Sint Maarten Departure & port-visit guide
Town, sand and sea.
Philipsburg makes it easy to combine Great Bay Beach, the boardwalk and lunch. Start at the cruise terminal in Point Blanche; choose a walk, water taxi or road taxi into town before considering a farther trip across St. Maarten.
Option 1
Choose a plan for the stops, food, walking and extra costs. Before sailing, arrange luggage storage and follow your cruise line’s check-in window and final boarding deadline. On a port call, use the ship’s all-aboard time to set your return.
Hours and prices checked Oct 6, 2026.
Philipsburg waterfront
Browse Front Street and the boardwalk, with a food stop chosen around your arrival time.
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Stops, in order
Your town & lunch plan
Local tip
Pause at the pier’s memorial plaque. Captain Hodge Pier remembers Arsene Hubert Hodge, who sailed between the Windward Islands. Look for the plaque as you pass along the boardwalk.
Set a return reminder
Your phone uses its own clock; if it differs from ship time, set the reminder by ship time.
Hours and prices checked Oct 6, 2026.
Port St. Maarten: arrival and water taxisSt. Maarten hospitality association: cruise visitor guideAziana: menu, address and kitchen hoursMapcarta / GeoNames: Captain Hodge Pier locationMapcarta / OpenStreetMap: Philipsburg Bobby’s Marina locationPort St. Maarten: transport stands and waterfront water-taxi stops (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Port St. Maarten: transport stands and waterfront water-taxi stopsAccessible Ventures St. Maarten: vehicles, equipment and advance bookingAccessible Ventures St. Maarten: vehicles, equipment and advance booking (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)St. Maarten hospitality association: Captain Hodge monument
Great Bay Beach
Stay beside town for a beach stop, lunch and a little browsing without a cross-island drive.
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Stops, in order
Your beach & boardwalk plan
Local tip
A fountain stop at Walter Plantz Square. The square’s colorful cottages surround fountains popular with children. Check whether they are running on the day before promising a splash stop.
Set a return reminder
Your phone uses its own clock; if it differs from ship time, set the reminder by ship time.
Hours and prices checked Oct 6, 2026.
St. Maarten hospitality association: Great Bay BeachPort St. Maarten: arrival and water taxisSt. Maarten hospitality association: Walter Plantz SquareMapcarta / OpenStreetMap: central Great Bay Beach areaPort St. Maarten: transport stands and waterfront water-taxi stops (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Accessible Ventures St. Maarten: vehicles, equipment and advance bookingAccessible Ventures St. Maarten: vehicles, equipment and advance booking (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)
Maho Beach
Choose a planned trip across the island for plane spotting, with both rides arranged in advance.
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Stops, in order
Your airport beach plan
Local tip
Check the day’s arrivals before leaving. Use Princess Juliana Airport’s daily flight schedule to plan the visit. Aircraft and times can change; keep your return pickup even if a flight is delayed.
Set a return reminder
Your phone uses its own clock; if it differs from ship time, set the reminder by ship time.
Hours and prices checked Oct 6, 2026.
St. Maarten hospitality association: cruise visitor guideSt. Maarten hospitality association: taxi informationSt. Maarten hospitality association: Maho Beach and flight schedulesU.S. Department of State: Maho jet-blast warningMapcarta / OpenStreetMap: Maho Beach areaPort St. Maarten: transport stands and waterfront water-taxi stops (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Accessible Ventures St. Maarten: vehicles, equipment and advance booking (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)St. Maarten hospitality association: Maho transport and trafficAccessible Ventures St. Maarten: vehicles, equipment and advance bookingOn embarkation day, work back from your cruise line’s check-in window instead. Count from when you can get off the ship, or ashore by tender, to the all-aboard time, using ship time. Times on these plans are our estimates, with time to spare; they cannot promise a plan fits your sailing.
Short plans need up to 4 hours in total, medium up to 6, long more than 6. A plan with a connection still to confirm has no total.
What to do in Philipsburg on a long cruise stop · A worked example with transfer and return allowances.
Select a terminal or place to see its location and open directions.
Open Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Port in Google Maps
Choose a place for its location, then open Google Maps for directions. Confirm the terminal on your cruise documents; a map result does not establish your ship’s berth or an accessible route.
Local know-how
Checked Oct 1, 2026. Confirm fares and hours locally before paying.
Beyond the shopfronts
The hospitality association highlights murals around town alongside its better-known landmarks. Add a small art detour to your browsing if time allows.
