Sint Maarten Island Private Tours

A private tour of St. Maarten’s highlights—what to expect, what works, and what might give you pause

If you’re visiting St. Maarten and want an intimate, flexible way to see the island’s best sights, this private 3-hour tour could be just what you need. For $153 per person, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned van with your own guide—typically David or Kasia—who’ll take you around the Dutch and French sides of the island. Expect to visit popular beaches, charming towns, and unique attractions with the ability to customize your experience. It’s perfect for cruise ship passengers eager to maximize their limited time and avoid the crowd.

What we particularly love about this tour is how personalized the experience is—your guide’s full attention means you can focus on what interests you most, whether that’s picture-perfect beaches or local eateries. Plus, the stunning views from Cole Bay Hill and the chance to see planes flying low over Maho Beach are bucket-list moments you won’t want to miss.

On the flip side, a key consideration is that the duration is short—you’ll only get a snapshot of the island, which can be a bit rushed if you want to see everything. Also, some reviews mention that expectations around content and timing vary, especially if you customize your stops heavily or encounter traffic.

This tour suits travelers who are cruise ship guests or those on a tight schedule but still want a meaningful, tailored island experience. If you’re after a more in-depth exploration, you might want to consider longer or group tours. But if a private, flexible snapshot sounds appealing, this tour offers a solid introduction with some memorable moments.

Key Points

• Personalized experience with your own guide who can customize the itinerary
• Highlight stops include Maho Beach, Grand Case, Parrot Sanctuary, and scenic overlooks
• Comfortable transport in an air-conditioned van suitable for small groups or families
• Value comes from the private aspect and flexibility, not just the price
• Real insider moments like plane spotting at Maho Beach and feeding tropical birds
• Some reviews note traffic and timing can affect how much you see

Exploring St. Maarten: A detailed look at what this tour offers

When planning an island tour, what you really want is a mixture of scenic beauty, local flavor, and engaging stops—all delivered in a way that respects your time. This private tour delivers on that promise with a focused 3-hour window that covers some of the most popular and visually stunning sites around St. Maarten.

Starting the Adventure: Pickup and First Impressions

Most tours begin with a pickup at the cruise port, which for many travelers is a real relief—no need to worry about navigating or finding your guide. Once in the air-conditioned van, you’re headed northeast toward your first stop, Dawn Beach and Oyster Pond. Here, you’ll get a quick chance to soak in the panoramic views and see some of the island’s natural beauty.

This initial experience sets the tone for the tour: comfortable transport combined with a desire to show you the best of what St. Maarten offers.

Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary: Up Close with Colorful Birds

Your first stop on the itinerary is the Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary, a favorite among travelers who love tropical birds and small, lively exhibits. The visit includes a chance to feed beautiful tropical birds and learn about their habitat in the mini museum. Here, you’ll get around 30 minutes—enough for some memorable photos and a quick walk.

While admission is not included, many find the experience charming and worth the small extra cost. As one reviewer put it: “Kasia was very helpful as she drove around the island and was more than happy to take your photo at the stopping points. Definitely visit the Parrots. They were great!”

Iguanam Park and French Charm: Quartier D’Orleans and Grand Case

Next, the tour hits Quartier D’Orleans, a quirky stop to feed mini dinosaurs and iguanas—a light-hearted, fun moment that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s free, making it a nice quick stop for kids or those who enjoy wildlife.

Following that, you’ll visit Grand Case, a charming French village famed for its long sandy beach and excellent restaurants. Expect about an hour here—good for a quick stroll, some photo ops, or grabbing a snack. Many appreciate that this stop offers a taste of French Caribbean culture and relaxed beach vibes.

Plane Spotting at Maho Beach: The Iconic Low-Flying Jets

One of the most famous sights on the island is Maho Beach, where airplanes fly just a few hundred feet overhead as they land at Princess Juliana Airport. This stop is a highlight for many visitors, especially if you’re into aviation or just want that thrill of watching jumbo jets soar over your head—an experience that’s both surreal and a bit adrenaline-pumping.

