Top 15 St. Maarten Attractions for Cruise Visitors

  Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I trust.

Tourists walking along Dr. Wathey Pier in Philipsburg on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, heading into town for shopping and beaches. — Visitors arriving at Dr. Wathey Pier in Philipsburg on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, where cruisers head into town for shopping, dining, and nearby beaches.

St. Maarten is one of the most exciting and diverse cruise ports in the Caribbean, offering a perfect mix of beaches, shopping, food, and unforgettable island experiences. Whether you’re looking for calm turquoise water, lively beach bars, or something totally unique like watching planes land just overhead, this island delivers something for every type of traveler.

Cruise ships dock at Port St. Maarten, located on the Dutch side of the island in Philipsburg. From here, it’s easy to explore both sides of St. Maarten/St. Martin — the Dutch side known for its energy, beaches, and shopping, and the French side known for its cafés, markets, and relaxed European feel. Taxis are plentiful, excursions are straightforward, and most attractions are within a 10–35 minute ride from the port.

With so much variety packed into one island, St. Maarten is a favorite stop for cruisers who want a day full of adventure, scenery, and memorable moments.

Below are the top attractions to help you plan the perfect visit.

1. Maho Beach

Visitors watching low‑flying planes land over Maho Beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten — Maho Beach is famous for its low‑flying planes, bright blue water, and lively atmosphere beside Princess Juliana International Airport.

Maho Beach is one of St. Maarten’s most iconic spots, famous for its low‑flying planes landing just overhead at Princess Juliana International Airport. The beach is lively, energetic, and always buzzing with visitors waiting for the next big arrival. It’s not the best place for swimming, but it’s an unforgettable experience and a must‑see stop for cruisers who want something fun, unique, and totally St. Maarten. You can read the full guide to Maho Beach here.

2. Great Bay Beach

Great Bay Beach in Sint Maarten — Colorful image of Philipsburg, St Maarten Sint Maarten, Saint Martin, Caribbean. Tender platform in the city centre of Philipsburg. Popular cruise destination. Blue sky and white clouds on a beautiful summer day.

Great Bay Beach sits right in front of Philipsburg and is one of the easiest beaches for cruise visitors to reach. The water is calm, the sand is wide, and the boardwalk behind it is lined with shops, restaurants, and beach bars. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a relaxing beach day with zero travel time and plenty of amenities just steps away. You can read the full guide to Great Bay Beach here.

3. Philipsburg Boardwalk

Visitors walking along Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, with shops, bars, and restaurants along the waterfront frequented by cruise passengers. — Tourists walking along Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, where the waterfront is lined with shops, bars, and restaurants popular with cruise visitors.

The Philipsburg Boardwalk is one of the most vibrant spots on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, lined with colorful shops, beach bars, and restaurants overlooking Great Bay Beach. It’s an easy, flexible stop for cruise visitors who want to shop, grab lunch, or enjoy the beach without traveling far from the port. With ocean views, lively energy, and plenty to explore, the boardwalk is a must‑visit during your day in Philipsburg. You can read the full guide to the Philipsburg Boardwalk here.

4. Little Bay Beach & Fort Amsterdam

Little Bay Beach in St. Maarten with calm water — Little Bay Beach and Fort Amsterdam sit just minutes from Philipsburg, offering calm water, soft sand, and sweeping historic views.

Little Bay Beach and Fort Amsterdam sit on a scenic peninsula just minutes from Philipsburg, offering calm water, soft sand, and one of the island’s most historic viewpoints. It’s an easy beach‑and‑exploration combo for cruise visitors who want a relaxing shoreline with a short, rewarding walk to a 17th‑century fort overlooking Great Bay and the Caribbean Sea. You can read the full guide to Little Bay Beach & Fort Amsterdam here.

5. Marigot Market

Colorful stalls at Marigot Market on the French side of St. Martin along the waterfront — Marigot Market is a lively waterfront market on the French side of St. Martin, known for local crafts, spices, and handmade Caribbean goods.

Marigot Market is a colorful waterfront market on the French side of St. Martin, known for its lively stalls filled with spices, crafts, artwork, and handmade Caribbean goods. It’s an easy cultural stop for cruise visitors who want to experience the French‑Caribbean side of the island, shop for local items, or pair their visit with nearby Fort Louis for beautiful views over Marigot Bay. You can read the full guide to Marigot Market here.

6. Orient Bay Beach

Scenic view of Orient Bay Beach in St. Martin with turquoise water and Caye Verte island offshore. — View of Orient Bay Beach on the French side of St. Martin, with bright turquoise water and Caye Verte island in the distance.

Orient Bay Beach is one of the most iconic shorelines on the French side of St. Martin, known for its long stretch of soft sand, turquoise water, and lively beach clubs. It’s a vibrant, full‑service beach day with dining, loungers, water sports, and a distinctly French‑Caribbean vibe. With beautiful scenery and plenty to do, it’s a standout choice for visitors looking for an upscale, energetic beach experience. You can read the full guide to Orient Bay Beach here.

7. Grand Case Village

Trendy, colorful bar in Grand Case Village on the French side of St. Martin. — Colorful beachfront bar in Grand Case Village on the French side of St. Martin, a lively spot known for its Creole charm, local culture, and relaxed Caribbean vibe.

Grand Case Village is a charming French‑Caribbean community known for its colorful Creole houses, beachfront restaurants, and relaxed village atmosphere. Often called the gourmet capital of the Caribbean, it’s a scenic place to stroll, enjoy incredible food, browse local shops, or take in calm views along the bay. With its authentic culture and welcoming vibe, it’s one of the most memorable stops on the French side of St. Martin. You can read the full guide to Grand Case Village here.