St. Maarten hospitality association: cruise visitor guideA meal to take away
The marina restaurant offers online ordering for pickup. Confirm preparation time before ordering around a ship deadline.
Aziana: menu, address and kitchen hoursBack at the port
The port village includes craft and souvenir stalls. Ask who made an item if you want a locally produced keepsake.
Port St. Maarten: arrival and water taxisThe port’s current cruise page names Captain Hodge Wharf, Walter Williams Jetty and Bobby’s Marina as water-taxi stops. Confirm the stop name and location on your ticket before boarding, and choose the one nearest your plans. Check the return boarding point at the same time.
Port St. Maarten: transport stands and waterfront water-taxi stopsRoad taxis use zones and passenger counts. Ask for the total for everyone and whether it is one way. The local taxi guide lists accessible vehicles and the SXM Taxi app; arrange any mobility requirements in advance.
St. Maarten hospitality association: taxi informationAccessible Ventures lists vans and buses with ramps or lifts, plus wheelchair, scooter and beach-wheelchair rentals. Its FAQ asks for at least 24 hours’ notice. Request a quote and confirm pickup, chair dimensions, securement and the return before booking; availability is not guaranteed. Checked Oct 1, 2026.
Accessible Ventures St. Maarten: vehicles, equipment and advance bookingThe port names town stops but does not publish a complete journey time, boarding wait or last return on its cruise page. Confirm the service and boarding method at the dock. The town and beach plans’ travel figures cover walking; they do not establish a boat trip’s timing or wheelchair access.
Port St. Maarten: arrival and water taxisThe port identifies Harbour Point Village as the hub for excursion pickups, bus tour stands and the cab stand. Its current cruise page names Captain Hodge Wharf, Walter Williams Jetty and Bobby’s Marina as water-taxi stops. Checked October 6, 2026. Confirm the exact destination stop, ticket coverage, boarding assistance and return service at the pier. The port’s advertised 15-minute town walk is not a verified gangway-to-destination route or water-taxi journey time.
Port St. Maarten: transport stands and waterfront water-taxi stopsAccessible Ventures lists ramp/lift vehicles and requires at least 24 hours’ notice for transport bookings. Request a route-specific quote and confirm the vehicle, chair dimensions and return pickup. Water-taxi boarding and the beach approach need separate enquiries; a road-vehicle booking does not establish boat access. Checked Oct 6, 2026.
Accessible Ventures St. Maarten: vehicles, equipment and advance booking (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Sushi, poke bowls, seafood, steaks and Chinese-Indonesian dishes at 22 Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard. Published kitchen hours: Mon–Sat noon–10 pm; Sunday closed. Meals cost extra. Checked Oct 1, 2026; confirm same-day opening.
Aziana: menu, address and kitchen hoursThe boardwalk has several food stops, including Ocean Lounge and The Pier at Walter Plantz Square. Choose from the menu on arrival and check kitchen hours before settling into rented chairs.
St. Maarten hospitality association: Great Bay BeachPublished information checked Oct 6, 2026. Confirm current prices before paying.
Town transport
Confirm the water taxi’s stops, return terms and last boat. Ask road taxis for the total fare.
Port St. Maarten: arrival and water taxisSt. Maarten hospitality association: taxi informationBeach setup
Ask whether chairs, umbrella and drinks are charged per person or per pair.
St. Maarten hospitality association: Great Bay BeachLunch & drinks
Check menus and kitchen hours before choosing a beach spot or restaurant.
St. Maarten hospitality association: Great Bay BeachAziana: menu, address and kitchen hoursOption 2
Prefer an organized outing in Philipsburg? Browse tours with Viator, then check the exact meeting point, departure, inclusions and cancellation terms before booking.
Tour duration is only part of your time ashore. Allow for getting to the meeting point, early check-in, any transfers outside the tour and your return reserve. Confirm the ship’s clock, all-aboard time and any earlier last tender. These results have not been checked against your sailing.
Search up to one year ahead. Schedules are indicative; confirm available departure times and your group’s final price on Viator.
We may earn a commission when you book through these links. How we are paid.
Port details
The port estimates about 15 minutes into town from the cruise-port area. Add the walk from your gangway and time for heat; the water taxi is another option.
Port St. Maarten: arrival and water taxisSt. Maarten hospitality association: Great Bay BeachSt. Maarten hospitality association: cruise visitor guidePort St. Maarten: transport stands and waterfront water-taxi stopsSt. Maarten hospitality association: taxi informationAccessible Ventures St. Maarten: vehicles, equipment and advance bookingAccessible Ventures St. Maarten: vehicles, equipment and advance booking (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Beach option: Great Bay Beach beside town. The hospitality association lists chair and umbrella rentals, showers and restrooms near the beach. Food and rentals are separate purchases.St. Maarten hospitality association: Great Bay Beach
Use your actual terminal. Any quoted walk starts at the location named, not automatically at the gangway. Allow for port access, weather and your walking pace.
