Stepping off the ship into the bright Caribbean sunshine of Saint Martin felt like the start of something special. We’d visited beautiful islands before, but this time we wanted to do things differently. Instead of booking one of the cruise line’s structured (and expensive) excursions, we decided to arrange our own island tour in advance with Movements Taxi — and it turned out to be one of the best travel decisions we’ve ever made.
Before arriving, we connected with Larry, who runs Movements Taxi, and organised a completely flexible five-hour island tour. The price was significantly cheaper than the cruise excursions, but more importantly, it gave us something money can’t always buy on a cruise stop: freedom. We weren’t herded onto a bus. We weren’t rushed through photo stops. We weren’t tied to someone else’s schedule. Instead, we had a relaxed, personal, locally guided experience that showed us the real heart of St. Martin.
From the moment we met Larry at the port, we knew we were in good hands. Friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely proud of his island, he asked what we most wanted to see and then suggested a few additional “off the beaten track” gems that only locals tend to know about. That local insight made all the difference.
Our first stops were several breathtaking coastal lookout points. St. Martin is split into Dutch and French sides, and from the elevated viewpoints we could see the dramatic coastline stretching in both directions. The turquoise water sparkled below us, and in the distance we could spot neighbouring islands rising from the sea. Larry pointed out which islands we were looking at and shared bits of history about the region — the kind of stories you don’t get from a scripted tour.
One of the most memorable moments was visiting the border monument between the Dutch and French sides of the island. Standing at the sign marking the division between Sint Maarten (Dutch) and Saint-Martin (French) was surreal. One small island, peacefully shared by two nations. Larry explained how the island has been divided since the 1600s, yet today there’s no physical barrier — you simply drive across. It was fascinating to learn how two cultures coexist so seamlessly, each side offering a slightly different vibe, architecture, and atmosphere.
From there, we visited an iguana feeding spot that felt wonderfully authentic. There was no big tourist setup — just a small area where iguanas gather and a local stall selling handmade crafts. Watching the iguanas up close was such a fun experience, especially seeing how comfortable they were around people. We browsed the craft stall, chatted with the vendor, and picked up a few unique souvenirs that felt far more meaningful than the usual port-shop purchases.
History lovers that we are, we couldn’t miss Fort Louis. Perched above Marigot on the French side, the fort offers incredible panoramic views over the bay. The short climb was absolutely worth it. Standing among the ruins, looking out over the harbour and surrounding hills, we could almost imagine the island’s colonial past unfolding before us. Larry gave us just enough background information to bring the place to life without overwhelming us — another advantage of having a private guide.
Of course, no trip to St. Martin would be complete without visiting Maho Beach. Seeing planes descend dramatically over the beach is something you have to witness in person to truly appreciate. We timed our visit perfectly and watched as a massive jet roared overhead, so low it felt like we could touch it. The thrill, the noise, the sand whipping around — it was unforgettable. Larry made sure we were positioned safely but with the best possible view.
After the adrenaline rush at Maho, we slowed things down at Mullet Bay. The water here was stunning — calm, crystal clear, and ideal for a relaxed swim. Because our schedule was flexible, we could decide exactly how long to stay. No watching the clock. No rushing back to a bus. Just soaking up the sun and enjoying the Caribbean at our own pace.
What really set this day apart, though, was driving through the local towns and villages. Instead of sticking solely to tourist hotspots, Larry took us through residential areas, pointed out schools, community centres, and neighbourhood markets, and explained what daily life is really like on the island. We learned about hurricane recovery, local traditions, and the differences between the Dutch and French governance systems. It gave us a much deeper appreciation for the resilience and warmth of the people who call St. Martin home.
For five full hours, we explored, laughed, learned, and experienced the island in a way that felt personal and genuine. Not once did we feel rushed. Not once did we feel like just another cruise passenger ticking off attractions. We felt like welcomed guests.
When we compared our day to the cruise excursions on offer, the difference was remarkable. Those tours were shorter, less flexible, and significantly more expensive. With Movements Taxi, we created our own itinerary, adjusted it as we went, and still paid far less. The value for money was incredible — but the real value was in the experience itself.
We truly cannot recommend Larry highly enough. His knowledge, professionalism, and passion for St. Martin turned what could have been a standard port day into one of the highlights of our entire cruise. If you’re visiting the island and want something more authentic, more flexible, and more affordable than a cruise excursion, booking in advance with Movements Taxi is absolutely the way to go.
Our day in St. Martin wasn’t just a sightseeing tour. It was five fun-filled hours of culture, scenery, history, and genuine connection — the kind of travel experience that stays with you long after the ship has sailed away.
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