St Maarten: Island tour with beaches, market & Maho Bay

Summary

Feed iguanas, wander Marigot’s market, and watch planes at Maho

You’ll feed iguanas by hand, taste fresh pastries in Marigot’s lively market, swim at Grand Case Beach, and stand beneath roaring jets at Maho Bay—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. It’s one of those days in St Maarten you’ll remember long after you’ve shaken the sand out of your shoes.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the color — that wild green of the iguanas at the farm outside Philipsburg. Our guide (I think her name was Simone?) handed me a bit of fruit and suddenly there were three scaly faces staring up at me like I owed them rent. The air smelled a little sweet, maybe from some flowers nearby or just the humidity. I didn’t expect to laugh so much at lizards, but here we are.

We crossed from the Dutch side into French St Martin — no border drama, just a faded sign and Simone making a joke about “passport control” (there isn’t any). Marigot felt slower somehow. The open market was busy with locals selling pastries and fruit; I tried something called a coconut tart that was sticky and perfect. There was music coming from somewhere — not loud, just enough to make you want to linger. I watched a woman haggle over mangoes in French while her kid played with a stray dog under the table.

After that we hit Grand Case Beach for a swim (bring your own towel — learned that one quick), then drove out toward Maho Bay. That’s where things got loud: people lined up along the fence waiting for planes to come in right over our heads. It’s weirdly thrilling — you feel the engines before you hear them, this big rush of wind and sand in your face. Someone next to me cheered when a KLM jet landed; I just stood there grinning like an idiot. The whole thing feels half unreal.

I still think about that coconut tart sometimes, or how everyone seemed to know Simone wherever we went. If you’re looking for a day trip around St Maarten with real moments — not just postcard stuff — this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Island Exploration and Market Visit

• Visit Iguana Farm
• See French and Dutch border
• Explore Marigot open market

Top questions

Is pickup included for this St Maarten island tour?

Yes, transfer drop-off to your cruise ship is included.

Does the tour visit both French and Dutch sides of St Maarten?

Yes, you’ll cross from the Dutch side to Marigot on the French side.

Are drinks provided during the day trip?

Free drinks are included on this tour.

Can children join this sightseeing tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

Should I bring anything special?

A swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and sandals are recommended.

Will we have time for shopping in Marigot?

Yes, there is time to explore Marigot’s open-air market.

What’s included

Your day includes transfers with drop-off back at your cruise ship, guidance from a local expert throughout St Maarten’s highlights, free drinks along the way, plus plenty of time for swimming and shopping before heading home sandy and happy.