Private Two Islands Tour

Phillipsburg & Marigot St. Maarten Two Islands Cruise Trip
From $31.00/person to $370.00/person (Select "Individuals" below) Price varies based on number of individuals in your group
Choose Options My Cruise Itinerary
Summary
Shore Excursion Size ? Private
Shore Excursion Type Scenic, Cultural
Shore Excursion Duration 3 Hours
Activity Level ? Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From ? An approximately 5 to 15 minute walk from the cruise ship pier, or from the cruise ship tender pier.
Food/Beverage Provided Beverages are included.
Recommended Dress Comfortable clothing and sensible walking shoes are recommended. Sun glasses and sun screen are also suggested.
Restrictions Guests must be able to walk approximately 200 yards from cruise ship to transportation. Surfaces at lookouts are paved and packed dirt. Please note, infants are free; however, if the parents require the infant to have a seat of their own then they would need to pay for that seat.

St. Maarten Two Islands Private Day Tour

Two countries on one island for almost 400 years. Wouldn't you love to know how they do it?

Begin your private St. Maarten tour of two countries on one island by departing from the cruise pier and traveling in your air-conditioned vehicle through the Dutch capital of Philipsburg, founded in 1763 by John Phillips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch Navy. Along the way, you'll see the restored courthouse, originally built in 1793, and the shopping district that you may want to visit later. Drive past the Great Salt Pond and through the rolling countryside to the French side of the island.

Along the way, a stop will be made at Cole Bay Lookout for a photo opportunity of the beautiful Simpson Bay, where you'll see the incredible development that has made this sleepy island a major destination. You will continue on through several quaint towns and fishing villages along the north side of the island.

Arriving in Marigot, the French capital which originated as a fishing village, you will observe a truly European ambiance with a touch of Creole. Browse the open-air markets, quaint shops, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes during a brief stop for free time. Continue on with a drive through Grand Case, a seaside town known as the "gourmet capital of the Caribbean," with its gingerbread houses and sidewalk bistros.

A photo stop will be made to look out over the ever-popular Orient Beach area. Returning to Philipsburg via a different route, you will have the option of being dropped off downtown for shopping or being taken back to the pier.

Guests departing downtown will need to arrange their own transportation back to the cruise pier at their own expense via taxi, water taxi, or walking. Dress in comfortable clothing and sensible walking shoes. Sunscreen and sunglasses are suggested.

Please Note: This St. Maarten cruise tour does not visit the beach at Orient. This excursion may operate in reverse due to traffic conditions or crowds at the venues. On Sundays, most shops and restaurants on the French side are closed. All stores are closed on the following national holidays: Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, Kings Day, Carnival Day, Labor Day, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Emancipation Day, Constitution Day, St. Maarten's Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day.

4.5 Stars4.7 / 5  |  18 ReviewsReview This Tour
Fantastic - Highly Recommend
July 07, 2023
We booked this tour expecting a typical drive around the island experience. We received much, much more. Our tour driver, Nel, was fantastic. Outgoing, fun to speak with, and very knowledgeable about the two countries. We were also able to stop for longer than intended at Maho beach, enjoy the beach bar, and watch planes arrive at the airport. All nine of us boarded his AC van, and enjoyed a robust day on Sint Maartin/St. Martin.
Reviewer: Rick L.
5 Stars
Great Time
July 10, 2022
This is a packed tour and a great value. We had no idea of what we would get or be in for. I tell you we saw the entire island, and hit all the big spots. Our drive, who name slips my mind (sorry) was great. Friendly, making jokes, making sure we had fun. Would recommend to anyone!
Reviewer: Sean
5 Stars
Very Informative
December 29, 2021
This was a great tour. Guide was very informative and gave us a very interesting comparison of the governments between the Dutch and French sides. Stop at a French pastry shop was a highlight. Not part of the tour but guide accommodated us when we requested such a stop, even bought us some pastry. Highly recommend this tour.
Reviewer: Bob
5 Stars
Great summary of 2 country history St. Martin
August 13, 2018
Deuce was a great diplomat for the 2 country tour of St. Martin talking about the cooperative relationship between France and Netherlands. They divided this island in two and govern each half separately, yet coexist without conflicts. It was great having a private tour where all our questions were answered and we got to see the sites that we wanted most. Deuce gave us a great overview of the island as well as the history of this unique place. We also got to see first hand the devastation of hurricane Rita and the slow but steady recovery still taking place.
Reviewer: Donald Sickafoose
5 Stars
Island tour
August 13, 2018
Driver very nice and was very informative, bus was clean. Can taylor the tour for your need a little. Parking lot where the tour started not the easiest to find, but if you ask some locals they will help.
Reviewer: Doug Myers
4 Stars
Excellent tour
April 30, 2018
The tour representative was beyond approach. His knowledge of both islands the History and the amount things we were able to see compacted in a short was excellent and exactly what we anticipated.
Reviewer: David Langille
5 Stars