
St. Maarten
St. Maarten offers a delightful case of split personality. Legend has it that a Frenchman and a Dutchman divided ownership of the island through a walk-off: Standing back to back, the two headed in opposite directions, walking around the island until they met. Perhaps the Dutchman paused for a refreshing brew. At any rate, the French ended up claiming 21 square miles of the island to 16 square miles for the Dutch. This lively tale says much about St. Maarten's easygoing ways. No formal boundary exists between the Dutch and French sides of the island; a simple welcome sign tells you when you cross from one country to the other. But the differences are as noticeable as the spelling of the island's name. The French spell it St. Martin. And it's this split personality that lends so much to the island's charms, including an international reputation for the finest cuisine in the Caribbean.
Points of Interest
- Philipsburg
- Marigot
- Underwater Adventures
- America's Cup Regatta
- Outdoor Adventure
- St. Barths
- Rockland Estate Eco-Park
- Topper's Rhum
Under Two Flags Island Drive
- St. Barths
- Philipsburg
- Marigot
Discover the island's dual personalities with a scenic sightseeing tour that takes you from the Dutch capital of Philipsburg to the French capital of Marigot. Take in spectacular views, pass lovely beaches and typical, tranquil Caribbean villages. Stop and shop in an array of duty-free shops in Marigot.
Easy Activity
$29.95
Sweet St. Maarten
- Philipsburg
- Marigot
Highlights of both the Dutch and French sides of beautiful St. Maarten are on display as you enjoy a guided round-trip drive from Philipsburg to Marigot, stopping for photos along the way. Enjoy European ambiance and shopping as well as a brief exploration of one of the area's prettiest beaches.
Easy Activity
$49.95
Golden Eagle Catamaran Sunset Sail
- Outdoor Adventure
Set sail for a sunset cruise aboard a 65-foot-long catamaran. Glide past St. Maarten's famous beaches and along the island's scenic west coast. Soak up the views as you relax with a drink from the open bar and watch the horizon for the sun's dazzling sunset.
Moderate Activity
$59.95
Lagoon Cruise, Marigot & Scenic Island Drive
- Marigot
Explore picturesque St. Maarten by land and sea when you cruise Simpson Bay Lagoon on a custom boat to cosmopolitan Marigot. Stroll the streets of the French capital and browse the chic boutiques and cafés. Then, enjoy an island drive back to port passing scenic highlights along the way.
Easy Activity
$69.95
Rockland Estate & Sky Explorer
- Rockland Estate Eco-Park
Take in breathtaking views from St. Maarten's newest attraction, the Sky Explorer chairlift. A tranquil ride climbs 2,630 feet to the top of one of St. Maarten's highest mountains, where panoramic vistas await. You'll also visit Rockland Estate, a plantation house built in the 1700s.
Easy Activity
$69.95
Lagoon Kayaking Adventure
- Outdoor Adventure
Paddle across the largest saltwater lagoon in the Antilles on a guided kayak expedition. The spectacular scenery and serene pace makes this a wonderful way to explore the island. End your tour with a swim on to the scenic Kim Sha Beach.
Strenuous Activity
$69.95
Orient Bay Beach Club Experience
Orient Bay Beach enjoys the reputation of being the "St. Tropez of the Caribbean." This stunning strip of white sand, turquoise waters is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun and stunning atmosphere. Beach chair and umbrella Included. Note: some sections of the beach are clothing optional.
Easy Activity
$79.95
Easy Scenic Drive of Dutch & French St. Maarten (Wheelchair Accessible)
- Philipsburg
- Marigot
Get to know the dynamic duo of Dutch and French St. Maarten during a leisurely get acquainted tour. Soak up the sights of Philipsburg, enjoy a photo stop at Cole Bay Hill, shop 'till you stop in Marigot, and admire the architecture of Grand Case and the French Quarter.
Wheelchair Accessible, Easy Activity
$84.95
Easy Scenic Drive of Dutch & French St. Maarten
- Philipsburg
- Marigot
Get to know the dynamic duo of Dutch and French St. Maarten during a leisurely get acquainted tour. Soak up the sights of Philipsburg, enjoy a photo stop at Cole Bay Hill, shop 'till you stop in Marigot, and admire the architecture of Grand Case and the French Quarter.
Easy Activity
$84.95
Golden Eagle Catamaran Sail, Snorkel & Beach Break
- Underwater Adventures
- Outdoor Adventure
Sail away along the Caribbean side of the island on a glamorous catamaran adventure to a pristine beach. Enjoy ample time for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the sparkling shore before savoring French baguette sandwiches, elegant champagne and lively music on your return scenic cruise.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$99.95
Trail & Beach Horseback Ride & Scenic Drive
- Philipsburg
- Outdoor Adventure
Saddle up and explore the island's natural flora and fauna while on the back of a sure-footed horse. Your adventure includes riding along scenic rocky trails and a chance to ride your mount right into the waves of the Caribbean Sea for a memorable swim.
Strenuous Activity
$99.95
4X4 Buggy Safari & Beach
- Outdoor Adventure
Embark on a 4x4 all-terrain vehicle adventure. Set off from Philipsburg driving caravan-style to see the sights on both the French and the Dutch side of the island.
