Great Bay Beach and Philipsburg Boardwalk from the St. Maarten cruise port

Beach5-10 minutes by taxi2-4 hoursFits a typical call

The easiest day: a long town beach beside the boardwalk (built in 2006 for cruise visitors), with bars and Front Street behind it. Calm bay water.

Getting there from the ship

From
Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility
Travel time
5-10 minutes by taxi · 1.6 km
Allow about 20 minutes to get off the ship first. St. Maarten taxi fares.
Cost
Beach access free; loungers extra (price not confirmed).
Time to allow
2-4 hours

Will you be back for all aboard?

Yes. On a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm St. Maarten call you have up to 6 h 50 min at Great Bay Beach, enough for a visit (allow 2-4 hours), and you are back at the ship with at least an hour before all aboard.
  1. 1
    8:00 am · Ship docks
    Allow about 20 minutes to get off and through the terminal.
  2. 2
    8:30 am · At Great Bay Beach
    5-10 minutes by taxi from Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility.
  3. 3
    3:20 pm · Leave Great Bay Beach by
    That gets you back to the ship an hour before all aboard.
  4. 4
    4:30 pm · All aboard
    Typical for St. Maarten; your ship's time may differ. Check ship time vs local time

Tip

Walk out and take the water taxi back if your feet are tired; the all-day ticket is about $6-7.

St. Maarten cruise port: Great Bay Beach FAQ

How far is Great Bay Beach from the St. Maarten cruise port?

From Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility it is 5-10 minutes by taxi, about 1.6 km.

How much does it cost to visit Great Bay Beach?

Beach access free; loungers extra (price not confirmed).

How much time do you need at Great Bay Beach?

Allow 2-4 hours. Yes. On a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm St. Maarten call you have up to 6 h 50 min at Great Bay Beach, enough for a visit (allow 2-4 hours), and you are back at the ship with at least an hour before all aboard.

Can you visit Great Bay Beach on your own from a cruise ship?

Yes, it is easy to do on your own: it is 5-10 minutes by taxi from Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility. Walk out and take the water taxi back if your feet are tired; the all-day ticket is about $6-7.

Tours that go to Great Bay Beach

Checked against a typical 8:00 am–4:30 pm call with an hour's margin.

All tours

More things to do near Great Bay Beach

All 12 places