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St. Maarten
Shore Excursions
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The exotic island of St. Maarten is 37 square miles and has a population of 77,000 people. St. Maarten is Dutch (16 square miles) and that part of the island's capital is called Philips burg, while St. Martin is French (21 square miles) and that part of
the island's capital is Marigot (St. Maarten and St. Martin are different names for the same island). There is a diverse culture with over 77 different nationalities represented on this small i
sland where everyone speaks English (you can also find people
who speak Spanish, Papiamentu, Italian, Hindi and Chinese).
Some noticeable differences though: there are casinos on the Dutch side (not allowed in the French) and topless beaches on
the French side (not allowed in the Dutch). |
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The island has a rich history which is present in the people that you will encounter. The island was
originally settled by the Dutch and French in 1630 and after a few skirmishes the two decided to split
the island. St. Maarten has only recently become a vacation destination and prior to 1950 it was driven
mostly by a trade based economy who's primary export was not surprisingly: salt.
Now the island is visited by over one and a half million people a year because of the relaxing environment,
sun, beautiful beaches and to get a taste of what the colonial Caribbean has to offer.
Culture abounds in everything. On the French side you can find homes still standing and occupied in
fantastic condition from the colonial French architectural style: complete with the fretwork that wealthy
land owners adorned their homes in to show off their stature. And there is no lack of cultural history
bearing the Dutch stamp either. Homes built in the colonial "Gingerbread style" utilize the same fretwork
but for a more utilitarian purpose. It looks beautiful, provides shade and lets air circulate at the same time.
The flora and fauna of the island is amazing. As you wind the hills the narrow, steep roads are lined with
cashew nut, banana, and mango trees. Pelicans (the national bird), egrets, goats, sheep, cows and horses
are common sites as well. If wildlife interests you and you have the time you may wish to stop in to the
St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden.
The overall feeling of the island is one of relaxation. There is no hurry, and it can be quite an adjustment
getting used to the laid-back attitude of the island and it's people. Just take your time and soak in
everything that the island has to offer.
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Pinel Island Snorkel Tour (3.5 hours)*
After a scenic bus ride to the northeast French Coast, a water taxi will transport you to Pinel Island
where you can enjoy shallow or deep water snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing on a beautiful beach.
All the snorkeling gear and instruction is provided. You're welcome to explore this uninhabited island,
visit the boutiques or purchase cool drinks from the local vendors.
Price: Adult $35 (ages 10 & up) Child: $30 (ages 5-9) No one under age 5.
Shipwreck Cove Snorkel Tour (3.5 hours)
Experience a thrilling snorkel adventure at Shipwreck Cove, where you can hand-feed a wide array of
fish that inhabit sunken ships along with a variety of local marine life. Not recommended for non-swimmers.
All snorkeling gear is included along with rum punch or fruit punch, after snorkeling.
Price: Adult $39 (ages 10 & up) Child: $33 (ages 8-9) No one under age 8.
Golden Eagle Catamaran (3.5-4 hours)*
Sail across the sparkling Caribbean waters in a catamaran, and enjoy swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Pastries and an open bar are provided, after your snorkeling adventure. Snorkeling equipment is provided.
Price: Adult $62 (ages 10 & up) Child: $36 (ages 5-9) No one under age 5.
12-Metre Regatta (3 hours)
Experience the most exciting water sport event in the Caribbean - The 12-Metre Regatta! You will race
in vessels that actually competed in the America's Cup. As a crew member you can grind a winch, trim a
sail, punch a stop watch or sit back and relax as you race the vessel to victory.
Price: Adult $69 (ages 12 & up only)
Island Drive and Explorer Cruise (4 hours)
Enjoy a scenic transfer to Simpson's Bay Lagoon, where you'll board the Explorer for a 30-minute cruise
to Marigot, the French capital. You will have time for sightseeing and shopping before your scenic return
to Philipsburg, the Dutch capital.
Price: Adult $40 (ages 10 & up) Child: $20 (ages 3-9)
Under Two Flags Island Tour (3 hours)
During a scenic tour of St. Maarten, two countries in one excursion, the French and Dutch side of this
beautiful island, you'll make a short stop at the French capital of Marigot where you can browse the
local marketplace and boutiques.
Price: Adult $19 (ages 10 & up) Child: $15 (ages 3-9)
French Riviera Beach Rendezvous (5 hours)*
Transfer to Orient Bay and relax on 1.5 miles of white sandy beach. When you arrive, you'll be welcomed
with a complimentary drink, a delicious lunch and reserved beach chair. A very popular excursion for the
true beach lover.
