Island Highlight: Explore St. Maarten/St. Martin by ATV & Buggy
Whether you’re a cruise passenger seeking a fun island excursion or a stayover guest looking to explore the island, chances are you’ve spotted ATVs and buggies cruising along the coast—or read about them as one of the most exhilarating ways to experience St. Maarten / St. Martin.
And with good reason: ATVs are a thrilling, open-air way to discover the island’s natural beauty, hidden gems, and iconic sights.
Why Explore St. Maarten / St. Martin by ATV?
• Three-Dimensional Touring
This island isn’t flat—its terrain climbs from turquoise beaches to lush green peaks like Sentry Hill and Pic Paradis. Even if you’ve rented a car, spending one day on a “quad” unlocks the island’s heights with 360° views, unobstructed by windshields or roofs. It’s the perfect way to soak in the Caribbean sun you came for and tropical scenery.
• Scenic Full-Island Loop
St. Maarten / St. Martin is small enough to circle in a day, yet packed with stops worth visiting on both the Dutch and French sides. A self-guided ATV tour lets you customize your itinerary and explore at your own pace.
• Easy Parking, Low Density
While the island is popular, it’s rarely overcrowded or high rise. Many of the best spots to visit by ATV offer convenient parking and room to roam.
• No Highways, Low-Speed Roads
With no major highways, the island’s roads are well suited for ATVs and buggies. Most speed limits fall comfortably within ATV capabilities, making them a practical (and fun) way to get around.
Where to Rent ATVs & Buggies in St. Maarten
Most ATV and buggy rentals are found in or near Philipsburg, close to the cruise port. Two trusted providers include:
• Johnny’s Scooter Rental – A well-established rental agency offering a range of ATVs, buggies and tours.
• Twin Tours Island Excursions – Known for guided tours and reliable rentals.
Tips Before You Ride:
• Stick to the public road system, especially if you’re not part of a guided tour.
• Avoid afternoon traffic between Philipsburg, the St. Maarten airport, and Marigot—especially between 4:00 and 5:30 PM. Aim to return to the Philipsburg area by 3 PM.
• Check the weather forecast. A little rain is manageable, but all-day showers can dampen the fun.
• Reserve in advance, especially in winter or for groups, to secure your vehicle.
Top ATV Destinations in St. Maarten / St. Martin
You can reach virtually every major highlight in a day. Here are some of the best ATV-accessible spots that combine scenic views, photo opportunities, and cultural highlights:
Oyster Bay
Just 15 minutes from Philipsburg, this binational coastal area offers sweeping views and a glimpse of St. Barths in the distance. Add a quick detour via Dawn Beach and Defiance (15 minutes extra) for unpaved roads and elevated lookout points. Continue across the border to the panoramic tower at Baie Lucas, ideal for a swim or a scenic rest stop.
Amuseum Naturalis
Located in the “Old House” plantation, a 15 minute Amuseum Naturalis cultural stop offers insights into local history and biodiversity. There’s convenient parking in the front meadow, and the museum’s back garden offers unique views of the surrounding landscape.
Grand Case & Orient Bay
Head north for a midday break in either of these seaside villages. Both Grand Case and Orient Bay Beach offer beachfront restaurants, beach clubs, and opportunities to swim or unwind.
Marigot
The capital of the French side, Marigot is a charming stop on your return south. Enjoy the waterfront boardwalk, check out the local markets, and grab a bite at one of the famous lolos (open-air barbecue shacks).
Maho Beach
From Marigot, head toward Maho Beach, where planes fly just overhead as they land at / depart from Princess Juliana International Airport. The best parking is behind the beach, near Morgan Resort. You can take the quick route via the Simpson Bay Causeway and the Concordia Border Monument, or the longer scenic road past Nettle Bay, Baie Rouge Beach and Cupecoy—adding about 30 minutes.
Rainforest Adventure Park
If you’re back near Philipsburg on time for this, don’t miss Rainforest Adventures adventure park. Its record-breaking steep zipline adds a final thrill to your ATV day. Parking is easy here.
Getting to the ATV Rental Pickup Point
If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, the rental companies in between Philipsburg and the cruise port area are easily accessible by bus, taxi or car rental. Nearby options for secure parking include Bobby’s Marina and Dock Maarten.
For more ideas on where to go, check out our recommended itineraries and learn more about St. Maarten / St. Martin.
