St.Martin-St.Maarten: Small Group, History & Cheese Tasting Tour

Traveling to St. Maarten? This 4-hour tour offers a fantastic blend of history, stunning vistas, and delicious local cheeses. For $159 per person, you’ll visit two historic forts—Fort Amsterdam and Fort Louis—and indulge in authentic Dutch and French cheese and wine tastings. With a maximum of six travelers, this small-group experience promises personalized attention and relaxed sightseeing.

What we really love about this tour is how it combines spectacular panoramic views of the island’s two main capitals—Philipsburg and Marigot—with approachable, off-the-beaten-path historical sites. The second highlight? The chance to taste local cheeses and wines in two distinct cultural settings, making for an engaging culinary experience.

A minor consideration: this tour is quite focused—if you’re looking for a deep dive into the island’s history or beaches, you might want to supplement this with other activities. But for those wanting a taste of local history and flavors in a comfortable, small-group setting, this tour hits the mark.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed pace, cultural insights, and food and wine pairings. It’s perfect if you want a well-rounded introduction to Sint Maarten without the rush of larger group tours.

Key Points

• Balanced mix of history and local flavors offers a well-rounded experience.
• Small group size (max 6) ensures personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.
• Stunning views of Philipsburg and Marigot from historic forts provide photo-worthy moments.
• Authentic cheese and wine tastings on both Dutch and French sides highlight the island’s cultural diversity.
• Accessible sites with free admission and scenic paths make sightseeing easy.
• Includes water, tea, snacks, and a friendly guide to enhance comfort and learning.

A Thorough Look at the Experience

If you’re considering a tour that hits both the eye and the palate, this one covers a lot of ground in just four hours. Starting at the Philipsburg Cruise Terminal, you’re conveniently picked up and whisked over to Fort Amsterdam first. This fort offers sweeping views of Philipsburg, the bustling Dutch capital, accessible via a short, sloping sand path. It’s a prime spot for photos and understanding the island’s colonial past, with no entrance fee—so the focus remains on soaking in the scenery.

The second stop takes you to the Amsterdam Cheese and Liquor Store. Here, you’ll enjoy a Dutch cheese and wine tasting, with ample time to savor the flavors and learn about their origins. The relaxed setting makes it easy to ask questions and appreciate the craftsmanship behind each variety. One reviewer, Sara, praised her guide’s knowledge, noting how the tour “was a great way to learn some history of the island, sightsee with ease, and try some delicious cheeses.”

Next, you’ll visit Fort Louis, slightly less accessible but just as striking. Perched with a commanding view of Marigot, the French capital, this site introduces you to St. Martin’s colonial and military past. The concrete stairway is the main route up, so visitors should be comfortable with moderate walking. Sara also mentioned, “Our guide was great,” hinting at the value of a knowledgeable host when exploring these historic sites.

Finally, the tour culminates at Le Comptoir des Fromages, where you’ll indulge in a French cheese and wine tasting. This is a highlight for many, offering a taste of the island’s French side—delightful cheeses paired with wines that perfectly complement each bite. David summed up his experience as “great with two historical site visits plus two excellent wine and cheese tasting stops, one on each side of the island.” The setting is relaxed, and the opportunity to compare French and Dutch culinary traditions makes this experience memorable.

Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy home-made snacks like banana bread and refreshing iced-lemongrass tea, plus bottled water—making sure you stay comfortable while absorbing the sights and flavors.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Beyond its compact schedule, the real draw is the combination of scenic views and authentic tastings. The stunning vistas from both forts—over Philipsburg and Marigot—are worth the price alone, offering perfect photo ops and a sense of the island’s strategic importance. The small-group format means you get attentive service, personalized insights, and plenty of time to chat with your guide.

The culinary stops are thoughtfully curated—delivering local cheeses and pairing them with wines that highlight the Dutch and French influences on the island. Based on reviews, the guides seem knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience both educational and fun.

Pricing at $159 is competitive for a tour that includes multiple stops, tastings, and personalized service. The fact that it’s booked about 83 days in advance suggests it’s popular among visitors looking for a well-balanced, manageable excursion.

Practical Details and Logistics

Starting at 9:00 am from the Philipsburg Cruise Terminal, the tour runs for approximately four hours. The pickup option adds convenience, especially if you’re arriving by cruise or staying nearby. The group size is limited to six, ensuring a cozy atmosphere where you can ask questions and get more personalized attention.

Admission to the forts is free, but your guide’s commentary adds depth—turning simple photo stops into mini history lessons. The cheese and wine tastings are included, so your main costs are just the tour fee and any personal expenses or souvenirs you might pick up.

Parking at Dock Maarten is available at a small fee if you’re driving, and the tour is suitable for most travelers. Service animals are allowed, and most people should find the pace comfortable.

Why You Should Consider This Tour

If you’re a traveler who loves history combined with scenic views, this tour fits like a glove. The small-group format ensures a relaxed experience—no need to rush from site to site. If you’re also a foodie or wine enthusiast, the Dutch and French cheese tastings add a delightful layer to your island visit.

On the flip side, if you prefer beach lounging or extensive historical narratives, this might be more of a taste test than an in-depth exploration. But as a well-rounded sampler of St. Maarten’s sights and flavors, it’s hard to beat for the value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup from the meeting point is offered, making it easy to join the tour without worrying about parking.

How long are the stops?
Each site is roughly 30 minutes to an hour, providing enough time for photos, brief visits, and tastings without feeling rushed.

Can I join if I have mobility issues?
The stops involve some walking and sloping paths, especially at Fort Louis. If mobility is a concern, it’s worth noting and perhaps bringing assistance.

Is the tour suitable for children or teens?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s family-friendly, especially if kids are interested in history and food.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a positive attitude. The tour provides bottled water, tea, and snacks.

What’s included in the price?
Visit to Fort Amsterdam and Fort Louis, Dutch and French cheese and wine tastings, a local guide, water, tea, and snacks.

Are the sites accessible?
Fort Amsterdam is accessible via a short, sloping sand path; Fort Louis involves a short, concrete stair climb.

What’s the group size?
Maximum of six travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.

What is the recommended age for participants?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces, so keep that in mind for younger children or those with mobility issues.

This St. Martin small-group tour offers a smart mix of viewpoints, history, and flavors. It’s ideal for travelers who want a manageable, personalized experience that showcases two distinct sides of the island—Dutch and French—through iconic forts and authentic cheese tastings. The guide’s knowledge, combined with stunning vistas and delicious local products, makes it a worthwhile addition to your Caribbean itinerary.

While it’s not a comprehensive history tour or a beach day, it’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a relaxed, engaging, and flavorful half-day on one of the Caribbean’s most charming islands. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning about local culture, sampling regional foods, and taking in scenery without feeling rushed.

If this sounds like your kind of adventure, then booking ahead to secure your spot on this intimate, enjoyable tour will be well worth it.