Best St. Maarten Shore Excursions Off Cruise Ship In 2024



When you are searching for St. Maarten shore excursions in 2024 you will be surprised on how many fascinating and adventurous activities there are for you to select. You can enjoy a pleasant day of shopping in Philipsburg or Marigot, soak up the sun at Maho and Orient Beaches as well as go snorkeling off the shores of Grand Case Beach or off of the coastline of Creole Rock. You can visit an Iguana Farm, take an adrenaline filled sightseeing flight on a helicopter or sail the open seas on a 54-foot catamaran and enjoy a sunset dinner right on the boat. You can also take a relaxing boat ride to the stunning shores of Pinel Island and swim with the turtles around Tintamarre Island. No matter what you have an urge to do, you will find the perfect tour for you when you arrive on St. Maarten.


  • Island Sightseeing Tour from Philipsburg

    Island Sightseeing Tour from Philipsburg

    Plan a fabulous St. Maarten shore excursion from Philipsburg to explore the Dutch St. Maarten and the French St Martin. Your guide will meet you at the Port for this 4.5 hour tour. Set off for the French north of the island where you will be greeted by the stunning Grand Case beach. Sparkling turquoise water and soft white sands under a tropical sun make this a paradise setting. Swim, snorkel or just soak up the sun. When you are suitably hungry, the tour stops at Grand Case, the gourmet capital, where a delicious spread awaits. Sample traditional Johnny Cake washed down by guavaberry rum punch. Then you are off to Marigot, where you can stroll along the colonial streets and buy a souvenir at the outdoor bazaar. Now for the Dutch side! Head off to Maho beach which is known for the planes that almost land on your head as they approach the nearby Princess Juliana Airport. Finally, drive past Simpson Bay back to the Port to meet your cruise ship or remain in Philipsburg to explore on your own.


    Orient Beach and Maho Beach Half day tour

    Orient Beach and Maho Beach Half day tour

    Explore two stunning beaches on this 5 hour tour that departs from the Cruise Port. Meet your local guide and climb aboard your air-conditioned van or coach. The tour heads to Orient Bay Beach, a picture-perfect setting with fabulous tourist amenities and fun beach bars. Soak up the sun on the soft white sand and enjoy a dip. If you want something more challenging, try your hand at jet skiing or sailing. For a bird's eye view of the island, take a paragliding trip. Then it is off to Maho Beach, which is located adjacent to the International Airport. Enjoy lunch at the Sunset Beach Bar and Grill and feel the tables tremble as the planes arrive and depart almost on top of your head. After lunch, stroll along the beach and enjoy the waves crashing up onto the rocky shores. Look for sea-shells and other treasures that may be washed up! This St. Maarten shore excursion ends back at Philipsburg Port.


    Beaches and Shopping in Marigot

    Beaches and Shopping in Marigot

    Relaxing on a tropical picture-postcard beach and then having time to shop makes this the perfect St. Maarten shore excursion. This tour is ideal for families with kids and makes a romantic trip for a couple. The tour departs from the cruise port in Philipsburg and lasts for about 6 hours. Your first stop is a lookout point overlooking Oyster Bay, perfect for photos! Then it is off to the beautiful Orient Beach for a dip in the crystal clear waters. You will then drive to Marigot where you can shop up a storm and explore the flea markets, bars and restaurants. Don't miss the famous French pastries at Sarafina's! Your guide will delight you with local anecdotes and information about the island. The next stop is Maho Beach, situated so close to the airport that the planes seem to land and take off only feet over your head. Finally, take some photos at Cole Bay Hill and The Hill which offers fabulous views of Philipsburg. Complimentary drinks are offered at each stop.


    St. Maarten Snorkeling Tour

    St. Maarten Snorkeling Tour

    If snokeling is your thing and you don't have much time, a fabulous 2 hour trip that leaves from the cruise ship pier in Philipsburg will be the ideal St. Maarten shore excursion. The tour departs early, around 8.00am and leaves after the ships have docked, sail out into the deep waters with a local guide who will take you out to explore the best reefs filled with exotic marine life. Snorkeling equipment and flotation devices are supplied and you will get a short briefing and safety lesson. Beginners are most welcome! Be awed at the wrecks along the coast as you sail along the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula. Then head for the shallow reefs and swim amongst the colorful tropical fish. The corals, sponges and variety of species will delight even experienced snorklers. Light snacks and fruit punch awaits you when you surface from the water and juice is provided for the youngsters.


