Port guide · Sint Maarten

Philipsburg cruise port

A bayfront walk and a town of bright shopfronts on the Dutch side of the island.

Caribbean itineraries

Photo by Dr. Thomas Liptak · CC BY-SA 4.0

Port layout: Cruise piers beside Great Bay with access into Philipsburg [1]
Can I walk?: Yes if the pedestrian route from the cruise port suits you [1]
Best first move: Decide whether you want to spend the day in Philipsburg. Then compare the signed pedestrian route with the water taxi in service.

Port essentials

Port St. Maarten’s cruise facilities sit by Philipsburg and Great Bay. You can keep a day on the town side of the bay or plan a separate road outing. [1]

Best first move

Decide whether you want to spend the day in Philipsburg. Then compare the signed pedestrian route with the water taxi in service.

On foot

Can I walk?

Yes if the pedestrian route from the cruise port suits you. Check conditions before choosing it over the water taxi or a road transfer. Varies by sailing [1]

Ashore

Transport options

Walk into Philipsburg: Use the pedestrian exit towards town and keep the port entrance in mind if you plan to walk back. Check before you go [1]
Water taxi: The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau lists water taxi stops on the Philipsburg waterfront. Check the boarding point and the return stop before leaving the bayfront. Check before you go [1]
Road taxi: For a destination outside Philipsburg, confirm both pickup points and leave time for the road return. Check before you go [1]

Arrival

Terminals and docking

Port St. Maarten cruise piers: Keep your ship and pier details. Follow the designated pedestrian or water taxi signs within the passenger area. Varies by sailing [1]
Town-side arrival: Save the landing point if you take the water taxi. Your preferred return may start elsewhere along the bay. Varies by sailing [1]

Time ashore

Enjoy your time ashore

Choose one anchor for your visit, then add a second stop if your return plan allows.

Great Bay Boardwalk

The promenade follows Great Bay in front of Philipsburg, with the town and beach alongside it. [2]

On a port day Pick a stretch close to your chosen pickup point and leave room for a waterfront pause.
Front Street

The shopping street runs through central Philipsburg behind the waterfront. [2]

On a port day Add a short loop through town and use the bay as your orientation on the way back.

Back on board

Getting back to the ship

Confirm the boat’s return landing and cutoff before walking away. If returning by road, specify the cruise port on the Dutch side and leave time to get from the gate to the ship. Work back from your ship’s all-aboard time. Departure is the scheduled time the ship leaves.

All aboard is your deadline to return. Departure is when the ship is scheduled to leave.

Philipsburg cruise port FAQ

Can I take a water taxi into Philipsburg?

The tourism bureau describes a water taxi into town. Check the service, accessibility and return arrangements on your visit. Varies by sailing [1]

Do I need to leave Philipsburg for a waterfront day?

Great Bay’s boardwalk and town are in Philipsburg. Plan transport separately for any other island destination. Varies by sailing [1]

Sources & verification

Sources and last checked

Guide last checked 12 November 2026. Confirm your terminal, transport and all-aboard time for your sailing.

St. Maarten Tourism Bureau · Arriving by cruise
Official publisher · Direct source · Last checked 12 November 2026
St. Maarten Tourism Bureau · Philipsburg
Official publisher · Direct source · Last checked 10 November 2026

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