One Day St Maarten Cruise Itinerary “Two-Capital Bike & Beach Day” (Maho & Simpson Bay Lagoon)
You can’t have missed the memo that St. Maarten / St. Martin is uniquely binational. Divided in two nations sharing the longest open border in history, well before the European Union came to be, is a feat to explore.
There is no better spot to get a glimpse of how this dual nation status is seamless but interesting than in in the binational Simpson Bay Lagoon, with both French side capital Marigot and the Concordia border Monument along its shores. See below one day travel plan visiting the lagoon and both capitals in an active fashion!
Morning: Binational Bike Tour
Trisport organizes an active binational lagoon exploration. As a cruise ship passenger, you can be picked up at the cruise port in Philipsburg in the morning hours. Your three hour bicycle course will explore different sides from St. Maarten / St. Martins multifaceted binationality. One of St. Maarten / St. Martins key qualities is its variety of landscapes and the lagoon offers a beautiful sample. From urban Marigot to mangrove areas, monuments, airports and glitzy marinas, your 17 kilometer two-country tour has all included. On its Dutch side, you pass one of the busiest yacht harbors in the Caribbean and you have airplanes land over your head in Maho Beach.
Beachside Lunch at the Boardwalk
You are prone to be hungry after your miles of biking! Back in Philipsburg, take a “Boardwalk bite”. Beach clubs like The Pier, Seaview, Dutch Blonde Beach Bar, Big Bastards and Ocean Lounge all offer a great seaside bite. Ask for their economic offers – often, beach chairs and lunch can be included in a day pass or package. From the boardwalk, cultural landmarks like the courthouse, the St. Martin of Tours Church and the Museum can easily be seen and/or visited in your Philipsburg afternoon. And then of course, the shopping!
If you are a fan of an active cruise day but more interested to stay around Philipsburg, consider the Active Little Bay Beach Day! Also see our dedicated pages for inspiration on individual cruise excursions and more information on your port of call St. Maarten / St. Martin.
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