St.Martin – St.Maarten: Small Group, Birding Tour / Bird Watching Tour

The lush landscapes and diverse habitats of St. Martin-St. Maarten offer prime bird-watching opportunities for nature enthusiasts. This captivating 3.5-hour small-group tour provides personalized guidance as you explore saltwater ponds, rocky coastlines, and pristine beaches, spotting up to 30 unique bird species native to the Lesser Antilles. With expert local knowledge and complimentary refreshments, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure for birders of all levels. Discover why this highly-rated experience has travelers raving about its exceptional organization and expert guides.

Key Points

• A 3.5-hour small-group bird-watching tour in St. Maarten, exploring salt water ponds, rocky coastlines, and beaches to spot up to 30 bird species.
• The tour is highly rated with 5.0 stars from 30 reviews, with a 100% recommendation rate, and includes a guided experience with complimentary binoculars, refreshments, and transportation.
• The tour departs from the Dock Maarten Marina in Philipsburg and provides pickup service from select locations, with parking available for an additional fee.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are provided, and children must be accompanied by adults.
• Customers praise the guide’s extensive knowledge of local birds and history, and the tour is suitable for all levels of bird watchers, with prices starting at $129 per person.

Tour Overview and Details

The article provides an overview of a 3.5-hour bird-watching tour on the island of St. Maarten.

The tour takes visitors to salt water ponds, rocky coastlines, and beaches, where they can spot up to 30 bird species, including 6-10 native to the Lesser Antilles.

The tour takes visitors to diverse habitats where they can spot up to 30 bird species, including 6-10 endemic to the Lesser Antilles.

The group size is limited to a maximum of 3 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

The tour is highly rated, with 5.0 stars based on 30 reviews, and 100% of participants recommend it.

Complimentary items include a notepad, binoculars, coffee, tea, snacks, and bottled water, along with round-trip transportation from select St. Maarten hotels.

Inclusions and Amenities

Along With the guided bird-watching experience, the tour includes several complimentary items to enhance the outing.

Travelers will receive a notepad for recording sightings, as well as use of binoculars. Refreshments like coffee, homemade iced-lemongrass tea, and bottled water are provided. A snack of banana bread is also included.

Transportation is covered, with round-trip service from select St. Maarten hotels. However, gratuities and souvenirs aren’t included in the tour price.

The tour’s inclusions and amenities aim to create a comfortable and well-equipped bird-watching experience for participants.

Meeting and Pickup Information

Travelers meet for the bird-watching tour at the Dock Maarten Marina in Philipsburg. Round-trip transportation is provided from select hotels in Oyster Pond and Philipsburg, for an additional fee for other locations. From the cruise ship terminal, it’s a 10-minute walk to the meeting point.

| Meeting Point | Pickup Locations | Parking |

|————-|—————–|———|

| Dock Maarten Marina, Philipsburg | Included: Oyster Pond and Philipsburg | First hour: $2.00 |

| | Additional fee for other locations | Each additional hour: $1.00 |

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by adults. Infant seats are available.

Tour Expectations and Accessibility

When booking the bird-watching tour, travelers receive confirmation immediately.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but children are welcome if accompanied by adults, and infant seats are available.

The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Confirmation at booking

2. No wheelchair accessibility

3. Children must be accompanied by adults

4. Infant seats available

5. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

Customer Feedback and Experiences

What do past participants say about the bird-watching tour?

According to reviews, the guide is highly praised for their extensive knowledge of local birds and history.

Birders have reported sighting several notable species, including the Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, Pearly-Eyed Thrasher, Green-throated Carib, and White-cheeked Pintail.

The tour receives overwhelmingly positive feedback on its organization, experience, and the guide’s expertise.

Recommended for all levels of bird watchers, the tour offers an excellent opportunity to observe the diverse avifauna of St. Martin – St. Maarten.

The starting price of $129 per person also includes a lowest price guarantee.

Notable Bird Sightings

According to reviews, birders have reported sighting several notable species during the St. Maarten bird-watching tour.

The tour consistently delivers impressive wildlife viewings, including:

• The striking Lesser Antillean Bullfinch, a native finch species with a bold black and white plumage.

• The Pearly-Eyed Thrasher, a resident songbird known for its melodic calls and vibrant eyes.

• The Green-throated Carib, a stunning hummingbird species found throughout the Lesser Antilles.

• The White-cheeked Pintail, an elegant duck species that frequents the area’s salt water ponds.

These diverse sightings highlight the rich avian biodiversity of St. Maarten’s habitats.

Booking and Pricing

The bird-watching tour in St. Martin – St. Maarten is bookable year-round. Guests can reserve their spot online or by phone.

The tour costs $129 per person, with a lowest price guarantee available. Pickup from select hotels in Oyster Pond and Philipsburg is included, though an additional fee applies for other locations.

The tour has a maximum group size of 3 travelers. Confirmation is received at the time of booking. Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours in advance at no charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Beginner Birders?

Yes, the tour is suitable for beginner birders. The guide is highly praised for their expertise, and the tour includes complimentary binoculars and a notepad to help participants identify and record sightings, making it accessible for all levels of birders.

Can the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can accommodate dietary restrictions. It provides complimentary snacks like banana bread, but travelers with specific dietary needs can notify the operator in advance to ensure their requirements are met.

What Is the Typical Weather Like During the Tour?

The typical weather during the tour is warm and sunny, with mild temperatures. Visitors should expect clear skies and low chances of rain, making it an ideal time for bird watching and outdoor activities.

Are There Any Additional Photography Opportunities?

The tour offers ample opportunities for photography, with a variety of striking bird species and picturesque natural landscapes. Travelers are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the diverse wildlife and scenic vistas encountered during the excursion.

How Are the COVID-19 Safety Protocols Handled?

The tour follows all COVID-19 safety protocols, including required masks, social distancing, and limited group sizes. Hand sanitizer is provided, and high-touch surfaces are regularly disinfected. Guests’ temperatures are checked prior to the tour.

The Sum Up

This captivating bird-watching tour in St. Martin-St. Maarten offers a unique opportunity to explore the island’s natural beauty and spot up to 30 avian species. With personalized guidance, complimentary refreshments, and a maximum of three travelers, the tour promises an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts of all levels, starting at just $129 per person. Highly rated for its expert guides and exceptional organization, this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive and birdwatching experience.