Join the effort to keep Saint-Martin Nature Reserve ecologically sound and reward yourself by relaxing on an idyllic stretch of beach nearby. During this hands-on experience at the reserve, you can participate in a variety of activities that may include regulating invasive species, planting mangroves and counting birds. As you will see firsthand, the reserve is well worth keeping in its natural state. Although protected, the abundant marine and terrestrial species still face environmental challenges that you will help neutralize. It is a never-ending process to which Saint-Martin is wholly committed. Following your volunteer efforts, you will enjoy the setting of a pristine beach, Orient Beach, an area known as the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean. Feel free to spend the time there however you please, which could be doing nothing more ambitious than lying in the sun without a care in the world. The waters are typically bright turquoise and calm, so be sure to take a refreshing swim in the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Participate in a volunteer activity to help keep Saint-Martin Nature Reserve pristine.
• Enjoy the natural setting of the reserve, which extends beyond the land and into the sea.
• Relax on nearby Orient Beach, a gorgeous setting on the island’s northeastern shore.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, towel and sunscreen.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Sail aboard the original Golden Eagle Catamaran known for its 5 star service and professional crew that will attend to your every need. Sail gently down the scenic coast of St. Maarten viewing Fort William, Pelican Point, Simpson Bay and the famous St. Maarten "airport beach", with planes landing just feet over the mast. After a brief orientation you’ll be ready to snorkel in the crystal clear waters of Little Bay. Next, you’ll stop at a beautiful white sand beach, where you can swim in a quiet cove or relax on the beach for 45 minutes up to 1 hour, time permitting.

On the return, the crew sets the sails, as you listen to great music, enjoying an open bar with free champagne, rum punch, sodas, and gourmet ham and cheese sandwiches served on fresh baked French baguettes. Snorkel equipment and pool noodles are included. The vessel is fast, stable, and has plenty of shade with custom built stairs for easy access to the water.

Enjoy the view of riding on an open-air double decker bus. Drive from Philipsburg, the Dutch capital of St. Maarten, past the Great Salt Pond and through the countryside on the way to Marigot, the French-side capital. Here, you’ll have a photo-stop with a truly European atmosphere, having the waterside, open-air markets, quaint shops, boutiques or sidewalk cafes as your backdrop.

Back on board the Double Decker, you will pass through St. Maarten’s latest infrastructure addition, the Causeway Swing Bridge, where you can spot lovely sailboats or magnificent Mega Yachts on the lagoon, depending on the time of year.

Arriving at Maho you may watch for airplanes overhead as they are landing at the Princess Juliana International airport. The journey will proceed across the south for views of Simpson Bay Lagoon where we'll stop at a local Rum Distillery for a free tasting of various flavors of rum. Your experience concludes with a tasting at the Amsterdam Cheese and Liquor store for a tasting of Old Amsterdam Gouda Cheese.

This is the ultimate way to spend your day in St. Maarten. This tour visits both the French and Dutch side of the island and you’ll get to experience St. Maarten both by land and sea. Depart on your air conditioned motorcoach with your professional guide narrating the rich history of the island and pointing out sites of interest. Cross the border and visit the French side where you’ll pass Orient Beach and Grand Cas - the cuisine capital of the Caribbean. Stop in Marigot, the French capital for 1 hour of free time to explore the open air market, visit the fantastic shops, or dine at one of many cafe's or restaurants in Marina Port Royal.

Next you’ll board a 65 foot double decker boat the Explorer where you’ll listen to great music, relax, and have a complimentary open bar on a 1 hour lagoon cruise while the DJ entertains you with Caribbean songs and points out the multimillion dollar villa's and yachts of the rich and famous. Your cruise will drop you back off at Simpson Bay on the Dutch side where you will re-board your motor coach and conclude the rest of your island tour while you return to your ship. If time permits, you will have the option of being dropped off at Philipsburg, the Dutch capital to continue shopping and exploring. This truly is the ultimate island tour!

As soon as you depart the harbor you’ll start to enjoy the charm and scenery of this dual personality island which has been flying the flags of both Holland and France since 1648. You’ll drive from Phillipsburg, the Dutch capital, past the Great Salt Pond and through the countryside. The tour then continues past the Border Monument indicating arrival at the French side, into the district of Orleans. Sightseeing continues through several quaint towns and fishing villages, including Grand Case known for its lovely beaches and exquisite restaurants.

