Sint Maarten (Saint Martin) is one of the most popular cruise ports in the Eastern Caribbean. It offers a unique blend of Dutch and French culture. The island has beautiful beaches. Visitors also have easy access to both relaxed and adventure-filled shore days.
In this cruise port guide, we explore what to expect when your ship docks in Sint Maarten. We describe how the port area is laid out. You will also learn the best ways to spend your time ashore based on real cruise-day experience.
Arriving in Port & First Impressions
St. Maarten is one of the busiest cruise ports in the Caribbean, welcoming roughly 1.5 to 2 million cruise passengers each year. The port often hosts five to seven ships during the peak winter season. Despite the volume, the island handles cruise traffic surprisingly well.
Ships dock at Port St. Maarten on the south side of Philipsburg. The terminal area is clean, modern, and purpose-built for cruise tourism. It has shops, excursion booths, taxi dispatch zones, rest areas, and clear directional signage as soon as you step ashore.
While everything feels organized and easy, the main town and beaches are a little farther than they first appear. Most cruisers take the water taxi into Philipsburg. The taxi is inexpensive, fast, and scenic. Some choose to walk along a busy stretch of road that’s less enjoyable.
Easy DIY Day in Philipsburg
Once the water taxi drops you along the Philipsburg waterfront, everything opens up in front of you. There’s a long sandy beach. The water is calm. There are plenty of loungers, beach bars, and restaurants. You will find shops and great views of your ship anchored in the bay.
You don’t need to go any farther if all you want is a relaxed, low-effort beach day. Food, drinks, and shopping are close by. Philipsburg is one of the easiest DIY cruise port days in the Caribbean.
Maho Beach: The Iconic Plane-Spotting Stop
For many cruisers, Maho Beach is the headline attraction in St. Maarten. This is the famous beach beside the airport runway where planes roar overhead as they land just meters away.
It’s a lively, bucket-list experience and the planes really are that close. Warning signs are posted. Jet wash can be hazardous during takeoff. Yet that thrill is part of what makes Maho such a memorable stop.
Maho Beach is easily reached by taxi. It sits just under a 30-minute drive from the cruise port. Beach bars and viewing spots are waiting when you arrive.
Better Beaches Nearby (Mullet Bay & Simpson Bay)
Here’s the Dockside insider tip. Maho Beach is fun to visit. Yet, it’s not the best place for swimming. It’s also not ideal for spending an entire beach day.
Just minutes away, Simpson Bay Beach and Mullet Bay offer wider shorelines. The water is clearer, and the swimming experience is better. They offer a more classic Caribbean beach feel. These beaches are favorites among repeat cruisers and locals who want less chaos and more natural beauty.
French Side Experiences (Orient Beach & Marigot)
If you want to mix beach time with culture, the French side of the island is a fantastic choice. It also offers great food. Orient Beach is known for its long stretch of sand, beach clubs, restaurants, and water activities.
Marigot, the French capital, is another popular stop, especially for food lovers. It offers a very different vibe from the Dutch side. There are cafés, bakeries, markets, and waterfront views. All of these are within a short taxi ride.
With enough time in port, you can easily enjoy beach time. You can also get a taste of French Caribbean culture in a single day.
Safety, Food & Practical Tips
If you stay near Philipsburg, you’ll find plenty of casual beach bars and shore-front restaurants. For food that really stands out, many cruisers head to Marigot. European-style cafés, bistros, and pastry shops are a highlight there.
When this guide was created, both Canada and the United States advised travelers to exercise normal caution in St. Maarten. The port area, Philipsburg boardwalk, water taxi docks, and main beaches generally feel safe and busy with cruise visitors.
As with most popular cruise destinations, petty theft can occur on busy days. Keep valuables secure at the beach, use licensed taxis, and allow extra time for traffic when returning to the ship.
Final Thoughts on St. Maarten
St. Maarten is one of the Caribbean’s most flexible and rewarding cruise ports. If you’re looking for an easy DIY beach day, this island gives you options. Enjoy iconic plane spotting at Maho. Visit a quieter stretch of sand at Mullet or Simpson Bay. Explore French food and culture in Marigot.
With a little planning and smart transportation choices, it’s easy to tailor your port day to match your travel style — which is why St. Maarten remains a favorite for first-time and repeat cruisers alike.
Want to see St. Maarten in action? Watch our full St. Maarten Port Guide on YouTube for real footage, tips, and what to expect on the ground.
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Dockside Travel 