EXCURSION: Private
EXCURSION TYPE: Cultural, Scenic, Shopping
FOOD/BEVERAGE: Snacks, Bottled Water Included
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Easy
Enjoy this private tour of both sides of St. Martin. Departing from the French capital of Marigot, you will travel along the French side of the island to Grand Case, a seaside town known as the “gourmet capital of the Caribbean,” with its gingerbread houses and sidewalk bistros. A drive through the main street will give you an up-close look of this quaint little town.
Next on your St. Martin tour, a photo stop will be made to look out over the ever-popular Orient Beach area. From your hillside location, you can see the peninsula that makes up Orient Beach, which is home to numerous resorts and the famous clothing-optional beach. In the distance you can also see Pinel Island, an uninhabited island that is popular for snorkeling.
You will continue on to the Dutch side of the island, arriving in the Dutch capital of Philipsburg, founded in 1763 by John Phillips, a Scottish Captain in the Dutch Navy. A drive along the main street will show you some of the famous St. Maarten shops, as well as the restored courthouse, originally built in 1793. Drive past the Great Salt Pond and through the rolling country, as you make your way back towards the French side of the island, via a different route.
During this St. Maarten excursion, a stop will be made at Cole Bay Lookout for a photo opportunity of the beautiful Simpson Bay, where you will see the incredible development that has made this sleepy island a major destination. You will continue on through several quaint towns and fishing villages along the north side of the island.
Arriving back in Marigot, which started out as a fishing village, you will feel a truly European ambiance with a touch of Creole. Your driver guide will point out the main shopping areas, where you will find the boutiques, as well as the open-air markets, which specialize in bright fabrics and souvenirs. You may choose to end your St. Martin tour in the shopping area or be taken back to the pier. Those guests wishing to end the tour in the shopping area are responsible for their own transportation back to the pier. From the shops at the Marina Royale it is approximately a 15-20 minute walk back to the ferry pier. The open-air market and West Indies Mall can be seen from the ferry pier. Ships docked at the Galisbay cargo facility are an additional 10-15 minute walk beyond the ferry pier (on the other side of Fort Marigot).
• Welcome with fresh flower garlands.
• Meeting and assistance by our representative.
• Entrance fees to the monuments.
• Private guide throughout your journey.
• Covering all main / major monuments and tourist attractions in each city.
• All Transfers, Sightseeing and Overland drive as per the itinerary by private air-conditioned Transport.
• All taxes.
• Domestic and International Flights.
• Personal Expenses.
• Camera / Video Camera Fees.
• Medical Aid.
• Tips.
• Travel Insurance.
• A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
• Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
• In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
• Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
• While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
• Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
