🇸🇽 St. Maarten, Sint Maarten — Cruise Port Guide
A dual-nation island split between Dutch and French sides, famous for Maho Beach's low-flying jets, Philipsburg's boardwalk, and 37 beaches.
Updated September 2026
Quick facts
Getting ashore
When to visit St. Maarten
Best December-April for dry, warm mid-80s°F weather; June-November is hurricane season, and this island has historically been hit hard by major storms.
Getting back to the ship on time
Popular independent spots like Maho Beach or Orient Beach on the French side are 20-30 minutes from the pier by taxi, and the island's limited main roads can jam near departure time, so leave extra cushion to get back before all-aboard.
All-aboard is ship's time — check it in the daily programme, and set your watch to it.
Things to do in St. Maarten
Maho Beach plane spotting
Watch jets roar just overhead as they land beside the sand.
Philipsburg & Front Street
Stroll the boardwalk and duty-free shops of the Dutch capital.
Orient Bay Beach
Relax at the island's liveliest beach on the French side.
Marigot & French side
Visit the French capital's market, marina and Fort Louis.
Rhino safari or snorkel
Ride a mini power-boat to snorkel secluded reefs and coves.
Loterie Farm zipline
Zipline and hike lush rainforest on Pic Paradis.
Popular excursions
Maho Beach plane watching
Jets skim the sand on approach to the famous runway beach.
12-Metre America's Cup regatta sail
Crew a real America's Cup racing yacht in a mock regatta.
Two-nation island tour to Marigot
Dutch and French sides with Marigot market and photo stops.
What to eat
- Johnny cakes
- Callaloo soup
- Conch and dumpling
- Guavaberry tart
- Saltfish
Weather by month
Best time to visit: Dec–Apr (dry season)
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 83° | 73° | 2.6" |
| Feb | 83° | 72° | 1.9" |
| Mar | 84° | 73° | 1.8" |
| Apr | 85° | 75° | 2.5" |
| May | 87° | 77° | 3.7" |
| Jun | 88° | 78° | 2.5" |
| Jul | 88° | 78° | 3" |
| Aug | 89° | 78° | 3.7" |
| Sep | 89° | 77° | 5.5" |
| Oct | 88° | 77° | 4.5" |
| Nov | 86° | 76° | 5.5" |
| Dec | 84° | 74° | 3.7" |
Local phrases
A little history
Legend says the island's 1648 division followed a walking contest between a Dutchman and a Frenchman.
Two nations, two moods; the French side is quieter and more European.
Tipping 10–15%; check whether a service charge is already added.
The border between the Dutch and French sides is open, marked only by a friendly monument.