Welcome to the St. Maarten cruise port guide. St. Martin is the world’s smallest territory shared by two countries. The northern part, measures 52 km2 / 20 m2, is French. The French call this part of the island Saint Martin and they call their main city Marigot. The southern part measures 44 km2 / 17 m2 and is Dutch. The Dutch call their part of the island Sint Maarten and its capital is Philipsburg. For over 350 years they have been living alongside one another on this small island. Because of this vibrant but peaceful history the island shows two beautiful and diverse faces and personalities. The cruise ships often dock on the Dutch side near Philipsburg. St. Martin is great for any tourist! Aside from the great climate Sint Maarten is known for its shopping! With over 500 duty-free stores this must be absolute shoppers paradise. Aside from this fact, the island has lots of sights to offer. There are great sites to visit and memories to make. Visit the Loterie farm, St. Maarten zoo, the Butterfly farm or be blown away at one of the world’s most dangerous airports for example. Read more about your options in the full Philipsburg, St. Maarten cruise port guide.

St. Maarten cruise port – fast facts:

– Large dock and cruise terminal available: 1 mile from Philipsburg
– Tender dock available right in town.
– Shopping: at the cruise terminal or in town
– Transportation: Taxi’s at the cruise terminal
– Watertaxi available to get you from the cruise terminal to town
– Beach: Great Bay Beach is the main beach in town. 1 mile from the cruise terminal.

For more information about the latest travel restrictions or port updates, please check: https://portstmaarten.com

Also find all detailed information about cruise port St. Maarten and what to see and do underneath.

Arrival of the Oasis of the Seas in the port of St. Maarten

There are several docking spots for the small and large cruise ships.

From the pier you walk straight into the cruise centre where you will find lots of shops, an internet cafe, tourist information, taxi and watertaxi.

The cruise port is about 1 km away from the centre of Philipsburg. From the beach in Philipsburg you can see the ships in the distance.

From the deck of your ship you will be able to see this pier (longer pier with red rooftop). This is where you catch the watertaxi to the centre of Philipsburg.

Buy a ticket for the water taxi at the St Maarten cruise terminal. A round trip costs 7 US dollars.

Also visit our cruise port guides for:

St. Lucia
Key West
San Juan
Curacao
Aruba
Barbados

Cruise Port Guide St. Martin – Philipsburg: docked or tender

The cruise dock in St. Maarten is called the A.C. Wathey Pier. It is a large cruise facility that can accomodate several mega cruise ships. At St. Martin’s cruise terminal you will find international and local shops, tourist information, cafe’s and restaurants and a (water)taxi service.
The cruise dock is about 1,5 km or 1 mile from the city centre of Philipsburg. You are free to walk, but you can also take the water taxi or a regular taxi.

Sometimes ships drop anchor in the bay in front of Philipsburg and tender people to shore. Find the tender platform right in the city centre of Philipsburg. See map above for its exact location.

Most ships will dock when they make St. Martin their port of call and therefore the following information is based on ships docking at the cruise terminal. Underneath you will find your transportation options:

Water taxi at St. Maarten cruise dock

The water taxi is a very popular way to go to the city centre of Philipsburg. At the cruise terminal you will find signs that will lead you there. Take into account that the walk to the water taxi pier can be about a 10 minute walk depending on where your ship is docked. Find a booth (see picture) to buy a ticket.
Roundtrip watertaxi tickets from the St. Maarten cruise port to Philipsburg costs:
– Adults: 7 US dollars
– Crew member: 3 US dollars
– Children under 3 years old: Free
You can pay cash in US dollar or with credit card.
The water taxi is wheelchair accessible. Ask for specifications at the booth.
After you have bought your ticket you will receive a paper bracelet as proof of payment and you proceed to the pier. The water taxi departs from the Captain Hodge Pier. See map above to see the exact location.

Taxis in St. Martin

There is a large taxi stand at the cruise terminal in St. Maarten. Taxi rates are fixed and based on how many people are in the taxi.
Beneath are the taxi prices (starting at the cruise terminal) for 2 passengers, each additional passenger is US$5:
to Philipsburg: $8
to Pelican: $15
to Marigot: $18
to Airport: $20
to Orient Bay: $22
A sightseeing taxis tour for 2 passengers for 3 hours will cost you $90 dollars and $25 extra for each additional person.

Car rental

There is a car rental facility as well at the St. Martin cruise terminal. We advice you to book in advance.

Public bus

There are plenty of busses that run between Philipsburg and Marigot. The buses depart at back street (one of the 2 main streets in Philipsburg). The fare is 2 to 3 US dollar.

Walk from the cruise terminal

It is also an option to walk from the cruise terminal to Philipsburg city center, but take in mind it will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Finding the way is easy. Just make sure you keep the water on your left hand side walking to the town. A hat and water are recommended!

Border crossing

No need to worry. If you are going from the Dutch into French side and back there is no border control or anything like that. We don’t even recommend taking your passport.

Shopping

St. Martin is one of the best shopping ports of the Caribbean. There are hundreds of duty free stores and the discounts are great. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. You can either take the watertaxi right to the center of this street or walk from the cruise terminal which will take you about 20 to 30 minutes.

Wi-fi

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. There is also an internet cafe 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.

Beach

There are lots of beaches nearby. The most popular and convenient one is the Great Bay beach. It is right in town at the main boulevard. It is within sight of the ship, in the city centre and there are lots of facilities. Other popular beaches are not within walking distance, but if you are willing to take a taxi we can recommend Dawn beach, Mullet Bay Beach or Orient Beach.

Currency

In St. Maarten, on the Dutch side of the island, the official currency is the antillean guilder. However US dollar are widely accepted. Most prices are clearly displayed in US dollars and most shops will have no problem accepting US dollars and will even have the change ready in US dollars. Creditcards are accepted at mosts shops.

Cruise port guide St. Philipsburg

St. Maarten cruise port – fast facts:

Also visit our cruise port guides for:

Cruise Port Guide St. Martin – Philipsburg: docked or tender

Water taxi at St. Maarten cruise dock

Taxis in St. Martin

Car rental

Public bus

Walk from the cruise terminal

Border crossing

Shopping

Wi-fi

Beach

Currency

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