One of the most common questions we get from fellow cruisers is: “Do I really need to book a ship excursion to see the best of the island?” During our most recent stop in St. Martin, we decided to put that to the test. While hundreds of our shipmates were filing onto tour buses for $150-per-person excursions, we walked off the gangway with no plan, no tour guide, and a very modest budget.
The result? We had one of our favorite port days ever, seeing the sights, lounging on the beach, and soaking up the local history—all for less than $70 total for two people. If you want to experience the “Friendly Island” without the “Cruise Price Tag,” here is our step-by-step guide to a DIY day in Philipsburg.
Know Before You Go: The St. Martin Basics
Before you step off the ship, it helps to understand the unique layout of this island. St. Martin is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two nations:
Sint Maarten (The Dutch Side): This is where the cruise ships dock (Philipsburg). It’s known for its shopping, boardwalk, and vibrant nightlife.
Saint Martin (The French Side): This side is famous for Orient Bay, gourmet food, and a more “European” feel.
For this budget-friendly day, we stayed entirely on the Dutch Side. This saved us $40–$50 in round-trip taxi fares to the French side, allowing us to spend that money on experiences instead!
Quick Tips:
Currency: The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder, but US Dollars are accepted everywhere. * Language: English is widely spoken, especially in the tourist areas of Philipsburg.
Time: Make sure to stay on “Ship Time” so you don’t miss the gangway!
Arriving at the Port of St. Maarten
The cruise pier in Philipsburg is quite long, but it’s a beautiful walk with the hills of the island framing your view. Once you pass through the security gates, you’ll enter a large plaza.
If you’re feeling a bit lost, look to your right. There is an Information Center right at the port entrance. However, if you want to follow our lead, you can bypass the crowds and head straight for the water.
The Water Taxi: Your Golden Ticket
The easiest and most scenic way to get from the ship to the heart of the action is the Water Taxi.
Cost: $7 per person for an all-day, round-trip pass.
How it works: You buy your ticket at the kiosk near the pier, and they give you a colored plastic wristband.
The Experience: The ride is only about 5 minutes long. The crew members are absolute characters—they usually have music playing and are full of jokes. It’s a great way to start the day.
Beach Life on the Philipsburg Boardwalk
The water taxi drops you off right at the Captain Hodge Wharf, which puts you squarely in the middle of the Philipsburg Boardwalk.
To your right, the boardwalk stretches along Great Bay Beach. This area is lined with dozens of beach bars and restaurants. We took a stroll down the boardwalk to see what caught our eye.
Finding the Best Deal on Chairs
Most beach clubs in St. Martin offer a “package deal.” Don’t be afraid to walk a little further down the beach to find a better price. We eventually settled at the Dutch Blonde Beach Bar.
We’ve been here before and loved the food, but the beach setup was the real winner this time. For $30 total, we got:
Two loungers with thick, comfortable cushions.
A large umbrella (essential for that Caribbean sun!).
Two complimentary Rum Punches.
Pro Tip: There is a bit of competition between the beach clubs. If one place feels too crowded or expensive, keep walking. You can often strike a better deal just by mentioning that the place next door is offering a lower price!
The “Instagrammable” Side of St. Martin
If you’re looking for that perfect photo op, look for the colorful swings at the beach bars. The Dutch Blonde has some great ones, but honestly, with the turquoise water and the emerald-green hills in the background, you don’t need a filter.
Exploring History on Front Street
After a few hours in the sun, we decided to explore the “city” side of Philipsburg. Just one block up from the beach is Front Street, the main artery of the town.
Historic Architecture
While many people come here for the duty-free shopping (diamonds and electronics are everywhere), we were more interested in the history.
The Methodist Church: This stunning white-and-green building was built in 1851. Walking inside, the woodcraft on the ceilings is breathtaking. It’s a testament to the island’s resilience, having survived over 150 years of Caribbean hurricanes.
The Courthouse: You can’t miss the iconic white-and-blue courthouse in the middle of town. Built in 1793, it is still in use today.
The St. Martin National Museum
If you have an hour to spare, we highly recommend the St. Martin National Museum. It’s located on the second floor of a historic building and runs entirely on donations (we recommend $5 per person). It’s only two rooms, but it is packed with artifacts ranging from the island’s indigenous history to the salt-mining era and modern-day shipwrecks.
For the Movie Buffs: The Yoda Guy
We didn’t go inside this time, but we always like to point it out: The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit. It was founded by Nick Maley, one of the primary contributors to the creation of Yoda for Star Wars. It’s a world-class movie museum tucked away in a Caribbean shopping street!
The $68 Budget Breakdown
We spent a full 6 hours in port. Here is exactly what we spent for two people:
Water Taxi: $14 ($7 x 2)
Beach Package: $30 (2 chairs, umbrella, 2 drinks)
Snacks & Drinks: $14 (Pringles and sodas from the Front Street Cafe)
Museum Donation: $10 ($5 x 2)
Total: $68.00
Compared to the $120+ per person we would have spent on a “Beach and History” excursion through the cruise line, we saved over $170!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Great Bay Beach safe for swimming? Yes! The water is generally very calm because it’s a protected bay. It’s perfect for families and casual swimmers.
Do I need water shoes? During our visit, the sand was soft and clear of rocks, so we didn’t use water shoes. However, it never hurts to have them in your bag if you plan on exploring the rockier ends of the beach.
How do I get back to the ship? Your Water Taxi wristband is good for the return trip. The boats run every few minutes. Alternatively, you can walk back to the pier in about 15 minutes if you want to see the local shops along the road.
Final Thoughts
St. Martin remains one of our favorite ports because it is so “user-friendly.” You don’t need a massive budget or a complicated itinerary to have a world-class day. All you need is a water taxi ticket, a little bit of curiosity, and a love for the beach.
Have you been to St. Martin? What’s your favorite “hidden gem” in Philipsburg? Let us know in the comments!