St. Maarten: Island Buggy Rental & French-Dutch Route Map

Summary

Drive a buggy through St. Maarten’s lively markets, beaches and border towns at your own pace with a map and local tips

You’ll drive your own buggy across both sides of St. Maarten with a hand-marked map, stopping for fresh pastries at Marigot Market, watching planes roar overhead at Maho Beach, then wandering into quiet bays or lively towns whenever you want. This day trip lets you set your own pace while soaking up island life — sun on your face, wind in your hair.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the salt in the air — not just from the sea, but from my own skin after ten minutes in that buggy. We started out near Oyster Pond, where our guide (I think her name was Mireille?) handed us this crinkled map covered in highlighter marks and circled spots. She pointed at Marigot Market and said something about “the best coconut tart,” which honestly set the tone for the whole day. The buggy felt surprisingly sturdy, like a little dune tank, and there was this faint smell of sunscreen mixed with engine oil that I still associate with St. Maarten.

We zigzagged across the island — you really do cross borders here without even noticing. One minute you’re on the Dutch side dodging mopeds, next thing it’s all French bakeries and people greeting you with “bonjour.” At Maho Beach, we parked way too close to the fence (rookie move) and ended up half-laughing, half-panicking as a plane thundered right over us. My partner tried to film it but mostly got my hair flying everywhere. No helmets required, which made me feel weirdly free but also like maybe I should’ve brought a hat.

Lunch was somewhere near Grand Case — I can’t remember the name but there were plastic chairs and grilled fish that tasted smoky-sweet. Mireille had scribbled “local lolo” on our map for this spot; we just followed our noses. The road around St. Maarten is easy enough to follow (it’s basically one big loop), but we still managed to take a wrong turn and ended up by some bright blue fishing boats bobbing in Coralita Bay. It was quiet there except for birds rustling in the mangroves — kind of peaceful after all the honking scooters back in town.

I didn’t expect to feel so much like a kid again — windows down (well, no windows at all), sunburn creeping up my arm, stopping whenever something caught our eye. Having that map full of messy notes made it feel less like a tour and more like someone let us in on their favorite secrets. I still think about that view from Oyster Pond when I’m stuck in traffic at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore St Maarten by buggy

• Rent a buggy and get a map
• Drive around the island road
• Visit Maho & Mullet Bay beach
• Experience planes landing overhead
• Visit Marigot Market in French capital
• Enjoy local cuisine in Grand Case
• Visit Coralita Bay for scenic views

Top questions

Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a buggy in St. Maarten?

No, an international driver’s license isn’t required for this rental.

Is hotel pickup included for this St. Maarten buggy rental?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at the starting point near Oyster Pond.

Are helmets required when driving the buggy?

No helmets are not compulsory but are available upon request if you want one.

How many people fit in each buggy?

Each buggy seats two passengers comfortably.

Can we visit both French and Dutch sides on this tour?

Yes, you’ll cover both sides of St. Maarten during your drive.

Is there a guide with us during the drive?

No guide joins you; you get a detailed map and recommendations before heading out on your own.

What are some highlights along the route?

You’ll see Marigot Market, Maho & Mullet Bay beaches, Coralita Bay, plus other recommended stops based on your interests.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a private two-seater buggy with roof shade (no helmet needed unless requested), a hand-marked island map with local highlights and recommendations tailored to your interests before setting off; service animals are welcome too if needed.