How to Visit Cruise Port St Maarten

Published February 22, 2025

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Understanding how to organize a cruise can be hard due to the variety of shore excursions and activities available.

This guide provides you with all the details required to maximize your experience at cruise port St. Maarten.

Whether unwinding at the beach, discovering the historic Philipsburg, shopping, engaging in Maho Beach plane-watching, or snorkeling to explore marine life, St. Maarten offers something to everyone.

Find out how to visit Cruise Port St Maarten!

What is Cruise Port St Maarten?

The Cruise Port Sint Maarten is situated at the southern tip of Saint Martin (Sint Maarten) island.

The cruise terminal is located in Philipsburg, which is the Dutch portion of the island's capital.

The harbor is ideally situated in the center of Philipsburg, allowing for easy exploration of the town upon leaving your cruise ship.

Since St. Maarten measures just thirteen square miles, reaching other interesting places by bus, taxi, or vehicle rental is easy on your cruise day.

Walking to Philipsburg Center and the well-known Great Bay Beach takes approximately 15 minutes.

The extensive cruise terminal and harbor St. Maarten possesses is capable of accommodating as many as 6 cruise ships at once.

On busy days, cruise ships might anchor in Great Bay and passengers are taken to the shore on smaller boats.

Note that St. Maarten Port is among the rare ports globally capable of accommodating Genesis-class vessels.

These enormous vessels can contain as many as 6,000 travelers.

Furthermore, the port features multiple booths for passengers’ checks, enhancing the disembarkation process significantly.

Every significant Caribbean cruise line stops at Cruise Port St. Maarten including Norwegian, Disney Cruise, Royal Caribbean Cruise, and Celebrity Cruises.

Best Time to Visit St. Maarten

The ideal time to visit Cruise Port St. Maarten is during the mild and dry season starting from December up to April.

During this period, the island experiences enjoyable weather with a low likelihood of hurricanes and rain.

However, keep in mind that that is the busiest time for tourists, so anticipate increased prices and bigger crowds.

Less busy periods for booking a cruise to St. Maarten are from May - June and in November.

You will experience smaller crowds and reduced prices during this period, but an increased likelihood of rain.

Then, the most unfavorable period to visit St. Maarten is at the height of the hurricane season, which occurs from August - October.

Arriving St. Maarten Cruise Port

Upon reaching St. Maarten’s Cruise Port, you'll be greeted with the breathtaking scenery of Philipsburg, sandy white beaches, verdant hills, and crystal-clear turquoise waters in the distance.

The cruise port is nicely equipped and you will discover duty-free stores, pubs, eateries, market booths, and apparel shops.

It's important to note that numerous souvenir stores and stalls inside Harbour Point Village charge more than Philipsburg's local vendors.

Leaving the Village, you will discover points for picking up and dropping off excursions and tours.

Taxis, buses, and water taxis stand by to transport cruise passengers to any location on St. Maarten island.

A majority of St. Maarten's tourist spots are just a 20-minute taxi ride away, allowing you ample time to relish the well-known Caribbean island during a cruise day.

Then, situated on the island's Dutch side, Philipsburg is famous for its lively waterfront promenade and vibrant colonial architecture.

The delightful streets are adorned with pastel-hued buildings and unique shops, allowing you to immerse yourself in the town’s vibrant culture and history.

Also, the boardwalk offers breathtaking Great Bay views.

Getting Around St. Maarten

Discovering the sights in Sint Maarten is simple due to the great availability of taxis, buses, and water taxis.

Also, renting a car in order to enhance your freedom to explore Sint Maarten is an option.

Here are the best means for reaching different locations while docked at Sint Maarten Cruise Port:

Water Taxi: Using water taxis is a favored method of transport from the St. Maarten cruise ship dock.

They are also accessible for wheelchair users and cost approximately $7 for the round trip.

These water taxis transport you to any of three Philipsburg locations.

These include Bobby’s Marina, located at Philipsburg town’s beginning, Captain Hodge Pier, located centrally in the city, and Walter Plantz Pier, located at the terminus of Philipsburg's historic boardwalk.

Note that if multiple cruise ships are docked, you might have to wait a while for water taxis.

In this scenario, it is ideal to stroll around and come back to the pier later.

Foot: Strolling to Philipsburg from the St. Maarten cruise terminal is perfect if you intend to remain near the dock.

The walk will last 10 - 20 minutes based on your destination.

A delightful stroll from the port leads to the eastern and more attractive part of Philipsburg.

While you stroll through downtown, you're free to pause for drinks or savor some regional treats.

Then, when you reach downtown, explore historic structures, relax at shore, or participate in water sports such as jet skiing, surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

Taxi: Taxis represent the primary means of transport for cruise travelers in Sint Maarten.

More than 100 taxis are ready for cruise arrivals in order to transport passengers to either Philipsburg or beyond.

Taxis can be easily found at the port and across the island, facilitating convenient transportation.

They typically do not use meters though drivers are required to adhere to the official cost rates for transportation on St Maarten island.

Nonetheless, verifying the fare price with your driver prior to beginning your trip is always advisable.

Car: Hiring a car provides you total liberty to discover both the French and Dutch sides of St. Maarten.

Numerous international and local car rental agencies have branches at the port terminal.

However, if you choose to drive a car, you should keep some points in mind.

The streets may be crowded when numerous ships are docked in the harbor and parking at sought-after locations, such as Maho Beach, may be restricted.

Also, you need to maneuver through roundabouts, where vehicles already on the roundabout have priority.

Bus: Using local buses is a great way to cut costs during your St. Maarten cruise.

Their public transport consists of small mini-buses that can transport you to St. Maarten's most popular locations.

Buses that run directly from the terminal can transport you to Marigot and Maho Beach.

