The 10 Best St. Maarten Excursions & Tours

St. Maarten Excursions

St. Maarten excursions are a vibrant mix of cultural and natural attractions, including exploring the dual-nation island's French and Dutch sides and enjoying its renowned beaches. St. Maarten excursions also offer a range of activities from snorkeling in crystal-clear waters to zip-lining through lush forests, appealing to both beach lovers and adventure seekers.

The Friendly Island

About 300 kilometers east of Puerto Rico in the northeastern Caribbean lies St. Maarten, a favorite among cruise travelers. Often confused with its northern French counterpart, Saint Martin, St. Maarten is the Dutch side of the island. Known as "The Friendly Island," it occupies the southern half and is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. St. Maarten is celebrated for its pristine beaches, vibrant casinos, and bustling nightlife. The island is also famous for its boutique shopping, handcrafted jewelry, and unique local specialties like Guavaberry drinks. With its rich culture and welcoming atmosphere, St. Maarten offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

Sights to See

With its European influences (evident in the architectural style of its buildings), St. Maarten is just begging to be explored by land or sea via cruise ship. Our St. Maarten cruise excursions and island tours allow you to experience all the wonders of the Dutch part of the twin island, complete with water sports, hiking and biking, marine life, and quaint history in the capital of Philipsburg.

Our St. Maarten tours and excursions go beyond the Dutch side, as many include traveling to the French-controlled portion of the island, allowing you to experience both St. Maarten/St. Martin in one day. Visiting two paradise destinations in a single trip makes any St. Maarten shore excursion a truly fulfilling experience.

Thrill-Seeking Activities

St. Maarten offers a wide variety of heart-pumping things to do. If you're all in on water activities, then you have to enjoy a full day or more at Orient Bay, the beach on the French side of St. Martin that's the most popular and busiest beach in the Caribbean year-round. There you can do some scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, windsurfing, parasailing, riding a banana boat, and so much more.

Beautiful Beaches

The beautiful island of St. Maarten is home to the best treasures the Caribbean has to offer. Boasting gorgeous white sand beaches to relax on, and vibrant reef beds to snorkel through, St. Maarten has a unique and intriguing culture to boot. This island, tightly nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, is widely recognized as one of the top vacation destinations in the entire world!

Located on the north shore of the French side of St. Martin, Pinel Island is special to tourists and locals alike. It is surrounded by breathtaking, clear blue waters that are ideal for water activities such as snorkeling, paddle boarding, and kayaking. Not to mention, it's also part of the French Marine Reserve and protected from development so future generations can enjoy its splendor. Pinel Island is a must-see if you're nearby.

10 Best St. Maarten Excursions & Tours

Browse these popular excursions and private tours offered by Shore Excursions Group. Anything is possible in St. Maarten.

• Half-Day Snorkeling & Catamaran Sailing
• Kayaking & Snorkeling Cruise Excursion at Pelican Key
• Shopping, Sightseeing & Beach Day Excursion
• Rum Tour, Maho Beach, and Lunch
• Perfume Making & Caribbean Scents Shore Trip
• Jeep Safari Cruise Excursion
• Jet Blast Beach Day
• Two Tank Certified Dive Shore Trip
• Snuba Experience
• Personal Watercraft Ride and Snorkel at Creole Rock

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to go to St. Maarten?
The best months to visit St. Maarten are from December to April. During this period, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for enjoying the island's beaches and outdoor activities. The temperatures are pleasant, usually ranging from the mid-70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (around 24-29°C), and there's less chance of rain compared to other times of the year.

Can you walk to the beach from St Maarten cruise port?
Yes, you can walk to the beach from the St. Maarten cruise port. The closest beach is Great Bay Beach, known for its soft white sand and calm waters. It is about a 5-10 minute walk from the port. The walk is straightforward and takes you along a scenic boardwalk with shops, restaurants, and beautiful views of the bay.

Are beaches free in St. Maarten?
Most beaches in St. Maarten are free and open to the public. You can enjoy the sand and sea without paying an entrance fee. However, some amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, and water sports equipment are usually available for rent, and prices can vary depending on the beach and vendor.

Does St. Maarten accept U.S. currency?
Yes, St. Maarten accepts U.S. currency. While the official currency of Dutch St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antilles florin or guilder (NAF), U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

What type of food is popular in St. Maarten?
St. Maarten offers a diverse culinary scene, blending Caribbean, French, Dutch, and international flavors. Popular dishes include seafood like fresh fish, lobster, and conch; local favorites such as Johnny cakes, callaloo soup, and goat stew; and French pastries and cuisine on the French side. The island is also known for its beachside barbecues and lively food markets.