First steps ashore
Ships usually dock at the cruise facilities listed below. Your ship confirms the actual berth and any change to tender arrangements.
Your ship confirms the arrival pier and any tender arrangements for your sailing.
| Arrival point | Where you land | What to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Port | Point Blanche, Philipsburg | Start at Harbour Point Village for road taxis, excursions and onward transport. Keep the port name handy for your return driver.Port St. Maarten: arrival and water taxisSt. Maarten hospitality association: cruise visitor guide |
| Philipsburg water-taxi stops | Bobby’s Marina, Captain Hodge Wharf and Walter Williams Jetty | These are town drop-offs, not your ship’s berth. Confirm the return dock for your particular boat service.Port St. Maarten: arrival and water taxis |
Port hours vary by ship and date in Philipsburg. Check your sailing itinerary for scheduled arrival and departure, then the onboard app or daily notice for all-aboard, ship time and any last-tender deadline. Subtract clearance, both transfers and a return buffer before choosing an outing. Scheduled arrival is not your guaranteed time ashore.
Our suggestion: head into Philipsburg, choose a Great Bay beach spot, have lunch and walk part of Front Street before returning. Save the boat’s return details when buying your ticket. This is our planning suggestion. Compare a ship excursion or reputable independent tour for more complicated outings, including the meeting point and return arrangements.
Sources checked Oct 6, 2026
UK FCDO: St Maarten safety and securityTake your ship card or wearable, the identification specified in the ship’s port briefing, any tour ticket and a way to pay. Save your terminal name, return deadline and ship’s emergency contact offline. Ask whether your original passport is required for this visit; do not assume a phone photo replaces required identification. U.S. dollars widely accepted. Confirm the currency and the total with vendors. Keep small cash available for transport and beach purchases.
Sources checked Oct 6, 2026
Royal Caribbean: shore-excursion documents and planningCarnival: identification when reboardingU.S. Department of State: cruise travel planningSt. Maarten hospitality association: cruise visitor guideWait for the ship’s announcement that passengers may go ashore. Follow its gangway, shuttle or tender instructions and any ticketing order. Keep your ship identification ready when leaving and returning. Allow for terminal access checks, queues and security screening before reboarding; tender passengers also need to meet the last return boat.
Sources checked Sep 24, 2026
Carnival: identification when reboardingRoyal Caribbean Group: boarding and port-call screeningUse registered taxis with taxi on their number plate and agree the fare before travel. Protect beach belongings and avoid isolated areas after dark. Dutch St Maarten guidance requires photographic identification, such as a passport or photo driving licence; a printed copy is usually not accepted. Confirm your ship’s document instructions separately.
Sources checked Oct 5, 2026
UK FCDO: St Maarten safety and securityCaribbean guilders; US$ widely accepted. Confirm the currency and the total with vendors. Keep small cash available for transport and beach purchases.
Currency checked Sep 24, 2026
Central Bank: Caribbean guilderSt. Maarten hospitality association: cruise visitor guideFor embarkation, use your cruise line’s terminal and check-in instructions. After the cruise, allow for disembarkation, baggage collection and the airport transfer before airline check-in.
Parking location, overnight permission and prices for Philipsburg are not yet verified here. Confirm them with the port or parking operator for your terminal and full cruise dates.
Choose your arrival airport and confirm transport to the exact Philipsburg cruise terminal. Airport-to-terminal journey times and prices have not yet been verified here.
Sources checked Oct 6, 2026
Port St. Maarten: transport stands and waterfront water-taxi stopsUse the arrival window and final check-in or boarding deadline issued by your cruise line for Philipsburg. They are different from the ship’s departure time. Allow for terminal traffic, baggage drop and security; arriving early does not necessarily mean you can board early.
Sources checked Sep 24, 2026
Royal Caribbean: assigned terminal arrival timeConfirm the designated baggage drop-off at your assigned terminal and the time your sailing accepts bags. Attach your cruise luggage tags before handover. Keep travel documents, medication and valuables in your carry-on. Baggage drop-off is not a promise of early boarding or all-day luggage storage.
