Things to do in St Maarten Cruise Port Philipsburg

st. maarten cruise port

The sea can be wavy, as it’s located on the Atlantic side of the island. Cruise ships dock at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities, located in Philipsburg, the capital of St. Maarten, on the Dutch side of the island. The cruise port short walking distance from the heart of the town and nearby many popular attractions. Riding these buses offers a more authentic local experience and is much cheaper than other modes of transportation, with fares generally being only a few dollars per ride.

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Little Bay Beach

The island has pristine beaches where you can swim in crystal-clear waters and enjoy delicious food and drinks. Does your Caribbean cruise itinerary include a stop in the cruise port of St. Maarten? Are you unsure what to expect in the port and how to spend your day? Knowing how to plan a cruise day can be overwhelming with so many activities and shore excursions. This guide will give you all the information you need to make the most of your time at the St. Maarten cruise port.

st. maarten cruise port

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Culinary enthusiasts will enjoy the blend of French, Dutch, and Caribbean cuisine, making dining a significant part of the St. Maarten experience. Additionally, the island's vibrant nightlife, casinos, and bars offer entertainment options for those seeking an active evening scene. St. Maarten, or Sint Maarten, a vibrant Caribbean island, is a unique destination where European flair meets tropical charm. Divided between the Netherlands and France, it's the smallest inhabited island in the world shared by two nations.

Where Cruise Ships Dock — Piers and Terminals

This dual nationality contributes to the island's diverse culture, cuisine, and architecture, making it an intriguing spot for cruisers and tourists alike. The rich cultural past of the Barbados and Bridgetown's cruise port is preserved in an exotic mix of quaint tropical ambiance. The beaches are as stunning as numerous, highlights like Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights shouldn't be missed.

st. maarten. Philipsburg

These tours take you to beautiful offshore islands such as St. Barths and Tintamarre for quality beach time and snorkeling. They highlight the island’s beauty and give you a glimpse into the world below. Enjoy interacting with these beautiful creations as they flatter and lay kisses around you. You can book this activity as an excursion with your cruise ship or visit the place by taking a taxi there.

Culture & History of the Philipsburg Cruise Port

The area is accessible by a hike or a four-wheel drive, and it's a must-visit for those who appreciate natural beauty and scenic vistas. The journey to the top is as rewarding as the views, with lush vegetation and potential wildlife sightings. Curaçao and its cruise port in Willemstad - the capital - have a rare charm, stunning colonial architecture, very is both safe and comfortable to explore on your. The water taxi runs almost continuously, is a large boat and is reasonably priced - offering a single fare ($5.00) or a day pass ($7.00) that allows as many trips as you want.

Cruise passengers interested in shopping, should not miss the shops in Philipsburg. However, you will also find a number of good shops in the cruise terminal such as Little Switzerland, Diamonds International, Boolchands, Ballerina’s Jewelers or Effy. Last but not least, the cruise traveler will find a few nice shaded places to enjoy local drinks and flavors. The piers are fairly close to the exiting gates where your ID will be checked when returning to the ship. Cruise passengers with walking difficulties will find transportation (trolleys) between the gangway an the exit gates.

Kayaking in Simpson Bay Lagoon

From the hilltop, you can admire magnificent views of Great Bay, Little Bay, Philipsburg, and the cruise port. Located in the heart of the town, only a 5-minute walk from the boardwalk, the old street is a great place to browse around and admire the picturesque facades of old buildings. In this St. Maarten cruise port guide, we went over the information you need to have a great day visiting St.Maarten during a cruise.

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. The remnants of the fort offer a glimpse into St. Martin’s past as a strategic stronghold. Cupecoy Beach on the Dutch side of St. Maarten is a captivating and rugged destination known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and sea caves.

It’s also possible to book comfortable tours in SUVs or electric buggies. Whatever you decide to do on your Philipsburg cruise visit, see below a simple map explaining the area seen from the port. Taxis, which also are usually SUVs, have a T at the beginning of the license plate. The island has a small number of narrow winding roads, so car rentals even for a day are quite common—so common that traffic jams are frequent. Anyone wanting a break from Great Bay Beach can stroll along the Boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and shops. An island tour that includes quick stops at Orient Beach, Maho Bay, Marigot, Mullet Bay Beach and other attractions will cost about $50 per person.

From the fort’s strategic position, you will get the best views of the Great Bay and the Little Bay. It is also an important bird life area, with a breeding colony of brown pelicans on the peninsula’s west side. Philipsburg (population around 2,000) is located on a narrow stretch of land between the Great Salt Pond and Great Bay. It functions as a commercial center of Saint Martin Island, whereof St Maarten encompasses the southern half. St Maarten Island has total area 34 km2 (13 mi2) and is one of the Dutch islands in the Lesser Antilles archipelago - together with Saba Island and Sint Eustatius. The other "Dutch Antilles" islands are in the Leeward Antilles - the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao).

Before booking an island excursion, check with the tour operator about what’s included. Some tours don’t include food, drink, and beach rentals like chairs and umbrellas. The panoramic views from Fort Louis are some of the best on Saint Martin. You can take the steep walk from the Marigot Market or get a taxi to the main parking lot. The hike to the top is worth it, where you can still see rifle ports and canons.

You can also enjoy the day at Great Bay Beach, Divi Little Bay Beach. You can even take a short taxi ride into Maho to watch the planes take-off and land. The Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary gives visitors an up close and personal experience with a variety of exotic species. You can feed the gentle, friendly birds and pose for vacation photos. Two popular hiking trails are Froussards Trail (Sentier des Froussards) and the Fleming Property Trail. Froussards Trail is a smooth, family-friendly hike that lets you experience St. Maarten wildlife.

While still on the French side, visit the most popular beach on St. Maarten, Orient beach. Graced with a long stretch of white powdery sand beach and crystal clear blue waters, Orient beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. A quick tour of the island with all its highlights is the best way to explore St. Maarten.

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