The St Maarten cruise port welcomes over 1.5 million passengers per year from lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney.
Located in Philipsburg on the Dutch side of the island, the cruise terminal is close to white-sand beaches, duty-free shopping, restaurants, and popular attractions.
Whether you're just planning on spending a few hours ashore or want to make the most of your entire visit, there's something for every traveler.
Having visited the island multiple times over the past two decades, I've put together my roundup of the top 10 things to do in St. Maarten on a cruise.
Watch planes land at the Princess Juliana International Airport
Starting off with one of the island's most famous attractions, Maho Beach is known for its airplane spotting.
Located extremely close to the Princess Juliana International Airport, the beach offers visitors a front-row seat to watch low-flying aircraft descend overhead before touching down on the runway.
Although the beach itself isn't necessarily the best on the island, seeing massive planes fly a few dozen feet overhead makes it something all aviation enthusiasts should strive to cross off their bucket list.
Personally, I'd recommend taking a shared taxi to the beach, rather than booking a cruise line transfer. Not only is this more affordable, but it is also more flexible.
This way, you can return whenever you're ready, instead of planning your day around the cruise line's fixed transportation schedule.
Moreover, check the airport's arrival schedule so you can time your visit with incoming flights, especially larger aircraft. This is something I wish I had done, as the larger aircraft weren't scheduled to arrive until later in the afternoon during my day in port.
Sample local spirits at Topper's Rhum Distillery
Topper's Rhum Distillery produces a wide variety of handcrafted flavored rums, and a tour offers visitors the chance to learn about the rum-making process, see how the spirits are distilled and bottled, and partake in a complimentary tasting.
What's neat about the tasting is that many of the samples are exclusive small-batch specialty rums, meaning that they're not available anywhere else in the world.
Whether you prefer classic flavors or something more adventurous, such as guava, cotton candy, and jalapeño lime, the distillery tour is sure to appeal to spirit lovers. Plus, you'll have a chance to purchase your favorite bottles to take home.
Explore the island on a guided ATV Tour
St. Maarten is a huge Caribbean island divided into two distinct sides: the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint-Martin). Each offers its own unique character, scenery, and culture.
One of the best ways to experience both sides of the island is on a guided ATV tour. This takes you off the main roads and into rugged, scenic areas while also visiting highlights such as Marigot, Maho Beach, and more.
There are plenty of third parties that offer guided ATV tours. However, before booking with an independent operator, make sure you research and book through a reputable company with good reviews and safety standards.
Soar high above the trees on the Flying Dutchman Zip Line
For those who might not want to lounge on the beach, the Flying Dutchman Zip Line offers an adrenaline-packed alternative. As one of the most thrilling experiences in St. Maarten, you'll experience sweeping island views from what's called the "steepest zip line in the world."
Located at the Rainforest Adventure park, this adventure hub is home to other attractions like the Sentry Hill Zip Line, Schooner Ride, and Sky Explorer, making it an all-day destination.
However, many travelers choose just to ride the Flying Dutchman since it's the park's signature attraction. At the top of the mountain, you're strapped into a harness and given a final safety check before being launched down the mountainside to take in lush, panoramic views.
Since the Flying Dutchman experience is so short, I'd recommend combining it with another activity. Or, if you've been to St. Maarten before, you might opt for a morning excursion and then enjoy a more relaxed afternoon back on board the ship while it’s less crowded.
Do a little retail therapy
When you think of shopping, famous streets like 5th Avenue in New York City and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills often come to mind. However, you don't have to be in a fashion capital to do some retail therapy.
In fact, St. Maarten has tons of unique shopping. In the heart of Grand Case, for example, you can create your own signature scent at TIJON Parfumerie. Additionally, Cole Bay is home to St. Maarten Nectar, a natural skincare company that specializes in handmaking vegan cosmetics.
That said, Phillipsburg's Front Street, Back Street, and Old Street comprise the island's main shopping district. Here, you'll find everything from jewelry stores to boutiques, souvenir shops, duty-free markets, and more.
Geek out at the Yoda Guy Movie Experience
If you're in Phillipsburg, you should carve out time to visit the Yoda Guy Movie Experience. This quirky gem tucked into the heart of Philipsburg is a must-visit for any Star Wars fan!
