In November 2023, our transatlantic cruise from Barcelona to Miami made a stop at Saint Martin — and it turned out to be one of the most interesting ports on the entire route. The island is split between the Netherlands and France, and that unusual divide gives it a character unlike any other Caribbean island we’ve visited.
This guide covers everything we did in our one day ashore: exploring Philipsburg, touring the beaches, crossing to the French side, and what it all cost. If Saint Martin is on your cruise itinerary, here’s what to expect.
Arriving in Saint Martin by Cruise Ship
The ship docks in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side (Sint Maarten), at around 7:00 AM. The port is well-organised and the town centre is a comfortable 15-minute walk from the terminal — no transport needed to get started. One thing worth knowing upfront: you don’t have to book a tour in advance. We had reserved an excursion through Viator before boarding, but when we walked out of the port, there were local guides with minibuses offering the same island tours at similar prices. The Caribbean runs on tourism, and Saint Martin is no exception — there’s room to negotiate, and the local operators are friendly and approachable
Philipsburg: The Dutch Capital
We spent the first part of the morning in Philipsburg, and it made a strong first impression. The architecture is colonial and colourful — painted old buildings, street murals, and a relaxed energy that reminded us of Cuba more than the typical Caribbean resort town.
Shopping is one of the main draws, and for good reason. Saint Martin has duty-free status, which means luxury brands, jewellery, and electronics are available at noticeably lower prices than you’d find at home. We browsed a few shops before heading to meet our tour — worth an hour even if you’re not planning to buy anything.
The Island Tour: Both Sides in One Day
The island is small enough to cover in about five hours with stops. Our tour took us to several beaches on the Dutch side and then across to Marigot on the French side. It’s an efficient way to see both halves without having to hire a car independently.
If you’re booking independently at the port, look for minibus tours that include Orient Bay, Maho Beach, and Marigot — that combination covers the highlights without feeling rushed.
The Beaches: What to Expect at Each One
Orient Bay Beach
Orient Bay is Saint Martin’s most famous beach, and it earns the reputation. It’s wide, photogenic, and looks exactly like the Caribbean you see in travel photographs — turquoise water, white sand, and a long stretch of coastline. Sun loungers, parasols, and showers are available, and there are water sports if you want them: snorkelling, sailing, kite surfing.
This is the beach to come to if you want the full Caribbean experience. It’s busy, but not unpleasantly so in November.
Coralita Beach
Quieter and far less visited than Orient Bay, Coralita Beach is a good choice if you want to get away from the crowds. Scattered coral along the shoreline gives it a natural, unhurried feel, and there are picnic tables nearby. We spent time here doing very little, which was exactly right.
Maho Beach — Honest Review
Maho Beach is famous worldwide for one reason: it sits directly beside the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. Planes land so close overhead that you can feel the jet blast from the engines while standing in the water. The first time a wide-body aircraft comes in low over the beach, it’s genuinely spectacular.
That said, it wasn’t our favourite stop. The beach is small, and during our visit it was crowded mainly with younger visitors drinking and smoking — the result was a beach that felt untidy and a bit chaotic. If you’re after a peaceful afternoon in the sun, Maho isn’t it. Worth seeing once for the planes, but we wouldn’t spend more than 30 minutes there.
Marigot: The French Side
Crossing into Marigot — the capital of the French collectivity of Saint-Martin — feels like arriving in a different country, which technically it is. The pace is slower, the signage switches to French, and the town has a distinctly European feel compared to Philipsburg.
The morning market is the highlight: local vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and handmade crafts, all with that authentic French Caribbean flavour. This is where we tried our first coconut — bought at a market stall for $5, split open on the spot. Marigot is charming, but it’s a small town. An hour is enough to see it properly.
Loterie Farm: For the Active Traveller
If you want something more physical than beaches and markets, Loterie Farm is worth knowing about. It offers ziplining through the forest canopy, wetland walking trails, and a natural setting that’s completely different from the coastal side of the island. We didn’t have time on this visit, but it’s on the list for next time.
Saint Martin Shore Excursion: Real Costs (November 2023)
Our visit to Saint Martin was a stop on our 17-day transatlantic cruise from Barcelona to Miami, which cost €2,000 for two people in total. From Saint Martin specifically:
| Expense | Cost | Notes |
| Island tour (Viator / local guide) | $40 pp | Same price at port |
| Coconut at Marigot market | $5 pp | Fresh, split on the spot |
| Shopping (duty-free) | Varies | Prices lower than home |
Related: Cruise to the US: 17 Days from Barcelona to Miami
FAQ: Saint Martin Cruise Port
How long do cruise ships stop in Saint Martin?
Most cruise ships dock in Saint Martin for around 8–10 hours, typically arriving early morning and departing in the late afternoon or evening. This is enough time to explore Philipsburg, do an island tour, and visit the French side.
Do I need to book a Saint Martin excursion in advance?
Not necessarily. Local guides meet cruise passengers directly at the port in Philipsburg and offer island tours at competitive prices — we found the rates comparable to what we’d paid through Viator. That said, if you’re travelling in peak season or want a specific activity (like Loterie Farm ziplining), booking ahead is safer.
Is Saint Martin safe for cruise passengers?
Yes, the main tourist areas around Philipsburg, Orient Bay, and Marigot are safe and well-frequented. As with any port, use common sense — keep valuables out of sight and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in busier areas.
Can you walk from the Saint Martin cruise port into town?
Yes — Philipsburg town centre is about a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal. The route is straightforward and well-signposted. No transport is needed unless you’re heading directly to a beach or the French side.
Is Maho Beach worth visiting from a cruise ship?
Once, yes — the plane-spotting experience is genuinely unique. But if you’re limited on time, Orient Bay Beach offers a far more enjoyable afternoon. Maho is worth a brief stop on an island tour, but we wouldn’t recommend spending more than 30 minutes there.
What currency is used in Saint Martin?
The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) uses the US dollar. The French side (Saint-Martin) officially uses the euro, but US dollars are widely accepted everywhere. Most transactions we made were in dollars throughout the island.
Is Saint Martin Worth a Cruise Stop?
Absolutely — and a cruise is genuinely the most practical way to visit. Flying to Saint Martin directly is expensive and involves a connection for most European travellers. As a cruise port, you arrive early, cover the island in a day, and step back on board in the evening with no accommodation logistics to manage.
The combination of two countries, three very different beaches, and the Marigot market makes Saint Martin one of the more varied one-day stops we’ve experienced in the Caribbean. The Maho Beach planes are a spectacle worth seeing; Orient Bay is the beach to spend your time on. Between the two, you have a pretty good day.
Featured photo from Pixabay