How to Plan Your Beach Hopping Tour in St Maarten

St Maarten is a popular Caribbean island that boasts pristine beaches, crystal clear waters, and a vibrant culture. If you’re planning a trip to St Maarten, beach hopping is a must-do activity. This guided tour will take you to some of the best beaches on both the Dutch side of the island, Sint Maarten, and the French side, Saint-Martin. Here’s a guide on how to plan your beach hopping tour in St Maarten.

Overview

This tour is a great way to explore some of the most beautiful beaches in St Maarten while traveling in comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle. During the tour, you will visit Orient Beach, Maho Beach, Kim Sha Beach, and the Border Monument and Cole Bay Hill. Each beach offers a unique experience, from plane-spotting on Maho Beach to exploring the coastline from Cole Bay Hill.

What’s Included

The tour includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and complimentary bottled water. You can bring at least three friends to ride together and have fun exploring the beaches of St Maarten.

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to your preferred meeting point or request pickup. The meeting points include Simpson Bay Resort, Belair Beach Hotel, Divi Little Bay, La Samanna, Maho, Simpson Bay, Philipsburg, and Marigot. The tour starts at 9:00 AM and ends back at the meeting point.

What to Expect

Here is what you can expect at each stop on the tour:

Orient Bay Beach

Orient Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island and for a good reason. This beach has white sand, turquoise water, and plenty of amenities such as beach bars, restaurants, and water sports. You’ll have the option to swim, sunbathe and rent beach chairs and umbrellas.

Maho Beach

Maho Beach is a unique beach experience, where visitors can watch planes take off and land literally right above their heads. This is one of the few places in the world where you can get this close to planes. The beach has a lively atmosphere, with plenty of beach bars and restaurants to grab a drink or a bite to eat.

Kim Sha Beach

Kim Sha Beach is located near the Simpson Bay Bridge and is a popular spot for water sports such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, or kayaking. The beach has a relaxed atmosphere and is a great spot to mingle with the locals.

Border Monument and Cole Bay Hill

The Border Monument and Cole Bay Hill are some of the most scenic spots on the island. From the top of Cole Bay Hill, you can take in the breathtaking views of the island, while the Border Monument marks the border between the Dutch and French sides. This is an excellent spot for photos and a great way to end the tour.

Booking the Tour

If you’re interested in booking the Beach Hopping Tour in St Maarten, you can do so directly on Viator’s website. The tour is affordable and includes all transportation and bottled water. Book the tour here and get ready to experience some of the best beaches that St Maarten has to offer.

Final Thoughts

A beach hopping tour is an excellent way to explore the beautiful island of St Maarten. The tour is perfect for travelers who want to see the island’s top beaches and landmarks without worrying about transportation or logistics. With this guide, you can easily plan your beach hopping tour and enjoy your time in St Maarten to the fullest.

Frequently Asked Questions about St Maarten

If you’re planning a trip to St Maarten, you probably have some questions about the island. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about St Maarten:

1. What is the best time to visit St Maarten?

St Maarten has a warm and sunny tropical climate all year round, so it’s always a good time to visit. However, the high season for tourism is from December to April, when the temperatures are slightly cooler and the humidity is lower. This is also the driest season, with the least amount of rainfall. The low season is from May to November when it is hotter, more humid, and more prone to hurricanes; however, this season is also the cheapest time to visit St Maarten.

2. What is the currency of St Maarten?

St Maarten is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, so the official currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG). However, US dollars are widely accepted on the island, and most prices are listed in both guilder and dollars. Credit cards are also widely accepted, but it’s always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller purchases.

3. What language do they speak in St Maarten?

English is the official language of St Maarten, but Dutch is also widely spoken. Other languages spoken on the island include Spanish and French.

4. What is the local cuisine like?

St Maarten has a diverse culinary scene that reflects its history and cultural influences. The island is known for its seafood, including lobster, shrimp, and crab. Other popular dishes include jerk chicken, plantain chips, and johnnycakes. Don’t forget to try the local rum and Guavaberry liqueur.

5. What are some popular tourist attractions in St Maarten?

St Maarten has a wide range of activities and attractions for tourists. Some of the most popular include:

• Maho Beach, where planes fly low over the sand as they land at Princess Juliana International Airport
• Snorkeling and diving at Creole Rock
• Exploring the ruins of Fort Amsterdam
• Visiting the Butterfly Farm and the Sint Maarten Zoo
• Shopping in Philipsburg, the capital of St Maarten

6. What is the nightlife like in St Maarten?

St Maarten has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of bars, clubs, and casinos. Some of the most popular spots include the Sunset Bar and Grill, Tantra Nightclub, and the Casino Royale. Philipsburg also has a variety of bars and restaurants that stay open late.

