Explore cruise-port excursions by Worldway Voyage Concierge. Discover authentic options and request a verified reservation.
Nestled in the northeastern Caribbean, the island of St. Maarten welcomes travelers with turquoise blue waters, warm breezes, and a blend of Dutch and French culture. Cruise visitors can choose from relaxing beach breaks, snorkeling adventures, or scenic island drives. Whether you want to explore, unwind, or experience local flavor, St. Maarten excursions offer something for every traveler. The Friendly Island About 300 kilometers east of Puerto Rico, St. Maarten forms the Dutch side of this dual-nation island, with Saint Martin to the north. Known as The Friendly Island, it's famous for its beautiful beaches, colorful nightlife, and welcoming people. Visitors can stroll the boardwalks of Philipsburg, shop for jewelry and Guavaberry rum, or enjoy fresh seafood at a beach bar. The island combines local culture, relaxation, and adventure in one unforgettable destination. Popular Cruise Excursions These frequently booked St. Maarten shore excursions combine adventure, sightseeing, water sports, and island charm, offering visitors a true taste of the Caribbean: Half-Day Cat Sail and Snorkel: Sail past Fort Amsterdam and Pelican Key aboard a catamaran, stop for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy lunch and refreshments on board. Rhum Distillery, Maho Beach and Lunch: Take a private tour of a local rum distillery, taste handcrafted spirits, enjoy a Caribbean-style lunch, and spend time at Maho Beach watching planes land overhead. Grand Island Speedboat and Snorkel: Cruise around the island on a speedboat, stop to swim with sea turtles, and explore several snorkeling spots in calm blue waters. St. Maarten Sights, Shopping and Sand: See both the Dutch and French sides of the island on an island drive that includes shopping in Philipsburg, sightseeing, and a relaxing beach stop. Orient Bay and Maho Beach Tour: Spend time on two of the island's most famous beaches, Orient Beach and Maho Beach, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and plane-spotting. Discover St. Maarten Island Tour: Take a cultural sightseeing trip highlighting scenic viewpoints, coastal villages, and key landmarks across both sides of the island. Jeep Safari and Beach Excursion: Drive a jeep in a guided convoy through the island's hills, visiting panoramic lookouts and popular beaches before enjoying free time by the sea. Snorkel and Beach Adventure at Pinel Island and Oyster Pond: Escape the crowds and enjoy calm waters, coral reefs, and golden sands on this scenic boat and snorkel excursion. America's Cup 12 Metre Regatta: Join a real racing crew aboard a 12 Metre yacht and experience the thrill of competitive sailing on the Caribbean Sea. Luxury Day Sail and Snorkel: Enjoy an elegant full-day sail with gourmet lunch, open bar, snorkeling stops, and sweeping views of both the French and Dutch coasts. Each excursion showcases what makes St. Maarten special: beautiful beaches, Caribbean blue waters, and a unique blend of European and island influences. Beautiful Beaches and Coastal Escapes St. Maarten is home to some of the Caribbean's most scenic beaches, including Great Bay, Orient Bay, and Mullet Bay. Great Bay Beach is just a short walk from the cruise port and offers calm waters and plenty of nearby restaurants. On the French side, Orient Bay and Pinel Island invite visitors to snorkel, paddleboard, ride jet skis, or simply relax in the sun. For those seeking panoramic views, the Soualiga Sky Explorer and Flying Dutchman zip line at Rainforest Adventure Park offer unforgettable vistas. Plan Your Perfect Shore Excursion Select from both half-day and full-day excursion options, making it easy to fit your favorite experiences around your cruise schedule. Whether you prefer sailing, snorkeling, sightseeing, or simply relaxing by the water, these excursions let you experience the best of both the Dutch and French sides, from the historic Fort Louis to the lively boardwalks of Philipsburg. Frequently Asked Questions What are the best excursions in St. Maarten? Top picks include catamaran sailing and snorkeling, rum tasting, sightseeing across the island, and spending time at Maho Beach. Can you walk from the cruise port to a beach? Yes. Great Bay Beach is an approximate 10-minute walk from the St. Maarten cruise port and features calm waters, shops, and beach bars. Can I get off the cruise ship without booking an excursion? Yes. You can explore Philipsburg or nearby beaches on your own, though booking a shore excursion ensures transportation and local insight. Which side of the island is better to visit? The Dutch side offers shopping, casinos, and nightlife, while the French side is known for open-air cafes, markets, and relaxed beaches. When is the best time to visit St. Maarten? December through April offers warm, dry weather that's ideal for beach days, sailing, and sightseeing excursions.
