CLOSE CALL AT MAHO BEACH! How to Get a Private Tour! Top Things to do in Sint Maarten & St. Martin

We are cruising on the Norwegian Sky through the Caribbean. Sint Maarten is our next stop on a 10-day cruise from Miami and into the U.S. Virgin Islands. As soon as we get off the ship, we get into a taxi heading to Maho Beach. Our driver, Valando told us about a tour he can take us on to include Maho Beach and many more locations on the island. We couldn't pass on the deal and a scenic overlook was the first stop to have a magnificent view of Philipsburg, capitol of Sint Maarten.
We cross the border into the French side of the island, St. Martin. Ft. Louis was a great stop to see some of the historical sites on the island. We walk around the 600-year-old site overlooking the capitol of St. Martin, Marigot.
From the fort we head back to the border to share an international kiss and then onto Maho Beach, right next to the Princess Julianna International airport to watch the planes land and take off.
Valando drops us off at the Yoda Guy movie exhibit in Philipsburg to see Nick Maley, creator of one of the most iconic Star Wars characters of all time, Yoda. Besides his famous work on the early Star Wars movies, his exhibit shows off much more of his other work. He has an interesting display of plaster casts of actors faces along with historical figures to include Abraham Lincoln.
Was we finish there we take the water taxi back to the port and hit some of the local places right next to the ship. We try the local beers and guava berry liquor.
Sint Maarten was a great place to stop on our cruise and can't wait to visit it again.
The island of Saint Martin (French: Saint-Martin; Dutch: Sint Maarten) has a unique and complex history, marked by a longstanding division between the French and Dutch, with influences from European colonization, piracy, and sugar plantations.
Before European contact, the island of Saint Martin was inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples, who called it "Soualiga" (Land of Salt) due to its salt pans.
By the early 17th century, the *Dutch* and *French* began showing interest in Saint Martin, primarily due to its strategic location and its salt deposits. Both nations sought to establish a presence on the island.
The *Dutch* West India Company set up a settlement on the southern part of the island, seeking salt to preserve fish. The *French* established themselves in the north, with similar ambitions.
*Spain* briefly controlled the island but abandoned it in 1648, allowing the French and Dutch to assert their claims.
The most significant event in the island’s division occurred in *1648* when the *Treaty of Concordia* was signed, dividing the island between *France* and the **Dutch Republic**. The treaty allowed both nations to share the island while allowing inhabitants freedom of movement between the territories.
The *Dutch* took control of the *southern* part (Sint Maarten), approximately *40%* of the island.
The *French* took the *northern* part (Saint-Martin), which covers *60%* of the island.
Today, the island is known for its *dual nationality* and vibrant tourism industry, with both the French and Dutch sides retaining their cultural differences. Despite being a small island, it is a symbol of peaceful coexistence between two European nations sharing the same territory. The border is virtually open, with locals and visitors moving freely between the two parts.
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***About***
We are Ron and Jodi. We have been traveling and exploring around the Pacific Northwest and beyond for decades. Please join us as we go rambling around our next 30 years while living our “work hard, play hard” philosophy. We will try to show as much of our adventures, tips and reviews as we can through our journey practicing for retirement.
This channel will be about adventures big and small, weekend getaways traveling in the motorhome exploring our region to flying away on extended vacations discovering new destinations. We hope to inspire others to make time to travel, explore and discover what our land has to offer.

[@CooksExplore]

Loved the cabbie picked up the catch phrase so quickly ! It’s great when you find a good guide and the Caribbean does this well !! It’s a real tropical paradise… And you got to see the key sites of both sides of the island too..Yep we need to visit there looks amazing.. Maho Beach - well that’s just crazy ! Great Rambler Replay. The Yoda Guy museum - how cool - those face casts are kinda creepy though.. All washed down with a cool beer …Love a Carib !! Thank you Guys ! What an awesome adventure you’ve had !

[@justramblinaround]

Thanks so much for all the great comments! We had a blast on this island. Maho beach was so fun and yes we have to explore the local beers for sure! Thanks so much for joining us!

[@Mel.H_]

This 😂❤

[@RVAmerica]

That was a great tour for the price. The cabbie was nice. Its a beautiful place. Lynn and Danny

[@justramblinaround]

This was so great and the tour was the best decision!! Thx for joining us as always we love seeing what you think!.😊

[@CowboyJojosAdventures]

Great Ramblin' trip! Great views over Coles Bay. You were lucky to get a lovely local to take you around. Great Fort. Love it "A Dutch Kiss and a French Kiss. Seeing that plane flying over head was creepy! Great Yoda Museum. Guavaberry smoothie, yum! Not a great fan of Largers. I am a more of a Pale Ale, Golden Ale or Amber ale boy. Great adventure. Thank you for taking us along Jodi and Ron. Loved it and the music was on point! Have a great week.

