What to Do in St. Maarten on a Cruise: A Complete Guide

AvatarByDale Richard Cruise/Cruising

St. Maarten: The Perfect Cruise Destination

St. Maarten is a Caribbean island with something for everyone. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder that it’s a popular cruise destination. But what exactly can you do in St. Maarten on a cruise?

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best things to do in St. Maarten on a cruise, including:

  • Visiting the capital city of Philipsburg
  • Exploring the island’s beautiful beaches
  • Hiking in the rainforest
  • Learning about the island’s rich history and culture

We’ll also provide tips on how to make the most of your time in St. Maarten, including where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around.

So if you’re planning a cruise to St. Maarten, read on for all the information you need to know!

Activity Description Cost
Visit Maho Beach Watch planes land right over your head! $10-$20
Snorkel at the Coral Reef Explore the vibrant underwater world of St. Maarten’s coral reefs. $30-$40
Take a Hike in the Rain Forest Immerse yourself in the lush greenery of St. Maarten’s rain forest. $20-$30
Visit the Marigot Market Browse the stalls of the Marigot Market and find souvenirs, local produce, and more. $10-$20
Go Shopping at Cupecoy Beach Find designer brands and local boutiques at Cupecoy Beach. $20-$30

St. Maarten is a Caribbean island that is divided into two parts: the Dutch side and the French side. The Dutch side is home to the capital city of Philipsburg, as well as the cruise ship terminal. There are many things to do in Philipsburg, including shopping, dining, and exploring the city’s historic sites.

Things to Do in Philipsburg

  • Visit the cruise ship terminal. The cruise ship terminal is located in the heart of Philipsburg and is a great place to start your exploration of the city. There are shops, restaurants, and bars located in the terminal, as well as a tourist information center.
  • Explore the shops and restaurants in the city center. Philipsburg is home to a wide variety of shops and restaurants, including duty-free shops, boutiques, and local restaurants. The city center is also a great place to find souvenirs to take home with you.
  • Take a ferry to Marigot, the capital of St. Martin. Marigot is the capital of St. Martin and is located on the French side of the island. It is a beautiful city with a charming waterfront and plenty of things to see and do. A ferry ride from Philipsburg to Marigot takes about 20 minutes.
  • Visit the Fort Amsterdam Museum. Fort Amsterdam is a historic fort that was built in the 17th century. It is located on a hill overlooking Philipsburg and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding area. The museum is open to the public and admission is free.
  • Go snorkeling or scuba diving at the coral reefs. The coral reefs off the coast of Philipsburg are home to a variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, and coral. There are several dive shops in Philipsburg that offer snorkeling and scuba diving excursions.
  • Visit the Maho Beach, where planes fly directly overhead. Maho Beach is located just a short walk from the cruise ship terminal. It is a popular tourist destination because planes fly directly overhead as they land at the airport. The beach is also a great place to watch the sunset.

Philipsburg is a vibrant and exciting city with a lot to offer visitors. There are plenty of things to see and do, including shopping, dining, and exploring the city’s historic sites. Whether you are on a cruise ship or just visiting for a day, Philipsburg is a great place to spend some time.

Additional Tips

  • When to visit: The best time to visit Philipsburg is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The weather is warm and sunny, with little rain.
  • Currency: The official currency in St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG). However, U.S. dollars are also widely accepted.
  • Language: The official languages in St. Maarten are Dutch and English. However, many people also speak French.
  • Getting around: The best way to get around Philipsburg is by walking or taking a taxi. There are also a few public buses that run throughout the city.
  • Safety: Philipsburg is a safe city, but it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Resources

  • [St. Maarten Tourism Board](https://www.stmaartentourism.com/)
  • [Philipsburg Tourism Office](https://www.philipsburg.com/)
  • [Exploring Philipsburg](https://www.lonelyplanet.com/st-martin/philipsburg/sights)

Things to Do in the Dutch Side of St. Maarten

The Dutch side of St. Maarten is a popular cruise destination due to its beautiful beaches, casinos, and duty-free shopping. Here are some of the top things to do in the Dutch side of St. Maarten on a cruise:

  • Visit Maho Beach. Maho Beach is one of the most popular tourist destinations in St. Maarten, and for good reason. This beach is located directly in front of the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport, so you can watch planes land and take off just a few feet away from you. It’s an incredible sight, and it’s one of the most unique things you can do in St. Maarten.
  • Go snorkeling or scuba diving. The waters around St. Maarten are home to a diverse array of marine life, including coral reefs, fish, and sea turtles. There are plenty of great snorkeling and scuba diving spots to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that interests you.
  • Visit the capital, Philipsburg. Philipsburg is the capital of St. Maarten and is located on the Dutch side of the island. This city is a popular tourist destination, and it offers a variety of things to see and do, including shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
  • Take a hike in the rainforest. The rainforest on St. Maarten is home to a variety of plants and animals, and it’s a great place to go for a hike. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, so you can find one that’s ph hp vi your fitness level.
  • Visit the island of Saba. Saba is a small island located just a short distance from St. Maarten. This island is known for its beautiful scenery, and it’s a popular destination for hiking, diving, and fishing.

