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The excursion takes you 20 feet underwater, and safety divers accompany you. The dive takes 25 to 30 minutes, during which you can see a sunken submarine, helicopter, plane, canons, and more. You can also marvel at the colorful coral reef fish swimming around you. The Flying Dutchman Zipline is an exhilarating, adrenaline-pumping excursion in St. Maarten. Billed as the world’s steepest zipline, the adventure includes a 1,050-foot drop on a securely harnessed chair. You get some of the most breathtaking 360° views of the Caribbean, including Anguilla, St. Eustatius, Saba, and St. Barts.
Shop-til-you-drop in Sint Maarten
The Great Bay Beach is within walking distance of St. Maarten Cruise Pier. The popular beach features stunning white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a vibrant beachfront promenade. Various water sports, such as snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, and paddleboarding, are also available. Cruise ships dock at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities, located in Philipsburg, the capital of St. Maarten, on the Dutch side of the island. The cruise port short walking distance from the heart of the town and nearby many popular attractions.
Night Eastern Caribbean CruiseDetails
Also, a chairlift, “Soualiga Sky Explorer,” takes you to the top of Sentry Hill for your descent by zipline. If you love Star Wars, visiting the Yoda Guy Museum Exhibit is a must. The museum was started by Nick Maley, who worked on the first two Star Wars movies.
Shopping Near the Philipsburg Cruise Port
St. Maarten, like many other Caribbean islands, was spotted by Christopher Columbus in 1493. But the island's real history began with French and Dutch settlers who divided the island in 1648. What's particularly fun is that you can easily swing back and forth from the Dutch to the French sides and enjoy the best of both. • Take a walk along the Philipsburg boardwalk that starts here, also home to the two other water taxi / ferry disembarkation points, or a famed St. Rose Beach Bar Mojito. Maps of the St. Maarten cruise port area are available at the port terminal.
Public Transit from Princess Juliana International Airport to St. Maarten Cruise Port
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For those who prefer to have their own vehicle, car rentals are available at the St. Maarten cruise port. Rental companies can be found near the port and offer a range of vehicles to choose from. Visitors should keep in mind that driving in St. Maarten is on the right side of the road, and a valid driver’s license is required to rent a car. Private vehicles are also available for hire and can be arranged in advance of arrival. Pic Paradis, the highest point on the island, offers stunning panoramic views.
Where Cruise Ships Dock — Piers and Terminals
Some vendors may also accept the euro, so it’s best to have a mix of currencies on hand. Major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are also widely accepted. History has made two different faces with different looks and personalities, the best known for its shopping, with more than 500 duty-free shops.
Orient Bay Beach
The 13-square mile Sint Maarten draws travelers from around the world. This tour divides people into two groups, with some "sailors" on the s/v Stars and Stripes, and the others on the s/v True North. Both of these are multi-million dollar sailboats built to sail in the America's Cup when it was in Australia in 1987. The two sailboats race a shortened America's Cup course with an experienced crew in charge. If you bring your dive certification on the cruise, you can join a group for a double tank dive to explore coral reefs and ship wrecks in feet of water.
Sometimes ships drop anchor in the bay in front of Philipsburg and tender people to shore. The beach runs parallel to Princess Juliana Airport and is only a 20-minute drive from the cruise pier in Philipsburg. Many visitors to Saint Martin rate Grand Case Beach as one of the best in the Caribbean. Here, you can also experience traditional lolos—small local restaurants that line the beach—and enjoy Caribbean specialties at excellent value. It’s also the best place for divers wanting to dive at Creole Rock. Though Little Bay Beach is relatively secluded, it is still easily accessible from the cruise port in St. Maarten.
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It is also possible to rent a car in St. Maarten if you’re comfortable driving. Keep in mind that the roads on the Island will be quite busy when several cruise ships are in port. Transportation options into the town of Philipsburg, local beaches and popular sights are conveniently located at the cruise terminal.
The Philipsburg Courthouse will be part of your walking tour, even if it’s informal. In addition to the charming building, you’ll find picturesque churches and hotels with interesting architecture. This pretty garden pathway is worth walking through as you’re shopping and sightseeing in the town. The remnants of the fort offer a glimpse into St. Martin’s past as a strategic stronghold. Speak with your travel agent for information on wheelchair assistance. The Philipsburg St. Maarten Cruise Port has a large duty-free shopping zone with jewelers, apparel, souvenirs and electronics.
When tourism on the island started to boom, the Creole houses on the main street were converted into restaurants, stores, art galleries, and boutique hotels. You will also find a beach with calm waters, making it a great kid-friendly option. Plus, many of the dining options are located right on the water, so you do not have to sacrifice delicious food for breathtaking ocean views. Great Bay Beach is located on the opposite side of the bay as the cruise ship terminal, and it is a good option for those who want to stay close by. You can get a roundtrip ferry ticket for less than $10, and you will find plenty of vendors renting chairs and umbrellas once you arrive. There are numerous restaurants and bars lining the beach, too, meaning that you will not have to wander far when hunger strikes.
Visitors can take a water taxi from the cruise port to various locations around the island, including popular beaches and restaurants. On-foot options are also available for those who prefer to explore the island on foot. The port is located in Philipsburg, which is a popular shopping and dining destination for visitors. Many attractions in Philipsburg are within walking distance of the port, making it an easy and convenient option for those who prefer to explore on foot.
Freestyle Travelers is the ultimate resource for cruisers seeking to explore the seas. As the leader in all things related to cruising, our travel blog provides expert guidance and valuable information to enhance the cruising experience. We have earned our position as the top search result for cruising by providing unparalleled resources, insights, and inspiration to our over 1 million readers every year. With 23 sailings, 87 ports of call, 128 days at sea, and voyages across 6 different cruise lines, we have firsthand knowledge and experience to share with fellow cruisers. The bus system in St. Maarten is an efficient and cost-effective way for visitors to explore the island.
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