Our Island tour will depart the cruise terminal in the comfort of your air conditioned vehicle first stopping a popular souvenir retailer in Philipsburg (the Dutch side Capital) were guests would find an assortment of beach resort wear, trinkets and souvenirs. (Twenty minute stop)
The tour then continues east along the Great salt pond (now inactive) through a few local villages, before crossing the east side frontier into the French half of the island. Arriving along the east coastline of Lucas Bay, here there will be a 10 minutes photo stop
The tour now continues to Orient Bay the most popular beach on the island, a variety of restaurants and water sports are available, not to mention the chance of being your natural self, after all this beach also has a clothing optional section.
Free time at the beach is 1 hour thirty minutes.
The tour continues north for approx 10 minutes before arriving to the quaint former fishing village of Grand Case, not only renowned as The Gourmet capital Of the Caribbean" but also for its distinctive style of architecture. Elaborate carvings and fretwork also called gingerbread style decorate the front of the small wooden homes painted in pastel colors. The effect is charming. Local Barbeque dishes are available here at stands called Lolo's, colloquial for local. Grand Case beach is great for families with children.
The tour now continues northwest through La Savanne & Rambaud before arriving to Marigot (French side capital) for forty-five minutes of free time. Here guests can visit the many shops, French pastry shops, fleamarket, spice, fruit and vegetable market or even visit the Fort Louis if able to maneuver the 90 steps up to the fort.
The tour now continues west through Terres basses, neighborhood of some of the most expensive homes and villas on the island that are often times host to many a famous person before arriving to the west side frontier and crossing to the Dutch half of the island.
Driving through hotel & condominium area of Cupecoy, Mullet Bay Golf Course, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort complex, our Next stop will be the famous Sunset Beach Bar & Grill at Maho Beach. Famous because here plane spotting enthusiast as well as sun bathers can see Boeing 747's, Air Bus 380's on final approach to Princess Juliana Intl A' port. Free time 1 hour
Our next photo stop will be Cole Bay Hill, this stop permits guest a panoramic view of Simpson Bay lagoon (largest in the Caribbean) with its many yachts and sailboats and the neighboring islands of Anguilla, Saba and St.Eustatias atmospheric conditions permitting. (Five minute stop)
The tour now continues South through Cay Hill & Belair with a view of Fort Amsterdam on the peninsular and a magnificent view of Great Bay harbor before returning to the cruise terminal. Alternatively be dropped off in Philipsburg (three-minute taxi/water taxi ride to terminal) Approx 20 minute walk.
The entire tour is narrated with relevant historical and up to date info throughout the entire duration of your tour.
Twin Island Excursions
