How long does the ATV tour last?

The guided ATV tour lasts about 3 hours.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

If you need roundtrip shuttle service, you can request it by providing your accommodation details when booking.

Is there any off-road riding during this day trip?

The route is mostly on-road with only a small off-road portion included.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an ATV with helmet and fuel provided, guidance from a local professional guide throughout both Dutch and French sides of St. Maarten, two included beverages per person (water and soda), plus optional roundtrip shuttle service if you specify your hotel or accommodation when booking.