Things to Do in the French Side of St. Maarten

The French side of St. Maarten is a beautiful island with a rich culture and history. Here are some of the top things to do in the French side of St. Maarten on a cruise:

  • Visit the capital, Marigot. Marigot is the capital of St. Maarten and is located on the French side of the island. This city is a popular tourist destination, and it offers a variety of things to see and do, including shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
  • Explore the shops and restaurants in the city center. Marigot is home to a variety of shops and restaurants, so you’re sure to find something that interests you. There are also a number of art galleries and museums in the city center, so you can learn about the history and culture of St. Maarten.
  • Visit the Church of St. Martin de Marigot. The Church of St. Martin de Marigot is a beautiful church that was built in the 18th century. This church is a popular tourist destination, and it’s a great place to learn about the history of St. Maarten.
  • Go hiking or biking in the rainforest. The rainforest on St. Maarten is home to a variety of plants and animals, and it’s a great place to go for a hike or bike ride. There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, so you can find one that’s ph hp vi your fitness level.
  • Visit the Creole Village, a living museum of St. Martin’s culture. The Creole Village is a living museum that showcases the culture of St. Maarten. This village is a great place to learn about the history, traditions, and way of life of the people of St. Maarten.

Day Trips from St. Maarten

St. Maarten is a great base for day trips to other islands in the Caribbean. Here are some of the top day trips from St. Maarten:

  • Visit the island of Anguilla. Anguilla is a small island located just a short distance from St. Maarten. This island is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and friendly people.
  • Visit the island of Saba. Saba is a small island located just a short distance from St. Maarten. This island is known for its towering cliffs, lush rainforests, and incredible diving.
  • Visit the island of St. Barthlemy. St. Barthlemy is a small island located just a short distance from St. Maarten. This island is known for its luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and charming villages.
  • Visit the island of St. Eustatius. St. Eustatius is a small island located just a short distance from St. Maarten. This island

    What are the best things to do in St. Maarten on a cruise?

  • Visit the beach. St. Maarten is known for its beautiful beaches, with white sand, crystal-clear water, and plenty of sunbathing and swimming opportunities. Some of the most popular beaches include Maho Beach, Orient Beach, and Grand Case Beach.
  • Explore the capital city, Philipsburg. Philipsburg is the capital of St. Maarten and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s also a great place to learn about the island’s history and culture.
  • Take a hike in the rainforest. The rainforest on St. Maarten is home to a variety of plants and animals, and it’s a great place to get some exercise and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Some of the most popular hiking trails include the Mount Vernon Trail and the Pic Paradis Trail.
  • Go snorkeling or scuba diving. St. Maarten is home to some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the Caribbean. There are a variety of reefs and wrecks to explore, and you’re likely to see a variety of marine life, including fish, turtles, and rays.
  • Visit the island of Saba. Saba is a small island located just north of St. Maarten. It’s known for its rugged volcanic landscape and its many hiking trails. It’s also a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.

What is the best time to visit St. Maarten?

The best time to visit St. Maarten is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, with little rain. The average temperature is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the currency in St. Maarten?

The official currency in St. Maarten is the United States dollar. However, the Eastern Caribbean dollar is also accepted.

Do I need a passport to visit St. Maarten?

Yes, you need a passport to visit St. Maarten. You also need a valid visa if you are from a country that requires one.

What are the best ways to get around St. Maarten?

The best way to get around St. Maarten is by car. There are a variety of car rental companies on the island. You can also get around by taxi or bus.

Is it safe to visit St. Maarten?

St. Maarten is a safe destination for tourists. However, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, just as you would in any other destination.

What are some other popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean?

Some other popular cruise destinations in the Caribbean include:

  • Barbados
  • The Bahamas
  • Cuba
  • Jamaica
  • Mexico
  • The Dominican Republic

How can I book a cruise to St. Maarten?

You can book a cruise to St. Maarten through a variety of travel agents or online travel agencies. You can also book directly with a cruise line.

St. Maarten is a beautiful island with something to offer everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation, an exciting nightlife scene, or a fascinating cultural experience, you’ll find it in St. Maarten.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

  • St. Maarten is a popular cruise destination, and there are many things to do on a cruise to the island.
  • Some of the most popular attractions in St. Maarten include the beach, the casinos, and the shopping.
  • There are also many opportunities for outdoor activities in St. Maarten, such as hiking, biking, and swimming.
  • St. Maarten is a culturally diverse island, and there are many opportunities to learn about the local culture.

If you’re planning a cruise to St. Maarten, be sure to do your research and plan your itinerary in advance. With so much to see and do, you’re sure to have a memorable vacation in St. Maarten.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.