See the Planes Adventure to Orient Beach

Experience the Best of St. Maarten: Orient Beach and Maho Beach Tour

This 5-hour guided tour in St. Maarten takes you from the pristine sands of Orient Beach to the iconic Maho Beach, where jet planes fly just overhead. Priced at $45 per person, it offers a compact yet immersive way to see two of the island’s most famous spots. The tour departs near the Philipsburg cruise port, making it a convenient option for cruise travelers or those staying nearby.

What we love about this experience are two key points: First, the expert guidance and local insights offered by the driver, Anthony, who truly enhances the experience with his knowledge of the island’s highlights. Second, the perfect timing at Maho Beach, where you can watch massive aircraft descend mere meters above your head—an adrenaline rush for plane enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.

A potential consideration is the limited time at each beach—two hours at Orient and Maho can be just enough for a quick look, but those wanting more relaxation or water sports might wish they had longer. Still, for a day-crash course of top sights, this tour strikes a good balance.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a taste of both beaches in a short time and appreciate expert commentary along the way. It’s especially suited for cruise passengers, first-time visitors, or anyone eager to check off the island’s highlights without a full-day commitment.

Key Points

• Convenient half-day format perfectly suited for cruise travelers or those on limited schedules
• Knowledgeable guides offer insider tips and enhance the experience
• Two iconic beaches with distinct character: relaxing Orient Beach and adrenaline-pumping Maho Beach
• Water sports options available at Orient Beach, with activities like jet skiing and paragliding (own expense)
• Close-up plane spotting at Maho Beach, a must-see for aviation enthusiasts
• Includes refreshments, making the tour more comfortable without extra costs

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The adventure begins early, with a pickup near the cruise port at 9 am, giving you a head start on the day. The tour operates with a mobile ticket, which simplifies the check-in process. Once you’re on board the air-conditioned van, your guide will take you on a scenic drive that offers a taste of the island’s landscape and local life.

First Stop: Orient Beach

Your first destination, Orient Beach, is on the French side—famous for its soft white sands and clear waters. Here, you’ll enjoy two hours of leisure, which might feel brief but is enough to soak in the scenery, lounge with a drink in hand at beach bars, or partake in watersports activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, or even paragliding—though these come with extra costs.

One reason travelers love this stop is the chance to relax and rejuvenate. As one visitor noted, “The beach was really beautiful,” and the included chairs and umbrellas make lounging effortless. This spot also offers a chance to sample local rums at beach bars, an authentic taste of the island’s renowned spirit.

Second Stop: Maho Beach

Next, the van whisks you over to Maho Beach, on the Dutch side, which has gained fame thanks to its proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport. The sign at Sunset Beach Bar and Grill marks the spot where planes are so low, they seem to skim just above your head.

Here, you’ll spend two hours watching airplanes land and take off, a spectacle that draws both plane-spotters and casual onlookers. The audio from the control tower adds an authentic touch, making you feel right there with the ground crew coordinating these massive aircraft.

Many reviews praise Anthony’s insider knowledge—“He gave us an insider’s perspective of where to go and what to see,” says one traveler. The up-close views of jets flying mere meters overhead are a once-in-a-lifetime experience and definitely the highlight for many.

Returning to the Cruise Port

After soaking up the sights and sounds at both beaches, the group heads back to the starting point, arriving with plenty of time to explore the rest of the island or catch your cruise.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $45, this experience packs in two iconic beaches, guided commentary, transportation, and refreshments. It’s a smart choice for those wanting a taste of St. Maarten’s best without dedicating an entire day. While some reviews mention that the time at each location could be longer, most agree that the guided transport and local insights make the short stops worthwhile.

The small group size (up to 30 travelers) ensures that the experience remains personal and flexible—your guide can answer questions and tailor some parts of the tour based on interests. The inclusion of water and light refreshments also adds comfort, especially on warm days.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a first-time visitor eager to see the island’s highlights efficiently, this tour hits all the right notes. Beach lovers will appreciate the mix of relaxing on Orient Beach and thrill-seekers will enjoy the plane views at Maho. It’s also excellent for cruise passengers who want to maximize sightseeing in a limited timeframe.

However, if you’re seeking an in-depth beach experience or lots of water sports, you might find the two-hour stops a bit rushed. Still, the expert guide, scenic drives, and iconic sights make this a solid choice for a brief but memorable taste of St. Maarten.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balance of beauty, excitement, and practical convenience. You get to kick back on a gorgeous beach, watch aircraft fly just overhead, and learn about the island from a knowledgeable guide—all in about five hours. The cost is reasonable considering the included transportation and the insider tips you’ll receive along the way.

It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a quick, well-organized introduction to St. Maarten’s top sights, particularly if your time is limited or you’re looking for a fun, engaging activity on a cruise stop.

While the short stay at each beach might leave some wanting more, the tour’s genuine insights and stunning views deliver a memorable snapshot of what makes this island so special. Whether you’re an aviation geek, a sun-seeker, or a curious explorer, this experience is likely to leave you with lasting impressions—and perhaps a few photos of planes zooming just overhead.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours, including transportation and stops at both beaches.

What time does it start?
It departs at 9 am, with pickup near the Philipsburg cruise port.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers transportation, a guide, and refreshments. Water and light drinks are provided, but lunch and watersports are not included.

Is it suitable for cruise passengers?
Yes, the tour starts and ends near the cruise port, making it ideal for cruise visitors wanting a quick overview of the island.

Can I participate in watersports?
Water sports are available at Orient Beach, such as jet skiing and paragliding, but these activities cost extra and are at your own expense.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel, change of clothes, sunscreen, and perhaps a hat. Comfortable shoes and a camera are also recommended.

Are the beaches crowded?
Orient Beach can be quite lively, but the two-hour stop allows enough time to relax away from the crowds if you choose. Maho Beach tends to be busier, especially when planes arrive.

In exploring St. Maarten, this tour offers a satisfying mix of scenic beauty, thrilling sights, and local flavor. For those who enjoy a well-organized, fun-filled snapshot of the island’s highlights, it’s a choice that combines value with authentic experience.