Overview
St. Maarten Cruise Port is a vibrant and bustling port located on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin. It offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and exciting activities for cruise passengers.
Major cruise port in the Caribbean, serving as a gateway to the island's beautiful beaches and cultural attractions.
Location
Address
Great Bay, Philipsburg
Neighborhood: Downtown Philipsburg
Coordinates
18.020700, -63.052100
Visiting Information
Opening Hours
Admission
Best Time to Visit
Overall Best Period
November-April
Best Time of Day
Early afternoon
Avoids peak arrival times and allows for a full day of exploration
Duration Recommendations
Seasonal Highlights
spring
Warm and pleasant
- • Carnival parades
- • Outdoor dining
summer
Hot and humid
- • Extended shopping hours
- • Beachside bars
autumn
Hot and humid, decreasing hurricane risk
- • Harvest festivals
- • Cooler evenings
winter
Pleasant and warm
- • Holiday decorations
- • Christmas markets
Know Before You Go
Essential Information
- Book shore excursions in advance
- Bring a copy of your cruise ticket
- Check cruise ship schedule for port times
What to Bring
essential
recommended
seasonal
not allowed
Health & Safety
Physical Requirements: Moderate
- • Stay hydrated
- • Use sunscreen
Medical facilities: On-site medical center
Payment Information
Accepted
Credit cards, Cash (USD, Euros)
Currency
USD and Euros
Typical Costs
Dress Code
Casual, Comfortable clothing and footwear, Sneakers or sandals, Swimwear in shops and restaurants
Booking Tips
- • At least 1 month in advance
- • Cruise line or official port website
- • Varies by excursion
- • Available for popular shops and restaurants
Amenities
Digital Services
Mobile App
St. Maarten Cruise Port App
Size: 35 MB
Features: Interactive map, Excursion bookings, Dining reservations
Platforms: iOS, Android
WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Cafes and restaurants
Charging Stations: Visitor center, Cafes
How to Reach
From Airport
Nearest: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)
Distance: 5 km
Travel Time: 10 minutes
From City Center
Distance: 1 km
Local Insights
Cultural Context
Why Locals Love It: Vibrant mix of cultures and activities, great for shopping and dining
Historical Significance: Key port for trade and tourism in the Caribbean
Insider Tips
- Local markets offer better deals than port shops
- Early morning visits offer quieter experiences
Local Recommendations
- • Try local seafood at the beachside cafes
- • Visit the local markets for unique souvenirs
- • Ask locals for hidden beach spots
Language Help
Useful Phrases
Guide Languages: English, Dutch, Spanish, French
Photography Guide
Best Photo Spots
Front Street
Best Time: Morning
Tips: Capture colorful buildings and bustling streets
Result: Vibrant urban scenes
Great Bay Beach
Best Time: Sunset
Tips: Use the beach and palm trees as foreground
Result: Stunning sunset photos
Port Boardwalk
Best Time: Afternoon
Tips: Capture cruise ships in the background
Result: Impressive port views
Photography Rules
Nearby Attractions
Great Bay Beach
Distance: 200m
Walking: 3 min
Type: Beach
Front Street
Distance: 300m
Walking: 5 min
Type: Shopping
Philipsburg Museum
Distance: 500m
Walking: 8 min
Type: Museum
Captain Oliver's Table
Distance: 700m
Walking: 10 min
Type: Restaurant
Reviews
Based on 1,200 reviews
Recent Visitor Tips
- "Book excursions early"
- "Explore the local markets"
- "Try the local seafood"
Contact Information
Related Tours & Activities (2)
Quick Info
Available Tours
50
Rating
4.3 / 5.0
Reviews
1,200
Adult Entry
Free (port access), excursions vary