Your St. Maarten Cruise Day Starts Here
St. Maarten Cruise Port Guide & Shore Excursions
Only one day in paradise? Make every moment count with unforgettable shore excursions, beautiful beaches and island adventures in St. Maarten.
Explore shared island tours, ziplining, snorkeling, ATV adventures and private excursions designed for visitors arriving by cruise ship in Philipsburg.
Browse Shore Excursions → Private & Group Tours →
Arriving in Philipsburg
Welcome to the St. Maarten Cruise Port
The main St. Maarten cruise terminal is located at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Pointe Blanche, near Philipsburg, on the Dutch side of the island.
From the cruise port, visitors can explore Philipsburg, enjoy Great Bay Beach or travel farther around the island to attractions such as Maho Beach, Orient Bay and Rainforest Adventures.
Philipsburg & Great Bay
Discover Front Street shopping, waterfront restaurants and Great Bay Beach, close to the cruise terminal.
Water Taxis & Taxis
Water taxis and land transportation can connect cruise visitors with Philipsburg and other parts of the island. Confirm current fares and services locally.
Excursion Meeting Points
Not every excursion departs directly from the cruise pier. Check your booking confirmation for the exact meeting location, check-in time and transfer arrangements.
Book Your Island Adventure
Popular Shared Shore Excursions in St. Maarten
Explore guided sightseeing, adventure attractions and watersports. These excursions are booked individually, subject to availability, minimum ages, departure schedules and operator requirements.
St. Maarten Island Tour
Explore highlights of the Dutch and French sides of the island on a guided excursion featuring coastal scenery, beaches and local attractions.
Orient Beach Splash Island Tour
Combine island sightseeing with time at beautiful Orient Bay, one of French St. Martin's most popular beach destinations.
Sky Explorer & Flying Dutchman
Enjoy panoramic island views and an exhilarating adventure at Rainforest Adventures St. Maarten.
St. Maarten ATV Island Adventure
Explore scenic roads and island highlights on an exciting guided ATV experience.
St. Maarten Horseback Riding
Enjoy a guided horseback riding experience at Seaside Nature Park, suitable for different riding experience levels subject to operator requirements.
Underwater Sculpture Park Snorkeling
Explore the underwater sculpture attraction in Little Bay on a guided snorkeling excursion.
St. Maarten Jet Ski Island Tour
Experience the island from the water on a guided jet ski adventure departing from Philipsburg.
Sand Dollar Half-Day Snorkel Adventure
Enjoy scenic coastal cruising and a relaxed snorkeling experience on a half-day boat excursion.
Scuba Diving for Certified Divers
Discover the island's underwater reefs and dive sites on an excursion for qualified certified divers.
Sea Trek Underwater Adventure
Walk along the seabed with a specialized underwater helmet and discover a different side of the Caribbean Sea.
Bird Aviary Tour & Scenic Drive
Combine colorful birdlife with a scenic island drive on an excursion designed for cruise visitors and short-stay travelers.
Starting prices are indicative of the supplied tour catalog and may change. Confirm the final price, departure time, duration and inclusions on the booking page.
Your Island, Your Experience
Private Shore Excursions & Island Tours
Prefer to explore without joining a larger group? Private excursions offer a more personal experience for families, friends and special occasions. Confirm pickup, route, passenger capacity and return timing before booking.
Best St. Maarten Private Island Tour
Enjoy a personalized island sightseeing experience with flexibility to explore the attractions and beaches that interest your group.
4x4 Jeep Tour & Beach Break
Explore island highlights on a 3-hour 4x4 Jeep excursion followed by a one-hour beach break. Check the booking details for the group arrangement.
SEAYA Boston Whaler 270
Enjoy a private boating experience around St. Martin. Confirm departure arrangements and whether the itinerary fits your cruise schedule.
View SEAYA Charter →
Captain SUP Luxury Charter
Explore a luxury private boat experience for your cruise-day group, subject to suitable departure times and operator arrangements.
View Luxury Charter →More Island Adventures Await
Discover More St. Maarten Shore Excursions
Looking for something different? Explore our full collection of St. Maarten shore excursions, from sightseeing and beach escapes to thrilling adventures, snorkeling and unforgettable island experiences. Find the perfect activity for your day in port.
Explore All Shore Excursions →Private & Group Shore Excursions
Visiting St. Maarten with a Cruise Group?
Planning a day ashore for your family, friends, wedding party or organized cruise group? We can help you explore private island sightseeing, group transportation, beach excursions and customized experiences.
Send us your cruise ship name, arrival date, number of guests and preferred activities so we can discuss suitable options and timing.
WhatsApp for a Group Quote →A Famous St. Maarten Experience
Visit Maho Beach & Watch the Planes
Maho Beach is one of St. Maarten's most recognizable attractions, where aircraft approach Princess Juliana International Airport near the shoreline.
It's a popular stop on island sightseeing excursions and a memorable experience for first-time cruise visitors.
