St Maarten tour: 3 island stops from Philipsburg

See both sides of the island without leaving the ship schedule

A four-hour guided tour from Philipsburg cruise port crosses St Maarten's French and Dutch territories in a single morning or afternoon. You ride in an air-conditioned van to Cole Bay Hill for panoramic views of Simpson Bay lagoon and the neighboring islands beyond, then move to Marigot, the French capital, to browse the free market. The final stop is Grand Case Beach on the French side, where you can swim, relax on white sand, or eat lunch at your own cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

St Maarten island sightseeing tour

• Meet guide at Philipsburg cruise port
• Board air-conditioned van
• Enjoy complimentary refreshments onboard
• Stop at Cole Bay Hill for panoramic views
• Stop at Marigot for shopping and souvenirs
• Stop at Grand Case Beach for relaxation
• Optional lunch at Rainbow Cafe Restaurant

The experience

The tour leaves from Philipsburg cruise port and moves through the island's geography in three deliberate stops. Cole Bay Hill comes first, a vantage point that opens up Simpson Bay lagoon below and frames Anguilla, Saba and St. Eustatius in the distance. From there the van crosses into the French side and arrives in Marigot, where the free market spreads across the waterfront: a place to hunt for local crafts, spices and souvenirs without a guide steering you toward shops. You set your own pace and time here.

Grand Case Beach is the final stop and the one with the most options. The sand is white, the water swims, and the Rainbow Café sits right there if you want lunch (you pay separately). Some travelers spend the full remaining time in the water. Others claim a spot on the sand. The guide stays with the group and can answer questions about what you're seeing, but the beach is yours to use as you want. The van picks everyone up at an agreed time and returns to the cruise port.

Complimentary water, beer, soda and rum punch travel with you in the van. Headsets let you hear the guide over the engine noise and the stops themselves. The whole loop is built around cruise ship schedules. You provide your ship name, docking time and re-boarding time when you book, and the departure is timed to get you back with a buffer before you have to be aboard.

What’s included

• Headsets to hear the guide clearly.
• local guide in English or French.
• round-trip private transfer from Philipsburg cruise port.
• air-conditioned van.
• complimentary water, beer, soda and rum punch.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by D AND A TAXI SERVICE AND TOURS

Is this one for you?Choose this tour if you want to see both the French and Dutch sides of Saint Martin in one outing. The private van handles the timing and routing so you can stay coordinated with your ship's departure.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

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 can I actually see from Cole Bay Hill?

Cole Bay Hill gives you a panoramic view of Simpson Bay lagoon spread below, and on clear days you can see the islands of Anguilla, Saba and St. Eustatius in the background across the water.

Is there time to swim at Grand Case Beach or is it just a quick stop?

Grand Case Beach is the final stop of the tour, so you have the remaining time in your four-hour window to swim, lie on the sand or grab lunch at the Rainbow Café before the van returns you to the port.

What is the free market in Marigot like?

Marigot's free market is a waterfront marketplace where local vendors sell crafts, spices, souvenirs and island goods. You walk through on your own and browse at your own pace without a guided shopping stop.

Do I need to bring anything for the beach?

It's recommended you bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen. The tour includes beverages but not beach gear, so pack what you'll need for the water and sun.