St Maarten is a cruise destination that shines with its mix of Dutch and French influences, lively beaches, and spectacular airport flyovers. With so many options, it’s easy to want to make the most of your limited time onshore. We particularly love the Orient and Maho Beach Half-Day Tour for a balanced mix of beach lounging and plane-watching, and the Snorkeling and Speed Boat Tour for adventure seekers eager to explore the waters. Whether you’re after a relaxing day in the sun or a high-speed water adventure, St Maarten offers something for every type of traveler, with tours that highlight the island’s unique character and stunning scenery.
If you prefer a quick overview, our list below covers a range of popular excursions—from laid-back beach days to immersive island sightseeing, and even budget-friendly transfers—each with different highlights and appeal. Read on to find the one that suits your style.
1. St Maarten Shore Excursion: Orient and Maho Beach Half-Day Tour
At number 1, the Orient and Maho Beach Half-Day Tour offers a perfect mix of relaxation and spectacle. This 5-hour trip takes you to two of the most iconic beaches on the island. You’ll start at Orient Beach, known for its soft sands and water sports options—jet skiing, parasailing, and sailing are popular here. The tour includes round-trip transportation, and you’ll have plenty of time to lounge or try some local snacks at the beach bars. The lively atmosphere makes it ideal for travelers wanting a taste of French Caribbean flair without a full-day commitment.
Next, the tour heads to Maho Beach, famously situated near Princess Juliana International Airport. Watching jumbo jets swoop in close overhead is an unforgettable experience—you’ll get a front-row seat to this low-altitude plane parade. The guide provides entertaining commentary, and complimentary refreshments keep you refreshed during the adventure. Reviewers love how the guide makes the tour lively and informative, with many noting the fun of combining beach relaxation with the thrill of plane spotting.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a quick, fun-filled half-day combining iconic beaches, water sports, and plane watching. The value at $55 per person makes it a popular choice.
2. St Maarten Shore Excursion: Snorkeling and Speed Boat Tour
For those craving a more active experience, the Snorkeling and Speed Boat Tour is a standout. This 6-hour adventure is designed for curious travelers who want to explore the island’s waters and marine life. Departing from Philipsburg, the tour whisks you out on a powerful speedboat to several top snorkeling spots, including Creole Rock, known for its rich marine biodiversity. You’ll snorkel in clear waters, floating on provided gear and enjoying the vibrant coral and fish.
The trip also visits Tintamarre Island, a deserted, uninhabited paradise where you can swim, relax, or explore the island’s remains of a past military presence. Then, it’s off to Pinel Island, where soft sands and shallow waters are perfect for relaxing or stretching your legs. The tour includes unlimited rum punch, beers, and soft drinks—so you can sip and chat as your captain shares stories about the island’s history and ecology.
Guests praise the personalized service, the friendliness of the crew, and the chance to see both French and Dutch sides from the water. One reviewer noted, “Captain Nick and Luca made us feel like family,” highlighting the personable guides.
Bottom Line: Ideal for active travelers seeking a mix of snorkeling, island exploration, and a fun boat ride. It’s a great value at $129 per person, especially for the all-included drinks and gear.
3. Shore Excursion: Philipsburg to Marigot Sightseeing Tour
If your cruise schedule is tight but you want a taste of both the Dutch and French sides, the Philipsburg to Marigot Sightseeing Tour offers a quick cultural and scenic overview. This 3 to 4-hour trip takes you from the Dutch capital through key points like Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, and Indigo Bay, then across the border to Marigot on the French side.
Your guide points out local landmarks, shops, and scenic viewpoints, with stops for photos and a chance to browse local markets. You’ll enjoy complimentary drinks and round-trip transport, making it easy for a short visit without the hassle of planning. Reviews highlight the informative guide and the smooth logistics, especially appreciated by travelers who want a snapshot of the island’s diverse culture. One reviewer wrote, “We learned so much about the Dutch and French sides in just a few hours.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for a brief, well-organized overview of the island’s highlights, especially suited for those with limited time but who want a meaningful glimpse of St Maarten’s culture.
4. Maho Beach Round-Trip Transfer
For travelers mainly interested in seeing the famous Maho Beach, this Round-Trip Transfer gets you there without fuss. This affordable, 4.5-hour excursion includes a round-trip port transfer for just $28 per person. Once at Maho Beach, you’ll enjoy the white sands and Caribbean waters, with time to relax, swim, or grab drinks at Sunset Beach Bar—where the vibrations from arriving jets make it all the more exciting.
The transfer is straightforward, with a friendly driver sharing island insights along the way. Reviewers appreciate how easy and stress-free this option is, especially if your main goal is plane watching. “Having a scheduled ride to Maho means no worries about transportation,” one reviewer noted, “and the driver was full of fun stories about the island.”
Bottom Line: An inexpensive, no-fuss option for those who want a quick visit to Maho Beach and enjoy the thrill of plane spotting without additional activities or costs.
How to Choose Your Perfect St Maarten Shore Excursion
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you want a relaxed beach day with plane watching, the Orient and Maho Beach Half-Day Tour is an excellent pick. For adventure lovers eager to snorkel and explore the waters, the Snorkeling and Speed Boat Tour offers immersive fun and marine discovery.
For those with limited time but wanting a cultural overview, the Philipsburg to Marigot Sightseeing Tour provides quick insights into the island’s French and Dutch sides. Finally, budget travelers or plane enthusiasts who prefer just the Maho Beach transfer will find this a straightforward, cost-effective option.
Remember to book early, especially during peak cruise seasons. Tours often fill quickly, and securing your spot ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Final Thoughts
St Maarten offers a wide range of shore excursions that suit different interests and schedules. If you’re after lively beaches and iconic plane watching, the Orient and Maho Beach Half-Day Tour is hard to beat for its mix of fun and scenery. Adventure seekers will love the Snorkeling and Speed Boat Tour, which combines marine exploration with island stops.
For a quick cultural taste, the Philipsburg to Marigot Sightseeing Tour delivers a well-rounded overview of the island’s highlights. And if your priority is just catching the planes swooping overhead, the Maho Beach Round-Trip Transfer provides a hassle-free way to experience this unique spectacle. No matter your choice, booking early and considering your interests will help you make the most of your time in St Maarten.