St. Maarten on your own: Shore excursion from Philipsburg via Marigot to Maho Beach & Mullet Bay Beach

We decide to explore the island of St. Maarten on our own during our cruise stop. Instead of an organized tour, we want to be flexible and discover the island's highlights at our own pace. Our self-organized shore excursion takes us from Philipsburg via Marigot to the famous Maho Beach and the idyllic Mullet Bay Beach. Here's our detailed report to help you plan your own St. Maarten adventure.

From the cruise port to Philipsburg

Cruise ships in the port of Philipsburg

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When we arrive at the cruise port in St. Maarten in the morning, we are met with an impressive sight: five other large cruise ships are anchored in the harbor. The harbor is buzzing with activity as hundreds of passengers stream ashore. We decide to take the water taxi to Philipsburg. For $5 per person, we book a one-way ticket from the cruise terminal to the dock at Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg. We deliberately forgo a return ticket for $7, as the last water taxi leaves around 17:00pm and we plan to stay longer on the island. For travelers who want to leave earlier and return on time, we recommend the return ticket, as it is more affordable. It is advisable to inquire directly with the water taxi service about the current departure times, as these can change depending on the season. The short crossing already offers wonderful views of the Philipsburg coastline with its pastel-colored houses and back to the cruise ships moored in the harbor.

Arriving in Philipsburg, we are greeted by the long, white, and very crowded stretch of Great Bay Beach. The beach promenade, which stretches the entire length of Philipsburg, is lined with numerous beach bars, restaurants, and shops. Philipsburg is known as one of the best shopping areas in the entire Caribbean, with the added advantage of tax- and duty-free shopping.

 

From Philipsburg to Marigot

Promenade in Philipsburg

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After a short stroll through Philipsburg, we head to the French side of the island. We head to Achterstraat, where we can take one of the local minibuses. This public transportation is an inexpensive and authentic way to explore St. Maarten. For only $2,00 per person, the minibus takes us to Marigot, the capital of the French side of the island.

The journey takes about 25 minutes and takes us along the coast, enjoying frequent views of turquoise waters and small bays. The minibuses are easy to spot – the license plate has a B followed by numbers. The destination is indicated by a sign behind the windshield indicating the end point. The bus will stop when you signal.

Marigot – French flair in the Caribbean

Marigot St. Martin

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Arriving in Marigot, we immediately feel the change in atmosphere. "Bienvenue à Marigot!" – welcome to the French part of the island. Marigot was originally a fishing village on a marsh and got its name from the French word for "marsh." Due to its rapid economic growth, it became the official capital of the French part.

Today, Marigot is a charming capital city that embodies the French influence on the Caribbean lifestyle. The town is lined with colorful buildings and sidewalk bistros that exude a very special flair. We stroll through the streets and admire the diverse architecture, which displays both historical elements and modern influences. Although the town has changed over time, in some places you can still sense the historic charm of bygone eras.

Fort Louis – Historical highlight with panoramic views

Fort Louis Marigot St. Martin

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From Marigot, we set off on foot up to Fort Louis. The climb is somewhat strenuous, especially in the Caribbean heat, but it's definitely worth the effort, and admission to the fort is free. The fort was built in 1789 on the orders of Jean-Sébastien de Durat and once served as a powerful defense against invaders and pirates.

Today, Fort Louis offers breathtaking panoramic views of Marigot, the harbor, and the surrounding islands. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Anguilla. To our surprise, we encounter wild, but quite tame, giant iguanas on the fort grounds, sunning themselves and posing for photos.

The ruins of the fort are a fascinating testament to the island's rich history. We explore the old walls and cannons and imagine how soldiers once stood guard here to protect the city from pirate attacks.

 

Marigot Market & Food Market – Colorful hustle and bustle

After descending from Fort Louis, we visit the famous Marigot Market. The market is open Monday through Saturday from 8:00am to 13:00pm, with the main days being Wednesday and Saturday. The market is a lively meeting place for locals and tourists. Here, we find a colorful mix of souvenirs, textiles, and handmade items. Although the "knick-knacks" aren't necessarily our thing, we enjoy the lively atmosphere and the hustle and bustle.

Directly adjacent is the food market, where we take the opportunity to sample local culinary specialties. From freshly caught fish to delicious pastries and tropical fruits, the food offerings reflect the island's diverse heritage. Particularly recommended are the "Johnny Cakes" and the Creole dishes, whose enticing aromas waft through the air.

Marina Port La Royale – yachts and sea air

Marina Port La Royale

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Our next stop is the Port La Royale Marina, a small but charming marina in Marigot. The marina is located on the Simpson Bay Lagoon and is surrounded by numerous shops and restaurants. The atmosphere here is both relaxed and elegant. We stroll along the piers, where, during our visit, only small boats are moored. A little further away, we see a few larger sailboats.

