Fabulous Dutch and French Tour
Back at the ship by about 1:00 pm, 3 h 30 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 2 h 30 min to spare.
Safety margin
- 8:00 amShip docks in St. Maarten20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
- 8:20 amLeave the pierAbout 20 min to the start point
- 8:40 amEarliest tour startTour runs 4 h. Latest sensible start: 11:10 am.
- 12:40 pmTour ends20 min back to the pier
- 1:00 pmBack at the gangway3 h 30 min before all aboard
- 4:30 pmAll 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.
About this tour
Visit St. Maarten/St. Martin best spots, full of history and magnificent views, on both the French and Dutch sides of the island.
Max 60 per group German, English, Spanish
What's included
- Professional guide
- Transfer drop-off to cruise ship
- Free Drinks
Not included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Beach chairs
Itinerary
- 1Phillipsburg Sint MaartenVisit The Great Salt Pond Drive around the Great Salt Pond where you see the Salt Pickers statue depicting how the salt was harvested in the olden days.
- 2St Martin / St MaartenDrive Thru Fort Willem Next, we will drive through Fort Willem where you will get a great view of Philipsburg, Great Bay/ Little Bay and one of our historical forts “Fort Amsterdam” --The Fort was built by the Dutch in 1631 and is located on a peninsula that juts out between Great Bay and Little Bay.
- 3Sint MaartenHAROLD JACK HILL From Harold Jack Hill lookout, enjoy vast views of Cole Bay, Simpson Bay, and the airport. The distant Caribbean islands of Saba, St. Eustatius, and Anguilla are also visible on clear days. For an even more expansive panoramic view, consider walking to the flagpole, where the large Sint Maarten flag sometimes flies.
- 4Simpson BaySimpson Bay hosts the yacht club, offering the perfect spot to enjoy a drink while marveling at the impressive Mega Yachts. In Simpson Bay you can also find the local fish market where fishermen sell their fresh catch and visit a row of first-class Caribbean eateries at the Simpson Bay Market, offering a variety of specialties. Sampling the local cuisine here is highly recommended for a taste of the island's culinary delights.
- 5Sint MaartenFrench & Dutch Border Monument: St. Maarten/St. Martin is a dual nation island, with the French part in the north, and the Dutch part in the south. St. Maarten/St. Martin is the only location where France shares a border with the Netherlands! The border monument, also called the 'Concordia Monument', was erected in 1948 to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Treaty of Concordia (1648), where the Kingdom of France and the Dutch Republic agreed to share ownership of the island peacefully. When we pass the monument, then we are actually in France: "Bienvenue !".
- 6MarigotMarigot Marigot is the capital on the French side of the island, known for its waterfront, market, and bakeries. Marigot is overlooked by the ancient Fort Louis ruins. The fort welcomes the adventurous to visit if they're willing to climb the 99 steps to get to the fort The town features rows of bakeries and bistros, where you can sit to enjoy delicious French pastries. Positioned right by the sea, the market is perfect for finding souvenirs or gifts for family and friends. Here, you can purchase local products, spices, clothing, jewelry, and more.
- 7Grand CaseGrand Case has a long sandy beach well known for its many cafés, bistros, bars, shops, and local restaurants. Situated behind Grand Case, the French airport is located where, from the beach, you might occasionally see small to medium planes making their landing. However, this spectacle is minor in comparison to the renowned experience at Maho Beach!
- 8St Martin / St MaartenPARADISE VIEW This serene location offers nice views, making it a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. On the horizon, we can see Orient Bay, Tintamarre, and St. Barth.
- 9Drive-byFrench Quartier We'll take you on a scenic drive through the French Quarter, "Quartier d'Orléans," which is known as the area where the French first settled and the largest district on the French side. We'll make a quick stop at the French/Dutch border for pictures.
- 10PhilipsburgReturn to the departure point We will ensure your return to the original departure point, or Philipsburg if you're in the mood for shopping. For cruise ship guests, we guarantee a prompt return to their ship, giving them peace of mind.
Meeting point and getting there
Start point
The reception center is located behind the Claude Wathey statue. To the left is a walkway to the vending area and duty-free shops. Walk down the walkway and continue walking past the vending area until you reach the roundabout. We are under a white tent.
The reception center is located behind the Claude Wathey statue. To the left is a walkway to the vending area and duty-free shops. Walk down the walkway and continue walking past the vending area until you reach the roundabout. We are under a white tent.
From the cruise pier
About 20 min by taxi
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. If the operator cancels for bad weather, you can rebook or get a full refund.
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Itinerary subject to change due to weather and traffic
Traveler reviews
Operated by Bernards Tours. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.
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