St Maarten Island Tour: Planes at Maho Beach & Marigot Shopping

Watch jets land feet above your head at Maho Beach, then swim and shop your way around the island

A guided island tour of St Maarten departing from the cruise port, with stops at scenic overlooks, Orient Beach for two hours of swimming, the town of Marigot for shopping, and Maho Beach where large commercial aircraft descend low enough to feel the jet blast. The tour includes an air-conditioned van, professional guide, welcome drink, and drop-off back at the port or in Phillipsburg.

Options for this experience

7 options

From US$ 385 per group, depending on the option and date you choose.See dates & book

One person 09:00 Guide in English Up to 1 people Pickup is included

Island sightseeing plus beach and shopping: a St Maarten excursion. 09:00 Guide in English Up to 1 people Pickup is included

Two to three people 09:00 Guide in English Up to 3 people Starting point: EDC Parking Lot, 2X74+XP2, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. Pickup is included

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Four to five people 09:00 Guide in English Up to 5 people Pickup is included

Ten people 09:00 Guide in English Up to 10 people Pickup is included

Six to nine people 09:00 Guide in English Up to 9 people Pickup is included

Fifteen people 09:00 Guide in English Up to 15 people Pickup is included

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Step-by-step itinerary

Island sightseeing, beach, and shopping

• Stop overlooking Oyster Bay
• Meet Calvin the Sea Urchin Man
• Relax at Orient Beach for 2 hours
• Shop in Marigot for 1 hour
• Visit bars, restaurants, and flea market
• Watch planes land at Maho Beach
• Photo stop at Cole Bay Hill
• View Phillipsburg from The Hill
• Choose drop-off: Phillipsburg or cruise dock

What’s included

• Air-conditioned van transport throughout the day.
• narrated sightseeing tour led by a professional guide.
• welcome drink offered at tour stops.
• port pickup and drop-off included.

Times

• Every day 09:00

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Before you book

Group Up to 100

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup Hotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Book up to 1d before

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Diederick SXM Tours

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

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The experience

The tour starts at an overlook of Oyster Bay, then moves through Locus Bay View Point for panoramic photos before heading to Orient Beach. You get two hours there to swim in the water, sit on the sand, or just catch the ocean breeze without the rush of a quick stop. After that comes an hour in Marigot, the French capital of the island, where you can browse the local flea market, grab French pastries at Sarafina's, or eat at one of the waterfront restaurants.

The centerpiece is Maho Beach, where you stand on the sand as some of the largest commercial aircraft come in for landing: close enough that the planes pass just feet overhead and you feel the jet blast as they take off. From there, Cole Bay Hill offers views over Simpson Beach and Indigo Bay, followed by The Hill for panoramic shots of Phillipsburg. A complimentary drink is offered at stops along the way.

The tour runs four to five hours total and ends with your choice: drop-off in Phillipsburg or return to the cruise dock. Your guide narrates throughout from an air-conditioned van, and the operator handles port pickup as part of the booking. Group sizes range from one person to fifteen, so you can book solo, as a couple, or with a larger party.

Top questions

What is there to do for two hours at Orient Beach?

Orient Beach is a swimming beach where you can wade into the water, lie on the sand, or simply relax in the ocean breeze. The two-hour stop gives you time to do any or all of these without feeling rushed.

How close do the planes actually come at Maho Beach?

Maho Beach is positioned directly under the flight path for commercial aircraft landing at the airport. The planes descend low enough that you stand on the beach and watch them pass just feet overhead, and you'll feel the jet blast when they take off.

What kind of shopping is available in Marigot?

Marigot has a local flea market, boutique shops, and restaurants. Sarafina's is known for French pastries, and there are waterfront bars and dining options if you want to eat during your hour there.

Does the tour include a stop to meet the sea urchin man?

Yes. Early in the tour you'll meet Calvin the Sea Urchin Man and see some of his marine friends at Oyster Bay before heading to Orient Beach.

Can I choose where to end the tour?

Yes. At the end of the day you can either be dropped off in Phillipsburg or continue on to the cruise dock for your ship's departure, whichever suits your schedule.