St-Martin and St Maarten: Sightseeing Tour of the French and Dutch Sides of the Island

No matter which sightseeing option you choose, you’ll experience a blend of St Martin's colonial past with its modern present as you visit both sides of the Caribbean island, settled by the Dutch and the French in the 1600s. As you tour the island with your guide, learn how the two sides joined forces against the Spanish, dividing the 37-square-mile (60-square-km) island almost equally between them into Dutch St Maarten and French St-Martin.

After pickup from your Philipsburg hotel, venture first to Grand Case Beach, one of the most tranquil and beautiful of St Martin's coastline. Here, on the north end of the French side, walk along the crystal-white sand and admire the pristine, clear blue water that mirrors the sky. Sunbathe, swim or stroll at your leisure, basking in the tropical sun.

The visit the village of Grand Case, where you can try guavaberry rum punch or simply enjoy a soda or beer. If you choose, dine on a local dish, such as chicken legs or Johnny Cake – a fried cornmeal pancake – for lunch (own expense).

Next, head to the quaint village of Marigot. Delight in the European ambiance of the town, where colonial streets lined with shops and the open-air bazaar offer plenty of duty-free shopping opportunities if you’re interested.

Then, visit Maho Beach and hold your breath as you watch airplanes fly close above as they approach the runway at nearby Princess Juliana International Airport. Your tour ends with a drive through Simpson Bay on your return to your hotel.