Tours are subject to cruise arrival, departure, availability and supplier confirmation. No payment is taken for an enquiry.
Experience the vibrant spirit of St. Maarten with a beachside Soca and Calypso dance class that blends infectious Afro-Caribbean rhythms with stunning ocean views. Led by expert instructors, this fun and cultural dance session invites all skill levels to move, laugh, and celebrate the joyful energy of the Caribbean.
2 · Moderate · Beach
This is a quick and easy way to find out whether scuba is really something for you.
2.5 · Moderate · SCUBA Diving
Really explore the undersea world of St. Maarten on this two tank dive.
3 · Moderate · SCUBA Diving
Let your imagination run wild with a beachfront painting session on the lively St. Maarten Boardwalk in Philipsburg. This laid-back yet inspiring experience invites you to create your own Caribbean-themed masterpiece while enjoying stunning ocean views and the guidance of a local artist. With flexible start times, no experience required, and all materials provided, it's the perfect way to blend creativity with island relaxation.
2 · Easy · Beach
Enjoy the brew and beach scene in laid-back Philipsburg that will have you enjoying cold beers, delicious BBQ, and the thundering planes landing overhead at Maho Beach. While here, try your luck at the Casino Royale.
5.5 · Easy · Beach
Embark on a journey of taste and discovery during this unique beer cruise tour. Set sail from the vibrant port of Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, and soak in the breathtaking sceneries of this tropical paradise.
2.25 · Easy · Culinary / Food
Watch nature come alive and immerse yourself in the beauty of this island with a visit a bird park.
2.5 · Easy · Eco, Nature
Explore the largest brewery on Sint Maarten, complete with a burger lunch, and spend several hours at beautiful Maho Beach.
6 · Easy · Beach
Escape the crowds at the less-known locations of St. Maarten, such as Pinel or Tintamarre islands, for the best snorkeling, astonishing beaches, exciting boat rides, lots of fun, drinks, and music!
4 · Moderate · Snorkeling
Take a taste of the Caribbean culture while learning about the making of rum before experiencing one of the most exhilarating things ever.
3.5 · Easy · Culinary / Food
Skip the crowded day tours when you opt to relax in paradise along the warm, sunny sands of Grand Case Beach.
4 · Easy · Beach
On this fun mixology tour, you'll have the chance to create your own signature cocktail inside a whole coconut, mixing traditional island rums and ingredients under expert guidance. Perfect for bachelor and bachelorette parties, friends, or couples.
4.5 · Easy · Beach
Join us on a delicious journey to discover the authentic flavors, sounds, and aromas of St. Maarten's culinary scene. Our exclusive culinary excursion promises a day filled with unforgettable flavors, cultural immersion, and delightful discoveries.
4.5 · Easy · Culinary / Food
Experience the allure of a 45-minute gondola ride, where enchantment unfolds at every moment, creating a captivating journey! Feast on a delicious charcuterie picnic basket with a glass of smooth wine as you glide under bridges and past mega yachts.
2 · Easy · Eco, Nature
Romance and adventure are yours with this exciting gondola ride through a tropical lagoon. Afterward, enjoy a side trip for some sand therapy at the renowned Orient Beach.
3 · Easy · Eco, Nature
This is the perfect introduction to the island where you can indulge in a cultural experience ripe with some of the best highlights and spectacular views in St. Maarten.
4 · Easy · Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Hop on an electric bike for a memorable journey around the island as you ride along the rugged coastline, through a multicultural city center and more.
4 · Difficult · Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Discover the best of St. Maarten with a family-friendly blend of culture and relaxation. Visit the Emilio Wilson Museum to explore the island's heritage, enjoy a scenic drive through Dutch and French St. Maarten with photo stops, and unwind at Orient Beach with its white sands and turquoise waters. One complimentary drink is included during your beach visit.