[@justramblinaround]

Your always giving us the best comments! We had such a wonderful time in St Martin and locals are always the best to find out where to go, where to eat and drink! The planes were crazy so glad we didn't skip it something very different! Thank you for always giving us the sweetest feedback! 😊

[@grayfox9911]

That looked like great fun! Thanks for taking us along!

[@justramblinaround]

Thanks so much for being one of the top Ramblers we always enjoy your comments and what you think of the videos we make! 😊 Always good to see u!

[@FuzzyDogProductions385]

Nothing like a cold beer in the islands! Guava berry rum liqueur- yup! Awesome video!

[@justramblinaround]

Thanks for joining us we are back from.anothet long trip and we will be catching up with you very very soon. We appreciate your comments always+

[@dinnermadeeasywithdena]

Awesome, we always look around for the best way to see the sites where ever we go, we saved 180.00 on an Alaska tour, we only paid 20.00 and and saw everything the tour bus took people to and more, we tipped our driver well for such a great time! We did ask at the tour counter in port before we went with them, we were told they were legit, so we enjoyed our day! Thank you for sharing such a fun time!!!

[@justramblinaround]

Absolutely we have to be smart with our hard earned money and Ron always says in the end it truly is up to us what kind of time we have! 😊 Thanks so much again for the great comments and support!😊

[@OutlawCamper]

You've come a long way from the state parks of NY. Glad I'm subscribed and still watching! Please keep up the good work, and dude, keep your lady away from Valando or whatever his name is. He might not steal her, but he'll definitely give her a gift that keeps on giving. Be careful and thanks again!

[@mickrat]

Just took this same tour with Valondo today. Super guy!

[@justramblinaround]

Oh wow he is great that was a very wonderful surprise on this trip! Did you see this video after or did you see our video and set up the tour? We love hearing how things work out thank you so much for watching our video and letting us know you went on the same tour. We had such a wonderful time. Hope your a Rambler and we see you again!😊

[@mickrat]

@ I contacted him after seeing your video. Also brought my park pass for the fort and saved me money in San Juan. Thanks.

[@justramblinaround]

Thank you very much for letting us know we are seeing our hard work in action!!! We are doing this to help others have great experiences and it is a lot more work then people would know but we love it and love helping others have a good time!! 😊 thx again for letting us know and hope we will be able to help you again!!😊

[@nationalparksprincess3216]

Your guide was awesome! I learned so much about the island on your tour of the sights! My dad loved those iguanas on his trip last year! I just love the color of the water! I can't believe you sat there with those planes 😮 😅 That Yoda Guy museum was really cool 😎 Festive way to end the video!

[@justramblinaround]

Yes iguanas are interesting. I was so surprised about the planes being such a big deal but it was seriously a blast! Thanks so much for joining us your comments mean so much!

[@DADDIO1969]

We visited St. Maarten a bit back, but Totally remember Maho Beach!😮 The planes looked like it would land on us! Lolol Gotta make we get Volando for our tour guide next time!👍 It a very Beautiful island! The fort was amazing to see. Whoa...1400's? Didn't know it was that far back. Whoa! The Yoda Guy museum was incredible! Excellent Day, guys! Completely enjoyed as usual. Thank you for sharing and we hope Ya'll are enjoying your next adventure!

[@justramblinaround]

That trip was so great and the day in St Martin was fantastic! Thanks so much for joining us and all the great comments!! 😊 always appreciate you Ramblin!

[@DADDIO1969]

​@justramblinaround Love Ramblin' with Ya'll. Lol Just an update. We're still having issues with YT and our comments. I just left one on your Not Quitting vlog, but it disappeared, but I will try again later. Smh. Loved it BTW. We just enjoy watching you guys living your best life not matter what it is. 😊

[@justramblinaround]

Thanks your the best! So sorry that keeps happening. ​@@DADDIO1969

[@DADDIO1969]

​@justramblinaround Thanks..just tried your latest and excellent review of your cruise, but it disappeared as well...smh..lol. Your tips were very valuable, and you definitely got a great deal. Wow...6k total? Seriously good!

[@Mel.H_]

Epic❤🎉

[@justramblinaround]

Hey we just got back from a very long trip and catching up on the comments! Thanks for the great support your giving pur channel and taking the time to comment! We appreciate you !😊

[@hikingoutdoorfamily]

This private tour looked awesome because you were able to see so much in your one day in port. The beaches look amazing here. I didn't expect to see Star Wars stuff on this island, but that was neat.

[@justramblinaround]

It was a really great tour and a fantastic place to visit. Ron was really surprised by Yoda guy! Success for sure thanks for joining us!

[@sanamshayri7578]

Spectacular tour 👌👌👌👌 AMAZING BEAUTIFUL PLACES ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@justramblinaround]

Thank you so much for the great comment!

[@vanhainguyen439]

Such a great and wonderful and vacation, fantastic location

[@justramblinaround]

Yes it was a great day we had so much fun. Thanks for watching!

