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You can walk to the capital of St. Maarten, Philipsburg, which takes 15 to 20 minutes. On busy cruise days, walking to town lets you avoid the long lines at the water taxi pier or taxi rank. The Great Bay Beach is within walking distance of St. Maarten Cruise Pier. The popular beach features stunning white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a vibrant beachfront promenade. Various water sports, such as snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding, are also available. When arriving at the St. Maarten Cruise Port, you’ll get stunning views of Philipsburg, white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, and lush hills in the background.
St Maarten Cruise Port Guide, Things To Do, Shore Excursions
St. Maarten zoo is small, but still one of the biggest zos in the Caribbean, well kept and unique with the animals walking along with people, not caged. The Butterfly Farm is a place where hundreds of colorful butterflies can be seen under a tented mesh. Pic du Paradis is the highest point on the island at 427 m with two viewing areas with great views. Visitors are recommended to take a four-wheel ride, and if possible, to be in a company, like excursion or tour, as the area is isolated. These are just a few examples of the many shore excursion options available in St. Maarten. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting Marigot, the capital of the French side.
Q: What are some popular attractions within walking distance of the St Maarten cruise port?
They are Philipsburg on the southern coast and Simpson Bay on the southwest coast because they have the cruise port and the airport. The St. Maarten cruise terminal does not provide free wi-fi, but you’ll find that wifi is often included with a purchase at one of the cafe’s and restaurants at the cruise terminal. If you are planning to go to the beach than you’ll find that most beach beds nowadays come with wi-fi access. Once you disembark from your cruise ship at the St. Maarten cruise port, Philipsburg and the rest of St. Maarten offer a variety of activities and sights to take in during your stay.
St Maarten cruise port guide Telegraph Travel - The Telegraph
St Maarten cruise port guide Telegraph Travel.
Posted: Mon, 02 Mar 2020 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Shopping and Dining
Facilities at the beach include a beach bar, loungers, and umbrellas for hire. As a bonus, you can also observe airplanes landing and taking off at Maho Beach, but without the noise. Suppose you want to stay close to the cruise ship terminal in Philipsburg. What can you do to experience a fusion of Caribbean culture and Dutch history?
There are many good restaurants in St. Maarten, and the ones on the boardwalk in Philipsburg are popular with cruisers and beachgoers alike. Grand Case Beach is a less popular, but very beautiful beach on the French side of the island. The beach is well known for it’s clear waters (more clear than on the Dutch side). St. Martin’s Nature Reserve is a serene sanctuary on the French side of the island, boasting diverse ecosystems, including mangroves and wetlands. The reserve offers guided tours and opportunities to spot indigenous wildlife.
Transportation Options for Longer Excursions

When planes take off, they blow people into the water—called the Maho Airplane Experience. The Philipsburg Courthouse will be part of your walking tour, even if it’s informal. In addition to the charming building, you’ll find picturesque churches and hotels with interesting architecture. This pretty garden pathway is worth walking through as you’re shopping and sightseeing in the town. Fort Amsterdam, a historical fortress on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, was originally built in 1631. The fort’s well-preserved walls and artifacts offer fascinating insights into the island’s colonial past.
For a different kind of tour, you can book a bicycle tour or e-bike tour where you’ll drive through the streets of Philipsburg, St. Maarten. You can also book a tour that will allow you to explore more of the island, including St. Martin. You can check the cruise line excursions as well as excursions with Viator, Shore Excursions Group and other local tour providers. Visit the capital city of Marigot, St. Martin and be transported into the French culture of the small island. The charming town also offers markets with handicrafts, fresh produce and spices.
To reach Pinel Island, you must travel 25 minutes to the village of Cul de Sac. Then, you can lounge on the beach, snorkel in the calm waters, and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the beachfront restaurants. The crystal-clear waters surrounding St. Maarten and the coral reefs make it perfect for snorkeling. You can get up close to colorful marine life and beautiful coral reefs. There are several great spots for snorkeling in St. Maarten, each offering a unique experience. Guavaberry rum is unique to St. Maarten and is made from guava berries that grow in the island’s rainforests.
Philipsburg: Shopping and Attractions

It's known for its well-preserved structures and artifacts that offer a glimpse into the island's colonial era. The fort provides an elevated vantage point for breathtaking views of Great Bay and the Caribbean Sea, making it a popular spot for history enthusiasts and photographers alike. Overlooking Marigot Bay, Fort Louis is a significant historical site dating back to the 18th century. The fort, situated on a hill, offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding coastline. Its remnants provide insights into St. Martin's past as a strategic defense point. Visitors often come here for both the historical significance and the stunning views it offers.
This bustling port welcomes cruisers with its well-equipped terminal and easy access to the island’s main attractions. St. Maarten’s primary cruise port, Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility, is located in Philipsburg, the island’s capital. You can choose between a full-day and half-day trip, based on your wishes and personal preferences.
The water taxi system in St. Maarten is a popular and efficient means of transportation, especially favored by tourists for its convenience and scenic route. These water taxis primarily operate between the cruise ship terminal and downtown Philipsburg, providing easy access to the heart of the city's shopping and dining areas. This mode of transport is not only quick but also offers a picturesque view of the coastline, making the journey part of the St. Maarten experience.
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Tropical Storm Cancels Port Visits for Two Norwegian Cruise Ships.
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Bliss Nightclub is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with a spacious dance floor and frequent live music performances. If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, the Red Piano Bar is a great place to grab a drink and enjoy some live music. Taxi services are the easiest way to travel to and from the St. Maarten Cruise Terminal. Taxis and water taxis are located a short walk from the cruise pier and take passengers to Philipsburg by water taxi or all over the island by normal taxi.
A mere 15-minute walk from the terminal or a 5-minute ride by water taxi, our “city” awaits the curious cruise passenger. Whether duty-free shopping, sightseeing or eating tops the “to do” list. Founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy, Philipsburg soon became a busy commercial center. The Great Salt Pond, actively mined up until 1949 was a lucrative income source for the island. Fort Amsterdam and Fort Willem built by the Dutch and British respectively in 1631 and 1801 are well-known landmarks which give evidence to St. Maarten’s former military importance.
The exhibits include archeological finds, shells, the history of the Arawak people, and other Caribbean artifacts. You’ll also learn about the island’s role in the salt industry and the Great Salt Pond. Traveling by local bus is an excellent idea to save money on a cruise. The public buses are small minibuses that can take you to the most popular destinations on the island.
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