St Maarten: Bird Park Tour, Iguana Feeding & Cheese Tasting

Summary

Bird park strolls iguana feeding Gouda cheese and Philipsburg

You’ll walk through a lively bird park near Philipsburg, let exotic birds perch right on your hand, feed lazy iguanas under the sun, sample Dutch Gouda cheese and cool off with ice cream before deciding if you want to shop or swim in town—or simply ride back with everyone else. It’s a day full of small surprises and real moments.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out of Philipsburg in this minivan that smelled faintly of sunscreen and something sweet—maybe someone’s leftover pastry? Our guide, Janelle, kept pointing out little things I’d have missed: the way the hills shift from bright green to dusty olive as you climb, or how the houses get painted in colors that look almost edible. I didn’t expect the bird park to be so alive with sound—honestly, it was like walking into a room full of tiny musicians tuning up. The black-headed caiques were louder than I thought possible for something that size.

I’m not usually one for feeding animals (awkward memories from childhood petting zoos), but here it felt different. The staff handed us these little cups of seed, and suddenly there’s a sun conure perched on my wrist, all warm claws and fluttering wings. One woman next to me squealed when a parakeet landed on her head—I tried not to laugh but probably failed. Janelle told us about which plants feed which birds, and how some are used in local remedies. It’s funny what sticks with you; I still think about the way those birds looked at us—like we were the spectacle.

Afterwards we stopped by a patch where iguanas lounged like they owned the place. Feeding them was... well, messier than I expected (don’t wear white). Then came a quick detour for Gouda cheese—salty, creamy, nothing like what I’ve had back home—and ice cream that melted faster than I could eat it in the Caribbean heat. You can choose to wander around Philipsburg after or just head back; I ended up staying for an hour just people-watching by the water. Not sure why that part felt so peaceful but it did.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore bird park and Philipsburg

• Depart cruise port or hotel
• Listen to driver commentary
• Arrive at bird park
• Explore garden habitat of birds
• Learn about bird species
• Feed the colorful birds
• See medicinal plants and vegetation
• Stop for ice cream
• Sample or purchase Dutch Gouda cheese
• Return to port or stay in Philipsburg
• Shop, dine, or swim in Philipsburg
• Return to port at leisure

Top questions

How far is the bird park from Philipsburg cruise port?

The bird park is about a 5-minute drive from the cruise port near Philipsburg.

Is hotel pickup included in this St Maarten bird tour?

Yes, round trip transfers from your hotel or cruise port are included.

Can children join this bird park & iguana feeding tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—the tour is suitable for all fitness levels and strollers are welcome.

Do we get to feed both birds and iguanas?

Yes, you’ll have close-up feeding experiences with both birds and iguanas during the tour.

Is there food or drink included on this St Maarten day trip?

You’ll sample Dutch Gouda cheese and enjoy complimentary ice cream as long as supplies last.

Can I stay in Philipsburg after the tour ends?

Yes, you can choose to shop, dine or swim in Philipsburg at your leisure before returning to port.

What’s included

Your day includes round trip transfers from your hotel or cruise port near Philipsburg, guided narration during a scenic drive through villages and hillsides, entry to the bird park with hands-on feeding of colorful species plus time with iguanas, stops for tasting Dutch Gouda cheese and complimentary ice cream (while supplies last), plus options to shop or relax in town before heading back whenever you’re ready.