Travel time depends on traffic, especially on busy cruise days. Never stand in restricted areas or directly behind aircraft during jet-engine operations.
Explore Our Maho Beach Guide →
One Island, Two Cultures
Explore Both the Dutch & French Sides
St. Maarten and St. Martin share one island with two distinct cultures. A guided island tour can introduce you to the Dutch-side capital of Philipsburg and French-side destinations such as Marigot, Grand Case and Orient Bay.
For cruise visitors with limited time, a guided excursion can simplify transportation between attractions while providing local insight.
Explore Island Tour →Adventure on the Water
Jet Skiing & Watersports in St. Maarten
Looking for an exciting alternative to a traditional island tour? St. Maarten offers jet ski adventures, snorkeling excursions, kayaking and underwater experiences.
Some activities depart from Philipsburg, while others require transportation to Simpson Bay, Little Bay or another meeting point.
Explore Jet Ski Tour →
Make the Most of Your Port Visit
What to Do in St. Maarten with 4, 6 or 8 Hours
These are planning ideas, not guaranteed excursion schedules. Always calculate the time available from your ship's permitted disembarkation until its required all-aboard time.
About 4 Hours
Keep it simple: explore Philipsburg and Great Bay, or choose a short excursion with a convenient meeting point and sufficient return buffer.
About 6 Hours
Consider a guided island sightseeing tour, a suitable adventure attraction or a half-day watersports experience, allowing time for transfers.
About 8 Hours
Explore a longer island tour, a beach-focused experience or a private excursion with time for sightseeing and a relaxed lunch.
Cruise Passenger Essentials
Tips for Booking Shore Excursions Independently
Check Your Ship's Schedule
Use the all-aboard time when planning your return. Ships may require passengers back well before departure.
Confirm Pickup & Transfers
Some tours start near the cruise terminal; others depart from locations farther away. Transportation may not be included.
Review the Booking Conditions
Check cancellation rules, weather policies, age restrictions, activity requirements and what is included in the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
St. Maarten Cruise Port & Shore Excursion FAQs
Where do cruise ships dock in St. Maarten?
Most major cruise ships call at the cruise terminal in Pointe Blanche, near Philipsburg on the Dutch side of St. Maarten.
Can you walk from the cruise port to Philipsburg?
Yes, walking is possible for many visitors, although the distance and comfort depend on mobility, weather and the exact destination. Water taxis and taxis may also be available.
Can I book shore excursions independently?
Yes. Many cruise visitors book excursions directly through local tour providers and booking platforms. You are responsible for ensuring that the excursion fits your ship's schedule and that you return on time.
Do excursions include cruise port pickup?
Not always. Some tours have nearby meeting points while others depart from marinas, beaches or activity centers elsewhere on the island. Check the specific booking details.
Can I visit Maho Beach during a cruise stop?
Yes, if your available time and transportation arrangements allow it. Road traffic can be heavy, so plan a generous return buffer.
Do I need a passport for shore excursions?
Requirements depend on your nationality, cruise itinerary and the excursion. For activities remaining on St. Maarten/St. Martin, follow your cruise line's document guidance. International excursions to islands such as Anguilla or St. Barts have additional entry requirements.
What currency is used in St. Maarten?
US dollars are widely accepted on the Dutch side. The Caribbean guilder is the official currency of Sint Maarten. On French St. Martin, the euro is the official currency.
Are there private shore excursions for groups?
Yes. Private island tours and customized group experiences may be arranged depending on group size, date and supplier availability. Contact us through WhatsApp with your requirements.
What happens if my cruise ship arrives late?
Policies differ by supplier. Contact your excursion operator as soon as possible and review the booking's cancellation and rescheduling terms. Changes or refunds are not guaranteed.
What if my ship leaves before I return?
Independent excursions generally do not automatically provide a ship-return guarantee. You must plan adequate travel time and follow your cruise line's all-aboard instructions.
More St. Maarten Travel Guides
Plan More of Your Island Adventure
Maho Beach
Learn about the famous airplane landings and planning your beach visit.
Explore Maho Beach →Orient Bay
Discover French St. Martin's popular beach destination and activities.
Browse Beach & Island Tours →Things to Do in St. Maarten
Explore more island experiences, sightseeing attractions and activities.
Explore Things to Do →Planning Another Caribbean Vacation?
Explore Caribbean Cruises & Cruise Deals
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Celebrity Cruises
Explore premium cruise vacations and onboard dining experiences.
Explore Celebrity Cruises →Disney Cruise Line
Discover family-oriented cruise vacations and Disney experiences at sea.
Explore Disney Cruises →Last-Minute Cruise Deals
Browse available last-minute cruise offers for your next getaway.
Explore Cruise Deals →More cruise options: Carnival Cruise Line · Holland America Line · Cruises from San Juan
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Ready to Explore St. Maarten on Your Cruise Stop?
Browse shore excursions, reserve your island adventure or contact us about private tours for your cruise group.
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