Caribbean Tastes Itinerary: A One-Day Culinary Journey in St. Maarten
Caribbean Tastes Itinerary – One-Day Culinary Experience in St. Maarten
The Caribbean Tastes Itinerary offers a thoughtfully paced one-day journey through the culinary heart of St. Maarten. Designed for both cruise and stayover visitors, this itinerary combines guided tastings, relaxed beachfront dining, and hands-on craftsmanship into a seamless experience that requires minimal transportation. With fixed start times and walkable connections, it is an ideal way to explore the island’s Dutch, French, and Caribbean influences through food and drink. All elements include either a pick-up in Philipsburg or are located in the town center (at walking distance for cruise visitors).
Length: 1 Day
Type: Culinary and Cultural Experience
Suitable for: Cruise Visitors and Stayover Visitors
Morning Experience – St. Martin Culinary Foodie Tour
9:30 AM to 12:15 PM – Discover the Island Through Taste
The day begins at 9:30 AM with the St. Martin Culinary Foodie Tour by Seagrape Tours, a guided morning experience that introduces visitors to the diverse flavors that define the island. Morning is the ideal time for this tour, as food locations are fully prepared and the pace is comfortable before midday heat. Pick-up can be arranged from Chesterfield’s, right outside the cruise port gates. During the approximately 2.5- to 3-hour tour, guests explore a variety of tasting stops showcasing Creole, Caribbean, Dutch, and French culinary traditions. Knowledgeable guides provide context on the island’s shared history, explaining how different cultures have influenced local cuisine on both sides of the border. The tour concludes between 12:00 PM and 12:15 PM, placing guests in the perfect position to continue directly to lunch without downtime or rushing.
Lunch on the Boardwalk – Dutch Blonde Beach Bar
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM – Dutch Pancakes by the Sea
Following the morning tour, guests make their way to the Philipsburg Boardwalk for lunch at Dutch
Blonde Beach Bar, arriving around 12:30 PM. The boardwalk is an easy 10-minute walk from the cruise
port, making taxis optional rather than necessary.
Lunch features traditional Dutch pancakes served in a relaxed beachfront setting overlooking Great Bay. Guests can choose from sweet or savory options, reflecting the island’s Dutch heritage while enjoying ocean views and cooling sea breezes. Departing around 1:30 PM ensures a smooth transition to the next experience without feeling rushed.
Afternoon Experience – Make Your Own Rum Workshop at Rusty Parrot
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Workshop
The afternoon centers on a hands-on cultural experience with the Make Your Own Rum Workshop at The Rusty Parrot pirate center. The workshop begins at 2:00 PM and runs for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Guests are introduced to the history of rum in the Caribbean and its importance in island life before creating their own custom rum blend. Under expert guidance, participants select flavors, spices, and profiles to craft a personalized bottle, making this both an educational and memorable experience. The workshop concludes between 3:30 PM and 4:00 PM, leaving ample time for cruise passengers to return to port and for stayover visitors to continue their evening plans.
Transportation and Practical Notes
This itinerary is intentionally designed to minimize transportation needs. Walking is sufficient for the
morning and lunch portions, while the afternoon workshop includes organized pickup. Taxis to and
from the cruise port are available but not required.
Best Days to Enjoy This Itinerary
The Caribbean Tastes Itinerary is best experienced from Wednesday through Saturday, when all
elements — culinary tour, beach bar lunch, and rum workshop — operate on reliable schedules.
Morning starts are essential to ensure the full experience fits comfortably into one day.
Ideal for Cruise and Stayover Visitors
Cruise visitors benefit from the itinerary’s proximity to the port and clearly defined end time, while stayover guests appreciate the deeper cultural immersion and relaxed pacing. The structure allows guests to enjoy St. Maarten without feeling over-scheduled. It can be a more busy trajectory when many ships are in; see the St. Maarten Cruise Ship Schedule to see how busy it is. Making reservations is always recommended!
Continue Exploring St. Maarten
Note that it is always good to book excursion elements above in advance, especially when the local cruise ship schedule shows many ships in port. For travelers looking to expand their stay, itinerary blog features curated one-day highlights, five-day immersive journeys, and seven-day in-depth itineraries. These options allow visitors to explore beaches, culture, adventure, and gastronomy in greater detail while building on experiences like the Caribbean Tastes Itinerary.
