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Things to do & places to see

St Maarten has been shared peacefully by the French and the Dutch for over 300 years. St Maarten, on the Dutch side, is a busy, bustling and informal place, whereas on the French side you'll find cafÃ(c)s, bistros and the latest Parisian fashions. If you're a nature-lover, visit the wildlife at St Maarten Park and zoo or the natural salt ponds of Philipsburgh.

Example shore excursions

When you hit dry land, you can trust us to offer a choice of experiences that really gives you a close-up view. See some featured excursions at this port below.

See all shore excursions from St Maarten

French Connection/St Maarten See & Sea Island Tour

This half day tour combines the best St. Martin has to offer on land and beneath the ocean's surface. The accent is very much on cosmopolitan French St. Martin, considered by many to be the most picturesque of this two nation island, adding to its allure as the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. You leave Philipsburg, on the Dutch side of the island, and drive up the eastern side to the second largest town in St. Martin, Grand Case, a quaint, unspoiled fishing village surrounded by an idyllic bay.

Here at Grand Case Pier, you board the Seaworld Explorer, a semi-submarine, which takes you on a 45 minute narrated tour of the coral reefs surrounding Creole Rock. The Seaworld Explorer is a state-of-the-art semi-submarine developed in Australia for use on the Great Barrier Reef. The vessel does not submerge; you descend into the hull of the boat and sit in air-conditioned comfort five feet below the surface of the water, exploring sea life in this cruising underwater observatory through clear glass windows. The highlight of this part of the trip is when our diver is surrounded by schools of feeding fish and dangerous green and spotted moray eels, which he feeds right in front of your window.

A knowledgeable marine expert will provide you with information on the amazing underwater world around, and will be happy to answer questions. On the return trip to shore, you will be served a complimentary drink, which you can enjoy along with the magnificent view of Grand Case Bay and Creole Rock. 

Your tour continues to the French capital of Marigot, where you will have time to explore this attractive port city with its sidewalk cafes, open-air market and duty free shops. Depending on your tour itinerary you will have an opportunity to stop off at Orient Bay Lookout for a magnificent view of the east coast and nearby islands or at Cole Bay Lookout on the west coast from where you can see the Simpson Bay Lagoon and the neighboring islands of Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts and Nevis.

 

Natural Wonders of St Maarten

Enjoy touring the natural elements that St. Maarten has to offer from the comfort of a well appointed air-conditioned coach. You'll depart on the scenic drive to Simpson Bay Lagoon, where you will have time to view the Caribbean's largest salt water lagoon, before continuing on to Orient Bay. Enjoy a refreshing beverage and photo stop at Orient Beach before continuing on through the French quarter where one will have wonderful views of the Mangroves and scenery before arriving at the St. Maarten Zoo, where participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a short sightseeing tour of this wonderful attraction! The tour of St. Maarten's natural wonders continues along by the Great Salt Pond, where you will hear about the history of the Pond and its importance to the local community in previous years. This is a wonderful way in which to explore the sites of St. Maarten in one great excursion. N.B. This excursion is suitable for those with limited mobility, the elderly or for those wishing to enjoy a 'non-fuss' sightseeing experience!