Nevertheless, note that using the local bus for travel requires careful planning and might not be ideal for those cruising for the first time.

Things to Explore in Cruise Port St Maarten

A day of cruising in St. Maarten provides plenty of chances for enjoyable activities.

Local tour companies and ship-run excursions provide combined excursions featuring snorkeling, hiking routes, visits to close islands, water activities, and rum sampling.

Here are the top activities to enjoy at Sint Maarten Cruise Port:

Yoda Guy Museum

If you're a fan of Star Wars, a trip to Yoda Guy's Museum Exhibit remains essential.

This museum was initiated by the man who contributed to the first double Star Wars films, Nick Maley.

You can see various Star Wars collectibles and other artifacts from movies such as The Terminator and Men in Black.

This eccentric museum is merely a brief stroll from St Maarten Cruise Pier and also near the National Heritage Museum of St. Maarten.

Marigot

This is the biggest town on St. Maarten’s French side and a favored shopping destination for cruise travelers.

This charming port town allows you to immerse yourself in the French-Caribbean lifestyle.

You can stroll along narrow cobblestone paths bordered by vibrant colonial structures.

You may also enjoy genuine Creole and French dishes, as well as pastries and bakeries at a nearby café or bakery.

A key feature of shopping inside Marigot is the French design impact. It is equally filled with booths offering local crafts and arts.

Then, once you finish shopping, you should relax at the Galisbay Beach.

Sint Maarten’s National Heritage Museum

For history enthusiasts seeking a cultural adventure, check out this museum located near the port at Front Street's end.

The museum displays the culture and heritage of the island, right from its ancient residents to colonial periods and pirate invasions.

There, you can view artifacts, images, and engaging displays.

The museum also provides a self-guided tour and entry is complimentary.

Its displays feature archaeological discoveries, shells, Arawak people's heritage, and various Caribbean artifacts.

You will even discover the island's significance in the previous salt trade.

Great Bay Beach

This beach is a short walk from St. Maarten Port.

This well-known beach boasts gorgeous white sand, clear turquoise water, and a lively waterfront promenade.

Here, a number of beach bars and cafes provide drinks and light meals.

A range of water activities, including snorkeling, paddleboarding, parasailing, and jet skiing, is also offered.

To reach the beach from St. Maarten Cruise Port, proceed along JuanchoYrausquin Boulevard until you reach Emma Plein St, then turn left onto Front Street.

A boardwalk begins right behind Yoda Guy's Movie Exhibit. Next, you can choose how to enjoy your day at the beach.

Water Plantz Square serves as the final destination for water taxis and can be found at the boardwalk end.

Great Bay Beach offers facilities like rentals for umbrellas and beach chairs, coffee shops and eateries, aquatic activities, duty-free and retail stores, and closeness to Philipsburg's historic sites.

Philipsburg Courthouse

This is a notable structure located in the center of Philipsburg, near Captain Hodge Wharf inside Front Street.

Originating in 1793, it serves as an excellent representation of the colonial architecture of Dutch.

It's a notable symbol in Philipsburg City and appears on the banner of St. Maarten.

This courthouse has been essential in the history of the island.

It has previously served as a jail, fire station, and post office before turning into a museum.

When you get there, check out a wooden pineapple positioned atop the structure, a Caribbean hospitality representation.

Philipsburg Courthouse continues to function as an active courthouse and a lot of visitors utilize its central location as a rendezvous or drop-off spot.

Bus Tour

Embark on a guided coastal bus tour of Sint Maarten to encounter its distinctive Franco-Dutch heritage.

Depending on your bus tour provider, you can enjoy time inside Marigot and also explore Fort Amsterdam, Sunset Beach, and Baie Rouge.

Certain island tours feature the Loterie Farm, Parotte Ville's Bird Sanctuary, beach time, and a meal.

Prior to reserving a tour, confirm with the operator regarding what is covered. Certain tours exclude meals, beverages, and beach equipment such as umbrellas and chairs.

Fort Amsterdam

This is a historical site situated on the western shore of the St. Maarten Great Bay.

The Dutch constructed the fort in 1630 to safeguard the island against possible pirates and invaders.

Fort Amsterdam gives guests a look into the island's colonial history and delivers stunning Great Bay vistas.

It is a well-known tourist destination, just a ten-minute taxi ride from St. Maarten Cruise Port.

You can wander around the fort's walls and cannons while taking in Philipsburg's sweeping views and the nearby coastline.

Entry to the fortress is via Divi Little Bay Resort and access to the fortress is without charge.

From the fort's advantageous location, you will have the Little Bay and Great Bay's finest views.

It’s a significant area for bird life, featuring brown pelicans’ breeding colony on the western side of the peninsula.

Guavaberry Rum Tasting

Guavaberry rum remains exclusive to St. Martin and is produced from the guava berries found in the rainforests of the island.

The regional rum possesses a sweet and zesty taste, and several of the island's distilleries produce their own interpretation of this distinctly flavored rum.

Numerous shore excursions feature rum tasting within their schedule.

In Philipsburg, one can visit the store of Caribbean Liquor close to the port or buy rum in the cruise port vicinity.

Then, to witness the rum production process, you should reserve a distillery shore excursion.

Fort Louis

It is a historical fortress situated on St. Maarten island's French side.

It is located on the hill that overlooks the charming Marigot town and provides a breathtaking Caribbean Sea with nearby regional views.

This fortress was constructed in 1789 in order to shield the St. Maarten island from possible attacks.

The views from the fort offer part of the finest panoramas on St Maarten.

You may take a taxi straight to the primary parking area or make the uphill walk to the fort from Marigot Market.

The trek to the summit is rewarding as you can observe cannons and rifle ports.