St. Maarten (Sint Maarten) is the island of two nations — the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint-Martin) — and that unique dual identity makes it one of the most fascinating ports in the Caribbean. World-class beaches, vibrant nightlife, incredible food, and legendary Maho Beach (where planes land inches over sunbathers’ heads) make it unforgettable. Here are the best St. Maarten shore excursions.
💡 Pro tip: Cruise ships dock at Philipsburg on the Dutch side. The boardwalk and beach are steps from the pier, making St. Maarten one of the most walkable cruise ports in the Caribbean.
🗺️ Island Tours
St. Maarten: Top Ten Highlights Island Tour
Hit all the island’s iconic spots in one guided tour — Maho Beach (with the famous low-flying planes), Orient Beach, the French quarter of Marigot, stunning viewpoints, and more. The best overview of the whole island for first-time visitors.
👉 Book the Island Highlights Tour →
St. Maarten: Sightseeing Tour of French & Dutch Sides
Explore both sides of this unique dual-nation island on one comprehensive sightseeing tour. Visit the bustling Dutch capital of Philipsburg, the charming French village of Marigot, scenic overlooks, and local markets — a cultural experience unlike any other Caribbean port.
👉 Book the French & Dutch Sightseeing Tour →
⛵ Water & Beach Experiences
St. Martin: Catamaran Snorkel Cruise with Open Bar
Sail along St. Martin’s stunning coastline by catamaran, stop at pristine snorkel sites, and enjoy an open bar the whole way. A lively, social experience that’s perfect for couples and groups who want sun, sea, and good vibes.
👉 Book the Catamaran Snorkel Cruise →
St. Maarten: Private Island Tour with Drinks & Guide
For a more personalized experience, this private island tour lets you explore at your own pace with a knowledgeable local guide and drinks included. Great for couples, families, or anyone who wants to avoid large groups.
👉 Book the Private Island Tour →
📋 St. Maarten Shore Excursion Tips
- Maho Beach: Don’t miss the famous plane-spotting beach — it’s free to visit and truly one-of-a-kind. Check flight schedules online before you go.
- French side food: Cross to the French side for some of the best food in the Caribbean — the restaurants in Grand Case village are world-class.
- Orient Beach: The best beach on the island — beautiful, lively, and lined with beach bars and water sports rentals.
- Walking distance: Philipsburg Beach and the main shopping street are steps from the cruise pier — great for a self-guided half day.
Exploring other ports? See our guides for Nassau, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, and St. Thomas.
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🎟️ Also Available on Viator
Prefer booking through Viator? Here are St. Maarten’s highest-rated tours with free cancellation.
5-Hour Luxury Catamaran Day Sail in Sint Maarten
Viator’s #1 St. Maarten tour — rated an outstanding 4.9/5 with over 1,000 reviews. Sail on a luxury catamaran along St. Maarten’s stunning coastline with stops for snorkeling, swimming, and a beach lunch. Absolutely not to be missed.
Private Island Tour — Sint Maarten
Rated 4.9/5 with 226 reviews. A fully private island tour of Sint Maarten covering both the French and Dutch sides, beaches, Maho, viewpoints, and local culture — completely at your own pace.
The Original Eco Tour: Full-Day Around Sint Maarten
Rated 4.9/5 with 553 reviews — an 8-hour sailing and snorkeling eco tour around the entire island visiting Tintamarre Island, Creole Rock, and Grand Case for lunch. One of the best full-day experiences in the entire Caribbean.
🛡️ Don’t Forget Cruise Travel Insurance
Before you book your shore excursions, make sure your cruise trip is protected. A single missed port, medical emergency, or trip cancellation can cost thousands — cruise travel insurance covers all of it.
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