8. Loterie Farm

Suspension bridge in a lush tropical forest, reflecting the treetop adventure experience at Loterie Farm on the French side of St. Martin.

Loterie Farm is a lush nature reserve on the slopes of Pic Paradis, offering a peaceful escape into St. Martin’s tropical forest. Visitors can hike shaded trails, explore treetop walkways, try the zipline course, or relax by the jungle‑surrounded pool. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the island’s beaches and a great way to experience the natural beauty of the French side. You can read the full guide to Loterie Farm here.

9. Pinel Island

Scenic view of Pinel Island on the French side of St. Martin, with calm turquoise water and a sandy beach. — Pinel Island off the French side of St. Martin, featuring shallow turquoise water, soft sand, and a laid‑back beach atmosphere.

Pinel Island is a peaceful offshore escape on the French side of St. Martin, known for its calm turquoise water, soft sand, and relaxed beach atmosphere. A quick ferry ride from Cul‑de‑Sac brings you to this tiny island, where you can swim, snorkel, enjoy a beachside lunch, or walk the easy nature trail with views of the surrounding cays. It’s one of the most scenic and stress‑free beach days in St. Martin. You can read the full guide to Pinel Island here.

10. Butterfly Farm

Malachite butterfly (Siproeta stelenes) resting on a blossom in a bright tropical garden. — Malachite butterfly (Siproeta stelenes) resting on a blossom, showcasing the delicate beauty of a tropical garden.

The Butterfly Farm is a peaceful tropical garden on the French side of St. Martin where butterflies fly freely around you as you walk through lush pathways. It’s a gentle, colorful stop that feels completely different from the island’s beaches, making it a great choice for families, photographers, and nature lovers. You can see butterflies at every stage of life, enjoy quiet photo moments, and learn from the staff’s short educational talks. You can read the full guide to the Butterfly Farm here.

11. Simpson Bay Lagoon

Tourists relaxing on Kim Sha Beach in the Simpson Bay area of St. Maarten, with calm water and coastal views. — Kim Sha Beach sits along the Simpson Bay area, offering calm water, soft sand, and an easy starting point for exploring the lagoon.

Simpson Bay Lagoon is one of the Caribbean’s largest inland lagoons, offering calm water, scenic marina views, and easy access to kayaking, paddleboarding, and boat tours. The sheltered setting makes it a relaxing place to explore, whether you’re joining a guided excursion or enjoying the waterfront restaurants that line the shore. It’s a great option for visitors who want gentle, low‑stress activities close to the cruise port. You can read the full guide to Simpson Bay Lagoon here.

12. Cupecoy Beach

Golden limestone cliffs and small sandy coves along Cupecoy Beach on the Dutch side of St. Maarten. — Cupecoy Beach is known for its dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and glowing sunsets on the Dutch side of St. Maarten.

Cupecoy Beach is one of St. Maarten’s most scenic coastal spots, known for its golden limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and glowing sunsets. The beach feels peaceful and a little rugged, offering a quieter alternative to the island’s busier stretches of sand. Visitors come for the dramatic views, photo‑worthy cliffs, and calm, romantic atmosphere, especially in the late afternoon. You can read the full guide to Cupecoy Beach here.

13. Island Tour by Taxi/Minibus

Taxi and minibus tours lined up near the St. Maarten cruise port, ready to take visitors on an island sightseeing route. — Taxi and minibus tours offer an easy way to explore both the Dutch and French sides of St. Maarten in a single day.

An island tour by taxi or minibus is one of the easiest ways to see St. Maarten’s top highlights in just a few hours. Drivers take you to scenic viewpoints, beaches, and cultural stops on both the Dutch and French sides, all while sharing local history and insider tips. It’s a relaxed, flexible option that gives cruise visitors a great overview of the island without needing to rent a car. You can read the full guide to the Island Tour by Taxi/Minibus here.

14. Duty‑Free Shopping in Philipsburg

Shops and colorful storefronts along Front Street in Philipsburg, St. Maarten’s main duty‑free shopping district. — Front Street in Philipsburg is one of the Caribbean’s most popular duty‑free shopping areas, filled with jewelry stores, boutiques, and local shops.

Philipsburg is one of the Caribbean’s top duty‑free shopping destinations, with jewelry stores, boutiques, and colorful storefronts lining Front Street and Old Street. Visitors come for great prices on watches, electronics, liquor, perfume, and local souvenirs, all within a short walk or water‑taxi ride from the cruise port. The district is lively, easy to navigate, and perfect for a relaxed shopping break during your day on the island. You can read the full guide to Duty‑Free Shopping in Philipsburg here.

15. Guana Bay & Hiking Trails

Sunrise at Guana Bay with shallow water reflecting the sky and clouds along the quiet shoreline. — Shallow water along Guana Bay reflects the sunrise sky and clouds, creating a calm, mirror‑like shoreline.

Guana Bay is one of St. Maarten’s most peaceful natural areas, known for its rugged waves, quiet shoreline, and scenic cliffside hiking trails. The beach feels wild and untouched, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic and a calm escape from the island’s busier spots. It’s a great choice for visitors who want a low‑crowd, nature‑focused experience just minutes from Philipsburg. You can read the full guide to Guana Bay & Hiking Trails here.

Final Thoughts

St. Maarten is one of those rare cruise ports where you can shape your day any way you want — adventurous, relaxing, scenic, or a little bit of everything. With easy transportation from Port St. Maarten and so many top attractions within a short ride, it’s simple to make the most of your time on the island. Whether you’re watching planes soar overhead at Maho Beach, exploring the Dutch and French sides, or soaking up the Caribbean sunshine on a quiet stretch of sand, St. Maarten delivers a day you’ll remember long after you sail away.

Hello! I'm Tanya