[@dannovator7798]

Your cruise reviews are incredible! The Norwegian Sky has taken us to some wonderful destinations! You educated me on the differences of the spelling of Saint Martin and how they are separated. Those huge lizards are insane. You had an excellent tour guide. The backwash from those jets were fierce. The Yoda Guy Museum was unique.

[@justramblinaround]

Yes this island was incredible we had a fantastic time and we are so glad we didn't skip the planes it was fun!! Thanks for the comments Danny so glad you joined us!😊

[@NewHorizonsTravel]

The tour was fantastic, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the port, including stunning beaches and unexpected sightings of Star Wars merchandise. Nice Sharing❤TFS

[@justramblinaround]

Tha ks for watching we appreciate the comments and your support! 😊

[@illuminatedminds3059]

Super helpful tips! A private tour in Sint Maarten sounds like an amazing way to explore the island. Thanks for sharing! 🌴✈

[@justramblinaround]

It was wonderful thanks for watching!😊

[@xploradora80]

I didn’t know there was two sides a French and Dutch. Interesting

[@justramblinaround]

It was very interesting and something we never knew as well. It made it more exciting!😊 thx for the support!

[@simplyme1610]

Fantastic tour around so beautiful Sint Maarten and amazing way to explore the island ❤❤ you have got more information from your guide ❤❤ thank you for sharing us this beautiful trip ❤❤❤

[@justramblinaround]

Thanks for the support we appreciate you!😊

[@kevinandange]

Great port . Looks like a great place. Love the replay. Poor guy. That is a fantastic experience with the aeroplane. One id love to do. Hope to get there one day. Fantastic video guys. Thanks for sharing with us 😊 😀

[@justramblinaround]

So glad you enjoyed it thank you for all the great comments and always supporting our channel! It's great seeing you always return and give us the watch time!😊

[@airstreamer]

Woah! Cool transition from getting in the tour van!! I guess the driver really meant what he said, "you are blessed you met me today!" A french and a dutch kiss. 😘 You guys experience the most interesting things! the airplanes coming in were wow! Interesting museum. As always we enjoy your travels. Jim & Michelle

[@justramblinaround]

Thank you this was an amazing island and we did have a ton of fun. That airplane beach is a must! Thx so Much for the great comments and always fantastic support!

[@ChasingOurSunshine]

St Martin looks like fun and great personal tour! The pandemic picture he took was super cool & loves your ditch & French kiss! Joel wants to do the airport beach! Best line of the whole video “Momma got a little lite up” 😂

[@justramblinaround]

Hahahaha! I didn't even realize I said that until later when Ron made the video! LOL! ❤ This place was amazing thanks for all the great comments!😊

[@HealingGaia]

It's always nice to meet people like that, great guide. And actually pretty funny for me to know that you can see iguanas walking around just like we see cats here. Such a contrast.... Wait, wait... Ron? The first thing you do at the border is shake hands? 😂I understand... sometimes it's hard to show yourself close to your partner in front of other people but Jodi fix it quickly with that kiss. The Yoda museum was really nice, I didn't know about it but that landing spot is awesome... I never get tired of seeing this kind of scenes with the plane thrusters and trails.... Great episode, have a beautiful day together when you read this and Big Like! 💙

[@justramblinaround]

Hellooo! We have been on a very long trip and trying to catch up with comments and this was such a wonderful comment. LOL you saw so much when watching this yes Ron is funny about some of the videos with PDA but yes I fixed that real quick . I always think things like when will we ever be in a spot like this again! 😊😅 we had a wonderful time on this island and so glad you joined us and we appreciate all the great personal comments it feels like we know you! 😊 your great and you for sure made my day!!😊 I also read this to Ron and he laughed! 😊

[@Bartonsrving]

Hello Jodi and Ron you have to get a island accent when on a island 😅. That was nice getting a personal driver. Pretty cool on the planes. Momma got a little lit up😅. Have a good day.

[@justramblinaround]

LOL I forgot I even said Momma got a little lit up until I saw the video! Yes accents are a must! You can't take yourself so seriously life's to short! 😊 Thanks for always joining us on the adventures we love your comments!😊

[@chilleats7024]

What a nice tour guide you had who gave so much information and friendly! Cute to see you "meet in the middle"! The beaches and clear turquoise water are incredible 🏖🏖Can't believe that replay footage at 8:29 in the video! Can't believe that plane going at you. That is wild. ✈✈Incredible museum, fun and fabulous 💯💯

[@justramblinaround]

I was trying to capture what happens when people are not taking all the warnings seriously while protecting myself and I can't believe I sorta captured it and I was so glad Ron did that replay thanks for noticing. We had a very fun tour and so glad we didn't skip Mahi beach!

[@chilleats7024]

@@justramblinaround for sure! Awesome place shared 👍👍