St. MaartenCaribbean · Ferry Destinations

All About St. Maarten

A holiday in St. Maarten, even if it is just for a day in Philipsburg, the capital, is a stimulating and amusing experience. St. Maarten’s rarity lies in the fact that it is the smallest island with dual nationality, having an area of 37 square miles. Fascinatingly, while there are no borders between the two sides, you’ll discover a stark difference in lifestyle upon crossing over to the French St. Martin. It’s the kind of hard-to-get two-for-one deal that genuinely takes a tropical vacation to a whole new level. Taking a ferry is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare companies and book ferry tickets to St. Maarten.

A duty-free shopping haven, warm-hearted locals, the ultimate Caribbean hotspot for beach lovers, and boasting of a pulsating nightlife, it comes as no surprise that St. Maarten is famously known as ‘the friendly island’.
 

Routes and Ferries to St. Maarten

Taking ferry tickets to St Maarten is a premier cruise destination in the Caribbean and a likely stop on most ship itineraries. Welcoming over 2 million passengers and some of the biggest leisure boats every year, visiting St Maarten via a cruise is a luxurious adventure, albeit a short one as you only get a day to pack in as much as you possibly can.

Island lovers wanting an extended holiday often plan a stay at St Maarten, Anguilla, or St. Barthélemy. It is possible to hop around from one of these islands to another, even for a day-trip. Helping in this endeavor are high-speed ferries by Great Bay Express that sail three times a day between Gustavia in St. Barts to Bobby’s Marine in Great Bay Harbor, Philipsburg. Ferry tickets for the 45-minute boat ride begin at €60 and are pre-bookable on Ferryscanner. The ferry company also offers an €8.50 pickup and drop service from the marina to the airport or hotel of your choice.

Alternatively, since St Maarten’s Princess Juliana International is one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, you can find non-stop flights onto the island from Miami, Newark, Atlanta, Paris, and Amsterdam. Domestic flights from other Caribbean islands like Aruba, St. Vincent, Antigua, and Curacao are equally common. L’Espérance is a much smaller airport in Grand Case on the French side. It mainly caters to private jets and a few domestic flights, primarily from St. Barts.
 

Port of St. Maarten

Operational since 1964 and considered a leading port in the Caribbean, the cruise terminal of St Maarten is situated in the southeast corner of the picturesque Great Bay. The port has 2 piers with 6 berths that accommodate large vessels day in and day out. Besides cruises, the port has facilities for cargo ships and yachts as well. The port’s location is incredibly suitable for day visitors. Upon disembarking, travelers pass through the cheerful Harbour Point Village with its duty-free shops, boutiques, and cafes. You’ll find all tour operators, taxis, and buses here as well. To reach the city center, there is the option to take a €5 per day water taxi, or you can walk and get to Philipsburg in 20 minutes. On Ferryscanner you can easily compare prices or ferry companies and book cheap ferry tickets to St Maarten.
 

Best Beaches

You are literally spoilt with choices when it comes to selecting beaches when arriving with ferry tickets to St Maarten. The scope of finding that dreamy piece of sandy heaven increases further if you consider that the coastline of neighboring St Martin is only a few minutes by road from Philipsburg.

Great Bay Beach

Great Bay is the main beach in Philipsburg and typically sees plenty of activity due to its proximity to the cruise port. Surprisingly, it doesn’t get crowded since most day-trippers spend time going around the island. Even if you don’t plan to park yourself on the soft sand of Great Bay, keep aside an hour to walk the promenade, lined with shops, ice-cream parlors, and bars. If in luck, you might even catch an impromptu, live Calypso performance by local musicians.

Maho Beach

Beaches do not get any more iconic than Maho Beach, situated past Simpson Bay, near the airport. You can definitely go to Maho for a swim in its inviting transparent waters. However, it has become legendary because a section of the beach is next to the runway. Here, planes fly over your head at a low height, creating a jet blast that will, at the very least, throw you off balance. Dangerous, no doubt, and you should take precautions; it is an offbeat experience in St Maarten not to be missed.

