St Maarten is a shopper’s paradise. The island’s unique blend of Dutch and French influences creates a diverse shopping scene—whether you’re hunting for high-end jewelry, local crafts, or lively markets. We especially like the Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience because it combines luxury with a personal touch, offering insights into diamonds and gemstones at Kay’s Fine Jewelry, all served with a complimentary drink. For those arriving by cruise, the St Martin Best Sightseeing, Beach, Shopping & Planes Tour offers a fun mix of sightseeing, beach lounging, and jet-spotting, making it a well-rounded introduction to the island. You can find more about this tour here.
If you’re after a truly personalized experience, the Private V.I.P sightseeing, Shopping and Beach Tour provides tailored itineraries, luxury transport, and a red-carpet welcome. For a more casual, beach-focused outing, the St Maarten Excursion: Island Sightseeing + Beach & Shopping is perfect for visiting Oyster Bay, Orient Beach, and Maho Beach. Lastly, for those interested in combining wine, beer, and local shopping, the Sint Maarten Wine Tasting Brewery Shopping and Jet-Blast Tour offers a gourmet touch with tastings and brewery visits. Below, you’ll find detailed insights into each option to help you pick the best tour for your style and budget.
1. Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience in St Maarten
At number one on our list, the Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience offers a luxurious yet intimate way to explore fine jewelry on the island. Hosted at Kay’s Fine Jewelry, one of St Maarten’s top family-run stores, this tour is about more than just shopping for jewelry. Upon arrival, you’re greeted with a complimentary glass of champagne, mimosa, or water, setting a relaxed tone. You’ll be assisted personally by family members who share insights into diamonds, gemstones, and collectible pieces. Watching jewelers clean and service jewelry on-site adds a fascinating behind-the-scenes touch.
This experience is ideal for anyone interested in high-quality jewelry and gemstones but still enjoys a friendly, personalized atmosphere. With a short duration of around an hour, it’s a quick way to indulge in some luxury while learning about the craftsmanship. The store’s reviews highlight the personal guidance, and even if directions are initially confusing, the experience makes up for it with its warmth and expertise. For a luxury shopping experience with a family touch, this tour stands out.
Bottom line: Perfect for jewelry lovers and those wanting a refined, intimate introduction to St Maarten’s upscale shopping scene.
2. St Martin Best Sightseeing, Beach, Shopping & Planes Tour
The St Martin Best Sightseeing, Beach, Shopping & Planes Tour is a well-rounded 6-hour excursion that combines the island’s highlights with fun and relaxation. It’s perfect if you want a taste of both the French and Dutch sides in a single trip. The tour features a visit to Maho Beach, where jumbo jets fly just overhead—an experience that’s both exciting and slightly surreal, especially for travelers who enjoy a bit of spectacle. You’ll also explore Lucas Bay, a scenic French harbor, and visit charming villages of Grand Case and Marigot, where local shops, cafes, and markets give authentic flavor to the trip.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers complimentary beer, water, and soda throughout, making it easy to stay refreshed. Reviews praise the guide’s friendliness and the variety of sights — from colonial architecture to the airport’s jet landings. The itinerary balances sightseeing, beach time, and shopping, making it a great choice for those who want a flexible, comprehensive experience without sacrificing comfort.
Bottom line: An excellent option for first-time visitors or cruise passengers wanting a mix of beaches, culture, and iconic jet landings.
3. Private V.I.P sightseeing, Shopping and Beach Tour
For travelers seeking an exclusive experience, the Private V.I.P sightseeing, Shopping and Beach Tour is the ultimate tailored excursion. Starting with a red carpet welcome, this tour is all about customization. Your group can decide which attractions to explore, from shopping for cigars, rum, or jewelry to visiting production centers or just relaxing on the beach.
The tour lasts about 6 hours and includes luxury transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, driven by a professional guide. The itinerary features stops at Philipsburg for shopping and sightseeing, Maho Beach for jet-spotting, and Marigot with its historic fortress and local eateries. The flexibility allows you to prioritize what interests you most, whether it’s luxury shopping, photo ops, or cultural sites.
