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In Philipsburg, you can stop at the Caribbean Liquor store near the pier or purchase rum within the cruise pier area. 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.
Best Things to Do in St. Maarten Cruise Port During Your Cruise
The local currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder on the Dutch side and the euro on the French side, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Banks and ATMs are readily available, and most establishments take credit cards (although you'll have to pay cash at the smaller beach bars). A meal at The Greenhouse offers the standard classics like chicken fingers, burgers and fries, steaks, and sandwiches.
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Night Eastern Caribbean & Perfect DayDetails
If you’re a history buff looking for a cultural experience, visit the St. Maarten Museum near the pier at the end of Front Street. The museum showcases the history and culture of this Caribbean island, from its prehistoric inhabitants through colonial times and pirate attacks. 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? Taxis are the most common mode of transportation for cruise passengers in St. Maarten.
Day excursion to Pinel Island
The popular beach has over a mile of fine sand, stunning turquoise waters, and a lively atmosphere. You can relax on a beach chair, paddleboard in the calm waters of Simpson Bay, or enjoy riding a jet ski. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to make your beach day enjoyable. Marigot is the largest city on the French side of St. Maarten and a popular shopping haven for cruise passengers. This picturesque harbor town lets you soak up French-Caribbean culture. You can walk through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful colonial buildings.
The Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary in St. Maarten is a hidden gem that thrills visitors of all ages. The bird sanctuary houses a diverse array of colorful and exotic bird species from around the world. Impressively, the elevated vantage point offers panoramic views of Great Bay and the Caribbean Sea. Other major sights which are often included in the island tour are Fort Amsterdam, Baie Rouge, and Sunset Beach. St. Maarten has a tropical climate, and experiences sunny and warm temperatures throughout the year.
St. Maarten – What Cruise Passengers Need to Know
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Take a guided shore excursion of St. Maarten to experience the unique Franco-Dutch culture. Depending on the tour operator, you can spend time in Marigot and visit Fort Amsterdam, Baie Rouge, and Sunset Beach. Some island tours include the Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary, Loterie Farm, time at a beach, and lunch. St Maarten is well known for its stunning beaches, and luckily for cruise ship visitors, there are plenty of options in close proximity to the cruise port. Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax or more adventurous activities, there’s a beach for everyone. At Great Bay Beach, you’ll have a beautiful view of the cruise ships docked nearby.
It can get hot and humid in St. Maarten, which makes the island perfect for beach lovers. Smaller businesses may not accept credit cards, so having cash or traveler’s checks is a wise move. This means that if it’s a place people want to go, there’s probably a bus that goes there. Unique to St. Maarten is the Water UFO, a watercraft billed as an Unbelievably Fun Object. The boat is a powered, flying-saucer-shaped rig that accommodates one or two passengers.
More about St. Martin
Spend your days sunning on the white sands of breathtaking Caribbean beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, and enjoying a cooling rum punch on these fun-filled luxury cruises. 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.
How much time should I spend in Sint Maarten?
The Loterie Farm and Nature Sanctuary in St. Martin has a mission to protect its beautiful countryside land and trees. This incredible sanctuary combines nature, adventure, and relaxation. If you want to save money on a cruise, you can take the public bus, which is the least expensive option. Tourists tend to be robbery targets, so don't flash valuables or cash, and do not leave anything valuable in a car or on the beach. You’ll know when you arrive at L’Escargot thanks to its colorfully painted exterior.
Another great thing about St Maarten’s cruise port beaches is the variety of activities available. Visitors can enjoy everything from sunbathing and swimming to jet-skiing, parasailing, and beachside dining. There are also plenty of amenities, such as loungers, umbrellas, and beach bars, to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Sint Maarten (Dutch side) and Saint Martin (French side) have much to offer cruise passengers with a day to spend on the island. Here are my top tips about shore excursions and tours you can arrange from the cruise pier. Although you can book them through your cruise line, many taxi drivers offer personal island tours. St Maarten’s cruise port beaches offer a unique blend of natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and soft sandy shores that make them truly special. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful spot to relax and unwind or an exciting place to spend the day with family and friends, these beaches have something for everyone. You can purchase one way or round trip water taxi tickets to downtown Philipsburg and Great Bay Beach.
For those seeking more adventure, Maho Beach is a must-see attraction. It’s located on the Dutch side of the island, and known for its proximity to the Princess Juliana International Airport. Visitors can watch planes fly just a few feet above their heads, making for a unique beach experience.
The Dutch later built Fort Amsterdam as a military outpost in Philipsburg for protection from intruders. Over time, the Dutch and French found ways to maintain their island colonies, respecting each other’s cultures and heritage. St. Maarten has steadily grown in popularity as a tourism destination in recent years.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or looking for a meaningful souvenir, exploring the local art galleries is well worth it. Many cruise lines dock in Philipsburg, from Celebrity Cruises to P&O and more. However, when we were in St. Maarten recently, there were only 2 cruise ships docked. In Puerto Plata, you’ll find a wide range of watersports, blissful beaches, and the charm, vibrancy, and hospitality that the Dominican Republic is known for.
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. Keep in mind that you need to get back to the cruise ship on time, so this might be best as a cruise line shore excursion or if you are in St. Maarten for a long port day.
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