Things to do off the ship with 2 toddlers in St. Maarten

Hello! Looking for ideas/tips on what to do off the ship with a 4 y.o. and a 2 y.o. We port at Philipsburg, St. Maarten. If we do something, do we book it via the cruiseline or do it through the locals?

Hello! Looking for ideas/tips on what to do off the ship with a 4 y.o. and a 2 y.o. We port at Philipsburg, St. Maarten. If we do something, do we book it via the cruiseline or do it through the locals?

For children that are ages 2 and 4 I would suggest taking a taxi to Le Galion beach and after that walking 5 minutes or so to the Butterfly Farm and taking a taxi from there back to the port.

For children that are ages 2 and 4 I would suggest taking a taxi to Le Galion beach and after that walking 5 minutes or so to the Butterfly Farm and taking a taxi from there back to the port.

Ty for the tip! Looks perfect! We plan on doing that with our 1 and 6 year old. I've read you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Any cabana rentals at Le Galion?

Ty for the tip! Looks perfect! We plan on doing that with our 1 and 6 year old. I've read you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas. Any cabana rentals at Le Galion?

Haven't been since last year but no cabanas at that time.

Also recommend Le Galion...which is where the locals take their children. You will be able to take them in the water (it is a very gradual slope and shallow near the shore) and there is a decent beach bar/cafe (with rest rooms). The Butterfly Farm is also along the same route...which may or may not be of interest.

Hank

Thanks for the ideas! Certainly something I'll research on.

We were just there with a 2 and 4 year old. Hired Bernard's Tours for a private tour, and it was perfect for us. Four adults and the two kiddos.

We wanted the private tour so that the littles weren't antsy waiting for others, and others weren't inconvenienced by the littles! A little more expensive than their group tours, but perfect for us! Plenty of room in the van for six people and all the stuff that goes with kids! Cold water, soda, beer, juice and rum punch were on board for us! We requested a car seat for the two-year-old, and it was provided, at extra cost.

Our tour was their regular route around the island, but we got to specify the beach and how long we wanted to stay at any given stop. Chose Le Galion beach because it is so kid friendly, had lunch in Marigot at Enoch's (I recommend it!). David was our driver, and he was great! Has lived in the island for many years and is very knowledgable of history and the sights!

At Le Galion beach, restrooms are availabe. Four chairs and two umbrellas were $28 total (USD, at par), for a half day. Stops also included the sea urchin guy, the iguana guy, time in Marigot to stroll thru the market, and Maho Beach to watch the planes come in. David even stopped at a local liquor store so we could by rum and cigars!

Would definitely use Bernard's Tours again!