Guests have lauded the personalized service and knowledgeable guide. With a higher price point, it’s best suited for travelers who want a private, stress-free day with all the details taken care of. The value lies in the bespoke experience, perfect for honeymooners or groups celebrating special occasions.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who want a completely personalized, luxury day on the island with maximum flexibility.
4. St Maarten Excursion: Island Sightseeing + Beach & Shopping
This Island Sightseeing + Beach & Shopping tour offers a practical combination of beach time, shopping, and sightseeing. Over roughly 6 hours, the guide shows you Oyster Bay, Orient Beach, and Maho Beach, famous for its jet landings. It’s perfect if you want to see the top beaches and then enjoy some shopping in Marigot, the French capital with boutiques and markets.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from cruise ports and a complimentary drink, making it convenient and budget-friendly. Visitors highlight the mix of beach lounging and sightseeing as a key plus, though some mention the driving time can be long. Still, the flexibility to see key highlights in a single day makes this a good all-around choice, especially for cruise travelers with limited time.
Bottom line: Well-suited for those who want a straightforward, all-in-one island experience, mixing beaches, sightseeing, and shopping.
5. Twin City Shopping Tour
The Twin City Shopping Tour offers a cultural and shopping adventure across two major towns: Marigot and Philipsburg. With about 5 to 6 hours, it’s perfect for travelers keen on exploring both the French and Dutch sides in one day. The tour begins with a 1.5–2 hour visit to Marigot, where you can shop, see colonial architecture, and enjoy local cafes. Then, it moves to Philipsburg, the shopping hub of the Caribbean, where the boardwalk is lined with jewelry stores, boutiques, and souvenir stalls.
This tour has a 5-star review from a traveler who appreciated the friendly guide and the chance to see authentic local markets and gourmet spots. It’s especially good for those who want to combine cultural exploration with retail therapy in a relaxed pace.
Bottom line: Best for shoppers and culture enthusiasts who want to enjoy both sides of the island with a local guide.
$50.00 per person
6. Sint Maarten Wine Tasting Brewery Shopping and Jet-Blast Tour
Finally, the Wine Tasting, Brewery, Shopping, and Jet-Blast Tour is a unique blend of culinary delights and island sights. Starting with a wine and cheese tasting in Philipsburg, you’ll enjoy five wine samples paired with cheeses, followed by a visit to Simpson Bay for craft beer samples. The tour also includes shopping stops and a chance to experience the famous Maho Beach jet blast.
Though this tour doesn’t have reviews yet, it’s designed for those interested in gastronomy and local brews combined with laid-back shopping and sightseeing. It’s priced at $130 per person, offering a good value considering the tastings and experiences included. Suitable for foodies and those wanting a more culinary-focused day on the island.
Bottom line: A good pick for travelers who enjoy wine, beer, and local flavors, along with a bit of shopping and sightseeing.
$130.00 per person
How to Choose the Right Shopping & Market Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and available time. For luxury jewelry lovers, the Champagne and Diamond Shopping Experience offers an intimate, high-end experience. If you want a rundown of the island’s highlights, the Sightseeing, Beach, Shopping & Planes Tour covers all bases with a fun twist. For a customized, VIP experience, the private tour provides flexibility and exclusivity, perfect for special occasions.
For those with limited time or cruise passengers, the Island Sightseeing + Beach & Shopping tour balances sightseeing and relaxation. Budget-conscious travelers might prefer the Twin City Shopping Tour, which combines cultural exploration with shopping on both sides of the island. Finally, if food and drink are your focus, the Wine & Beer Tour offers a flavorful, leisurely outing.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak cruise season, to secure your spot and preferred times. Consider your fitness level—some tours involve walking through markets or historic sites, while others are vehicle-based.
St Maarten’s shopping options are as diverse as its scenery. Whether you prefer luxury jewelry, local markets, or a personalized VIP tour, options abound. For those who love luxury shopping and gemstone insights, the Champagne and Diamond experience tops the list. If you’re more into exploring the island’s culture and beaches, the sightseeing tours provide a lively, authentic taste of this Caribbean gem. For a blend of everything, the private VIP tour offers unmatched flexibility, while budget travelers will appreciate the convenience of combined sightseeing, shopping, and beach visits.
Start planning early, and enjoy your perfect shopping adventure on St Maarten.