Continue across the north side of the island for a short stop at Marigot, the French capital, where you’ll observe a truly European atmosphere as you browse its waterside open-air markets, quaint shops, boutiques and sidewalk cafes. After your brief sojourn in Marigot you’ll return to the Dutch side and a truly spectacular view of Simpson Bay as you drive over Cole Bay Hill.

This tour provides an excellent overview of the smallest island in the Caribbean that's shared by two nations. Travel from one country to the other and see the both the Dutch and French influences dating back to 1648. The Dutch arrived first in 1631 looking for wood to make repairs. You'll drive from today's modern Dutch capital of Philipsburg past the Great Salt Pond, which served to make the island 'worth its salt' attracting the French. Pass by the Border Monument which changed 16 times between 1948 and 1816.

You'll drive through the French capital of Marigot with its quaint charm, before stopping at one of the islands popular beaches on the Dutch side. Here you'll have approximately 1 1/2 hours to enjoy the sun and sand. You are on your own to do as you please.

This tour combines the best St. Maarten has to offer, both on land and beneath the ocean's surface. Depart Philipsburg on the Dutch side of the island, and drive up the eastern side to the second largest town in St. Maarten - Grand Case. Here you’ll board a semi-submarine for an approximately 45 minute narrated tour of the coral reefs surrounding Creole Rock. The vessel does not submerge - you descend into the hull of the boat and in air-conditioned comfort, explore sea life in this cruising underwater observatory. The highlight of the trip is when a diver is surrounded by schools of fish right in front of your viewing window.

Back on shore, your tour continues to the French capital of Marigot, where you’ll have time to explore this attractive city with its sidewalk cafes, open air market and duty-free shops. Depending on your tour itinerary you’ll have an opportunity to stop off at Orient Bay lookout for a magnificent view of the east coast and nearby islands or at Cole Bay lookout on the west coast from where you can see the Simpson Bay Lagoon and the neighboring islands. This tour may operate in reverse order.

Leaving the cruise harbor this tour takes you along Philipsburg and The Village of Sucker Garden. Pass Dawn Beach and Oyster Pond Village overlooking the Oyster Pond and Captain Oliver's Marina. Proceed to Orient Bay Lookout Point with a drive through Orient Bay Village. Pass Grand Case and through the villages of La Savanne Rambaud, Cripple Gate and Marigot. You’ll have a short (40 min) shopping stop in the Downtown area. Then continue through Bellevue Crossing, the Border Monument and a photo stop in Cole Bay Village. On the way back to the cruise harbor, you’ll pass through Scenic Cay Hill, Belair and Little Bay Village.

Experience St. Maarten’s newest attraction, the Soualiga Sky Explorer chairlifts. Take a tranquil ride up two lifts spanning a total of 2,997 ft. as the landscape unfolds below. A spectacular panoramic view on top of one of St. Maarten’s highest mountains await you.

Board your air-conditioned transportation at the dock for a 30-minute ride to Rockland Estate.

You will be guided to the plantation house, built in the 1700s, to learn the powerful story of Trace Wilson, born into slavery on the estate in 1818. The museum will also showcase the legacy of Emilio Wilson, her descendant who later purchased the property, and his generous contributions to the island that he loved; St. Maarten “The Friendly Island”.

After a brief orientation embark the Soualiga Sky Explorer for the approximately 25-minute ride to the top of Sentry Hill; one of St. Maarten’s highest elevations at 1,115 feet. The experience encompasses two chairlifts as well as a series of platforms encircle the mountaintop showcasing 360-degree views of the island including vistas of neighboring islands Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barts and Anguilla.

When you are ready to descend simply board the Soualiga Sky Explorer for the scenic trip down the mountain. Enjoy exploring the Estate and sampling St. Maarten delicacies, snacks and beverages at Emilio’s restaurant. When you are ready to depart board air-conditioned transportation back to your ship.

This tour starts from the cruise terminal, while driving through some of the local villages and then crossing the French-Dutch Border to the French side.

We will then do a picture stop overlooking the Orient Bay Beach, one of our main scenic points and head towards Grand Case Beach as well, a sweeping curve of a very pretty, one-mile-long, white sandy beach with quite calm waters and the perfect place for a spectacular photo shooting!

The next stop is the capital of the French side of the island, Marigot. Visit its beautiful Market for a bit of shopping or to just enjoying some tasty pastries and a natural drink. Take amazing selfies in Fort St Louis, St Martin's most impressive historic monument; this military hill offers great views over the Bay of Marigot.

