St. Maarten Pelican Private Tour

A Personal Guide to St. Maarten’s Highlights: The Pelican Private Tour

If you’re headed to the sunny shores of St. Maarten, a private tour like this one offers a tailored way to experience the island’s diverse charms — from French flair to Dutch vibrancy. Priced at $105 per person, this flexible adventure lasts anywhere from 2 to 5 hours, making it a great choice whether you want a quick overview or a leisurely exploration. Led by friendly guides with a knack for sharing fascinating stories, this tour takes you through seven stops that highlight everything from scenic views to cultural landmarks, topped off with included admission tickets and an open bar.

What’s especially appealing is the chance to avoid the hustle of crowded cruise excursions. With a private guide and small group setting, you’ll get the personalized attention that makes sightseeing more meaningful. Two aspects we particularly love are the diverse stops—from the iconic Maho Beach plane landings to the historic Simpson Bay border point—and the local cuisine sampling, which gives insight into the island’s French and Dutch influences.

However, keep in mind that this is a roughly flexible tour based on your preferences, and some travelers have mentioned that customization may sometimes be limited, especially if specific stops are a priority. Also, the pick-up and meeting details can be a little confusing for first-timers, so reading the instructions carefully is wise.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to see key attractions at their own pace, enjoy authentic local flavors, and learn about St. Maarten from knowledgeable guides. It’s particularly suited for those who value small, intimate experiences over large group bus tours, and for cruise visitors keen to maximize their limited time on the island.

Key Points

• Flexible duration allows for a quick glance or an in-depth day.
• Personalized small-group experience enhances engagement and comfort.
• Includes admission tickets and open bar, adding value and convenience.
• Stops focus on natural beauty, culture, and history, giving a well-rounded view.
• Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and flexibility.
• Some reviews mention minor communication hiccups, so stay alert with details.

Exploring the St. Maarten Pelican Private Tour in Detail

What’s Included and Why It Matters

At $105 per person, this tour offers an affordable way to see a variety of attractions without the hassle of organizing transportation or entry fees. The admission tickets to each stop are included, which means no surprise costs and less fuss. Plus, the open bar with drinks and water ensures you stay refreshed, especially important in the Caribbean heat.

How the Tour is Structured

The tour is designed to feature seven stops, with flexible timing based on your preferences. You’ll start at Oyster Pond, a scenic spot perfect for photography with its coral reef views and Atlantic Ocean backdrop. Expect about 10 minutes here, mainly for photos and taking in the scenery.

Next, you’ll head to Maho Beach, famous worldwide for its jaw-dropping plane landings. Here, the Maho Beach Bar is the hub of activity, with live entertainment and a unique spectacle of jumbo jets soaring overhead. This stop typically lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the sights, snap photos, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

Then, a walk through Marigot introduces you to French culture, with markets, shops, and a chance to sample French croissants and explore Fort Luis. This stops lasts around an hour, perfect for shopping and taking in the local ambiance.

A quick stop at Simpson Bay offers a glimpse of the border point, where French and Dutch territories meet—an important piece of island history.

From there, you’re off to Orient Bay, known for its peaceful environment and optional water activities like jet-skiing and parasailing. With a relaxing hour here, you can unwind and enjoy the beach scenery—some reviews highlight how this stop offers a great “escape” from busier spots.

Another stop at Kimsha Beach showcases the island’s up-and-coming food scene with new restaurants and a local beer factory. It’s a good spot for a quick 30-minute break to enjoy local flavors.

Finally, you’ll conclude at Cole Bay with a photo shoot featuring the national flag and panoramic views of the island, lasting about 10 minutes.

Transportation and Comfort

A comfortable van is typically used, with some reviews noting the importance of a cool, air-conditioned vehicle during the hot Caribbean day. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, making the experience more engaging and less like a typical tour.

Authenticity and Local Flavors

What sets this tour apart is the chance to sample local cuisine in Marigot and Kimsha Beach, including French baked goods and island beers. Several reviews emphasize how these moments add a taste of local life that large, impersonal tours often miss.

Flexibility and Customization

While the core stops are typically standard, some travelers have found that customization may be limited or that the schedule was slightly adjusted without prior notice. One review mentioned a less-than-ideal experience when the guide was hesitant about visiting certain spots. Still, many guests appreciated guides’ willingness to modify the plan based on interests.

The Value Proposition

Considering the included tickets, open bar, and personalized service, many guests feel this tour offers excellent value. It’s a cost-effective way to see a broad swath of the island without the expense or stress of planning each stop independently.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This private tour appeals most to cruise travelers or visitors with limited time who want to see the highlights efficiently. It’s also perfect for those who prefer small groups for a more intimate experience and enjoy learning about local culture and history from friendly, knowledgeable guides. If you’re keen on photography, sampling local food, or avoiding large crowds, it’s a strong choice.

Final Thoughts

The St. Maarten Pelican Private Tour offers a well-rounded taste of the island’s diverse attractions at a reasonable price point. With friendly guides, flexible scheduling, and highlights like plane landings at Maho Beach and the border point at Simpson Bay, you get a taste of what makes this island special. The inclusion of admission tickets and an open bar makes the experience comfortable and convenient—especially when combined with the chance to customize your stops.

If you’re looking for a personalized, informative tour that balances natural beauty, history, and local flavor, this experience could be just what you need. Perfect for adventurers who want to explore at their own pace, it’s a fantastic way to create memories and discover some of the best spots in St. Maarten without the hassle.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?
Yes, it’s designed with cruise travelers in mind, offering a private and flexible experience that fits your limited time ashore.

How long does the tour last?
The tour ranges from 2 to 5 hours, depending on your preferences and stops.

Are admission tickets included?
Yes, tickets to each stop are included in the price, so no extra charges for entries.

Is there an open bar?
Yes, the tour features an open bar with drinks and water to keep you refreshed.

Can I customize the stops?
While the core stops are standard, some reviews suggest limited flexibility, so it’s best to communicate your preferences beforehand.

What type of transportation is used?
A comfortable van is used, often with air conditioning, suitable for the Caribbean heat.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers find it appropriate, especially since it includes stops with scenic views, beaches, and cultural sites. However, some stops with steps or water activities may require additional consideration.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Starting at 9:00 am, it’s ideal to beat some of the crowds and heat, especially if you want to maximize sightseeing.

Is food included?
Sampling of local cuisine is part of some stops, like French croissants in Marigot, but meals are generally on your own at restaurants or cafes.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, camera, and some cash for shopping or optional extras. Water and drinks are provided, but having some cash on hand for tips or additional purchases is wise.

In summary, the St. Maarten Pelican Private Tour offers a thoughtfully curated experience that balances sightseeing, culture, and relaxation. For anyone wanting a personalized island adventure with friendly guides and authentic moments, it’s hard to beat the value. Just be sure to communicate your interests in advance, and you’ll have a memorable day exploring one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant islands.