One Day Cruise Visit Itinerary – Must See St Maarten Landmark Tour & Zipline
On the one hand, a cruise day visit is always too short to see all the landmarks of a destination. On the other hand – if you can do an attempt anywhere, it is on St. Maarten / St. Martin, as the island is compact in size.
Below suggested day plan connects 5 landmarks in a row for you to explore and be back in port on time. Though the itinerary ends in Philipsburg close to the ship, the itinerary does require making use of taxis to live up to your ambition of seeing the most important “must-sees” in one day in the most efficient manner. Consider to hire one for a day; at least for the morning hours. Tour companies like Twin Island Excursions and Seagrape Tours can advice on dedicated tour experts with explanation along the route.
Dual Nation Symbol: the Concordia Monument
Have your taxi driver bring you to the Concordia Monument. This 1948 needle was built as a memorial for the treaty dividing the island 300 years prior. It is one of the very few man made objects in the world depicted in a national flag (that of Dutch side St. Maarten) and, additionally, in the island unity flag.
As this itinerary will continue on the Dutch side of the island, make sure to walk around the monument to its French side to safeguard your claim to have had a uniquely binational island visit.
Crossing the Bridge
The Simpson Bay Causeway Bridge close to the monument is one of the newest landmarks you’ll visit during this day plan. The massive bridge connects Marigot and Cole Bay to the north with the Simpson Bay area and Princess Juliana International Airport to the south. It offers great views to all sides of the binational lagoon and has a lovelock bridge section if you are in a romantic mood.
Landing in Maho Beach
Your next stop, about 10 minutes away, is the most photographed strip of sand in the world. Without a doubt, St Maartens most iconic landmark is the experience of airplanes landing and departing at Maho Beach. On a daily basis, dozens of holiday selfies make their way all over the world from this sandy shore – join them!
Tortuga next to the runway allows for a great spot to await planes (see the Princess Juliana arrival and departure schedule to know what planes can be expected) and enjoy an early lunch in the process.
Ziplining (or just sightseeing) at Rainforest Adventure Park
At noon, continue to the landmark Flying Dutchman zipline in Rainforest Adventure Park, the steepest zipline in the world. It should be about a 30 minute ride to reach this colossal project opening in 2017. For those visitors who are not of the thrill-seeking type, do not despair – it is very common to take the lift back down from the hilltop platform instead of plunging into the deep. The attraction of the commanding view over the Dutch and French side of the island as well as neighboring islands is just as great as the adrenaline rush of the “Dutchman”.
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Philipsburg Courthouse
It will take you about 15 minutes to get back to port of call Philipsburg. Ask your driver to stop at the Philipsburg courthouse to complete your must-see landmarks journey of the day. The building is the national emblem of Dutch side St. Maarten, and is depicted even larger than the border monument in the national flag.
From here, it is only 10 minutes to the port. Depending on how much time you still have left before the departure of your ship, you can also add some souvenir shopping or boardwalk pub crawl to your day plan.
If you look for different elements in your St. Maarten cruise visit, see a larger shore excursion overview and other itineraries for inspiration.
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