Moderate Activity
$99.95
Circle Island Scenic Cruise, Snorkel & Beach
- Underwater Adventures
- Outdoor Adventure
Zip through the aquamarine waters of the Caribbean aboard a high-speed power raft to the best snorkeling and beach locations in St. Maarten. You'll zoom down the scenic coast en route to the French side of the island for snorkeling then on to the north coast for sunning and swimming.
Moderate Activity
$99.95
Local Connections: Toppers Rhum Tasting & Cooking Class with Master Distiller
- Topper's Rhum
Quench your thirst for knowledge about the "World's Best Tasting Rhum" with a tour and a tasting at Topper's Rhum Distillery. At the nearby Topper's award-winning restaurant, you'll learn how to cook with rum with an expert chef and mixologist. After a delicious sampler plate you'll embark on a sightseeing tour.
Easy Activity, Includes snack
$109.95
Rockland Estate, Sky Explorer & Flying Dutchman
- Rockland Estate Eco-Park
Enjoy a bird's-eye-view of St. Maarten as you soar through the air on the Sky Explorer. Your tranquil ride glides 2,630 feet up to the Crow's Nest atop Sentry Hill, St. Maarten's highest mountain. Then, fly back down to earth on The Flying Dutchman, the world's steepest zipline!
Strenuous Activity
$109.95
Orient Bay Beach Club Experience & Lunch
Orient Bay Beach enjoys the reputation of being the "St. Tropez of the Caribbean." This stunning strip of white sand, turquoise waters is the perfect place to relax soak up the sun and stunning atmosphere. Beach chair, umbrella and lunch Included. Note: some sections of the beach are clothing optional.
Easy Activity, Includes meal
$109.95
Downtown Philipsburg by Segway
- Outdoor Adventure
Hop onto a Segway® and sightsee in style as you roll along the boardwalk in Philipsburg and explore St. Maarten's downtown highlights. Conclude at Great Bay Beach for fun in the sun.
Moderate Activity
$109.95
Helmet Diving at Sea Trek Underwater Park
- Underwater Adventures
- Outdoor Adventure
Take a walk on the bottom of the Caribbean Sea courtesy of a specially designed Sea Trek diving helmet. Breathe comfortably without the use of a regulator or mouthpiece as you follow your guide through an undersea garden pathway while observing a variety of tropical marine life.
Moderate Activity
$119.95
Local Connections: America's Cup 12-Metre Yacht Race with Sailing Experts
- America's Cup Regatta
- Outdoor Adventure
Experience the thrill of racing the famous 12-meter race boats Stars & Stripes, or contenders Canada II and True North IV around a shortened America's Cup course. Grind a winch, trim a sail or punch a stopwatch as you sail for the world's oldest continuously contested trophy in sports.
Moderate Activity
$119.95
Sky Explorer, Schooner Ride & Canopy Tour
- Rockland Estate Eco-Park
Take in the amazing views as you glide on the Sky Explorer, to mid-station, where the Schooner Ride sends you surfing down the mountain in an inner tube. Then hop back on Sky Explorer and fly high on the Sentry Hill Zip Line over the mountain ridge enjoying the views.
Strenuous Activity
$119.95
Local Connections: Around the Island Art Tour with Local Artists
- Philipsburg
Get an in-depth look at the art and artists that showcase the island's nature, culture and people through their work. Visit four artists in their galleries, studios or homes in Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin and learn what it's like to create on the two nation Caribbean island.
Moderate Activity, Includes snack
$119.95
Spirit of St Maarten Luxury VIP Snorkel Cruise
- Outdoor Adventure
From the moment you step on board the Spirit of St Maarten, your deluxe adventure begins. A pampering staff, open bar and chef-prepared lunch set the stage for a premier snorkeling and watersport experience in magnificent Mullet Bay. Return with views of Maho Beach, famed for airplanes that soar overhead.
Easy Activity, Includes meal
$119.95
Sky Explorer, Schooner Ride, Flying Dutchman & Canopy
- Rockland Estate Eco-Park
Ride all the thrill rides in St. Maarten on the ultimate excitement tour. Fly down the mountain on the world's steepest cable. Ride an inner tube down a twisty mountainous path. Soar over a canopy of trees on a traditional zip line. Top it off with a scenic aerial tram.
Strenuous Activity
$139.95
Local Connections: Chef's Table Experience with Culinary Expert
- Rockland Estate Eco-Park
Thrill your senses with an adventure to the Rockland Estate. Witness 360-degree views of St. Maarten and neighboring islands from the Soualiga Sky Explorer chairlifts. Hear the tale of Emilio Wilson as you stroll the estate. Take a bite out of St. Maarten with a gourmet tasting lunch.
Moderate Activity
$149.95
Rhino Rider Boat Adventure & Happy Bay
- Outdoor Adventure
Explore the island on a Rhino Rider-two-time winners of St. Maarten's prestigious "Tour of the Year." These fast, two-person inflatable motorboats allow you to zip past St. Maarten's most memorable sights. You're the pilot on an exhilarating adventure that includes a beach stop with snorkeling.
Moderate Activity
$224.95