St.Maarten/St.Martin Tripple Beach Tour

A Detailed Look at the St. Maarten/St. Martin Tripple Beach Tour

Imagine a day spent hopping between some of the most beautiful beaches on the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin, with a friendly guide handling the logistics. For just $69 per person, this tour offers a flexible, relaxed way to explore multiple beaches, each with its own vibe—and some with airplane flybys that thrill visitors. The tour lasts roughly 1 to 5 hours, with pickup included, making it a convenient choice for cruise passengers or those wanting a taste of the island’s best beaches without the hassle of planning.

What we love about this trip is how it combines scenic views with local flavor. You’ll get to visit at least three beaches, each distinct in scenery and activities—ranging from lively French side beaches to Dutch Caribbean charm. Plus, the inclusion of soda and some alcoholic drinks is a nice touch, adding to the relaxed Caribbean vibe. And if you’re a photography fan, the stops at stunning viewpoints are perfect for capturing memorable shots.

One consideration is that, based on reviews, the timing can be a bit tight—some travelers found that their time at each beach was only around 30 to 45 minutes, which might not be enough to fully unwind. Also, some have noted that the tour isn’t very customizable, so if you’re hoping for a totally tailored experience, this might not be your best fit. Still, for those wanting a good overview of the island’s highlights and a fun, social day, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who love beach hopping, scenic photos, and lively group atmospheres. It’s especially ideal if you’re looking for value and variety during a cruise stop or short visit—offering a taste of both the French and Dutch sides of the island, plus the chance to witness plane landings at Maho Beach. If you enjoy guided tours with knowledgeable guides and a chance to socialize over drinks, you’ll find plenty to love here.

Key Points

• Multiple Beaches in One Day: Visit at least three beaches, including Maho, Mullet Bay, and Orient Bay.
• Informative Guides: Guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness.
• Flexible Duration: The tour ranges from 1 to 5 hours, depending on your interests and pace.
• Includes Drinks: Soda and some alcohol are provided, enhancing the relaxed Caribbean vibe.
• Photogenic Stops: Scenic viewpoints like Cole Bay are perfect for capturing memories.
• Tour Limitations: Time at each beach can be brief—about 30 to 45 minutes—so plan to make the most of each stop.

Full Review: Exploring the Beaches of St. Maarten with Ease

The Itinerary Breakdown

The Tripple Beach Tour begins early at 9:00 am, with a pickup that sets the tone for a stress-free day. Our guide, whether it’s Shawn, Nerline, or another friendly personality, quickly establishes a welcoming atmosphere. The first stop is Cole Bay at Mr. Bells, a renowned photo spot boasting panoramic views overlooking Simpson Bay and Ingo Bay Beach Resort. From here, you’ll want your camera ready—this is the perfect introduction to the island’s scenic beauty. Expect about 10 minutes here, enough for some quick photos and taking in the sweeping vistas.

Next up is Maho Beach, the star attraction for airplane enthusiasts. Known worldwide for its close-up airplane landings, this beach offers a spectacle of jets soaring just overhead—an adrenaline rush and a must-see! The tour includes entry and about two hours to enjoy the scene, during which you can soak up the lively atmosphere. Many reviews praise the experience—one traveler mentioned, “We saw a few airplanes fly by but it wasn’t anything spectacular, it might have been interesting to see a larger plane fly over but missing this stop would have been okay with us.” Still, the thrill of planes landing just a few feet above your head makes it worth the visit.

Mullet Bay follows, often regarded as the jewel of the island’s beaches. Known for its crystal-clear waters and soft white sand, it’s a favorite among visitors. The tour allocates about an hour here, giving enough time to swim, relax, or take more photos. Multiple reviews highlight its stunning beauty—”Mullet Beach was our favorite out of the three,” one traveler shared—so it’s easy to see why this spot is a highlight.

The final stop on the main itinerary is Orient Bay Beach on the French side. This lively stretch is renowned for its water sports activities—parasailing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and beach volleyball. Tour participants typically spend about an hour here, which is enough to enjoy the water or grab a snack at one of the many beachside restaurants. The French Caribbean influence adds a different flavor, and many travelers appreciate the chance to see both sides of the island. Reviews mention that guide-friendly customization allowed some to extend their stay or indulge in water sports, but generally, the stop is a quick splash of French flair.

