Philipsburg is the capital of St. Maarten — the Dutch half of the smallest island in the world shared by two nations. (The French side is called Saint Martin and is part of the French West Indies.) Part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, St. Maarten is home to one of the Caribbean's busiest cruise ports, with facilities capable of docking some of the world's largest ships.
The island's unique dual nationality means no real border exists between the Dutch and French sides — visitors can cross freely and experience two entirely different cultures on a single island. The Dutch side offers exceptional duty-free shopping, casinos, lively restaurants, and some of the Caribbean's best water sports. The French side offers chic boutiques, excellent French cuisine, and the extraordinary Orient Bay beach. Together they make St. Maarten one of the most versatile and rewarding ports in the Caribbean.
See here for more information on Saint Martin (French side).
Know Before You Go
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Philipsburg, St. Maarten – Quick Facts
Where You Dock in Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Pier locations and what's available at each terminal.
The Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Facilities is St. Maarten's modern cruise terminal, located approximately one mile from downtown Philipsburg — about a 20-minute walk from the pier. Water taxis are available if you prefer not to walk and are a faster and more enjoyable option.
Right at the pier is an information area with souvenir stalls and duty-free shops. This is also where you'll find the famous pink "St. Maarten" sign — the island's most popular photo opportunity. The terminal has facilities to accommodate some of the world's largest cruise ships.
Getting Around Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Transportation options once you're ashore.
⛴️ Water Taxi
The best way to get to downtown Philipsburg — $7 for an all-day pass, giving you unlimited trips between the pier and Front Street. You also get a beautiful view of the harbor on each crossing. Faster than waiting in the taxi queue and significantly cheaper for a solo traveler or couple.
🚕 Taxis
Taxis queue at the pier organized by destination and fare type. Government-regulated rates by zone — extra charge for more than 2 passengers. Three-hour island sightseeing tours available for approximately $90. See current zone rates here.
🚗 Car Rental
An excellent option for groups of 3 or more — exploring both the Dutch and French sides of the island independently is one of the great pleasures of St. Maarten. Several rental locations are near the port; Coastal Car Rental is right at the pier. Driving is on the right side of the road.
Things To Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Make the most of your time ashore.
🎯 St. Maarten packs an impressive range of activities into one of the Caribbean's most versatile ports:
Maho Beach & Sunset Bar — One of the most unique experiences in the entire Caribbean. The runway of Princess Juliana Airport ends just feet from the beach — massive jets fly directly overhead at extremely low altitude as they land. The Sunset Bar & Grill provides the perfect ringside seat. A genuinely extraordinary sight that you will not see at any other beach destination.
Duty-Free Shopping — Front Street — St. Maarten's most popular port day activity. World-class duty-free jewelry, diamonds, watches, electronics, and cosmetics at up to 50% off. The water taxi drops you at the front door of the shopping district. Allow at least two to three hours to do it justice.
Visit Marigot & the French Side — Cross to the French side of the island by rental car or taxi (no border formalities) and visit Marigot — the capital of French Saint Martin. Excellent French boutiques, bakeries, bistros, and a colorful waterfront market. A completely different cultural atmosphere from the Dutch side.
Ferry to Anguilla — A 25-minute ferry from Marigot, Saint Martin to Anguilla ($15 one way, departing every 45 minutes). Anguilla is one of the finest beach islands in the Caribbean — pristine white sand, warm turquoise water, and a relaxed atmosphere. A worthwhile adventure for those who have seen St. Maarten before. Anguilla sightseeing tours available.
Casinos — The Atlantis World Casinos around Philipsburg and Casino Royale at Maho Village are the main options. St. Maarten has a lively casino culture and the facilities are genuine — not the compact ship casino experience.
Resort Day Pass — Spend the day at a beach resort through ResortPass — pool, private beach, restaurants, and bars included. About 30 minutes from the port and a genuinely luxurious alternative to independent beach-hopping.
Beaches & Outdoors in Philipsburg, St. Maarten
The best beaches, parks, and outdoor experiences for cruise passengers.
🏖️ St. Maarten has beaches for every type of visitor — from the convenient to the spectacular:
Great Bay Beach
The closest beach to the pier — right in downtown Philipsburg along the Boardwalk. Convenient for a quick swim between shopping, with restaurants and bars lining the shoreline. Not the most scenic but unbeatable for convenience.
Little Bay
Just past Philipsburg — the best beach for water sports on the Dutch side. Rentals available for jet skis, kayaks, paddleboards, and other water activities. A lively and active beach with good facilities.
Maho Beach
One of the most famous beaches in the Caribbean — situated at the end of Princess Juliana Airport's runway. Massive jets fly just feet overhead as they land. The adjacent Sunset Bar & Grill is the perfect place to watch the spectacle over a meal or drink. One of the most unique beach experiences anywhere in the world.
