Celeb Tours SXM — Private Island Tours with Careen (30+ Years Experience)
Personalized private island tours covering both Dutch and French sides with port pickup, photo stops, and local restaurant lunch.
Why Go
Careen has been showing visitors her island for over 30 years, and that tenure shows in the details — the photo stops at viewpoints that bus tours drive past, the local restaurants where the food is authentic rather than tourist-adjusted, and the narration that draws on three decades of watching St. Maarten change. Celeb Tours runs private island tours that cover both the Dutch and French sides with pickup from the cruise port or airport, making the logistics invisible.
The Experience
Private tours pick up at the cruise port (Dock Maarten or Bobby's Marina), airport, or hotel and follow custom routes across both sides of the island. Standard highlights include Maho Beach for plane watching, Philipsburg's boardwalk, viewpoints above Philipsburg and Marigot, and stops on the French side for contrasting architecture and atmosphere. What makes the experience personal is Careen's willingness to adjust — mention an interest in local food and the route shifts to include a restaurant she knows personally. Ask about history and the narration deepens. Photo stops are built into the route at scenic overlooks and beaches. Tours include local restaurant lunch stops where the food reflects actual island cuisine.
What to Try
Ask Careen to take you to her favorite spots rather than the standard tourist checklist — her 30 years of local knowledge mean she knows places that newer operators have never visited. The combination of Dutch and French sides in a single tour provides the contrast that makes St. Maarten unique — different languages, different architecture, different food traditions within 37 square miles.
Insider Tip
Book directly and communicate your interests ahead of time so Careen can plan the route around what you actually want to see. If you are a cruise passenger, confirm pickup timing and location — her port pickup service is specifically designed for ship schedules. The tour works best as a full half-day to cover both sides without rushing.
The Practical Stuff
Based at 5 Milton's Drive. Mid-range pricing for private tours. Cruise port and airport pickup available. Both Dutch and French side coverage. Photo stops and local restaurant lunch included. Customizable itinerary. Advance booking recommended, especially during cruise season.
Pair It With
- Dutch quarter pharmacy — Proximity listing — Dutch Quarter neighborhood stop on some tour routes
- Dee's Dog Care Services — Proximity listing for the neighborhood