Eastern and Southern Caribbean · St. Maarten, Dutch Caribbean
St. Maarten, kept on a card.
St. Maarten is one island with two countries, and the ship lands you in the Dutch capital with a two mile beach and a boardwalk at your feet. The other half of the island is a taxi ride away.
Where the photos are in St. Maarten
Great Bay Beach and the boardwalk
A postcard stretch of soft white sand and turquoise water about two miles long, steps from the cruise port, and a walk of about 20 minutes. The boardwalk runs along Front Street, with restaurants and bars with tables right on the water.
Maho Beach
Planes land dramatically right over the sand at this world famous beach, about 15 kilometers and 30 minutes by car from the port. Beach bars nearby make it easy to wait for the next arrival.
Fort Amsterdam
Overlooking Great Bay, with panoramic views of the harbor and the cruise ships below. The short walk up to the viewpoint is worth it for the scenery alone.
Little Bay Beach
At the end of Great Bay Beach, a smaller version and a well known snorkeling spot, with a trail up to Fort Amsterdam if you feel energetic.
Marigot and Orient Bay
On the French side, Marigot feels like a different island, with French cafes, bakeries, markets and Fort Louis. Orient Bay is a longer taxi ride for a beach day.
How the light works
Great Bay faces south, so the sun is high and bright for most of the day and the water glows. Tip your group into the shade of the boardwalk's tables for the portrait, and use the fort for the wide shot in late morning. At Maho Beach, keep the phone ready and watch the sky: a plane on approach fills the whole frame.
Before you go ashore
Ships dock in Philipsburg, on the Dutch side, and the boardwalk and Great Bay Beach are on foot from the pier. Maho Beach, the French side and Orient Bay all need a taxi, and the island's traffic can be slow, so leave yourself margin for the return. The Dutch and French sides use different currencies in some shops, so carry a little of both.
Details checked September 2026. Piers, fees and schedules change, so confirm with your ship's daily plan.
Questions people ask
- How far is Great Bay Beach from the cruise port?
- Just steps away. It is about a 20 minute walk depending on your pace, and it runs alongside the boardwalk.
- How far is Maho Beach from the port?
- About 15 kilometers and roughly 30 minutes by car.
- Is there something to see from Fort Amsterdam?
- Yes. It overlooks Great Bay and gives panoramic views of the harbor and the cruise ships below.
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