Lottery Farm, French St. Martin and Dutch Philipsburg Tour

Experience Lottery Farm, French St. Martin, and Philipsburg on a half-day adventure for around $200 per person. This tour offers visits to scenic Friar’s Bay with its inviting pool and family-friendly vibe, plus a quick walk through the lively shops and markets of Philipsburg. The journey begins with a pickup, includes a few scenic transfers, and offers optional adventure activities like zip-lining for the thrill-seekers.

What we like: First, the visit to Friar’s Bay provides a relaxed, scenic spot for swimming or just soaking up the Caribbean sun—perfect for families or travelers craving downtime. Second, the cultural touchpoint in Philipsburg, with its local market and Caribbean crafts, allows a genuine taste of the island’s lively spirit and craftsmanship.

What to consider: In its current form, the tour might feel a bit rushed, especially with only 45 minutes in Philipsburg and limited time at each stop. The zip line add-on costs an extra $80, which could be a splurge if you’re not already a thrill-seeker. This tour suits those who want a quick, varied snapshot of the island rather than an in-depth exploration.

Best for: Travelers who appreciate a balance of natural beauty, light adventure, and local culture—particularly if you prefer a guided, organized day rather than planning every detail yourself.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: Combines natural beauty, adventure, and shopping in a manageable half-day.
• Family-friendly: The options for relaxing at Friar’s Bay and the kids’ playground make it suitable for families.
• Optional Zip Line: For an $80 upgrade, you can get your adrenaline fix high in the treetops.
• Efficient Transfers: The tour includes transportation, making logistics easier but somewhat hurried.
• Authentic Local Markets: The Philipsburg stop offers a glimpse into Caribbean crafts and culture.
• Limited Time at Key Stops: The quick visits mean you won’t get deep into each location but enough for a taste.

A Practical Guide to the Lottery Farm, French St. Martin & Philipsburg Tour

If you’re looking for a 4.5-hour taste of St. Maarten’s natural and cultural highlights, this tour might be worth considering. It hits some of the main spots—Friar’s Bay and Philipsburg—with a bit of added adventure. But as with many organized tours, it’s a balance between convenience and depth.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point, usually around 9 am or 10 am, depending on your accommodation. The first stop is Lottery Farm in French St. Martin, which is a quick 30-minute visit. While the tour doesn’t specify detailed activities here, you can expect to see a tropical farm environment, with some basic access included through your ticket.

Next, the group heads to Friar’s Bay for about two hours. This is the highlight for many: a beautiful beach with a pool—the Jungle Pool—surrounded by lush greenery. It’s perfect for relaxing, swimming, or enjoying a casual lunch at the nearby restaurant. The mention of a kids’ playground makes it family-friendly, and the water activities are suitable for most ages.

Afterward, there’s a 40-minute transfer to Philipsburg, where the focus is on shopping and local culture. The market, with crafts, souvenirs, and Caribbean-inspired art, offers a lively, authentic flavor of the island’s commerce and craftsmanship. With just 45 minutes here, you’ll get a quick but vivid taste of the town’s vibrant scene.

Finally, the group is transferred back to your starting point, with the entire experience wrapping in about four and a half hours. Transportation is air-conditioned, and the guide/driver is licensed, providing a comfortable, straightforward experience.

The Adventure Add-On: Zip Line

If you’re craving some adrenaline, there’s an optional ZIP LINE experience available for an additional $80 per person. The zip line features high ladders, tightropes, swinging bridges, and zip lines—something to consider if heights and speed excite you. Remember, it’s an optional add-on, so you can skip it if you prefer a more relaxed day.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

One of the most common praises is the convenience of door-to-door transportation paired with a well-rounded itinerary that touches on natural beauty, culture, and adventure. The scenic drive itself is a bonus, offering glimpses of the island’s varied landscapes.

However, some reviews point out potential drawbacks. An especially critical review mentions that the trail at Lottery Farm is poorly maintained and lacking signage, making it easy to get lost. This suggests that if you’re hoping for a well-structured nature walk, this aspect might disappoint.

Another review notes, “Don’t pay too much in advance. Ticket price is 85,- for two persons. It is not more than a nice pool with beds around it. And there is a good restaurant for a nice lunch.” This indicates that the experience might be more about relaxing at the pool than an extensive farm or nature tour.

The limited time—only 45 minutes in Philipsburg—means you see the highlights but don’t get to explore deeply. If shopping or culture is a priority, you’ll need to manage expectations.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Given the cost of $200 per person, the value depends heavily on what you’re looking for. If your goal is a quick, organized overview with some beach time and a taste of local crafts, you’ll find it suitable. But if you’re after deep exploration of nature or culture, or want to spend more time in each place, consider other options or extend your day.

Transportation and Group Size

The tour uses an air-conditioned vehicle, which is a plus in the Caribbean heat. The group size is capped at 22, making it a relatively intimate experience, though it might still feel rushed during each stop.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who prefer a guided, all-in-one outing rather than planning multiple independent activities. Ideal if you want a balance of natural scenery, a relaxing poolside break, and a quick cultural snapshot. Families with children will appreciate the kid-friendly pool and playground, but those seeking a deep dive into the island’s history or nature might find it too brief.

If you’re a thrill-seeker, the optional zip line could tip the scales—just be aware it’s an added expense and requires a bit of adventure appetite. For budget-conscious travelers, the limited time and minimal inclusions may make other options more appealing, especially if you’re willing to explore independently.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned vehicle, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, including all stops and transfers.

Can I participate in the zip line?
Yes, zip lining is an optional add-on costing $80 per person, and it features high ladders, tightropes, swinging bridges, and zip lines.

What is the main activity at Friar’s Bay?
It’s primarily relaxation—swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the poolside facilities. There’s also a family-friendly playground.

How much time do we have in Philipsburg?
About 45 minutes, enough for a quick shopping spree and a glance at local markets.

Is there a lot of walking or hiking involved?
The tour doesn’t specify extensive hiking, but there may be some light walking at each stop, especially at Lottery Farm and Friar’s Bay.

What should I expect at Lottery Farm?
The experience is brief and mainly involves being in a tropical setting. Be aware that a Tripadvisor review mentions the trail is poorly maintained and lacks signage.

What is the price for this tour?
The cost is $200 per person, excluding the zip line, which is an extra $80.

To sum it up, this tour offers a quick, varied glimpse of St. Maarten’s landscapes, culture, and leisure spots. It’s a good fit for travelers who prefer a guided experience with a mix of relaxation and light adventure. Keep in mind the limited time at each stop and the optional nature of the zip line, so consider whether these factors align with your travel style. If you’re after a peaceful day with easy logistics and a taste of island life, this tour could be a worthwhile choice. Otherwise, you might prefer to craft a more personalized or in-depth exploration of the island’s many treasures.