St Maarten & St Martin: 2 Island Day Tour with Beaches & Plane Spotting

Summary

French flair, Dutch colors, jet landings and lazy beaches in one day

You’ll feel two worlds in one day—Dutch color and French flavor—with stops at local markets in Marigot, soft sand at Orient Bay Beach, and plane spotting at Maho’s wild runway edge. Expect friendly guides, real stories, and small sensory moments you’ll remember long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding up the hill above Philipsburg when our guide, Jean-Luc, started pointing out the old pastel houses tucked between palm trees. I’d barely finished my coffee and suddenly there’s this wild view of Great Bay—gold sand curving around water so blue it almost looked fake. The breeze was salty and warm. Someone behind me said it smelled like sunscreen and pastries (not wrong). We stopped at Cole Bay Hill for photos; I tried to capture that wide-open feeling but honestly, my phone didn’t do it justice.

I didn’t expect the border monument to be so... unassuming? No guards, just a simple sign where Dutch Sint Maarten turns into French Saint-Martin. Jean-Luc joked that people cross back and forth for croissants or beer depending on the mood. In Marigot, we wandered the waterfront market—spices everywhere, locals laughing over something I couldn’t quite catch. I bought a little bag of cinnamon sticks from a lady with bright earrings. She smiled when I stumbled over “merci beaucoup.” The bakery down the street had these flaky pastries—still warm—and I swear that first bite made me pause mid-step.

Orient Bay Beach was next: soft sand underfoot, umbrellas lined up like candy stripes. We had about an hour and a half there. Some folks went straight for cocktails; I just lay back and listened to waves with my toes in the water. You could smell grilled fish drifting from one of the beach bars (I regret not grabbing lunch there). Later at Oyster Pond, everything got quieter—the marina’s boats barely moving on glassy water, sun glinting off masts.

Maho Beach is loud in a way you don’t expect—a jet engine roar that rattles your chest as planes skim just overhead. It’s almost ridiculous how close they get; everyone grins like kids when it happens. Our guide said people come here just for this moment. I still think about that rush of wind and noise mixed with laughter from total strangers standing next to me on the sand.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore St Maarten's highlights and beaches

• View Great Bay Beach from port
• See Flying Dutchman zip line
• Visit Cole Bay Hill lookout
• Stop at quiet serene beach
• View border monument
• Watch planes land at Maho Bay
• Explore Grand Case fishing village
• Visit Marigot open-air market
• Enjoy Marigot town and cafes
• View Atlantic Ocean from vista point
• See Oyster Pond lagoon
• Relax at Orient Bay Beach
• End tour in Philipsburg shopping area

Top questions

How long is the Two Islands tour in St Maarten?

The tour lasts between 4 to 6 hours depending on traffic and group pace.

Does this St Maarten day trip include both Dutch & French sides?

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

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Pickup is included from hotels or cruise port on the Dutch side only—not from French-side hotels.

What beaches are visited during this St Maarten tour?

The main beaches are Orient Bay Beach (on the French side) plus views of Great Bay Beach; Maho Beach is also included for plane spotting.

Can infants join this St Maarten island tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap as there’s no space for strollers or car seats.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included for all guests throughout the day trip.

Will we have free time at Marigot market?

You’ll have about 45 minutes to explore Marigot’s open-air market and grab a pastry or coffee if you like.

Can I end my tour in Philipsburg instead of returning to port?

Yes—you can choose to finish your day in Philipsburg for shopping or dining before walking or taking a water taxi back to port.

What’s included

Your experience includes pickup from your hotel or cruise port (Dutch side), bottled water throughout the journey, guided stops across both Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin—including time at Orient Bay Beach, Marigot market strolls, Maho Beach plane spotting—and drop-off options back at your starting point or in Philipsburg if you want extra time downtown before returning on your own.