Our journey continues crossing again by the southwest French – Dutch Border, we will stop at a place that honors the treaty between France and Netherlands for taking the island control.

Right after, we will arrive to Maho Beach, - world-famous beach adjacent to the Princess Juliana International Airport. Here, you’ll watch airplanes on their final approach landing at the airport, passing only a short distance above your head. Here you’ll definitely take a really good photo!

Finally, we make our way towards Guavaberry Emporium, the perfect place to buy the famous and legendary National Liqueur of St. Maarten. We will be able to get a beautiful view of the capital of the Dutch side – Phillipsburg.

By the time we get back to the port, we would have made a complete cycle around this beautiful paradise island.

Selfie Spots:
• Orient Bay
• Grand Case Beach
• Marigot Market
• Fort St Louis
• French- Dutch border
• Maho Beach
• Guavaberry Emporium

As an adventure-seeker you will simply love this new thrill ride that takes you on the Aerial Sky Explorer with the landscape unfolding below to the top of one of St. Maarten’s highest mountains. You’ll go flying back down on the world’s steepest zip line.

Board your air-conditioned transportation at the dock for a 30-minute, air-conditioned ride to Rockland Estate.

You will be directed to the plantation house, built in the 1700s, to learn the powerful story of Trace Wilson, born into slavery on the estate in 1818 and his descendant Emilio Wilson who purchased the property to educate current and future generations about the conditions of plantation life as well as the customs, traditions and history of St. Maarten, “The Friendly Island.”

Embark the Sky Explorer for the approximately 25-minute ride to the top of Sentry Hill, one of St.Maarten’s highest elevations at 1,125 feet. The experience encompasses two chairlifts as well as a series of platforms that encircle the mountaintop showcasing 360-degree views of the island including vistas of neighboring islands Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barts and Anguilla.

A brief orientation will prepare you to fly down the mountain on The Flying Dutchman; the world’s steepest zip line! You’ll be attached to a flight line in a secure harnessed chair, launching you on the 1050-foot drop in elevation over 2800 feet to experience the ride of a lifetime.

After your fun-filled adventure, souvenirs and attraction photos are available for purchase in the gift shop. Emilio’s Restaurant, nestled among authentic antique colonial walls offers a menu of classic favorites with a new twist. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

When you are ready to depart, after exploring the estate, board your air-conditioned transportation back to your ship.

This is the ultimate package which will allow you to experience all attractions the park has to offer. Experience both zip lines; The Sentry Hill which takes you across the mountain ridge and the steepest line in the world and The Flying Dutchman! Consisting of two lifts the Sky Explorer brings you to the top of one of St. Maarten’s highest peaks while the scenery unfolds below you, and the Schooner Ride sends you surfing down the mountain in an inner tube.

Board your air-conditioned transportation at the dock for a 30-minute ride to Rockland Estate.

Each adventure begins in this restored plantation house originally built in the 1700s. The Museum tells the powerful story Trace Wilson who was born into slavery on the property in 1818 and her direct descendant Emilio Wilson. You will see depictions of what life was like on a plantation and learn about the customs, traditions, lifestyle and stories that earned Sint Maarten the nickname ‘The Friendly Island.’

Embark on the Aerial Sky Explorer for the approximately 25-minute ride to the top of Sentry Hill; one of St. Maarten’s highest elevations at 1,125 feet. The experience encompasses two chairlifts as well as a series of platforms encircle the mountaintop showcasing 360-degree views of the island including vistas of neighboring islands Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barts and Anguilla.

After your orientation at the transfer station, you will put your safety equipment and harness system for your Sentry Hill Zip Line flight over the mountain ridge.

Board Lift 2 to the top of Sentry Hill and a brief orientation will prepare you to fly down the mountain on the world’s steepest zip line, The Flying Dutchman. You’ll be attached to a flight line in a secure harnessed chair, launching you on the 1050-foot drop in elevation over 2800 feet to experience the ride of a lifetime.

To complete your top-to-bottom thrill ride, the Aerial Sky Explorer will take you to the Schooner Ride Station where you’ll surf down the mountain in an inner tube through the curves and straightaways of a specially designed track.

After your fun-filled adventure, souvenirs and attraction photos are available for purchase in the gift shop. Emilio’s Restaurant, nestled among authentic antique colonial walls offers a menu of classic favorites with a new twist. Food and beverages are available for purchase.

When you are ready to depart, after exploring the estate, board your air-conditioned transportation back to your ship.