The St Maarten Orient & Maho Beaches Half-Day Tour
Two of the island's most famous beaches in one easy half-day. The St Maarten Orient and Maho beaches tour pairs the wide French-side sand of Orient Bay with the plane-spotting spectacle of Maho, with convenient pickup at the Philipsburg cruise port and a drink along the way. It's the simplest beach-day plan on the island, rated 4.4 stars. Here's what to expect, plus how it sits alongside the other Sint Maarten island tours.
About the Orient & Maho Beaches Tour
Cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund
Hold your spot and pay closer to the day
A relaxed half-day built around two beaches
Convenient meet-up at the Philipsburg cruise port
The island's big, lively white-sand French-side beach
Watch the jets land low over the famous airport beach
Check Live Availability & Prices
Real-time dates and prices for the Orient and Maho beaches half-day tour with cruise-port pickup.
Why Book the Orient & Maho Beaches Tour
If your idea of a perfect island day is sand, sun and a bit of spectacle, this is the simplest way to get it. The tour takes you to Orient Bay — the broad, lively French-side beach with loungers, bars and water sports — then to Maho Beach on the Dutch side, where jets pass just over the sand on their final approach. A refreshing drink is included in transit and pickup is right at the Philipsburg cruise port.
At around 4.5 hours it fits neatly into a cruise-ship port day or a relaxed afternoon, with none of the planning. It's rated 4.4 stars. See how it compares with the other island tours in St Maarten.
What You'll Do on the Tour
It's a beach-focused half-day with two very different stops. Expect to:
- Relax on the wide white sand of Orient Bay on the French side
- Swim, sunbathe or rent a lounger and watersports gear
- Watch the planes land low over the sand at Maho Beach
- Enjoy a refreshing drink during the transfer
- Take in the coastline between the two beaches
What's Included (and What Isn't)
What's Included
- A 4.5-hour half-day tour with a local guide
- Cruise-port pickup in Philipsburg
- Transport to Orient Bay and Maho Beach
- A refreshing drink in transit
- Beach time at both stops
Not Included
- Loungers, umbrellas and watersports rentals at Orient Bay
- Food and additional drinks
- Gratuities for the guide and driver (optional)
How the Day Flows
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Start
Cruise-port pickup
Meet your guide at the Philipsburg cruise port and set off across the island.
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First stop
Orient Bay
Spend the bulk of your beach time on the wide French-side sand — swim, relax or rent a lounger.
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Transit
Drink on the move
Enjoy a refreshing drink as you transfer toward the Dutch side.
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Second stop
Maho Beach
Finish at Maho to watch the jets come in low over the famous beach.
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End
Return
Head back to the cruise port or your drop-off point.
Important Things to Know Before You Go
An easy beach day — just plan for sun and a couple of beach essentials.
- Loungers and umbrellas at Orient Bay cost extra — bring cash if you want them
- Orient Bay has a clothing-optional section at its far end; the main beach is family-friendly
- Maho's sand can get blasted by jet wash during departures — stand clear of the fence
- Pickup is at the cruise port, so it's ideal straight off the ship
What to pack
- Swimsuit, towel and reef-safe sunscreen
- A hat and sunglasses for the open beaches
- Cash for loungers, drinks and rentals
- A waterproof phone case for the Maho action
What to leave behind
- Valuables you don't want to watch at a busy beach
- Anything that can't get sandy or wet
Insider Tips for the Beaches Tour
What beach regulars and guides recommend:
- Orient Bay's main stretch is family-friendly; the naturist section is clearly separate at the far south end
- Renting a lounger and umbrella at Orient is worth it — there's little natural shade
- Save Maho for last and check the flight board at the Sunset Bar for the big arrivals
- Never stand behind the fence at Maho during a takeoff — the jet blast is genuinely dangerous
- Bring small bills for beach bars and rentals; cards aren't always taken on the sand
- If you're on a cruise, this is one of the easiest tours to fit a port day around
Where It Goes — Orient Bay & Maho Beach
Who This Tour Is For
The pick for travelers who want beaches and the famous Maho planes with zero planning.
- Cruise passengers who want an easy, port-pickup beach day
- Beach lovers who want Orient Bay's wide sand and facilities
- Plane-spotters keen to see the Maho landings up close
- Travelers who'd rather be driven than figure out the buses
Not ideal for
- Visitors who want a full island-sightseeing loop
- Travelers after a boat trip or time on the water
- Anyone uncomfortable near a clothing-optional beach section (it's avoidable but present at Orient)
St Maarten Orient & Maho Beaches Tour — FAQ
Which beaches does the tour visit?
Orient Bay on the French side — a wide, lively white-sand beach with loungers and water sports — and Maho Beach on the Dutch side, famous for jets landing low overhead. Compare it with the other island tours in St Maarten.
Does the tour pick up at the cruise port?
Yes — pickup is at the Philipsburg cruise port, which makes it one of the easiest tours to do straight off a ship. Check live availability for your date above and give the operator your all-aboard time.
Is Orient Bay a nude beach?
Orient Bay has a clothing-optional section at its far south end, but the main beach where tours stop is family-friendly with loungers, bars and water sports. The two areas are clearly separate.
Will we see the planes at Maho Beach?
Yes, Maho is the second stop. Jets land low over the sand throughout the day — stand clear of the fence behind the runway during departures, as the engine blast is dangerous.
How much is the Orient and Maho beaches tour?
It starts at $46 per person for the 4.5-hour half-day with cruise-port pickup and a drink in transit. Compare it with the rest of our Sint Maarten island tours or contact us for help choosing.
What Travelers Say About the Beaches Tour
Exactly what we wanted on a port day — easy pickup at the ship, plenty of time at Orient Bay, then the planes at Maho to finish. Stress-free and great value.
Orient Bay was gorgeous and we rented a lounger and umbrella for the day. Maho was a fun, slightly mad finale. The drink on the way over was a nice touch.
Two very different beaches and an easy half-day. The guide got us back to the cruise terminal with loads of time. Perfect for a first visit.