Mullet Bay
About an hour from the pier but far from the crowds of Philipsburg — a wide, beautiful beach with umbrella and chair rentals. The best "escape the crowds" beach option on the Dutch side. Worth the taxi ride for those wanting tranquility.
Orient Bay (French Side)
On the French side of the island — a beautiful crescent beach with restaurants, watersport rentals, and a lively atmosphere. The adjacent Club Orient is a naturist (clothing-optional) beach, which is perfectly legal on the island. One of the Caribbean's most famous beaches in a stunning setting.
Shopping in Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Where to shop and what to look for.
🛍️ Philipsburg has some of the best duty-free shopping in the Caribbean — luxury goods at up to 50% off, all priced in USD:
Front Street — Main Shopping District
Steps from the water taxi dock — Front Street and its side streets form Philipsburg's primary shopping district. Every major duty-free category is covered: jewelry, watches, diamonds, electronics, cosmetics, perfumes, and designer clothing. The concentration of quality duty-free retail is among the finest in the Caribbean. A leisurely walk down Front Street is itself one of the great pleasures of a St. Maarten port day.
Blue Mall
Located west of the airport, about 13km from Philipsburg — a modern indoor mall with men's and women's apparel stores and a food court. Best reached by rental car or taxi. A good option for those wanting air-conditioned mall shopping away from the busy waterfront strip.
What to Buy
Diamonds and fine jewelry — one of the best places in the Caribbean for certified diamonds at significant savings. Swiss watches — duty-free prices on major brands. French cosmetics and perfumes — especially on the French side in Marigot. Electronics — no sales tax and competitive pricing. Local art and Caribbean crafts — available at the pier market and along Front Street.
Dining in Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Where to eat and drink ashore.
🍽️ St. Maarten has a surprisingly diverse dining scene — from casual Boardwalk bars to upscale seafood. Lobster thermidor is a local specialty worth seeking out:
Lazy Lizard Beach Bar & Grill
Boardwalk, Philipsburg · Casual · #1 rated restaurant
Rated the top restaurant in St. Maarten — a casual beach bar serving excellent burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and the local Johnny Cakes. Right on the Boardwalk with Great Bay views. Consistently praised for food quality and atmosphere.
Chesterfields
Great Bay Marina · Pub Fare · Closest to Pier
Located on the way to Philipsburg from the pier — great harbor views and solid pub fare. A convenient first or last stop with a relaxed waterfront atmosphere.
Dirty Sanchez Crew Bar
Boardwalk · Bar · #1 rated bar
Rated the top bar in St. Maarten — fantastic cocktails in a fun and lively atmosphere on the Boardwalk. The place to go for a drink after shopping or before heading back to the ship.
Burger Madness
Front Street · Casual · $
Outstanding burgers with an extraordinary variety of toppings right on the beach at Front Street. One of the best casual dining values in Philipsburg — always busy on ship days for good reason.
Ital Shack
Bush Road No. 7, Philipsburg · Vegan · $
A super laid-back local spot serving organic, vegan fare and fresh juices at reasonable prices. An excellent and healthy alternative to the typical cruise port fare — genuinely good food with a local character.
Top Tours & Shore Excursions
Book before you board for best availability and pricing.
Da Party Bus Island Tour
⏱ 4 hours · Moderate activity
Spend time partying your way around the island with stops at Orient Bay, Margot, St. Martin, then Sunset Bar & Grill at ...
Book This Tour →Half Day Catamaran Sail & Snorkel
⏱ 3.75 hours · Moderate activity
Board a spacious 50 foot catamaran and sail past the beauty of St. Maarten. Choose to relax on deck in the sun or shade,...
Book This Tour →St. Maarten Sights, Shopping & Sand
⏱ 4.5 hours · Moderate activity
You’ll explore the entire island including the French side, stopping at major sites along the way. Spend time swimming o...
Book This Tour →Philipsburg, St. Maarten – FAQ
Common questions from cruise passengers.
What is St. Maarten known for?
St. Maarten/Saint Martin is famous for being two countries on one island — Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint Martin. It's known for excellent duty-free shopping, beautiful beaches (especially Orient Beach on the French side), great restaurants, and the famous Maho Beach where planes land just feet over sunbathers.
What currency is used in St. Maarten?
The US Dollar is widely used and accepted on both sides of the island. The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder on the Dutch side and the Euro on the French side, but you rarely need either.
Is St. Maarten safe for cruise passengers?
The main tourist areas are generally safe. Philipsburg's Front Street shopping area is busy and well-patrolled. Exercise normal caution and be aware of your surroundings.
What is Maho Beach?
Maho Beach is where Princess Juliana International Airport's runway ends just meters from the beach. Planes land low directly over sunbathers — it's one of the world's most unique beach experiences and a popular excursion stop.
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