Created by special effects artist Nick Maley, who is known for bringing "Yoda" to life on the big screen, the museum showcases a collection of movie relics that span six decades of movie-making. Highlights include original scripts, original production pieces, artwork, and more.
Hours vary, so be sure to reach out in advance to secure tickets and ensure that the museum will be open during your visit. The website indicates that emailing [email protected] is the preferred contact method.
Soak up the sun on a white-sand beach
Obviously, one of the best things to do in St. Maarten is to visit one of the island's famous beaches. There are a lot to choose from (over three dozen!), so it's important to research and select one that fits your travel party's vibe.
Mullet Bay, Maho Beach, Orient Bay Beach, Great Bay Beach, and Grand Case Beach are among the most popular, but that doesn't mean the lesser-known, intimate spots are off limits.
Friar Beach, for example, is beloved for its calm, swimmable waters and laid-back atmosphere. Plus, just a ten-minute walk away is Happy Bay Beach, which offers an unspoiled stretch of sand and turquoise water that's a true hidden escape from the busier beaches.
Sail on a catamaran
If you aren't sick of being on the water, a catamaran cruise can be a great way to unwind during your port day in St. Maarten. Most boat tours double as snorkeling adventures, letting you swim in warm turquoise water and admire the marine life before returning to stretch out on the deck to enjoy the Caribbean sunshine.
Many also include some sort of food and beverage options, ranging from light snacks to a full buffet-style lunch spread. Moreover, if you envision sipping fruity rum punch, you may want to find a catamaran tour with an open bar.
Just note the times if you opt to book with a third-party company. An all-day excursion might sound great, but you don't want to spend the last hour wondering if you'll make the ship's strict all-aboard time.
Snorkeling at Simpson Bay's Wreck
Speaking of snorkeling, exploring the sunken wreck just off Simpson Bay is a fun way to do something a little differently in St. Maarten.
Over the years, the shipwreck has become an artificial reef that attracts schools of tropical fish. The waters are shallow and calm, offering easy visibility for snorkelers of all levels to view the coral and sponges that have overtaken the rusted vessel.
If you're visiting Simpson Bay on your own, note that there are no formal markers on the surface to mark the wreck. Bringing fins can also make the swim easier, since it sits toward the far end of the beach.
Stay on the ship and enjoy the amenities with fewer passengers
Finally, one of the most underrated things to do in St. Maarten is to remain on board while most passengers head ashore. This is the perfect time to take advantage of the ship's amenities with fewer crowds or even enjoy a discounted spa treatment.
With fewer guests on board, you won't have to battle chair hogs for prime pool loungers or wait in line for the waterslides. Plus, when lunchtime rolls around, the buffet will be far from the sea day madhouse that it often becomes.
Another perk is that the pool deck isn't as windy as when the ship is at sea. For readers (like myself), this provides a better environment to enjoy your latest read in peace without worrying about the pages flapping about.
St Maarten Cruise Port FAQS
Where does the cruise ship dock in St. Maarten?
All cruise ships visiting St. Maarten dock at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility in Philipsburg on the Dutch side of the island. The port has two piers capable of accommodating up to six ships at once.
What cruise lines visit St. Maarten?
As one of the most popular Caribbean ports, you'll find itineraries to St. Maarten on lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, MSC, Norwegian, Viking, Virgin Voyages, Azamara, AIDA, P&O, and more.
Can you walk around St. Maarten from the cruise port?
Harbour Point Village is the main terminal area that passengers will pass through after disembarking the ship. It's home to duty-free shopping, bars, restaurants, and serves as the main hub for taxi and excursion pick-ups. Alternatively, cruisers can walk to town or take the quick water taxi to the center of Philipsburg.
Is St Maarten safe?
Although St. Maarten is considered a safe destination, it's important to keep your wits about you while ashore. For example, petty crime, such as pickpocketing, can happen.
Do you need a passport for St Maarten cruises?
The answer depends on your cruise itinerary and citizenship status. If you are a United States citizen embarking on a round-trip sailing from the U.S. (such as Port Canaveral, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami), you do not need a passport. A valid government-issued photo ID and original birth certificate will suffice.
However, if you are taking a one-way cruise (i.e., a voyage that begins in one port and ends in another) you will need a valid passport, regardless of your citizenship status. The same goes for international travelers coming to the U.S. and booking a round-trip cruise.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.