It’s worth noting that traffic and crowd levels can influence how much time you get at Maho Beach. Several reviews mention that it can be very crowded or that timing doesn’t always align perfectly, but the view remains a true Caribbean spectacle.

Scenic Overviews and Final Stops

The tour wraps up with a drive past Simpson Bay and a stop at Cole Bay Hill for a last scenic photo opportunity. If you wish, your guide can drop you off in Philipsburg for some free time or shopping—an excellent way to extend your island experience without booking extra tours.

The Real Value of a Private Tour

What makes this experience stand out is the private, customizable nature. Multiple reviewers mentioned guides such as David and Kasia as friendly, knowledgeable, and flexible—making sure the trip suits your interests. Some travelers reported that their guides went above and beyond, including stopping for local lunches and accommodating special requests.

What Travelers Say

While the majority of reviews are glowing, some criticisms are worth noting. A few travelers felt that the tour was too short to see everything they wanted or that traffic hampered their plans. For example, one review pointed out that they only saw half the stops, partly due to the short time frame and customized itinerary.

Others felt that communication about where to meet could be clearer, although most reviews praised the friendly and professional guides. It’s fair to say that if you’re looking for a deep dive into the history or culture, this tour might feel a bit surface-level. But if you want a fun, personalized highlight reel of the island, it’s a good choice.

Transportation and Comfort

The air-conditioned van is a practical feature, especially in the Caribbean heat. It’s suitable for small groups or families, ensuring you’re comfortable between stops. Several reviews emphasized the professionalism of guides like David, who was described as friendly, helpful, and engaging.

However, some travelers pointed out that the vehicle might not be the newest or most spacious, and the air conditioning might be inconsistent in the back seats. Still, most found it adequate for a short tour.

Cost and Value

At $153 per person, this private tour isn’t the cheapest on the island, but it offers a personalized experience that many feel is worth the price. The full attention of the guide, flexibility to customize stops, and chance to see the highlights without the crowds all add to its value.

Keep in mind, admissions to attractions like Parrot Sanctuary are not included, so it’s wise to bring some cash if you want to feed the birds or visit other sites. Some reviewers noted that food and souvenirs are extra, so budget accordingly.

Who is this tour best for?

This private tour is ideal if you want a tailored, intimate experience that allows for personalized stops and flexibility. It suits cruise passengers eager to see key sights without the hassle of large group tours. If you love beautiful beaches, scenic viewpoints, and local culture, but prefer to go at your own pace, this tour has a lot to offer.

However, travelers seeking deep historical context or extended exploration might find it too brief. Also, if you prioritize premium transport or a large group experience, you may want to explore other options.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 3 hours, making it a quick but comprehensive snapshot of the island’s highlights.

Is pickup included?
Yes, most tours include pick-up from the cruise port, which is very convenient.

Can I customize the stops?
Yes, guides like David and Kasia are known for being flexible and accommodating specific requests.

Are entrance fees included?
No, most attractions like Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary have separate fees that you should budget for.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially since it’s private and can be tailored to suit children or specific interests.

What should I bring?
Bring some cash for optional admissions and refreshments, and comfortable clothing for sightseeing.

What if my ship is delayed?
Most guides wait for late arrivals, and the experience is largely flexible, but it’s best to confirm your specific arrangements.

Can I explore other parts of the island afterward?
Absolutely, the guide can drop you off in Philipsburg or other locations for additional exploring or shopping.

Is it worth the cost?
Considering the private, customizable nature and the guide’s expertise, many travelers find it offers good value compared to larger group tours.

Will I see the French and Dutch sides?
Yes, the tour covers highlights from both sides, including French villages and Dutch beaches.

To sum it up, this private tour of St. Maarten offers a well-rounded, flexible way to see some of the island’s most famous sights in a short time. It’s perfect for cruise guests or those looking for a personalized experience that balances scenic spots, local culture, and fun moments like plane spotting. While it may not be a comprehensive deep dive into the island’s history, it provides enough highlights and insider touches to make your visit memorable. Expect friendly guides, stunning views, and a taste of island life—all in a comfortable, private setting. If you appreciate the option to customize your day and value personal attention, this tour is likely to be a highlight of your trip.