ST MAARTEN · PHILIPSBURG
The 13 best tours & day trips in Philipsburg you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Explore both sides of St Maarten in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with guides such as Raj, Cindy, Lloyd, or Mama Gucci. Shape the day around beaches, shopping, food, history, and plane watching at Maho. The tour lasts about 5 to 7 hours and costs $440 for up to four people.
“Mamma Gucci gave us a great tour and a nice day. Very flexible, in a comfortable van. Was nice getting to know her.”
Travel across both sides of St. Martin with guide Raj of Sunita Tours. This half-day island circuit combines French villages, Dutch viewpoints, Maho Beach, Orient Bay, Marigot, and Oyster Pond in an air-conditioned vehicle. It suits cruise passengers who want a broad first look, with beach time and free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.
“Raj, did an excellent job on the tour. He was very informative.also a great sense of humor. Also accommodated everyone’s request”
This 5 to 6-hour tour from Philipsburg covers Dutch and French St. Maarten with guides such as Ricardo, George, Freddy, and Kel. You’ll visit Oyster Pond, Coralita Beach, Orient Bay, Marigot, Maho Beach, and Cole Bay Hill, with beach time, island views, hotel or cruise-port pickup, air conditioning, and unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and rum punch.
“Wonderful tour, great stops and pictures, great beaches and shopping. We had a fabulous time. The plane beach was incredible! Ricardo was a great guide.”
Visit Nick Maley’s Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit on Front Street in Philipsburg. In about an hour, you’ll see Star Wars props, replicas, actor casts, holograms, and items from films such as Superman and The Terminator. Nick may share personal film stories and life advice. The museum is open Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 3 PM.
“If you're a Star Wars fan, this is the place for you. It was very interesting to see all of the props and memorabilia. The busts of various actors, singers, and even Lincoln was also pretty cool. But the highlight kf the tour was speaking with Mr. Nick Maley himself. He was the nicest person on the island. Do it. You won't regret it.”
This shared transfer takes you from a St Maarten hotel, private residence, or city center address to Princess Juliana International Airport in a climate-controlled bus. Amigo Tours drivers such as Ritchie and Richard have been praised for punctual pickups, clean vans, island tips, and help with bags. Allow about an hour.
“The driver was on time and very friendly and professional. We had a nice conversation all the way to the airport.”
Explore St. Maarten and St. Martin with a private guide such as Shawn, Nerline, Stephanie, or Richard. Visit seven stops, including Maho Beach, Marigot, Orient Bay, Oyster Pond, and Fort Louis views. Your guide can adjust the pace, suggest local food, provide drinks, and help you see both the Dutch and French sides in two to five hours.
“We had a 5 hour private tour with Shawn today and he was excellent! He was so informative, took his time, and was more than accomodating!”
You and up to five companions drive a six-seat all-terrain buggy around St. Maarten. After a safety lesson, you receive a map, local stop suggestions, and contact details. Port or hotel pickup is included. Fuel costs extra, and offline maps or mobile data are strongly advised.
From Philipsburg, ride in an air-conditioned minivan to Parotte Ville Bird Park, where parrots may land on your head, shoulders, and seed feeder. Guides such as Lloyd, Nicole, Claudette, Alex, and Jullian add island history, iguana stops, scenic views, cheese samples, and ice cream. Allow about 2.5 hours, including transfers and sightseeing.
“Alex was out tour guide. He was kind, funny, and a wealth of knowledge. He helped to make this excursion a great experience. We stopped to see iguanas up close. Feeding the birds and feeding them was amazing. We also stopped at a little cheese shop and we had samples of wines and cheese. We were treated to some of the most delicious, creamy ice cream that I ever tasted. I found a lot of items in this shop that I purchased for gifts. This was a relaxing and enjoyable excursion.”
At Philipsburg’s Rusty Parrot, you’ll spend about 45 minutes exploring a pirate-themed museum devoted to real Caribbean pirates. Go at your own pace, then head upstairs for 360-degree views, a full bar, and family entertainment. Prebooked admission costs $24 per person, and the attraction operates Tuesday through Friday.
“The explanation is very detailed. I have a good understanding of the life of the pirate. My son loved the experience.”
Start in Philipsburg at 9 a.m. and ride with a local guide such as Shawn, Sean, Nerline, or Patrick to Maho, Mullet Bay, Orient Bay, and other island stops. Expect beach time, photo views, cold drinks, music, and a flexible route, though traffic can shorten your time at each beach.
“We had a great time on this excursion! We were only able to make it to orient and maho beach due to traffic. Orient beach was quite windy and had more aggressive waves than we expected. The water and scenic view was gorgeous. WRead more”
Settle into a reserved beach space at Big Bastard’s Beach Bar on Great Bay Beach for about five hours. Your $59 booking covers up to two people, chairs, an umbrella, washroom access, and a complimentary beverage selection. Staff such as Jeremy and Anthony can help you get settled, while Philipsburg’s shops and boardwalk are only steps away.
“Only 1 issue when you disembark the water taxis there is no signage and the hockers have no idea about viator so luckily we found big bastards and the host was very gracious we had perfect service from Mary Elise. We will return.”
Spend about two hours at Orient Bay, then head to Maho Beach for close-up views of aircraft landing at Princess Juliana International Airport. Your air-conditioned van, hotel or port pickup, local guide, and drinks such as beer, soda, water, and guavaberry rum punch are included. Guides may include Daniel, Kay, Don, or Ricky.
“Loved both beaches. Wellington was great! Appreciated the history and info the whole time. Well worth the money!”
See both sides of St. Maarten on a guided island tour with stops at Maho Beach, Marigot, Orient Bay, Oyster Pond, Kimsha Beach, and scenic viewpoints. Guides such as Shawn, Nerline, Richard, and Nadean combine island history with humor, photos, cold drinks, and flexible timing. Expect 2 to 5 hours, traffic depending.
“Would have given 5 stars if it wasn’t an hour wait at the start. We were a party of 7, got to the pick up point as requested 8.45am and lead to sit in a mini van, wait and wait, our driver keep disappearing to look for the other party of 4 from the other ship (Royal Caribbean), we were from P&O. 9,45, the driver came back and drove to the port said we found them!! What happened there was miscommunication between the operator and the guests about shop time and local time !!! There is an hour difference between the RC ship time. So please Viator, you must specify…”
Pick an island, a reef or a road.
