Recommended Sailing
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Visiting from United States? 
Visiting from United States?
On a St. Maarten cruise, visit the Caribbean's most charming split personality that’s half Dutch, half French, and all irresistible. This is a tiny slice of Europe in the Caribbean, where you can sample Dutch cheeses in Philipsburg, then hop across to Marigot for buttery croissants still warm from the oven.
Catch the wind on an America’s Cup racing yacht. Explore dazzling coral reefs, then recharge on one of the island’s pristine, golden sand beaches. Perfect your downward dog in an al-fresco yoga class, or sample the spicy wares of one of the island’s rum distilleries. Even the shopping reflects the island’s duality, whether you’re browsing Marigot’s vibrant market for island spices or picking up duty-free bargains in Philipsburg. It’s an undeniable fact: Caribbean cruises that call at St. Maarten are twice the fun.
Capital of the Dutch side of the island, Philipsburg curves around a perfect sweep of golden beach on a narrow isthmus between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. Sun, sand, and shopping are understandably compelling reasons to visit, but don’t miss the lovely old gingerbread houses around Walter Plantz Square. Check out the old shingled courthouse on Front Street, built in 1793 as the home of Captain John Philips, the founder of Philipsburg.
There’s nowhere quite like Maho Beach, a Caribbean icon right at the end of the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. Crowds gather in the aquamarine shallows, cheering and waving as huge jets roar overhead, almost within touching distance. Plan your day according to the take-offs and landings chalked onto a surfboard at the Sunset Beach Bar, where the party lasts all day. Get into position and feel the blast—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
Chic Marigot is the capital of the French side of the island, a jumble of gorgeous 19th-century houses in tropical shades adorned with gingerbread trim. Explore vibrant Marigot Market, where the island’s culture unfolds in a dazzling display of vegetables, spices, seafood, handicrafts, and island-distilled rums. Follow the 91 rainbow-colored steps up to Fort Louis for jaw-dropping views, then stop at a lolo, a sizzling BBQ stand typical of Marigot.
Take a walk on the wild side of St. Maarten on a scenic two-mile guided hike from Guana Bay to Geneve Bay and back. Follow a trail that hugs the coast, strolling along breezy clifftops, the aquamarine water pounding the rocks below. Your expert guide will give you the inside track on the island’s flora and fauna. At the vantage point, stop and look out to sea. You’ll have an epic view of neighboring St. Barths, its misty silhouette appearing to float on the horizon.
There’s nothing like riding a horse along pristine sands and splashing into the surf. Saddle up for an escorted ride along the island’s rugged rural trails, taking in breathtaking views of the peacock-blue Caribbean. The highlight? That thrilling moment where your horse wades right into the shallows to cool you both off. You don’t need any prior experience to join these gentle rides, which stick to a walking pace—but you will get a little wet.
Step into Gouverneur Rum Cellar on the French side of the island to discover how the legendary Gouverneur 1648 is crafted, from secret ingredients to refined distilling techniques. Sip the dark, caramel- and cinnamon-imbued elixir and pick up a bottle or two to take home. Check dates for temporary closure information.
The irresistible blend of Dutch, French, and Caribbean influences is what makes the island’s cuisine special. Grilled snapper, conch stew, barbecued or jerk chicken, johnny cakes, and fried plantain are pure Caribbean. In Philipsburg, snack on Dutch pancakes and stroopwafel, those chewy wafers sandwiched around a gooey caramel filling. Cross the invisible border to Marigot and it’s all delicate eclairs and pains au chocolat; you can’t beat Chez Fernand for truly mouthwatering patisserie.
In the mood for an unforgettable gourmet experience? Head to the pretty village of Grand Case, self-styled “Food Capital of the Caribbean”, where one incredible restaurant after another offers French/Caribbean fusion cuisine right on the waterfront.
The original inhabitants of St. Maarten were Amerindians, who were present when Columbus spotted the island in 1493. By the 17th century, the indigenous people had been displaced or eradicated, and the Dutch were exploiting the island’s salt pans. The Spanish attempted to oust them, building what’s now Fort Amsterdam and Pointe Blanche, but they evacuated the island in 1647. They returned with a handful of French and Dutch laborers to destroy the fort, but the laborers escaped, enlisted help from neighboring islands, and drove out the Spanish. Between them, they divided the island in a process known as the Treaty of Concordia.
St. Maarten/St. Martin today is a happy, peaceful island with vibrant Dutch and French cultures and a multicultural population. English is widely spoken, although you’ll hear Dutch, French, and Creole.
Embrace the freedom of driving a rental car around the island; it’s a breeze, with plenty of rental companies to choose from. Just make sure you have an international driver’s license. You can take a rental vehicle freely between the French and Dutch sides; there’s no border here. Minibuses cover the whole island, with no fixed schedule, and are a fun way to explore if you’re in the mood for slow, authentic travel. Taxis will wait at the port, and many of the drivers will happily act as a driver-guide; they’ll welcome a tip for their services. There are water taxis and shuttles to the various beaches, too. Have cash handy for these.
You’ll find souvenir shops right outside the port at Harbor Point Village. Philipsburg’s Front Street, an easy walk from the cruise terminal, offers a near-bewildering array of duty-free shops to browse, selling everything from perfume and liquor to photographic equipment. On the French side, in Marigot, snap up French designer labels and Parisian perfumes. Don’t skip the local offerings, like guavaberry liqueur, cool beach fashions, handmade jewelry, and French and Dutch cheeses.
The island of St. Maarten/St. Martin is part Dutch and part French. The official currency on the Dutch side is the Caribbean guilder, while on the French side, it’s the Euro. Fortunately, U.S. dollars are widely accepted, and in most places, prices are displayed in the local currency and in dollars. There are ATMs in major towns. When it comes to tipping in a restaurant, look at your bill. On the Dutch side, service is not usually included, so it’s customary to leave 10% to 15%. Service is often included on the French side, in which case a tip isn’t expected.
