St. Martin: Island Tour with Maho Beach & Orient Bay

Summary

Circle the island from Philipsburg to Marigot with beach stops and market strolls

You’ll circle St. Martin with a local guide—sampling guavaberry rum in Philipsburg, feeling sand between your toes at Orient Bay Beach, wandering Marigot’s market stalls, then watching planes thunder over Maho Beach. Expect laughter in the van, ocean air everywhere, and moments that stick with you long after you brush off the sand.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not really on St. Martin until you’ve tried guavaberry rum,” our driver said, handing me a tiny cup before we’d even left Philipsburg. The van was full—families, a couple honeymooners, one guy who kept asking about plane schedules at Maho Beach. I liked how our guide, Jean-Luc, switched between English and French without missing a beat. He waved at nearly everyone we passed in town; it felt like he actually knew them all.

The drive along the coast was breezy—literally, windows down and that Atlantic wind sneaking in. We stopped at Orient Bay Beach and the sand was so fine it stuck to my ankles for hours after (still finding some in my shoes). There’s this wild mix here: locals sunbathing next to tourists trying water sports or just staring at the blue water like it might tell them something. Jean-Luc pointed out where the Dutch side turns into the French side—no border guards or anything, just a monument and suddenly menus change languages.

I didn’t expect Marigot market to smell so much like fresh fruit and grilled chicken. I tried saying “merci” to one of the vendors but probably sounded more nervous than polite; she smiled anyway and handed me a slice of mango. Later at Maho Beach, the roar of jets overhead made everyone look up at once—some people cheered, others ducked (I flinched too). It’s loud but somehow fun. The cold beer back in the van tasted better after that.

I keep thinking about that lookout point near the end—you can see five islands if you squint past the haze. Someone said you could stay in Philipsburg to shop more after, but honestly I just wanted another mango slice. So yeah, if you want a day trip around St. Martin that feels both busy and oddly personal, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Complete island tour with key sights

• Drive through Philipsburg capital
• Visit Grand Case coastal village
• Stop at Orient Bay Beach
• Pass by historic French fishing town
• Explore Marigot waterfront town
• Drive by border monument
• Relax at Maho Beach
• View five neighboring islands
• Return to Philipsburg or ship

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included on this St. Martin island tour?

Yes, pickup is included for hotel or villa guests as well as cruise ship passengers.

Do I need water shoes for this day trip around St. Martin?

Water shoes are advised for some activities during the tour.

Are drinks provided during the island tour?

Yes, complimentary water, sodas, beers, and rum punch are included.

How long does it take to get from Philipsburg to Marigot?

The travel time is already included in the total tour duration; exact times may vary based on stops.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats are available.

Can I stay in Philipsburg after the tour instead of returning to my ship?

Yes, you can choose to stay in town for shopping or be dropped off at your ship.

Are there options for private tours instead of shared group tours?

A private tour option is available upon request.

Is this island tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and strollers/prams are welcome.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel or cruise ship, all transport around St. Martin with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story, plus complimentary drinks—water, soda, beer or rum punch—as you explore beaches and markets before heading back when you're ready.