St Martin Art Tour: Small Group Island Artist Experience

Summary

Discover Local Artists on a Guided St Maarten Studio Tour

If you want to meet real St Martin artists and see their studios up close, this small group tour is for you. You’ll get local stories, homemade snacks, and plenty of time to chat with artists—plus a chance to bring home something truly unique.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air was already warm when we met at Dock Maarten in Philipsburg, just as the shops were opening and the smell of fresh bread drifted over from the bakery next door. Our guide, Marcia, greeted us with a big smile and handed out chilled lemongrass tea—homemade, she said, with leaves from her own garden. There were only five of us in the van, so it felt more like a day out with friends than a tour.

We’d picked our four favorite artists ahead of time (the list is sent to you when you book), so every stop felt personal. The first studio was tucked behind a row of flamboyant trees—inside, the artist showed us how she mixes crushed shells into her paint for texture. I never would’ve noticed the faint salty tang in the air if she hadn’t pointed it out. At another stop, an older gentleman explained how he captures the island’s changing light in his landscapes; he even let us peek at his sketchbook from last hurricane season. Each place had its own vibe—sometimes music playing softly, sometimes just the sound of fans and distant scooters.

Between studios, Marcia shared stories about St Martin’s split identity—French bakeries on one side, Dutch casinos on the other—and answered all our random questions (she knows every shortcut around traffic). We snacked on her homemade banana bread while driving past Grand Case’s colorful houses and watched school kids racing each other along the sidewalks. There was time to browse or buy art if something caught your eye—originals and prints both—and nobody rushed us. By noon, we’d circled most of the island and I felt like I’d seen a side of St Martin that most visitors miss.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Local Artists

• Visit Artist #1
• Visit Artist #2
• Visit Artist #3
• Visit Artist #4

Top questions

My cruise ship arrives after 8:30 am. Can I still join?

Yes! Just let us know your ship and arrival time—we can adjust the tour start to fit your schedule.

If my ship is delayed, will you wait for me?

Absolutely. If your ship docks up to 30 minutes before our start time or is delayed, we’ll wait at Dock Maarten until you arrive.

Will I get back to my cruise ship on time?

Yes—we’ve always returned cruise guests to their ship on time. Your return is guaranteed.

What’s included

Your guide, homemade iced lemongrass tea, water cooler for refills, and fresh banana bread are all included. The tour is small (max 6 guests), so it’s relaxed and personal. Service animals are welcome, and there are infant seats if you need them.