St Maarten: Jeep Island Tour with Local Guide & Border Stops

Summary

Explore both sides of St Maarten by jeep with local insights

You’ll cross from Dutch to French St Maarten by Jeep with a local guide leading the way, spot planes at Maho Bay, snack in Marigot’s markets, and meet animals at Oyster Pond. Expect salty breezes, friendly faces, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was a little nervous about driving a Jeep on the “wrong” side of the road (depends who you ask on this island), but our guide, Jean-Paul, just grinned and handed me the keys anyway. The first few minutes out of Philipsburg were a blur of roundabouts and laughter from the back seat. We climbed up over the hilltop above Little Bay, windows down, salty air mixing with that faint smell of engine oil — not unpleasant, just real. Jean-Paul kept chatting on the radio, pointing out Saba and Anguilla in the haze. I didn’t expect to see so many islands at once.

We rolled past Maho Bay right as a plane came in low overhead — honestly, it felt like it might clip the roof. Everyone stopped to watch; even locals seemed amused. Crossing into French Saint Martin was almost anticlimactic — just a monument and suddenly all the signs switched to French. In Marigot, we wandered through market stalls for snacks (I tried to order in French; got corrected gently). There’s something about eating sticky coconut tarts while leaning against your own dusty Jeep that makes you feel like you belong here for a minute.

The drive along Grand Case and Orient Bay was quieter — more wind, less chatter. At Coralita, pelicans skimmed the water so close I could hear their wings slap. By Oyster Pond, we fed goats and watched kids run around chasing chickens. It wasn’t fancy or staged; just life happening around us. I still think about that view from the hilltop — how big and small everything looked at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore St Maarten highlights

• Depart from Philipsburg
• Drive over hilltop to Little Bay
• Visit hilltop with island views
• Pass by PJIA airport
• Visit French Saint Martin border
• Visit French Saint Martin capital
• Pass by Grand Case
• Visit Orient Bay
• Pass by Coralita
• Visit Oyster Pond animals

Top questions

Is this St Maarten jeep tour suitable for families?

Yes, infants and children can join with prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available.

Do I need an international driver’s license for the Jeep tour?

No, but you must have a valid physical driver’s license (no photos) and be 21 or older.

Does the tour include stops on both French and Dutch sides?

Yes, you'll visit both Dutch St Maarten and French Saint Martin during the tour.

What are some highlights of this day trip around St Maarten?

Maho Bay for plane spotting, Marigot market snacks, border monument visit, Oyster Pond animal stop.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; tour departs from Philipsburg.

Are Jeeps air-conditioned?

Yes, your custom Jeep Wrangler is air-conditioned.

Is this private or group tour?

This is a guided group tour where travelers drive their own Jeeps following a lead guide.

Are there restroom breaks during the tour?

Yes, there are opportunities for restroom breaks in Marigot on the French side.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a custom air-conditioned Jeep Wrangler with fuel provided throughout the journey. You’ll have a knowledgeable local guide leading via VHF radio as you explore both French and Dutch sides of St Maarten together—plus plenty of chances to stop for snacks or photos before looping back to Philipsburg at day’s end.