Guided coastal routes along both sides of the island, rugged terrain, hidden beaches, and viewpoints that don’t show up on any map. Both sides of the island — Dutch and French — in two to four hours, with a local guide who knows every trail, every shortcut, and every spot worth stopping for.
It’s dusty, it’s bumpy, and it’s completely worth it. The kind of morning that makes you feel like you’ve actually discovered something — not just visited.
Most tours cover 4 hours and include stops at beaches, scenic coastal viewpoints, and points of interest on both sides of the island. You’ll ride along coastal roads, cross the French-Dutch border, and stop at places like Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, Marigot, and some of the lesser-known beaches that most tourists never find.
The tour typically ends at a beach where you can swim, relax, and have a rum punch before heading back. It’s a great half-day activity — active enough to feel like an adventure, relaxed enough to end with your feet in the sand.
Most sunset cruises depart from Simpson Bay — the main marina on the Dutch side. Easy to reach from Philipsburg, Maho Beach, or most hotels on the Dutch side.
Duration: 4 hours | Group size: Small group | Includes: Helmet, fuel, guide | From: $120
Adventure Island Tours runs one of the most well-reviewed ATV experiences on the island — and for good reason. Guides Danny, Kevin, and Prez are known by name in the reviews, which tells you everything about the quality of the experience. This isn’t a conveyor belt operation.
The tour covers both the Dutch and French sides, with stops lasting 15-20 minutes at each main attraction. Along the way, you’ll have the chance to feed iguanas, ducks, donkeys, and turtles — one of those unexpected moments that makes the whole thing feel genuinely local. The tour ends at the beach with chairs, shade, and a rum punch included. Book ahead — this sells out 23 days in advance on average.
⚠️ Likely to sell out — booked 23 days in advance on average. Don't wait until you're on the island.
✅ Free cancellation | Secure booking via Viator
→ Check availability & book
Duration: Half day | Type: Guided tour or self-drive rental | From: $90
A well-established local operator with a loyal following — Tim and Morgan are regularly mentioned by name in reviews, which is always a good sign. They offer both guided tours and ATV rentals for those who prefer to explore independently with a map.
The guided tour covers both sides of the island including a stop at Maho Beach to watch the planes land. If you want flexibility and independence, the rental option lets you set your own pace. 262 reviews on Viator.
🏍️ Good for independent travelers — rental option available if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
✅ Free cancellation | Secure booking via Viator
→ Check availability & book
Duration: 4 hours | Departure: Philipsburg | Includes: Helmet, water, ATV, guide | From $120
Blue Bubbles is based in Philipsburg and runs a well-organized guided tour covering both sides of the island — Airport Beach, Mullet Bay, Marigot, and a stop at the beach to swim at the end. A popular choice for hotel guests who want a structured half-day adventure. Guides Anthony and Dylan are consistently praised for their energy and knowledge. Booked 25 days in advance on average.
🏝️ Ideal for hotel guests — pickup available from Little Bay, Simpson Bay, and Oyster Bay areas.
✅ Free cancellation | Secure booking via Viator
→ Check availability & book
St Maarten is one of the Caribbean’s busiest cruise ports — and ATV tours are one of the most popular shore excursions on the island. Most operators offer cruise-friendly options with pickup directly at the port and flexible timing designed to work around your ship’s schedule.
🚢 Cruise passengers: Blue Bubbles offers direct pickup at the cruise terminal. Book in advance — the island gets very busy on cruise ship days and tours fill up fast.
✅ Free cancellation | Secure booking via Viator
→ Check availability & book
👕 What to wear: Closed shoes are mandatory — no flip flops on the ATV. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dusty. Bring sunscreen and water for the stops.
🪪 Driver requirements: You must be 18+ with a valid driver's license to operate an ATV. Passengers from age 4+ are welcome. Maximum combined weight per double ATV is 350 pounds.
⏰ On timing: Tours run in the morning and early afternoon. On cruise ship days, the island gets very busy — book the first slot of the day for the best experience and least traffic.
🌊 Looking for more adventures?
→ See all things to do in St Maarten
→ Day trips to Anguilla from St Maarten
I've lived in St Martin for 25 years — and I'm an epicurean at heart, in love with my island. I've been giving out insider tips for almost 15 years.
Let me help you plan your perfect vacation in St Martin / St Maarten!
→ Vacation Rentals : Start with our own curated selection of villas and rentals — some owners accept direct bookings. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, VRBO and Booking.com have a wide selection.
→ Hotels : TripAdvisor and Booking.com are our go-to for the best rates.
→ Car Rental : Renting a car is essential in St Martin. DiscoverCars searches all local companies for the lowest rates.
→ Tours & Excursions : We book through Viator and GetYourGuide — both offer free cancellation on most tours.
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→ eSIM : Skip the roaming fees. Airalo works perfectly in St Martin.
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