4.5 · Easy · Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Have you ever imagined swimming with sea turtles? Do you want the chance to see seventy five percent of the island? Well, this is your opportunity!
6 · Moderate · Snorkeling
Calling all nature lovers! Embark on a scenic hike, hand feed tropical parrots, and chill under the tropical sun at Great Bay Beach.
4 · Easy · Hiking
Join our small group tour for an enlightening exploration of St. Martin/St. Maarten's history. From panoramic views of Philipsburg to the historical Fort St. Louis and the captivating Amuseum Naturalis, this tour is a perfect blend of education and recreation.
4 · Easy · Scenic, Cultural, Historical
This half day tour takes you snorkeling under Fort Amsterdam, watching jets fly over your head at Maho Beach, and dining on scrumptious fare at a local restaurant.
4.5 · Easy · Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Take a 4X4 Jeep to tropical vistas and Marigot boutiques. Swimming the pristine Mullet Bay Beach is the final relaxing destination on this St. Maarten tour.
3.5 · Easy · Active, Scenic, Water/Beach
Experience the thrill of visiting the famous Airport Beach/Maho, where you can witness jaw-dropping overhead jet landings and thrilling jet departures. It's a sight you won't want to miss!
5.5 · Moderate · Jeep Tour
If you're looking for an adrenaline rush of jet-blasting aircraft flying just a few feet overhead while enjoying a day at the beach, get it all in one go when you book this exciting adventure.
4 · Easy · Beach
Calling all adventure junkies: Get your fix with this exciting beach jet ski adventure!
3 · Moderate · Jet Skiing
Experience the thrill of the sea, sand, and sun on this exhilarating jet ski ride and beach adventure!
4 · Moderate · Jet Skiing
Drop in on a local rum distillery for a sneak peek at the rum making process and join in on a tasting session. The rum continues as you feast on Caribbean BBQ at Kimsha Beach.
4 · Easy · Culinary / Food
Join us on a multi-generational family-friendly, island and beach excursion, perfectly blending relaxation in paradise with cultural adventure. Bask in the sea and sun with our local's choice of top beaches.
4 · Easy · Beach
Step aboard and escape into luxury for the day on our catamaran in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. Highlights include a guided snorkeling tour, exquisite lunch, and the experience of airplanes roaring over your head at Maho Beach.
5 · Easy · Snorkeling
Go behind the scenes of Topper's Rhum distillery to taste handcrafted rum and learn how it is prepared and processed on a St. Maarten rum tour. Your tour also includes a delicious Caribbean BBQ lunch and beach time at Maho Beach where the airplanes literally soar above your head!
6 · Easy · Culinary / Food
On this half-day tour, which offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, sail away on a catamaran as you explore the coast of St. Maarten.
3.75 · Moderate · Snorkeling
Become a St. Maarten beach bum with this 2 beach adventure! Enjoy the beach toys and bars at Orient Beach, then experience jets flying over your head at Maho Beach.
4.5 · Easy · Beach
Enjoy a fun-filled day of beaches, culture, and historical sites in St. Maarten, exploring both the French and Dutch sides of the island.
5 · Easy · Private Sightseeing
Enjoy a two-hour private picnic spread on the beach in Sint Maarten, with added time for swimming and relaxing.
4 · Easy · Beach
Enjoy a delicious dinner with dessert and wine as you cruise beneath bridges and past sleek mega yachts under the night sky on this enchanting gondola ride.
2 · Easy · Eco, Nature
Enjoy a flexible tour itinerary in St. Maarten, a personalized and unforgettable way to experience Grand Case Beach, Marigot Market, Orient Bay, and more.
6 · Easy · Private Sightseeing
Don't miss out on this unique opportunity in Philipsburg to combine heart-pounding excitement with laid-back beach vibes--all in one unforgettable day. You'll feel like a VIP with a private Jeep vehicle at your disposal -- the pinnacle of luxury and convenience.
