St. Maarten Rum Factory & Marigot Tour

Planes pass low enough to feel the rush at Maho Beach, where you stand between the runway and the Atlantic.

A 3.5-hour guided tour of St. Maarten starting at a local rum distillery with tastings, moving through the French colonial town of Marigot and its historic Fort Louis, and ending at Maho Beach for close-range plane-watching as aircraft land at Princess Juliana Airport. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle, rum samples, and drinks throughout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Caribbean culture and rum tour

• Visit local rum distillery
• Sample various rum flavors
• Explore Marigot town
• Climb Fort Louis
• Shop and explore market
• Relax at Maho Beach
• Watch planes land nearby

The experience

The rum distillery opens the day. You'll see how Caribbean rum is made using tropical fruits, spices and local aromatics, a century-old process, and taste several varieties the distillery produces. From there, the tour moves to Marigot, the capital of French St. Martin, where the architecture is painted in bright Creole colors and the waterfront market fills with local crafts. Fort Louis sits within walking distance. Climbing to the top gives you a view across the bay while a guide explains the Caribbean history tied to the fort.

Maho Beach is where the day peaks. The beach sits directly adjacent to Princess Juliana Airport, so planes on final approach pass low enough overhead that you can photograph them against the sky and feel the engine noise. The Sunset Refuge Bar is steps away if you want to stay longer. The tour wraps at this point, though the beach itself invites lingering.

An air-conditioned vehicle moves you between the three stops. The guide speaks English or Spanish. Rum tastings and all drinks are included. Bring an appetite if you plan to eat, as lunch is not part of the package. The minimum age is 18 due to alcohol service.

What’s included

• Guided tour of the rum distillery with tastings of several rum varieties.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport between all three stops.
• all drinks throughout the tour.
• entry to Fort Louis.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 11:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupUp to 22

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tours.sx (INFINITE ISLAND TOURS NV)

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a guided rum distillery visit combined with colonial architecture in Marigot and plane-spotting at Maho Beach, all covered by included transport.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly happens at the rum distillery on this tour?

The distillery walk shows you how Caribbean rum is made using tropical fruits, spices and aromatics in a process that has been practiced for a century. You taste several of the rum varieties the distillery produces as part of the guided tour.

Can I climb Fort Louis in Marigot, or is it just a drive-by stop?

Fort Louis is within walking distance of Marigot's town center, and climbing to the top is part of the tour. From the top you see across the bay while the guide covers the Caribbean history connected to the fort.

How close do the planes actually fly at Maho Beach?

Maho Beach sits directly next to Princess Juliana Airport's runway, so planes on final approach pass low enough overhead that you can photograph them and hear the engines clearly. The proximity is what makes the beach famous for plane-watching.

Is there time to shop or eat in Marigot?

Yes. Marigot has a lively crafts market, shops carrying European brands and jewelry, and a fresh market where you can explore local French culture. There is free time to browse, though lunch is not included in the tour.