    Philipsburg to Marigot Sightseeing Tour

    Philipsburg to Marigot Sightseeing Tour

    Step off your cruise ship in Philipsburg, St. Maarten and don't worry about how to plan a St. Maarten shore excursion! The Philipsburg to Marigot Sightseeing Tour will take you past all the main attractions and bring you safely back to port. Set off with a knowledgeable local guide and the pass the look out point which offers stunning views of Fort Amsterdam and the Divi Resort. Then stop at Cole Bay Hill, climb out of the coach and take photos of the panoramic views of Indigo Bay and Simpson Bay glittering in the sunlight. Head down into Simpson Bay itself over the Soualiga Bridge and see the picture-perfect setting of luxury yachts anchored in the harbor. Then cross over from the Dutch to the French side to Marigot. Shoppers are in for a treat! Do some bargaining at the flea market and don't miss Sarafina! For scrumptious pastries and tea. Back in the coach, you set off to the View Point overlooking the famous Orient Beach and then travel through the French Quarters and back to the Port. This family friendly tour lasts for about 3 hours.


    St. Maarten Beach, Sightseeing and Shopping Tour

    St. Maarten Beach, Sightseeing and Shopping Tour

    Exploring the island, seeing the wildlife up close, taking a dip on a sun-kissed beach and shopping up a storm are some of the fun activities you will experience on this St. Maarten shore excursion. The tour starts at the Cruise Information Center and heads off to the Iguana farm where you will learn about these fascinating creatures and also to get to hold and feed them. The coach continues to Oyster Pond, a venue that overlooks the island of St Barths, offering amazing views. What could beat a dip in the azure blue ocean at Orient Beach followed by lunch? Work off your meal by strolling around the open-air market in Marigot, buy a souvenir to take home and enjoy some delicious pastries. Now for a beach with a difference! Maho Beach is located right next to the airport and visitors are thrilled by the jets that take off and land right on top of your head! The last leg of the trip stops at Harold Jack Hill which offers stunning views of the Simpson Bay Marina and Anguilla.


    Private Sightseeing Tour of St. Maarten

    Private Sightseeing Tour of St. Maarten

    Travelling with a group of friends or a family? Experience the Island on an exclusive private tour with your group and a friendly local guide. Perfect for relaxing and not having to worry about fitting in with strangers. This St. Maarten shore excursion departs from the Cruise Port and sets off to the fabulous Iguana Farm where visitors will be delighted to learn about these fascinating reptiles as well as hold, pet and feed them. You then travel to the border between the French and Dutch sections and learn interesting facts about the history of the two sides. Once you know all about St Martin and St. Maarten, relax and soak up the sun on a tropical beach or take a ferry to Pineal Island. In the capital, Marigot, you can shop up a storm and eat delicious local cuisine. The tour then heads to Maho Beach where planes fly so low overhead that you will be terrified and thrilled at the same time. Finally, cameras out for stunning views from Harold Jack Hill. More shopping follows in Philipsburg before heading back to your cruise ship.


    Maho Beach Round-Trip Transfer

    Maho Beach Round-Trip Transfer

    Exploring Maho Beach is the next St. Maarten shore excursion that cannot be missed. This famous beach is located right next to the Princess Juliana International Airport and planes literally take off and land on top of your head. Feel the blast of the jets and hear the scream of the engines on an exotic tropical beach! The tour leaves from the cruise ship dock in Philipsburg on a luxury coach and takes you 7.5 miles to Maho Beach. On the way, you will stop at Cole Bay Hill to take some fabulous photos. When you arrive at the beach, settle down on the soft white sands and relax, have a swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters or stroll along and soak up the ambiance. Then visit the iconic Sunset Beach Bar for a delicious Caribbean meal and refreshing ice-cold drink. The coach will return you to Philipsburg.


