Island Discovery Tour Orient & Maho Beach

4.3 (138 reviews)6 hSt. MaartenSightseeingCulture & historyFits a typical call
Fits your day

Back at the ship by about 2:40 pm, 1 h 50 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 50 min to spare.

Safety margin
Ship in portGetting ashore (20 min)Safety margin (1 h)All aboard 4:30 pm
  1. 8:00 am
    Ship docks in St. Maarten20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
  2. 8:20 am
    Leave the pierThis tour meets at the pier
  3. 8:30 am
    Earliest tour startTour runs 6 h. Latest sensible start: 9:20 am.
  4. 2:30 pm
    Tour ends10 min back to the pier
  5. 2:40 pm
    Back at the gangway1 h 50 min before all aboard
  6. 4:30 pm
    All aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours

Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.

Our verdict

This tour fits a typical St. Maarten call (8:00 am–4:30 pm). It runs 6 h; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:30 am and be back at the gangway around 2:40 pm — 50 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.

Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 3:40 pm or later. On a short call (ship leaving by 2:00 pm) skip it or ask for the first departure.

The operator picks up at the cruise port (it is on their pickup list), so the trip to the start point is part of the tour. We allow 10 min to walk off and find the pickup; look for the ground-transportation area outside Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility (Port St. Maarten), Harbour Point Village.

Among the 400 St. Maarten shore excursions we track, this is one of the longer ones (the median runs 4 h); 77% of them fit a typical call.

Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical St. Maarten call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.

About this tour

Disembark your cruise ship, board your comfortable airconditioned vehicle and allow our friendly guides to stir you into a tropical state of mind on this 6-hour wonderful Caribbean island tour.

Soak up the sun for one hour at Orient Bay, one of the Caribbean’s most famous beaches perfect for swimming, relaxing, or beach vibes.

Pass through the colorful streets of Grand Case, the island’s gourmet village, then enjoy Marigot, the French capital, with lively markets, waterfront cafés, and stunning views from the historic Fort Louis.

At Maho beach, get a very up-close view of Jumbo Jets as they land. Others prefer being jet blasted, swimming or just being a spectator while sipping a cocktail at the bar.

Cultural and historical information disseminated.

Includes: Ice-cold water, sodas, beer & signature island rum punch onboard

Max 20 per group English, Spanish

What's included

  • Local guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Rum punch, soda and water

Not included

  • Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Oyster Pond
    Capture memorable moments of our eastern shoreline. Oyster Pond unfolds in quiet beauty, where calm turquoise waters meet lush green hills and a peaceful marina tucked into the shoreline.
    5 min
  2. 2
    Stop 2
    Experience the famous “Moses Walk” at low tide, where shallow waters allow you to walk across the sea to a small, rocky islet, creating a magical, biblical-feeling experience. It’s serene, natural and memorable.
    10 min
  3. 3
    Orient Bay
    Soak up the sunshine at Orient Bay, one of the Caribbean’s most famous beaches. With its long stretch of white sand, crystal-clear water, and lively island energy. This stop is perfect for swimming, relaxing or simply enjoying the view with your toes in the sand. The southern end of Orient Bay is famously clothing optional, while the rest is family-friendly with amenities and watersports.
    1 h
  4. 4
    Grand Case
    Drive through Grand Case, affectionately known as the gourmet village of the Caribbean, where colorful Creole homes, seaside restaurants and everyday island life paint a picture of relaxed French-Caribbean charm.
    Pass by without stopping
  5. 5
    Marigot
    Your discovery continues in Marigot, the French capital where open-air markets buzz with activity and waterfront cafés invite you to slow down and savor the moment. Overlooking the town are the historic ruins of Fort Louis, a former French military stronghold that once protected the harbor and surrounding coastline. Today, the fort offers sweeping panoramic views and a meaningful glimpse into the island’s colonial past, proving that St. Maarten has just as much history as it does beauty.
    45 min
  6. 6
    Maho Beach
    The grand finale awaits at world-famous Maho Beach, where excitement truly takes flight. Watch as massive jets glide in low over the beach before touching down just beyond the shoreline, an adrenaline-filled experience that’s as thrilling as unforgettable
    45 min
  7. 7
    Topper's Rhum Distillery
    A tasting at Topper’s Rhum offers a warm, island‑style welcome, with small‑batch flavors, local stories, and a fun, relaxed atmosphere that lets you sip your way through the spirit of St. Maarten.”
    15 min
  8. 8
    Cole Bay Lookout
    From the Cole Bay Lookout Point, the island stretches out in sweeping blues and greens, with Simpson Bay Lagoon shimmering below and rolling hills framing a panoramic view that feels both peaceful and expansive.
    5 min
  9. 9
    Philipsburg
    Philipsburg, the Dutch capital and duty-free shopping hub. Explore the town. Browse jewelry stores, cigar shops, souvenir boutiques, local crafts, rum, and spices, try Caribbean Street food and local delicacies, or simply take in the vibrant rhythm of downtown life that gives Philipsburg its unmistakable island energy.
    30 min
  10. 10
    Amsterdam Cheese and Liquor Store
    Sample the finest imported Dutch cheese. Wines, liquors, and other Dutch delicacies available for purchase. By the end of the day, you’ll understand why St. Maarten is often called “two countries, one island, endless experiences.” This Island Discovery Tour brings it all together, beaches, flavors, views and culture, in one unforgettable Caribbean adventure. A cooler stocked with ice-cold water, sodas, beer and signature rum punch is available onboard to keep you refreshed island-style.
    10 min

Meeting point and getting there

Start point
Locate land taxi station. Walk pass taxi's to the circle with the sign "Hope To see You Soon Again". The pathway along the green wire fence with the car park on your right, leads to the EDC bus parking area. T.I.E reps will await you under the white tent.
Locate land taxi station. Walk pass taxi's to the circle with the sign "Hope To see You Soon Again". The pathway along the green wire fence with the car park on your right, leads to the EDC bus parking area. T.I.E reps will await you under the white tent.
From the cruise pier
Meets at the pier
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point

Good to know

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveler reviews

4.3
138 traveler reviews
5
66%
4
19%
3
4%
2
4%
1
7%

Read all 138 reviews

Operated by Twin Island Excursions. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.

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