St.Maarten / St.Martin Private Tour - Practical Details and Tips

St.Maarten / St.Martin Private Tour

Experience the Best of St. Maarten / St. Martin with a Private Customizable Tour

If you’re looking for a way to truly get to know St. Maarten and St. Martin beyond the typical cruise ship stop, a private tour might be just what you need. For $100 per person, you’ll spend about three to four hours with your own driver, who helps craft an itinerary tailored to your interests. From soaking up the views overlooking Marigot, to snapping photos at iconic landmarks, this experience offers a blend of scenery, culture, and flexibility.

Two things we particularly like about this tour: first, the ability to customize your stops according to what excites you—whether that’s beaches, historic forts, or local eateries. Second, the comfort of traveling in a private van with beverages on hand means no rushing or overcrowded group tours.

A consideration to keep in mind is the need to be clear about your preferred sights — the tour is only as good as your communication. If you’re expecting a set itinerary, this might not be the best choice, but for those who like spontaneous explorations, it’s a win.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a relaxed, personalized approach to discovering the island’s highlights, especially if you value local insights and freedom to spend more time at each spot. It’s also well-suited for groups or families looking for a private experience with an attentive guide.

Key Points

St.Maarten / St.Martin Private Tour - Key Points

  • Personalized Experience: Create your own itinerary based on your interests.
  • Comfort & Convenience: Travel in a private van with beverages and flexible stops.
  • Access to Iconic Sights: Visit Sunset Bar, Fort Louis, Orient Bay Beach, and more.
  • Time Efficiency: Cover multiple attractions in a few hours, avoiding public transport hassles.
  • Expert Guidance: Guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and attentiveness.
  • Good Value: At $100 per person, the tour offers a tailored experience that often exceeds expectations.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Sunset Bar & Grill: A Unique Aerial View of Planes Landing

The tour kicks off at the Sunset Bar & Grill, a favorite among visitors for its close-up view of aircraft landing and taking off just meters overhead. This spot offers an adrenaline rush and photo ops that most travelers find unforgettable. It’s a quick stop—about an hour—free of charge, but its visual impact often sticks with guests long after the tour ends. Reviewers love how the driver ensures you get the perfect view and experience the spectacle safely.

Fort Louis: Overlooking Marigot and Anguilla

Next, your private guide takes you to Fort Louis, a historic site perched on a hill. Here, the panoramic vistas of Marigot Bay and Anguilla are breathtaking. The short 30-minute stop lets you soak in the scenery and snap some memorable photos. Many travelers appreciate the guide’s insights into the island’s colonial past, making this more than just a scenic overlook. A few reviews mention the stairs involved, so be prepared for some walking, but most find it well worth the effort.

Cole Bay & Mr. Bell Photo Shoot

The tour then moves to Cole Bay Hill, home to the Mr. Bell photo shoot attraction and the iconic St. Maarten national flag. This quick 10-minute stop is perfect for photos and offers a great chance to capture the essence of the island’s pride. Several reviews highlight how helpful and accommodating guides are, ensuring you get the best shots and the most interesting angles.

Orient Bay Beach: The Heart of St. Martin’s Beaches

No visit to St. Maarten/St. Martin is complete without a visit to the famous Orient Bay Beach. With about an hour here, you’ll have time to walk along the sands, dip your toes in the water, or just marvel at the lively beach scene. This beach’s reputation as one of the most attractive and beloved destinations on the island is well-deserved. Reviewers love how the guide helps with suggestions for places to relax and eat, making the visit both enjoyable and authentic.

Cole Bay Border Monument & Iguana Park

Your guide then takes you for quick photo stops at the Border Monument and Iguana Park. Both are fun and easy to fit into the itinerary—just 10-minute stops—yet they offer a peek into the island’s unique geography and wildlife. Guests appreciate being able to capture those special moments and see the local fauna.

