St.Martin – St.Maarten: Small Group, Cultural Heritage Tour

Explore the vibrant cultural heritage of St. Martin – St. Maarten on a small group tour. You’ll savor homemade delights during a high tea experience, explore captivating storytelling with a local artist, and discover the island’s distilling traditions through a unique rum tasting. With personalized attention from a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the island’s rich traditions. This is an opportunity to uncover the heart and soul of this beautiful Caribbean destination.

About Your Stay

• This small group cultural heritage tour in St. Martin – St. Maarten offers a unique opportunity to experience the local history, cuisine, and traditions.
• Highlights include high tea, storytelling, historical nature hike, and rum tasting, led by a knowledgeable local guide.
• The tour is limited to 6 travelers, providing a personalized and immersive experience, and is not wheelchair accessible.
• Pickup is available from select locations, and the tour meets at Dock Maarten in Philipsburg, making it convenient for cruise ship guests.
• The tour is priced at $159 per person, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The small group cultural heritage tour in St. Martin – St. Maarten offers a unique experience.

Activities include a high tea at Pasture Piece, storytelling and poetry at Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery, a historical nature hike at Golden Grove Farm, and a rum tasting at Guavaberry Colombier Tradition.

A local guide, bottled water, homemade refreshments, and snacks are included. The tour is limited to 6 travelers and isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Pickup is available from select locations, and walking directions are provided for cruise ship guests.

With a 5.0 rating, this tour is a must for those seeking a culture.

Meeting and Pickup Information

The tour meets at Dock Maarten in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten.

Pickup is available from hotels in Oyster Pond and Philipsburg at no extra charge, with a 10:30 AM departure on Mondays through Fridays and an 8:30 AM departure on Saturdays.

For other locations, an additional fee applies or you can meet at Chesterfield’s Restaurant parking lot.

Cruise ship guests can easily walk to the meeting point in 10 minutes.

No Uber or similar services are available, so taxis or rental cars are recommended for transportation.

Pricing and Reservation Details

The tour price is $159.00 per person. Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

For added convenience, the "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option is available. The tour has a maximum capacity of 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Infant seats are provided, and service animals are allowed. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Visitors should plan for any personal expenses like souvenirs and gratuities.

Parking at Dock Maarten costs $2.00 for the first hour and $1.00 for each additional hour.

Tour Capacity and Accessibility

Maximum of 6 travelers per tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience. Small group sizes allow for more interaction with the local guide and deeper immersion in the cultural activities. The tour is accommodating, with infant seats available and service animals allowed. However, it is not wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility challenges may need to make alternative arrangements.

| Capacity | Accessibility | Inclusions |

|———-|—————|————|

| Maximum 6 travelers | Not wheelchair accessible | Infant seats available |

| Intimate group size | Service animals allowed | Personal expenses not included |

| Personalized experience | | Gratuities not included |

High Tea at Pasture Piece

One of the highlights of the cultural heritage tour is the St. Martin High Tea at Pasture Piece. Guests sip on homemade iced lemongrass tea and nibble on freshly baked banana bread as they learn about the island’s history and culture.

The hostess, Miss Ruby, shares captivating stories and poetry that transport visitors back in time. The charming 18th-century estate, with its lush gardens and traditional architecture, provides a truly immersive experience.

Guests leave with a deeper appreciation for the local heritage and traditions that make St. Martin-St. Maarten such a unique Caribbean destination.

Storytelling and Poetry at Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery

After exploring the lush gardens and historic architecture at Pasture Piece, the tour moves on to the Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery.

There, guests are treated to a captivating storytelling and poetry session led by the esteemed local artist, Dame Ruby. She shares the island’s rich cultural heritage through her evocative words and personal anecdotes, transporting visitors on a journey that illuminates the vibrant traditions and resilient spirit of the community.

Guests can enjoy this intimate experience, gaining a deeper appreciation for St. Martin – St. Maarten’s artistic tapestry.

Distillery Visit and Rum Tasting at Guavaberry Colombier Tradition

From the picturesque gardens of Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery, the tour ventures to the Guavaberry Colombier Tradition distillery. Here, visitors enjoy the rich history and craft of St. Martin’s iconic guavaberry liqueur. The distillery tour showcases the production process, from harvesting the guavaberry fruits to the final distillation. Guests then indulge in a guided rum tasting, sampling the unique flavors of this local spirit. The experience offers a delightful balance of cultural insight and sensory delight, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for St. Martin’s distilling heritage.

| Guavaberry Colombier Tradition |

| — | — | — | — | — |

| Guavaberry Fruit Harvesting | Distillation Process | Rum Tasting Experience | Local Distilling History | Cultural Immersion |

Questions About Your Stay

What Is the Language Spoken During the Tour?

The tour is conducted primarily in English, as it is the primary language spoken on the island of St. Martin – St. Maarten. The local guide will provide storytelling and explanations in English throughout the cultural heritage tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Dietary Restrictions?

The tour does accommodate dietary restrictions. Guests can notify the tour guide in advance, and the included snacks, coffee/tea, and homemade banana bread can be tailored to accommodate various dietary needs like vegetarian, gluten-free, or nut allergies.

What Should Participants Bring With Them on the Tour?

Participants should bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection like hats and sunscreen, and a camera to capture the day’s highlights. The tour provides bottled water, coffee/tea, and light snacks, so no need to bring extra food.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum age requirement, allowing participants of all ages to join. Infants can be accommodated with available infant seats, making it a family-friendly experience.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

Unfortunately, the tour information doesn’t mention any discounts or special offers. The base price is $159 per person, but there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start of the experience.

Final Verdict On This Stay

Enjoy the vibrant traditions of St. Martin-St. Maarten on this small group cultural heritage tour. You’ll delight in homemade high tea, captivating storytelling, and a unique rum tasting that highlights the island’s distilling heritage. With personalized attention from a local guide, you’ll experience the rich cultural diversity of this beautiful island. Don’t miss this chance to truly connect with the local community.