St. Maarten (Sint Maarten on the Dutch side, Saint-Martin on the French side) is one of the most fascinating cruise ports in the Caribbean — a single 37-square-mile island split between two countries, two cultures, two currencies, and two completely different atmospheres. Dutch St. Maarten is lively, commercial, and fun. French Saint-Martin is sophisticated, gastronomic, and sensual. Together they make for one of the most rewarding single port days in the entire Caribbean.
St. Maarten Port Basics
Cruise ships dock at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Port in Philipsburg on the Dutch side. The port is well-organized with two passenger terminals and is within easy walking distance of Philipsburg’s main shopping street, Front Street. The port area includes a water taxi station, taxi stand, and tour operator desks — you’ll have no shortage of options the moment you step off the gangway.
Getting around St. Maarten is easy. Taxis are metered and widely available from the pier. Water taxis run between Philipsburg and Great Bay Beach continuously. For the French side, shared minibuses (called “collectivos”) run between Philipsburg and Marigot for about $3 each way — a great budget option. Rental scooters and cars are available for those who want to explore the whole island independently, though the roads can be congested near Maho Beach.
The Must-See: Maho Beach
Maho Beach is one of the most photographed and talked-about spots in the entire Caribbean — and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Princess Juliana International Airport’s runway ends just meters from the beach, meaning planes land and take off directly over sunbathers’ heads at extraordinarily low altitude. Watching a wide-body jet thunder overhead at 100 feet while you’re standing on the sand is a genuinely jaw-dropping experience that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
The beach itself is a narrow strip of sand with a few beach bars and restaurants. The famous Sunset Beach Bar posts the day’s flight schedule so you know exactly when to expect the biggest planes. The jet blast from departing aircraft is equally spectacular — and powerful enough to send unsuspecting tourists tumbling. Stand well back when planes are departing.
Best time to visit Maho: Morning flights tend to be less dramatic; late morning through afternoon brings the bigger arrivals. Check flightaware.com or the Sunset Beach Bar’s posted schedule for the day’s biggest arrivals before you go.
Best Beaches in St. Maarten
Orient Bay (Saint-Martin, French Side)
Orient Bay is the crown jewel of St. Maarten’s beaches — a long, gorgeous stretch of Caribbean sand backed by beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports operations. The northern end of Orient Bay is clothing-optional, which gives it a distinctly French character. The beach clubs (Kakao, Waikiki, and others) rent sunbeds and umbrellas and include food and drink service — plan to spend at least $30–50 per person for a proper beach-club experience. The snorkeling off the small island of Îlet Pinel nearby is excellent.
Great Bay Beach (Dutch Side)
Great Bay Beach runs along the curve of Philipsburg’s waterfront and is within walking distance of the cruise pier. It’s not the most beautiful beach on the island, but it’s convenient, has calm water, and is lined with beach bars and restaurants. Good option for cruisers with limited time who don’t want to venture far from the ship.
Simpson Bay Beach
Simpson Bay sits on the Dutch side near the airport lagoon and offers calm, protected waters that are ideal for families with young children. The Yacht Club de St. Maarten area nearby gives it a nautical, upscale character. Less crowded than Orient Bay on busy port days.
Top Shore Excursions in St. Maarten
1. Catamaran Snorkeling Tour
A sailing catamaran tour to snorkel at offshore reefs and small islands like Creole Rock is one of the most popular and enjoyable shore excursions in St. Maarten. Most tours include all snorkel equipment, unlimited food and drinks, and 2–3 snorkeling stops. Prices typically run $65–$90 per person and can be booked through Viator with verified reviews from fellow cruisers.
2. Island Tour — Both Sides
A guided island tour covering both the Dutch and French sides is the best way to understand the contrast between the two nations sharing this small island. Good tours will take you through Philipsburg, across to Marigot (the French capital), up to the Pic du Paradis viewpoint, through Orient Bay, and past Maho Beach. Half-day tours run $35–$55 per person.
3. America’s Cup Sailing Experience
St. Maarten has a strong sailing heritage and offers one of the most unique shore excursions in the Caribbean — racing decommissioned America’s Cup 12-meter yachts in a competitive regatta format. You’re not just a passenger; you’re part of the crew, grinding winches and following the skipper’s orders. It’s genuinely thrilling and unlike any other port excursion you’ll find in the Caribbean. Book well in advance — these sell out.
4. Rhino Rider or Jet Ski Tour
For thrill-seekers, guided Rhino Rider (inflatable boat) or jet ski tours around Simpson Bay Lagoon and along the coastline offer high-speed fun with spectacular views of the island from the water. Great option for groups or couples looking for an adventure.
5. French Side Food Tour — Marigot
Marigot’s Wednesday and Saturday market is one of the best open-air markets in the Eastern Caribbean, offering fresh produce, local crafts, and street food. A guided food tour of the French capital combines the market visit with tastings at local bakeries, rum shops, and French-Caribbean restaurants. For food lovers, this is one of the best use of a St. Maarten port day.
🌊 Book St. Maarten shore excursions: Catamaran snorkeling tours · Island tours both sides · America’s Cup sailing · Jet ski & water sports · All St. Maarten tours
Where to Eat in St. Maarten
Dutch side: Front Street in Philipsburg is lined with restaurants and bars. Zee Best is beloved for breakfast and lunch — creative Dutch-Caribbean fusion in a relaxed waterfront setting. The Greenhouse is a reliable choice for American-style food steps from the pier.
French side: Grand Case village on the French side is one of the Caribbean’s great dining destinations — a single street lined with world-class French-Caribbean restaurants (called “lolos” for the barbecue shacks and bistros for upscale dining). If you have any interest in food, budget time to eat at Grand Case. Make a reservation for lunch before you arrive — popular spots fill up even on weekdays.
Shopping in St. Maarten
Philipsburg’s Front Street is one of the best duty-free shopping streets in the Caribbean. Jewelry, liquor, electronics, and luxury goods are significantly cheaper than U.S. retail prices. The Guavaberry Emporium specializes in St. Maarten’s local Guavaberry liqueur — a must-stop for a tasting. Prices are in U.S. dollars on both sides of the island, though the French side also accepts euros.
Practical Tips
- Currency: U.S. dollars accepted everywhere on both sides. Euro also accepted on the French side.
- Language: Dutch and English on the Sint Maarten side; French and English on the Saint-Martin side. Everyone speaks English.
- Watch your all-aboard time carefully. St. Maarten is a big island with lots to do and traffic can be unpredictable near Maho. Build in extra buffer time to get back to the ship.
- The French side feels very different from the Dutch side — if you only go to Philipsburg and Great Bay, you’ve seen only half the island. At minimum, take a bus or taxi to Marigot for an hour.
- Haggling is acceptable at some market stalls and local vendors but not in established stores.
St. Maarten consistently ranks among the top five most popular Caribbean cruise ports — and when you experience both sides of the island, it’s easy to understand why. Plan carefully, get to Orient Bay or Maho early, and leave time for Grand Case if you can.
Browse our full Caribbean destination guide and Cozumel port guide for more port-by-port planning help.