Price: Adult $45 (ages 10 and up) Child: $35 (ages 3-9)
St. Maarten Island and Butterfly Farm Tour (3.5-4 hours)
A narrated bus tour will take you through Philipsburg to the Butterfly Farm in the French Quarter, where
you'll observe exotic species in this rare environment. From the farm you'll go to the village of Marigot
to enjoy its sidewalk cafes, open-air markets and duty-free shopping.
Price: Adult $32 (ages 10 & up) Child: $27 (ages 3-9)
See & Sea Island Tour (3.5 hours)
This tour combines the best of land and sea, starting with a narrated bus ride to Grand Case. From there, experience the underwater wonder of St. Maarten on the Sea World Explorer, a semi-submarine.
Afterwards, you'll continue to Marigot, where you'll spend approximately one hour to visit the quaint town.
Price: Adult $48 (ages 10 & up) Child: $35 (ages 3-9)
Lagoon Kayaking Tour (3.5-4 hours)
After a narrated bus tour, kayak across the largest salt-water lagoon in the Antilles. Cross the invisible
"Aquatic" border before your well-earned stop at Explorer Island. Continue onto a sandy beach for time
to swim, relax and enjoy a refreshing beverage.
Price: Adult $60 (ages 10 & up, maximum weight 300 lbs.)
Certified Scuba (4 hours)
Make sure you bring your Certification Card, which will be necessary for you to sign up for this two-tank
dive. You will also need to have completed at least one dive in the past two years. Once in the water,
you'll have the opportunity to dive at some of St. Maarten's most famous dive sights, where you'll see
beautiful coral and an abundance of colorful fish.
Price: Adult $90 (ages 12 & up only)
Lotterie Farm Hidden Forrest Tour (4.5-5 hours)
Take a challenging wilderness hike for approximately 1½ hours along a trail beneath a lush rainforest
canopy. Emerge from a hidden canyon to the breathtaking heights of Pic Paradise. After the hike, wind
down with a sumptuous buffet lunch at the Hidden Forest open-air restaurant and a brief trip to the
island's famous marketplace.
Price: Adult $75 (ages 10 and above)
Price: Child $45 (ages 8 - 9) No one under age 8.
Departure Time: 8:15 am
Mountain Bike Adventure (3.5 hours)
Experience on and off-road biking along stunning coastlines, down an exhilarating trail and through the
rural village of Colombier. The ride ends at the beautiful, secluded cove of Friar's Bay Beach, where you
can relax, sun or swim while enjoying a complimentary beverage.
Price: Adult $65 (ages 12 and above) No one under age 12.
Departure Time: 7:50 am
Anguilla Dolphin & Stingray Encounter (7 - 7.5 hours)
Swim, feed and play with dolphins while learning fascinating facts about them. There will be plenty of
photo opportunities, so don't forget your camera (underwater cameras are not allowed in the water).
For a perfect ending to a memorable morning, take time for fun and sun on the beach at beautiful
Meads Bay, where you can enjoy an authentic Caribbean barbecue lunch.
Price: Adult $180 (ages 10 and above)
Price: Child $158 (ages 5-9) No one under age 5.
Departure Time: 7:15 am
Rhino Rider & Snorkeling Adventure (3 hours)
Ride on air! Pilot your own two-person inflatable vessel across Simpson Bay Lagoon. Travel along the
coastline and out to open sea and take in spectacular views of Marigot and Fort S. Louis. Then,
experience the underwater drama at a prime snorkeling spot. Swim among the marine life before
returning to the lagoon. Relax after the journey at one of the island's best-known watering holes with
a complimentary beverage.
Price: Adult $79 per person. Each boat holds two guests and you will be paired up.
Ages 10 and above. Guests must be 13 years or older to drive Rhino Rider and must be accompanied
by an adult 18 years or older.
Price: Child $N/A
Departure Time: 7:45 am, 12:45 pm
* Please be aware that St. Maarten's beaches are similar to those found in many European
countries where swimwear and other attire is optional.
Please note: except where noted, shore excursions are operated by independent contractors.
All excursions are subject to cancellation due to weather, itinerary changes and attendance. Excursions
are booked on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability. All prices are subject to
change without notice. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. |
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| Above Prices are Subject to change |
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