Finally, the tour winds down at Philipsburg, the Dutch capital, with a short 45-minute visit. Overlooking cruise ships and neighboring islands, it’s a lively place to snap a few last pictures, browse shops, or simply soak in the bustling harbor scene.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The real strength of this tour is how it balances sightseeing, beach relaxation, and local flavor in a single day. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness—many reviewers mention guides like Shawn and Nerline by name, emphasizing their informative commentary and flexible approach. One traveler even called Shawn an “amazing tour guide,” highlighting how he kept everyone entertained while sharing interesting tidbits about the island’s history and culture.

The inclusion of snacks and drinks adds to the laid-back vibe. You’ll enjoy soda, and some alcoholic drinks are provided, making it easier to sip and relax without worrying about additional costs. The scenic viewpoints and photo stops are carefully chosen to maximize the visual appeal—think sweeping vistas from Cole Bay and vibrant scenes at Orient Bay.

The Value for Money

At $69 per person, this tour offers a lot of variety for a relatively modest price, especially considering the inclusion of multiple beaches, some with entry fees, and drinks. While some reviews note that the time at each stop is limited, most agree that it’s a good way to see the highlights without the hassle of planning individual transfers or renting cars. The group size is capped at 50, ensuring that everyone can get attention and have a relaxed experience.

Potential Drawbacks

The main concern, voiced by some travelers, is the short duration at each beach—about 30 to 45 minutes—meaning you may not have enough time to fully unwind or explore. Plus, if you’re hoping for a customized or leisurely day, this might feel rushed. Also, as noted in a review, additional costs like beach chair rentals aren’t included and can add up if you want extra comfort at popular beaches like Mullet Bay.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is best suited for cruise visitors or short-term travelers wanting a well-rounded introduction to the island’s beaches. It’s perfect if you value guided commentary, scenic photo opportunities, and a bit of local culture. If you’re traveling with kids or a group that appreciates social interaction and drinks, this will likely suit you well. But if you’re looking for a slow-paced, fully customizable beach day, you might prefer a different approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour generally ranges from 1 to 5 hours, depending on how long you choose to stay at each location and the pace of the group.

Is pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered, making it a hassle-free way to start your day.

Are drinks included?
Soda is included in the price, and some alcoholic drinks are available during the tour, adding to the relaxed Caribbean vibe.

How much time do we spend at each beach?
Most travelers report about 30 to 45 minutes at each beach, which is enough for a quick swim or photo-op but not a full day of lounging.

Can I customize the stops?
While the tour isn’t fully customizable, guides are praised for their flexibility and knowledge, allowing some minor adjustments.

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, many reviews mention families with kids enjoying the trip, especially with friendly guides and a variety of beaches.

What about the scenery and activities?
Expect stunning views, especially from Cole Bay, and fun activities like plane watching at Maho Beach and water sports at Orient Bay.

Are there any additional costs?
Beach chair rentals and some water activities at beaches like Orient Bay are paid separately.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
Morning tours starting at 9:00 am are common, and weather should be good for beach hopping—check for cancellations due to poor weather.

Is the tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. It’s a social experience, and many solo travelers have enjoyed the engaging guides and the chance to meet others.

Final Thoughts

The St. Maarten/St. Martin Tripple Beach Tour offers a balanced, lively way to see some of the island’s top beaches without the stress of planning. With knowledgeable guides, scenic stops, and drinks included, it’s a good value for travelers wanting a mix of sightseeing, beach time, and cultural insight. The limited time at each spot means you’ll experience the highlights rather than a full beach day, but for many, that’s part of the appeal—especially if you’re on a cruise or short layover.

If you love beautiful coastal views, airplane flybys, and lively guide-led tours, this experience will likely fit your style. It’s perfect for those wanting a fun, social day without sacrificing the chance to see both the French and Dutch sides of the island. Be prepared for some quick stops, but also for some fantastic photo moments and stories to tell back home.

Enjoy your trip to the Caribbean, and don’t forget your camera!