Philipsburg: Great Bay and Front Street in 6 hours

St. Maarten's capital made easy: water taxi, the laid-back Great Bay Beach and its boardwalk, and duty-free shopping on Front Street.

ExploraGo Team

Duration: 6 hours
Budget: mid-range
Best for: couple
Style: relaxed
Season: Year-round

Stops

1
transport
Point Blanche Cruise Terminal
20 min · — · On arrival
The pier sits east of Philipsburg: about 15 min on foot into town, or 10 min by water taxi from the pier itself.
Tips
💡 The water taxi leaves from the pier and stops along the beach
💡 SXM accepts USD; the French side also takes euros
⚠️ Take care
The sun is very strong at midday
2
transport
Water taxi to Philipsburg
10 min · ~US$6 day pass · 8:00–17:00
A quick shuttle between the pier and the jetties at Captain Hodge Wharf and Bobby's Marina; it saves walking in the sun.
Tips
💡 The day pass allows unlimited hops
💡 If you prefer to walk, it is about 15 min along the shore
3
activity
Great Bay Beach and the boardwalk
130 min · Free; chair and umbrella ~US$20 · All day★ 4.4
A town beach of pale sand and calm water, with a wooden boardwalk lined with bars and views over the anchored cruise ships.
Best time: Morning
Tips
💡 Boardwalk bars offer chairs against consumption
💡 For a wilder beach, Orient Bay is 25–30 min by taxi (~US$30–45)
⚠️ Take care
The beach fills up when several ships are in port
4
shopping
Front Street (duty-free shopping)
80 min · Free · Mon–Sat 9:00–18:00★ 4.3
Jewellery, electronics, perfume and souvenirs along the main street; Back Street is cheaper for gifts and keepsakes.
Tips
💡 Compare prices across shops: not all offer the same deal
💡 Prices are usually in USD or Caribbean guilders (XCG)
5
food
Lunch by Bobby's Marina
60 min · ~US$18 · 11:00–21:00★ 4.4
Fresh fish, croquettes and Dutch dishes overlooking the marina; a good stop before heading back to the ship.
Tips
💡 Try the catch of the day off the grill
💡 There are quick, cheap options on Back Street
6
transport
Return to Point Blanche pier
20 min · — · Before all aboard
Head back by water taxi or on foot; allow for the water-taxi queue late in the day.
Tips
💡 The water taxi stops running around 17:00: check the time
💡 Maho Beach (plane spotting) is 20 min away and costs ~US$20–25 for 1–2 people