Tuesday, April 2, 2024

The Best 30 Things to Do in St Maarten on a Cruise Day in Port

philipsburg st maarten cruise port

The Rotary Lookout Point is another secret gem on the island of St. Martin. It’s a magnificent lookout point at the Coralita site just 10minutes from Orient Bay. Once the Flying Dutchman course is over, get onto yet another exhilarating ride on the schooner ride, a slide running down the rest of the mountain up to the farm.

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Walking

philipsburg st maarten cruise port

No other cruise port along your itinerary will provide a beach so close, so you might as well want to grasp this opportunity! Along the beach goes Philipsburg’s boardwalk, making the beach easily walkable. Cruise ships coming in already have a breathtaking view over Philipsburg’s Great Bay Beach. A popular way to spend the day on St Maarten when coming by cruise, is to spend a day at Great Bay Beach. If you choose to remain close by the cruise port, there is still plenty to do! Many choose take a stroll to Philipsburg or take an activity close to this main town.

Explore the Town of Philipsburg

The journey to Grand Case Beach from the cruise port in St. Maarten takes around 30 minutes. This means you can travel around the entire island in about an hour. 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. The beach runs parallel to Princess Juliana Airport and is only a 20-minute drive from the cruise pier in Philipsburg.

Boat/Catamaran Ride and Snorkeling

For just a $6 per person boat ride, you can enjoy yourself on this remote island. It has a beautiful stretch of sand and clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and other water sports. For the energetic and adventurous individual, hiking in St. Maarten is a must do. Just above the Loterie farm are two observation decks found on top of the mountain at the magnificent Pic Paradis point.

Taxis

If you’re looking for a unique and tasty experience during your time in St. Maarten, you’ll enjoy a Guava Berry Liquor tasting. This locally-produced liquor is traditionally enjoyed at Christmas by local families. Cruise passengers can join a fun, guided ATV tour of Dutch and French St. Maarten. This tour will bring you to several popular spots on the island, and have you viewing pastel colored houses, tuquoise waters and lush landscapes. Whether you prefer to explore lush hiking trails, relax at the sanctuary pool or enjoy thrilling zip line tours with breathtaking views, Loterie Farm is a must-visit.

Walking & Water Taxis / Ferries from the Cruise pier to Philipsburg

Relax on beautiful beaches, try your luck at the casinos, and savor the flavors of Caribbean cuisine. Philipsburg offers an enticing mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation. 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.

However, to experience the rum-making process, you can book a shore excursion to a distillery. All major Caribbean cruise lines visit St. Maarten Cruise Port, including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Norwegian, Celebrity Cruises, and Disney. Here you can buy jewelry, clothes, cigars, alcohol, perfumes, cosmetics, and souvenirs. There are great discounts here and prices are lower compared to the cruise terminal area.

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What can you do to experience a fusion of Caribbean culture and Dutch history? Located on the Dutch side of the island, Philipsburg is known for its colorful colonial architecture and a bustling waterfront promenade. The charming streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings and boutique shops, and you can soak up the town’s rich history and culture. Exploring the attractions in St. Maarten is easy thanks to the excellent choice of taxis, water taxis, and buses. Hiring a car to give you more freedom to enjoy St. Maarten is also possible. Here are some of my top tips on how to get to various destinations while in port in St. Maarten.

Upgrading of existing overnight facilities to cater to the ever-expanding number of staying guests, we are always a port on the move. Our port facilities have been the catalyst for the improvement and development of different areas of the island. Our transportation network was improved by the completion of the Simpson Bay Lagoon Causeway in December 2013. The construction of this causeway eases traffic congestion for tours as well as for individual beach-bound passengers. We are committed to balancing our role as an economic driver and are dedicated to lessening the impact of our operations on the environment.

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. The buses run on various routes, connecting major areas, attractions, and beaches, making them convenient for tourists wanting to visit popular spots. It's also a great way to interact with locals and experience the island's culture more directly. 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.

Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Kindly note that due to the devastating Hurricane Irma that hit the island in September 2017, a lot of the island was damaged and is still recovering. Therefore, some of the popular attractions you might want to see or activities you may want to engage in might not be available when you visit. However, if you fancy more private and secluded beaches, you can charter a boat to the nearby island of Anguilla.

philipsburg st maarten cruise port

The biodiversity represented on this side of the island is simply amazing. Be one with nature, visit the great outdoors of St. Martin and enjoy a truly unique tropical paradise. Conveniently located in Philipsburg are 12 casinos where you can try your luck at the slot machine, crap, blackjack, roulette, and many others. These European style casinos closely resemble those in Las Vegas but with a touch of the Caribbean atmosphere which brings a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. Don’t just play in the cruise ship’s casino, mix things up in Phillipsburg. This pretty place has awesome snorkeling and it’s a nice island getaway with a picturesque tropical aura.

Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique experience, the beaches of St. Maarten are sure to leave a lasting impression. In addition to shopping, Philipsburg offers a range of dining options. Restaurants and cafes dot the area, serving a mix of local Caribbean flavors and international cuisine.

The good news is that the U.S. dollar is widely accepted across the island. Most businesses will accept both currencies, so carrying either USD or ANG is convenient. It’s also important to note that the “Plage Naturiste” section of the beach is clothing-optional. If you love Star Wars, visiting the Yoda Guy Museum Exhibit is a must. The museum was started by Nick Maley, who worked on the first two Star Wars movies. You can view a lot of Star Wars memorabilia and other relics from films like The Terminator, Men in Black, and Planet of the Apes.

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