5.5 · Moderate · Jeep Tour
Satisfy your thirst for adventure with an exciting sailing race across the waters around St. Maarten! Race against other crews in the America's Cup 12 Metre Regatta.
2.5 · Moderate · Eco, Nature
Sun, sand and snorkeling on the Dutch side of St Maarten.
2.5 · Easy · Beach
Rum, reggae, and beach energy await you on this ultimate Caribbean getaway in the vibrant port of Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. Your destination? The stunning Great Bay Beach, a gem among Caribbean coastlines.
4 · Easy · Beach
Snuba is form of surface-supplied diving that uses an underwater breathing system that blends together snorkeling and scuba diving, bridging the gap between the two. This perfect combination allows you to explore the underwater world of Sint Maarten where you will discover her beauty beneath the surface of warm, crystal-clear waters.
3.5 · Easy · SCUBA Diving
Rejuvenate your spirit on this unique tour in the beautiful port of Philipsburg, Sint Maarten. Experience the perfect blend of relaxation, chakra balancing, reiki, and beach bliss to revitalize your mind, body, and soul.
4 · Easy · Beach
Ditch the tour bus and get a great overview of the island during this wild scoot coupe riding tour of St. Maarten and St. Martin.
3 · Easy · Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Indulge in an enchanting evening in St. Maarten with our romantic tour, featuring a blend of exquisite Caribbean flavors, lively music, and stunning scenery. Begin with an intimate dinner on the Philipsburg boardwalk, and then dive into the island's vibrant nightlife with live music, signature cocktails, and dancing. The night ends at the iconic Red Piano Bar, where diverse beats and mingling with locals create unforgettable memories.
4 · Easy · Culinary / Food
Hop aboard this champagne cruise with your significant other and watch the beautiful Caribbean sunset. An open bar is included.
2 · Easy · Eco, Nature
Discover the beauty of both the French and Dutch sides of Sint Maarten on a scenic tour featuring stunning beaches, historic landmarks, and picturesque photo stops. Visit highlights like Coralita Lookout, Orient Bay, Mullet Bay, and iconic Maho Beach, where adventure meets relaxation. Perfect for soaking up island vibes and capturing unforgettable memories!
5 · Easy · Beach
A taste of Provence in the Caribbean as you visit the French side of the island for perfume or cologne making.
2.75 · Easy · Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Embark on the premier tour of St. Maarten, an unforgettable journey highlighting the island's top ten attractions. This tour promises to leave you with lasting memories and an enriched appreciation for the island's diverse beauty.
6 · Easy · Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Explore Simpson Bay Lagoon on this easy kayak tour.
2.5 · Moderate · Canoeing or Kayaking
Combine kayaking and snorkeling in the crystal blue waters of St Maarten.
3 · Moderate · Canoeing or Kayaking
Take a quick spin through St Maarten's small, but interesting capital city on a bike.
3 · Moderate · Scenic, Active
Pedal from Simpson Bay to Marigot along a route less seen by cruise guests on this private tour for 4 - 10 guests.
3.5 · Moderate · Bicycling
This half day tour takes you to visit several of the island's best known artists and offers insight into some of the Caribbean's numerous artistic styles.
3.5 · Moderate · Private Sightseeing
Experience the charm and scenery of this island that is home to two countries and has been flying the flags of both Holland and France since 1648.
5 · Moderate · Beach
Experience the charm and scenery of this island that is home to two countries and has been flying the flags of both Holland and France since 1648.
3 · Moderate · Private Sightseeing
See parts of the island usually not seen by cruise guests on this island drive and beach tour with a twist.
4.5 · Moderate · Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Skip the crowds and beach hop instead along St. Maarten's breathtaking coastline.
4 · Moderate · Beach
Enjoy the thrill of St. Maarten's French and Dutch sides aboard our lively party bus, where breathtaking views, vibrant local culture, and beach stops create a memorable island adventure. From the famous Maho Beach to unlimited drinks, local snacks, and Caribbean music, this dynamic tour delivers endless entertainment and captivating scenery for an unforgettable day.
3.25 · Easy · Beach
Experience the thrill of riding a UTV along the picturesque Sint Maarten landscape.
5.5 · Moderate · Off Road Vehicle
