Best of St Maarten: Private Day Tour to Philipsburg, Maho & Orient Bay
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Light activity; mostly seated in a vehicle with short walks and standing at viewpoints. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Overview
A private, full‑day loop around St. Maarten that stitches Philipsburg, Maho, Orient Bay and Grand Case into a single, well‑paced outing. Expect coastal viewpoints, beachside photo ops and a guided primer on the island’s Franco‑Dutch culture.
Best of St Maarten: Private Day Tour to Philipsburg, Maho & Orient Bay
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The driver meets the party in the hotel lobby, a small placard with your name held steady against the humid breeze. The road out of town snakes past low hills and flowering shrubs; palms lean toward the sea as if pushing travelers to look up. Within thirty minutes the island unfolds—harbor-front Philipsburg’s pastel façades, a sweep of white sand at Orient Bay, and the improbable spectacle of jetliners descending over Maho Beach. A private vehicle makes the island feel intimate: a cinematic loop of beaches, viewpoints and towns stitched into a single day.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Watch the jets at Maho Beach
Obey signage and stay behind barriers—jet blast is strong and can throw sand and debris; keep a safe distance when planes land.
Carry local ID and small cash
Bring a photo ID for casinos and small bills for beach vendors and taxis; many places accept cards but cash speeds transactions.
Sun protection is non‑negotiable
Light, long‑sleeve layers, reef‑safe sunscreen and a hat will keep you comfortable through prolonged sun exposure at lookouts and beaches.
Plan free time strategically
Use the included one hour to eat in Grand Case or shop in Philipsburg—restaurants fill up at sunset, so reserve main meals early if possible.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Brown pelican
- Reef fish like parrotfish and sergeant majors
History
The island’s modern boundary dates to 1648 when French and Dutch settlers established separate administrations; Fort Amsterdam and colonial architecture mark those early strategic choices.
Conservation
Coral reefs around the island are fragile—opt for reef‑safe sunscreen and avoid touching corals; local groups run beach cleanups and encourage responsible tourism.
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Adventure Hotspots in Philipsburg
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Reef‑safe sunscreen
Protects coral and skin during beach and snorkel stops.
summer specific
Comfortable walking shoes
Good for uneven lookouts, beach boardwalks and short town strolls.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated on a hot, humid day is crucial—guides can often refill bottles.
Light rain jacket or windbreaker
Quick squalls are common; a packable shell keeps you comfortable between stops.
fall specific