    Maho Beach and Lucas Bay Sightseeing

    Maho Beach and Lucas Bay Sightseeing

    When your cruise ships docks at the terminal, make sure you book a fabulous sightseeing tour! The Maho Beach and Lucas Bay Sightseeing shore excursion will take you to some of the best spots on the Island. Travel in a luxury air-conditioned bus and be enchanted by local anecdotes that your guide will impart along the way as you learn about the history and culture of the island. The first stop is Maho Beach on the Dutch side where you will be wowed by low flying jumbo jets that seem to land and take off right on top of your head. The beach is unique, in that is it situated adjacent to the main airport! Do some shopping in Grand Case and snack on delicious street food as you stroll around. Then head to Marigot where French pastries are the order of the day. Bargain at the open-air market for a fun souvenir to take home. The tour offers drinks and cooldrinks along the way, but you must be over 18 to crack open a beer!


    Island Sightseeing with Shopping

    Island Sightseeing with Shopping

    Have a lady friend, wife or family member who loves shopping and sightseeing? This St. Maarten shore excursion will delight them and you can go along too, you will all have a blast! The tour departs from near to the cruise ship port, travels through Philipsburg and stops at Divi Little Bay Hill where spectacular views of the city can be seen. Then head to the next stop for views of Cole Bay, Simpson Bay and Indigo Bay. Get an adrenaline rush on Maho Beach, located adjacent to the main International Airport, where huge planes take off and land almost on top of your head. When you reach Marigot, shopping begins with bargaining at the open-air flea market and exploring the fabulous West Indies Shopping Mall. Back on the coach, you will head to Harbor View Point, offering panoramic views of Orient Beach. Serious shoppers never get tired, so it is off to Philipsburg where you have an hour to do more shopping. Climb back into the bus with all your parcels and head back to Port.


    Orient Beach, Marigot and Maho Beach

    Orient Beach, Marigot and Maho Beach

    Book This Tourh

    Three fabulous stops on one St. Maarten shore excursion makes this a great way to experience the Island. From the shopping malls to the soft white sands of the tropical beach, you can soak up the vibrant Caribbean vibe first hand! The tour departs from the Dr A.C. Wathey Cruise terminal in an air-conditioned van with free drinks on offer along the way. The first stop is the famous Orient Beach on the French side where you can swim in the azure blue waters, soak up the sun or try your hand at some water sports. Then it is off to Marigot where the local flea market and shopping malls will delight serious shoppers. Back to the beach, with a difference! Maho Beach on the Dutch side is located right next to the International Airport and as the planes depart and land you will find yourself ducking down to get out of the way! This fabulous experience will create lifetime memories. If you still want to shop, the tour arrives back in Philipsburg where more stores are awaiting to be explored.


    Snorkeling and Speed Boat Tour

    Snorkeling and Speed Boat Tour

    Combining the thrill of a fast speed boat ride and a relaxed snorkeling adventure makes this one of the best St. Maarten shore excursions. The tour lasts for 6 hours and departs from the Dock Maarten Chesterfield Wharf. Head out with an experienced crew towards Simpson Bay and admire the luxury yachts and holiday villas. Pass the lovely Marina Royale and then make a turn for Friars Bay. Your boat stops at Tintamarre Island where you can swim with the turtles. Re-board and enjoy a short trip to Pinel Island where a delicious lunch awaits on the stunning Yellow Beach. Then get ready for a marvellous snorkeling experience at Creole Rock, one of the best locations in the world for exploring marine life. Equipment is provided and experienced guides are with you at all times. Feed the fish at Long Bay and do some celebrity spotting at La Samanna Resort. After this fun packed day, relax as you head back to the Wharf!


    Orient Beach and Maho Beach Adventure

    Orient Beach and Maho Beach Adventure

    Orient Beach and Maho beach are the two most iconic venues on the Island and this St. Maarten shore excursion takes you to both. Enjoy a fabulous 6 hour trip that departs from near to the Cruise Ship Pier in Philipsburg. Set off with your local guide to Orient Beach where you can stroll on the white sands, soak up the sun, swim in the crystal clear turquoise waters or get active and enjoy some sports. Try your hand at parasailing, kite surfing, jet skiing or sail out on a banana boat. Enjoy authentic island food at one of the many restaurants that line the beach. Then set off to Maho Beach, the only beach in the world where planes land and take off on top of your head! The beach is located adjacent to the Princess Juliana International Airport, making this an experience you will never forget. After snapping photos, set off back to the Port with your golden sun tan and great memories!