St Maarten & St Martin Tour: Orient Bay, Marigot, Maho Beach

Summary

Island Highlights Tour: Beaches, Forts & Plane Spotting in St Maarten

If you want to squeeze the best of both Dutch and French sides into one morning—beaches, history, shopping, and that famous plane landing thrill—this tour hits all the right notes without feeling rushed.

What’s the experience like?

The sun was already warming up Philipsburg when we hopped into the van—cold drinks waiting for us inside. Our guide, Michael, had that easy way of telling stories that made the drive fly by. First stop: Orient Bay. Even on a weekday morning, you’ll see locals setting up umbrellas and hear French chatter from the little cafés behind the sand. The water’s that clear blue you only see in postcards, but there’s a salty breeze and a few pelicans swooping low for fish. I kicked off my sandals and just let my toes sink in for a bit—felt like summer should feel.

We headed over to Marigot next. It’s the French side’s capital but feels more like a sleepy town than a city. There’s always someone selling fresh pastries near the market square—try the coconut tart if you spot it. We climbed up to Fort St. Louis (not too steep, maybe ten minutes), and Michael pointed out where cannons used to guard the bay centuries ago. The view from up there is wild—you can see sailboats bobbing below and sometimes catch whiffs of grilled chicken from street vendors drifting up on the breeze.

Maho Beach was our last big stop. You’ve probably seen those videos of planes flying right overhead—it’s even crazier in person. There were folks lined up with cameras, kids squealing every time an engine roared past just above our heads. I got sand blasted once or twice but honestly? Worth it for that rush. Before heading back, we made a quick photo stop at Cole Bay Hill—there’s this lookout with a giant flag and you get a full sweep of Simpson Bay down below; perfect spot for group shots or just catching your breath before heading back into town.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore St Maarten Highlights

• Visit Orient Beach
• Tour Fort St. Louis
• Plane spotting at Maho Beach
• Photo shoot at Mr. Bells lookout

Top questions

How long does this St Maarten & St Martin tour take?

The whole experience runs about 3 hours—not too long, not too short. You’ll have time at each spot to look around or grab a snack.

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Absolutely! We saw families with strollers and even some toddlers napping in prams during our stops.

Can I be picked up somewhere other than Philipsburg?

Yes, pick-up outside Philipsburg is possible—just mention your location when booking so arrangements can be made.

What should I bring along?

I’d suggest sunscreen, comfy shoes for walking (especially at Fort St. Louis), maybe a towel if you want to dip your feet at Orient Bay.

What’s included

Your ride is private and air-conditioned (trust me, you’ll appreciate it after Maho Beach). Cold refreshments are stocked in the van. Infant seats are available if needed—just let them know ahead of time.