Experience the full beauty of natural St. Maarten on a tour that takes you on a journey of discovery. After boarding your air-conditioned bus at the dock, make the scenic trip to some of St. Martin's best ecological attractions and areas. Travel along Philipsburg's natural salt ponds as your guide provides interesting information regarding the importance of the salt ponds to the eco-system. Then arrive at the St. Martin Park Zoo where a guide will introduce you to some very unique residents, including an amazing array of parrots - blue and gold, green-winged and scarlet macaws. See the Caribbean and American tropics come alive, with 80 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates displayed in a tropical, garden setting. After enjoying a beverage at the Monkey Bar, your tour continues through the mountainous middle region, and heads for the area of Oyster Pond. Along this picturesque eastern coastal road, you can view St. Barth's, Tintemarre, and the many smaller islets that dot the Caribbean Sea. A brief stop allows you to climb a small wooden lookout at Baie D'Embouchure. Your guide will discuss the environmental importance of the reefs and the mangroves that can be seen from this area before heading back into the interior, passing mangrove colonies along the way. Your well-informed guide will continue to point out interesting facts about the island's flora on fauna including the interesting medicinal use of island 'bush tea'. Your tour continues on and skirts the eastern shore of Simpson Bay Lagoon before starting back towards Great Bay. From the vantage point at the top of Cayhill, the islands of Saba, Statia, St. Kitts, Nevis and Anguilla are all visible. Enjoy a brief photo opportunity here as your guide discusses the geological details of St. Martin including the history of its formation millions of years ago. You'll then head back to Philipsburg, passing Belair Fresh Pond which is fringed with mangroves and home to 19 species of Avifauna. Note: Wheelchair access may be limited - for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. Wear comfortable walking shoes.