St Maarten Cruise Port Guide: Everything You Need Before You Dock

More cruise ships call at St Maarten than almost anywhere else in the Eastern Caribbean, and the port is one of the easiest in the region to turn into a great day ashore. This guide covers what is at the terminal, how far everything is, and how to pick a shore excursion that gets you back to the ship on time.

Where You Dock: The Philipsburg Cruise Facility

Cruise ships berth at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facility on Great Bay, on the Dutch side of the island, just west of Philipsburg. Most ships tie up at the piers; the largest may anchor and tender, but the terminal layout is the same either way. From the gangway you walk through a modern welcome area with shops, a taxi dispatch point, and the A.C. Wathey terminal building.

The island you have just arrived on is split into two countries: the Dutch south (Sint Maarten) around Philipsburg, and the French north (Saint-Martin) around Marigot. The cruise port sits squarely on the Dutch side.

Getting Your Bearings

Philipsburg

The capital is a short walk or a very short taxi ride from the pier. Front Street is the main shopping artery (watches, jewellery, rum, souvenirs), and the boardwalk runs along Great Bay with bars and restaurants looking out at your ship.

Maho Beach

Roughly 15–20 minutes by taxi from the port, on the other side of the airport. This is the plane-spotting beach beneath the runway.

Marigot (French side)

About 25–30 minutes by taxi from the port. Market, harbour, ferry dock for Anguilla and St Barths, and Fort Louis above the town.

Orient Bay (French side)

About 30–35 minutes from the port, past Grand Case. The island’s liveliest beach for water sports and beach clubs.

Grand Case (French side)

About 30 minutes from the port. The island’s restaurant capital.

How Long Do You Actually Have?

Port times vary by sailing, but a typical St Maarten call runs from early morning to late afternoon or early evening. The rule for any independent plan is simple: be back at the terminal 60–90 minutes before all-aboard. Traffic around Simpson Bay, the causeway, and Philipsburg can build when multiple ships are in, so never cut it fine on a self-planned French-side trip.

Guided shore excursions built for cruise passengers handle this for you — they plan the route, watch the clock, and usually guarantee return to ship.

Best Things to Do on a St Maarten Port Day

1. A combined Dutch-and-French island tour

The most popular choice for first-timers: a half-day loop hitting both capitals, a viewpoint or two, and often Maho Beach. You see the whole island without worrying about driving.

2. A catamaran or snorkel sail

Boats leave from nearby Simpson Bay with pickups arranged around the ship schedule. Half-day sails combine snorkeling, swimming, and a beach stop.

3. Maho Beach and a beach break

If you want one memorable stop rather than a full tour, a Maho Beach round-trip transfer lets you watch the jets and swim, then return to the ship with time to spare.

4. Orient Bay beach day

For a proper beach day on the French side, with water sports, beach clubs, and a calmer view of the island’s French character.

5. Philipsburg boardwalk and shopping

The zero-logistics option: stay close, shop Front Street, walk the boardwalk, and be first back at the ship.

Taxi and Transport Tips

Taxi rates

St Maarten taxis use fixed, published zone rates rather than meters, and the rate depends on how many passengers travel together. Confirm the fare with the driver or the dispatcher before you set off.

Getting to the French side

There is no public bus that makes a French-side day trip practical in a short port window; taxis or a guided tour are the realistic options.

Rental cars

Available near the port, but driving yourself eats into your day and adds parking and roundabout stress. If your visit is a single port day, a tour is usually the better trade.

Money, Language and Passports

Currency

The Dutch side uses the guilder (ANG) and the French side the euro, but the US dollar is accepted almost everywhere. Cards are widely taken in Philipsburg and at beach clubs; carry small USD notes for markets and roadside food.

Language

English works everywhere. Dutch is heard on the Dutch side and French on the French side.

Passports

For a normal port call you generally do not clear customs to sightsee on the island, but always carry your ship card and photo ID. If you plan a day trip to Anguilla or St Barths, you WILL need your passport — do not leave it on the ship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the St Maarten cruise port walkable?

Yes — Philipsburg is walkable from the terminal, and the welcome area has everything you need for a no-tour day. Everything else on the island needs a taxi or tour.

Can you do Maho Beach and a French-side town in one port day?

Yes, if you take a guided tour or hire a taxi for the day. Doing it independently with only a few hours is tight and not recommended.

Where do tours pick up?

Most shore excursions meet at or just outside the cruise terminal, or a short walk away at the taxi area. Check the meeting point on your booking before you disembark.

What if my ship is late or I worry about missing it?

Book a cruise-friendly excursion with guaranteed return to ship. Independent travel is on your own clock.

Where to Book Your Port Day

Browse our full St Maarten shore excursions hub, or compare the overall best St Maarten excursions. If you would rather be on the water, see boat tours and catamaran cruises. Beach-focused days are in beaches & day trips.

Popular bookable cruise-friendly picks through our partner widget include the Two Islands, Twice the Fun island tour and Maho Beach transfer products.

Planning a port day? Lock in a shore excursion early — the best-rated options sell out as soon as ship schedules are published.