Kim Sha Beach

A 20-minute drive from Philipsburg, right by Simpson Bay Bridge is St Maarten’s party central. Throughout the day, Kim Sha Beach is frequented by water sport enthusiasts who come here to jet ski and kayak. The calm water makes the beach ideal for children, while a string of food stalls serve delicious seafood and comfort eats. In the evening, expect beach parties, memorable sunsets, and the perfect setting to casually mingle with locals and other international travelers living on the island.

Indigo Beach

A gorgeous cove that not many people know about, Indigo Beach is an idyllic spot for a relaxing, uncrowded day in the sun. Among the best snorkeling spots in St Maarten, there are also opportunities to take a dive tour from here. Loungers and parasols for rent, a lovely beachside restaurant, and a protected calm sea at your footstep further add to the allure of Indigo Beach.

Orient Bay Beach

When in St Maarten, it is worth going out of your way for a whirlwind affair with the island’s French side. And the best beach in St Maarten for that is Orient Bay. Unlike the beaches of St Maarten, the ones ‘across the border’ are usually topless. Orient Bay, though, is the only official clothing-optional one. Often crowded, the infrastructure around the beach is good. There are restaurants, umbrellas for rent, and an overall positive vibe so that everyone feels comfortable and safe.
 

Neighborhoods

Mellow or spirited, the neighborhoods of St. Maarten fall into two broad categories. However, it’s easy to meander from one to another, depending on your mood. So, whether you want a quiet day on the beach, endure an energetic touristy excursion, or have a good time drinking and dancing, there is always a place for you to go nearby. Taking a ferry to St Maarten is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

Philipsburg

The capital and beating heart of St Maarten, Philipsburg, has plenty of things to do for tourists of all ages, has a beautiful sandy beach, and acts as a starting point for all types of explorations around the island. Risk-takers should step inside St. Maarten Casino and flirt with Lady Luck. Simultaneously, thrill-seekers in Philipsburg should try the zip lining encounter offered at Pelican Peak, an excellent spot otherwise for awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the surroundings.

Oyster Pond

A neighborhood that is starting to attract more and more tourists, Oyster Pond borders St Martin in the northeastern part of the island. Preferred by travelers wanting easy access to both countries, many locals come here in the morning to view a glorious sunrise at Dawn Beach. Thanks to its quaint BnBs, villas, and the well-known Oyster Bay Beach Resort, returning visitors often stay here to get away from Philipsburg’s touristy personality.

Simpson Bay

Beaches, restaurants, and a happening nightlife have transformed Simpson Bay into the place to be seen once the sun goes down. Don’t be surprised if you come across Hollywood celebrities casually wining and dining around here, especially since the neighborhood has one of the largest and most exclusive marinas in St Maarten.

Lower Prince’s Quarter

For a chance to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle, think about a stay in the Lower Prince’s Quarter. The neighborhood is central to the island, thus away from the beaches and the masses. Its residential status means you can find budget accommodations here with ease. And for a bit of fun, there is the Parrot Ville Bird Park and Border Monument to sightsee.

Marigot

A tour to St Martin’s capital Marigot is a must-do activity to understand how different life is in the island’s northern section. An unmissable escapade for discerning gourmands, there is much to savor here for culinary connoisseurs who get to fine-dine in some of the very best restaurants serving classic French cuisine. Moreover, you wouldn’t want to miss out on ticking off two ‘countries’ for the price of one from your Caribbean travel bucket list.
 

Transportation Around St Maarten

Cruise passengers who have only a day in St Maarten can either walk around Philipsburg, taking in the charms of the capital, or book a tour that lets them partake in a particular activity somewhere on the island. An all-day boat tour that hits some of the best beaches on both sides of the island is a popular option. Taking a ferry to St Maarten is easy, just use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets.

If staying longer, look into renting a car to explore different beaches and places in St Martin. Plenty of rental agencies have offices near the airport. Depending on the season you visit, it’s possible to rent a car for as low as €30 per day. Since the roads of St Maarten are prone to traffic jams, hiring a scooter or ATV is often recommended, and quite honestly, a refreshing way to travel when the weather is good.

Mini-buses in St Maarten are convenient and cheap but irregular, with no fixed stops. A point-to-point trip on the bus will cost you €1.25. Taxis are common around tourist hotspots and preferred when out and about at night or short on time. However, talk to the driver and agree on a fixed price before getting in.