7. Is St Maarten safe for tourists?

St Maarten is generally a safe destination for tourists, but there are some precautions you should take. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, can occur, especially in busy tourist areas. It’s also a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. The island can also be prone to hurricanes, so check the weather forecast before you go.

8. How do I get to St Maarten?

St Maarten has an international airport, Princess Juliana International Airport, which is serviced by many airlines. You can also reach the island by boat or ferry from nearby islands like St Barth’s and Anguilla. Once you’re on the island, you can rent a car or take a taxi to get around.

9. What is the culture like in St Maarten?

St Maarten has a multicultural population with a mix of Dutch, French, African, and Caribbean influences. The island has a laid-back, friendly vibe, and locals are known for their hospitality. The culture of St Maarten is reflected in its music, food, and art, as well as its annual Carnaval celebration.

10. What should I pack for a trip to St Maarten?

When packing for your trip to St Maarten, consider the warm, tropical climate. Light, breathable clothing is recommended, as well as comfortable shoes for walking and hiking. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. If you plan to go snorkeling, bring your own gear or rent it on the island. It’s also a good idea to bring a small umbrella or rain jacket, as the island can experience sudden rain showers.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in St Maarten

Are you planning a trip to St Maarten and wondering what activities to do while there? St Maarten is a beautiful Caribbean island that has plenty of activities, beaches and great people to meet. Here is a guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in St Maarten.

1. Visit the Beaches

St Maarten boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Whether you want to soak up the sun, take a swim or try water sports, there is a beach for everyone. Some of the popular beaches to visit include:

a. Maho Beach

This beach is famous for being close to Princess Juliana International Airport where planes fly low over the sand as they land. It’s a great experience for plane enthusiasts.

b. Orient Bay Beach

Orient Bay Beach stretches over two miles and has a variety of water sports activities such as jet skiing, kite surfing and parasailing. It’s the perfect destination for families.

c. Mullet Bay Beach

Mullet Bay Beach is located on the Dutch side of the island and is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It has a calm atmosphere which makes it ideal for relaxation.

2. Tour the Island

St Maarten is relatively small, so it is easy to tour the island in a day. There are various tour options available including car rentals, bus tours, scooter rentals and bike rentals. As you tour the island, be sure to visit:

a. Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the capital of St Maarten, and it offers a unique shopping experience with duty-free boutiques and charming street vendors. Take a stroll, have a meal or grab a drink at the Boardwalk.

b. Fort Amsterdam

If you love history, Fort Amsterdam is a great place to visit. It was built in 1631 and offers a remarkable view of Great Bay and Philipsburg.

c. Loterie Farm

The Loterie Farm is perfect for nature lovers. It offers hiking trails, zipline rides and a butterfly garden. You can also do yoga on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to 10 am.

3. Enjoy the Food and Nightlife

St Maarten offers a range of dining options, from five-star eateries to beachside shacks. You can savor local delicacies, including conch fritters, johnny cakes and callaloo soup. As for the nightlife, popular hot spots include:

a. Sunset Beach Bar

Sunset Beach Bar is located at the airport, so you can grab a cocktail and watch the planes land.

b. Soggy Dollar Beach Bar

Soggy Dollar Beach Bar is situated on Sand Bay Beach and is a perfect spot for live music and happy hour.

c. Tantra Nightclub

Tantra Nightclub has a great atmosphere and is the ideal spot to dance the night away.

4. Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

St Maarten has incredible marine life and corals which makes it the perfect destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. There are several snorkeling and diving tour operators who will take you to places like:

a. Creole Rock

Creole Rock is a protected marine reserve situated close to Grand Case. Here you can spot species like nurse sharks, turtles and stingrays.

b. Tintamarre Island

Tintamarre Island is known for its crystal clear waters, which makes it perfect for spotting exotic fish like angelfish, parrotfish and damsels.

c. Proselyte Reef

Proselyte Reef is close to Philipsburg and features an array of marine life, including eagle rays, sponges and gorgonians.

Book Your Tour Now

St Maarten is a place where you can relax, unwind and enjoy yourself. Whether you want to soak up some sun, go snorkeling or enjoy the cuisine, the island has something for everyone. Be sure to check out the beaches, tour the island, enjoy the food and nightlife, and go snorkeling or scuba diving. Just make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and don’t forget to have fun!