Final Stop at Belvedere Drive

The tour concludes with a visit to Belvedere Drive, home to the Iguana Park. Here, you can take photos with the iguanas and enjoy one last scenic view. It’s a relaxed way to wrap up the day, with many reviewers noting how attentive guides are in helping capture memories.

Who Will Love This Tour?

St.Maarten / St.Martin Private Tour - Who Will Love This Tour?

This private tour is ideally suited for travelers who enjoy a personalized approach. If you value flexibility and want to see both the French and Dutch sides of the island without being tied to a rigid schedule, you’ll appreciate how guides accommodate your interests. It’s perfect for those who want to avoid crowded tours and prefer local insights, as many reviews emphasize the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. Families, couples, or small groups will find the private format especially comfortable.

Most travelers appreciate the value—at only $100 each, you’re getting a tailored experience that many find richer and more memorable than larger group excursions. Plus, the ability to spend more time at each stop means you won’t feel rushed, and you can really soak in the views and stories.

Practical Details and Tips

St.Maarten / St.Martin Private Tour - Practical Details and Tips

  • Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 hours, enough to see many key sights without fatigue.
  • Meeting Point: Starts at LUX Condo Verte, Castle Cove apartment 6—check directions beforehand to avoid confusion, as some reviews mention miscommunication about the location.
  • Transport: You’ll travel comfortably in a private van, with air conditioning and beverages, making the trip pleasant even on hot days.
  • Customization: Guides are flexible, so communicate your interests clearly—whether that’s beaches, history, or photo stops—and they’ll tailor the day accordingly.
  • Accessibility: Some stops involve walking or stairs, so consider mobility needs if needed.
  • Booking & Cancellation: Fully refundable if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind before you commit.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

St.Maarten / St.Martin Private Tour - Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviews praise the guides for their knowledge, professionalism, and friendliness—highlighted by names like Ricardo, Simanie, and Cornelius. Reviewers consistently mention how guides went out of their way to accommodate personal interests, making each trip unique.

The scenery and sights seem to be a hit, especially the views from Fort Louis and Orient Bay. Travelers also love the casual, relaxed vibe of the tour—drinks in the van, ample photo opportunities, and a pace that suits individual preferences.

While most praise the experience, there was one mention of a logistical hiccup involving the parking address and a brief police stop. Nevertheless, the tour provider promptly refunded and rescheduled, demonstrating good customer service.

The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Tour?

St.Maarten / St.Martin Private Tour - The Sum Up: Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re after a flexible, well-priced way to see both sides of the island with a knowledgeable guide who listens to your interests, this private tour checks many boxes. It’s perfect for curious travelers who want to avoid the cookie-cutter approach and instead craft a day tailored to their passions. The comfort, personalized attention, and scenic stops make it a standout choice for small groups or families wanting a memorable island experience.

However, if you prefer a fixed schedule or are concerned about walking or stairs, you might want to clarify your needs upfront or consider a different arrangement. Still, for those wanting to explore at their own pace with local insights, this tour promises a well-rounded, enjoyable day.

FAQ

St.Maarten / St.Martin Private Tour - FAQ

What is the price of this tour?
It costs $100 per person, which includes private transportation, beverages, and a personalized itinerary.

How long does the tour last?
Expect about three to four hours, giving plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered from the meeting point at LUX Condo Verte, Castle Cove apartment 6.

Can I customize my stops?
Absolutely. Guides are known for their flexibility and will incorporate your interests into the day.

What sights will we visit?
Key stops include Sunset Bar & Grill, Fort Louis, Cole Bay, Orient Bay Beach, and quick photo stops at the Border Monument and Iguana Park.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers with children find it enjoyable, but be mindful of walking and stairs at certain stops.

What if I cancel?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour start time.

Are guides knowledgeable about the island?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Ricardo and Simanie for their friendly manner and detailed knowledge about the island’s history and sights.

In essence, this private tour offers a relaxed, customizable, and scenic way to experience St. Maarten and St. Martin. It’s perfect for those who want to explore beyond the typical tourist spots with local guides who genuinely care about sharing their island.