You’ll ride a jet ski along St Martin’s coast, stopping at lively beaches and quiet bays with your local guide sharing stories along the way. Enjoy VIP access at Belmond La Samanna hotel, take breaks for swimming or floating, and soak up views you won’t get from land—you’ll remember how the island feels from the water long after you leave.
I didn’t expect to start my morning in St Martin with the smell of salt spray already on my skin, but there we were—standing by the docks, listening to our guide joke about “island time” while he handed out life jackets. The sun was already sharp, bouncing off the water in that way that makes you squint even behind sunglasses. I remember thinking I’d probably look ridiculous on a jet ski (I did), but nobody cared—everyone was too busy laughing at each other’s first attempts to steer straight.
We zipped past so many beaches I lost count—each one with its own shade of blue, some crowded with music and barbecue smoke, others just empty sand and pelicans. Our guide (I think his name was Jean-Luc?) kept pointing out little things: which bay had the best grilled fish, where the locals swim when they want quiet. He slowed us down near Belmond La Samanna—a 5-star hotel tucked behind palm trees—and somehow we got this VIP access for a peek inside. It felt strange walking in barefoot and salty, but nobody blinked. The air smelled like sunscreen and something floral I couldn’t place.
I’m not sure what surprised me more—the speed or how easy it was to just stop and float for a minute, letting the engine go silent while you listened to nothing but wind and distant laughter from shore. At one point I tried asking Jean-Luc how to say “thank you” in French Creole; he grinned and made me repeat it until I got close enough that he gave me a thumbs up (still probably butchered it). The whole thing felt less like a tour and more like tagging along with someone who actually lives here.
By the time we circled back to the marina, my arms were tired and my hair was full of salt—but honestly? That view of St Martin from the water sticks with me more than any photo could. If you’re thinking about a half-day jet ski tour of St Martin, just go for it. There’s something about seeing those beaches from the sea that makes them feel different—like you’re part of the island for a few hours.
The tour lasts about half a day, covering multiple beaches and bays around St Martin before returning to the starting marina.
Yes, you get VIP access at Belmond La Samanna hotel as part of the experience.
No prior experience is needed; guides provide instructions before starting.
Yes, a professional local guide leads the tour and shares information at each stop.
Children can join if accompanied by an adult; specialized infant seats are available.
Yes, all local taxes and fuel surcharges are included in your booking price.
The price is per jet ski; each can carry 1 or 2 people maximum.
Yes, there are public transportation options close to where the tour starts and ends.
Your day includes all local taxes and fuel surcharges covered up front, plus guidance from a professional local guide throughout your half-day adventure—just show up ready for sun and sea spray before heading back to port together at the end.
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