Sources checked Sep 24, 2026
Royal Caribbean: packing and luggage tagsThe cruise facilities are in Point Blanche, outside central Philipsburg. Harbour Point Village has shops, dining and transport pickup areas.
Port St. Maarten: arrival and water taxisSt. Maarten hospitality association: cruise visitor guideThe port names Captain Hodge Wharf, Walter Williams Jetty and Bobby’s Marina. Confirm which stop your boat serves, its ticket terms and the last return before boarding.
Port St. Maarten: arrival and water taxisThe boardwalk runs beside the sand, with Front Street shops just behind it. Chair and umbrella rentals make a simple beach stop possible without booking a whole island tour. Check the rental price and what it includes.
St. Maarten hospitality association: Great Bay BeachLittle Bay is another beach option beyond Fort Amsterdam. Maho is the airport beach across the island. Our suggestion: choose one destination and leave room for the return drive, rather than combining both with a long town visit.
St. Maarten hospitality association: cruise visitor guideOur advice: price the return water taxi or road taxi, chairs, umbrella, lunch and drinks together. Ask whether a beach package is per person or for a pair of chairs and what drinks it covers.
Our suggestion: if a beach package is more than you want to spend, make it a town walk and a meal. Choose the length of the walk around the heat and your group’s mobility.
Our suggestion: head into Philipsburg, choose a Great Bay beach spot, have lunch and walk part of Front Street before returning. Save the boat’s return details when buying your ticket.
Our suggestion: arrange both directions before leaving for Maho or another distant beach. Use the ship’s all-aboard time and an allowance for traffic when deciding when to leave.
The port, beaches and places to explore
1 itinerary leaves Philipsburg. See every route on one map, with the ship, the length and the season.
See the cruise from Philipsburg461 itineraries in the catalog
The port estimates about 15 minutes into town from the cruise-port area. Add the walk from your gangway and time for heat; the water taxi is another option.
Port St. Maarten: arrival and water taxisSt. Maarten hospitality association: Great Bay BeachSt. Maarten hospitality association: cruise visitor guidePort St. Maarten: transport stands and waterfront water-taxi stopsSt. Maarten hospitality association: taxi informationAccessible Ventures St. Maarten: vehicles, equipment and advance bookingAccessible Ventures St. Maarten: vehicles, equipment and advance booking (connection review, Oct 6, 2026)Sources checked Oct 6, 2026
Ships usually dock at the cruise facilities listed below. Your ship confirms the actual berth and any change to tender arrangements. Check the terminal comparison above for the different arrival areas.
Port St. Maarten: arrival and water taxisSt. Maarten hospitality association: cruise visitor guideSources checked Oct 6, 2026
Choose your arrival airport and confirm transport to the exact Philipsburg cruise terminal. Airport-to-terminal journey times and prices have not yet been verified here.
Port St. Maarten: transport stands and waterfront water-taxi stopsSources checked Oct 6, 2026
Parking location, overnight permission and prices for Philipsburg are not yet verified here. Confirm them with the port or parking operator for your terminal and full cruise dates.
Use the arrival window and final check-in or boarding deadline issued by your cruise line for Philipsburg. They are different from the ship’s departure time. Allow for terminal traffic, baggage drop and security; arriving early does not necessarily mean you can board early.
Royal Caribbean: assigned terminal arrival timeSources checked Sep 24, 2026
Confirm the designated baggage drop-off at your assigned terminal and the time your sailing accepts bags. Attach your cruise luggage tags before handover. Keep travel documents, medication and valuables in your carry-on. Baggage drop-off is not a promise of early boarding or all-day luggage storage.
Royal Caribbean: packing and luggage tagsSources checked Sep 24, 2026
Port hours vary by ship and date in Philipsburg. Check your sailing itinerary for scheduled arrival and departure, then the onboard app or daily notice for all-aboard, ship time and any last-tender deadline. Subtract clearance, both transfers and a return buffer before choosing an outing. Scheduled arrival is not your guaranteed time ashore.
Use registered taxis with taxi on their number plate and agree the fare before travel. Protect beach belongings and avoid isolated areas after dark. Dutch St Maarten guidance requires photographic identification, such as a passport or photo driving licence; a printed copy is usually not accepted. Confirm your ship’s document instructions separately.
UK FCDO: St Maarten safety and securitySources checked Oct 5, 2026
Local guide checked Oct 6, 2026. New practical guidance carries its own source dates. Published prices, hours and terminal use can change. Our outing suggestions are editorial advice, not cruise-line schedules or return guarantees. Cruise-line links illustrate their own policies; your line’s instructions govern your sailing.
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