4 to 5 hours ashore
Philipsburg
- Walk the boardwalk to Front Street.
- Swim at Great Bay Beach, right in town.
Rather book it? A short catamaran sail.
St. Maarten shore excursions
Two countries on one island. Beaches, sailing, and the famous plane-spotting beach are all within reach of a normal port day.
Getting ashoreShips dock at the cruise pier in Philipsburg, a short walk or water taxi from Front Street and Great Bay Beach.
St. Maarten port day essentials
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Which pier you're at
Philipsburg cruise pierOn the Dutch side. Front Street and Great Bay Beach are a 15-minute walk along the boardwalk, or a short water taxi ride.
Maho Beach, where the planes come in low, is about 25 minutes away by taxi.
Taxis
Official rates from the cruise port on the Dutch side. For 1 or 2 people the fare is for the taxi; for 3 or more it is per person.
| Philipsburg, 1 to 2 people | $10 total |
|---|---|
| Philipsburg, 3 to 5 people | $4 each |
| Maho or Mullet Bay, 1 to 2 people | $25 total |
| Maho or Mullet Bay, 3 to 5 people | $10 each |
Night and holiday rides cost 25% more. The French side (Orient Bay, Marigot) uses separate, negotiated fares.
Money
Dutch side: Caribbean guilders, but US dollars are used everywhere. French side: euros, though US dollars are widely accepted.
Language
English is spoken everywhere. Dutch is official on the Dutch side, French on the French side.
Back on board
All-aboard is usually 30 minutes before sailing; your ship's daily planner has the exact time. Traffic around Simpson Bay and the airport can be slow in the afternoon.
Last checked November 2026. Prices change; confirm before you pay.
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Plan your day in St. Maarten
pick by your time ashore
6 to 8 hours ashore
Planes over Maho Beach
- Taxi about 25 minutes to Maho Beach.
- Watch the jets land just over your head.
- Swim at quieter Mullet Bay next door.
Rather book it? An island tour with a Maho Beach stop.
9 hours or more
The French side
- Drive to Marigot for French cafés and the market.
- Spend the afternoon at Orient Bay beach.
Rather book it? A two-nation island tour.
Times are approximate. Whatever you choose, plan to be back at the pier an hour before all-aboard. Compare tours for each idea below.
Compare St. Maarten tours
Start times and meeting points vary by tour. Check them against your ship's schedule before you book.
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St. Maarten tours from GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide's own search results for St. Maarten, in GetYourGuide's order. Check each tour's start time and meeting point against your ship's schedule.
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St. Maarten tours from Shore Excursions Group
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Scout's notes on St. Maarten
Short port days
Great Bay Beach and Front Street are walkable from the pier, so a short stop can still be a beach day.
Long port days
Maho Beach, where planes land just overhead, and the beaches of the French side such as Orient Bay are a drive across the island. Sailing and catamaran tours are also popular.
Getting back on time
Traffic between the Dutch and French sides can be slow, especially in the afternoon. Build in extra time for any trip across the island.
From fellow cruisers
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