For the more adventurous, there's also the option to rent boats and explore the surrounding waters. Instead, we enjoy the pleasant atmosphere in one of the waterfront restaurants, where we watch the hustle and bustle of the harbor with a cool drink.

Rue de la République – Historic architecture

A special highlight in Marigot is Rue de la République – a street known for its architecture and houses, which, although they have undergone changes since the 19th century, have nevertheless retained much of their original charm. The pastel-colored facades and French colonial architecture give the street a special atmosphere that is part of Marigot's appeal.

Rue de la République - old and new houses

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By bus to Maho Beach

After our extensive visit to Marigot, we head to the famous Maho Beach. We take the bus toward Philipsburg from Rue St. James to the roundabout where Union Road meets Welfare Road. Upon boarding, we inform the driver that we would like to get off at the roundabout to Maho Beach. The fare is only $1,50 per person.

From the roundabout, we walk down Welfare Road to the first bus stop and take the next bus for $1,50 directly to Maho Beach. The buses run regularly, and the ride is a great opportunity to chat with locals and learn more about life on the island.

Maho Beach – Spectacular airplane landings

Video Maho Beach St. Maarten KLM plane approaching

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Maho Beach is undoubtedly one of the most famous beaches in the world—not because of its beauty, but because of its close proximity to Princess Juliana International Airport. Here, planes land just a few meters above the heads of beachgoers, making for spectacular photos and videos.

When we arrive at the beach, it's already bustling. A crowd has gathered to watch the arriving planes. We stay from 14:30pm to 15:45pm – a good time to watch the large aircraft from Europe and North America land. The period between 12:15pm and 15:00pm is generally considered ideal for the arrival of the widebodies. Delays are not uncommon, however, so it's best to plan your time at the beach with plenty of time. Apps like Flightradar24 provide a quick overview of expected landings.

Despite the light breeze, it's very hot on the beach, and there's no shade. Fortunately, the Sunset Bar and Grill is located right next to the beach. It not only offers drinks and food, but also displays the arrival and departure times of all commercial aircraft on boards. The bar is a popular meeting place for plane spotters from all over the world. The bar also sells creative frozen drinks with names like Pure Energy, Jet Fuel, and Great Balls of Fire, as well as pizzas named after various airlines.

We spend some time watching the planes and taking photos. The feeling of a large aircraft roaring just a few meters above our heads is indescribable and definitely a highlight of our visit to St. Maarten.

Mullet Bay Beach – Paradise-like tranquility

Mullet Bay Beach St. Maarten

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After the hustle and bustle of Maho Beach, we long for a little more peace and relaxation. We decide to visit nearby Mullet Bay Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the Dutch side of St. Maarten.

We walk along Rhine Road to Mullet Bay Beach. The beach is about 450 meters long and offers soft, white sand and crystal-clear water. In contrast to the busy Maho Beach, it's much quieter here, and at the southern end of the beach, we even find some shade under the trees.

The beach offers warm, crystal-clear waters with rolling surf. Here, you can enjoy various water sports, relax in the shade of the trees, or sip a tropical cocktail at one of the beach bars. Sun loungers and umbrellas are also available for rent.

We enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at Mullet Bay Beach and take time to swim in the warm water and soak up the Caribbean sun. After a busy day of exploring, this quiet beach is just what we need.

Back to Philipsburg

After our relaxing stay at Mullet Bay Beach, we head back to Philipsburg. We walk back to Maho Beach and from there take a minibus back to Philipsburg for $2 per person. It's important to note that you should allow plenty of time for this route, as traffic jams often occur here, especially when several cruise ships are in port.

The drive back to Philipsburg offers us another opportunity to enjoy the island's diverse landscape. We pass small villages, hilly landscapes, and frequent views of the turquoise sea.

From Philipsburg back to the ship

Sunset Philipsburg with AIDA cruise ship in the distance

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When we arrive in Philipsburg, the sun is just setting. We get out at the town entrance and walk toward the sea. There's not much going on on the beach or the promenade. No wonder, since five of the six cruise ships that were in port that morning have already departed.

We walk along the promenade, where a few restaurants and bars are reasonably busy. The atmosphere is much more relaxed than in the morning, and we enjoy the evening stroll along the beach. The city lights are reflected in the water, and a gentle breeze blows in from the sea.

We finally reach our ship at 19:00pm We set off at 10:30am, which means we're on the road for a total of 8,5 hours. It's a long but incredibly eventful day, during which we can explore both the Dutch and French parts of the island.

Conclusion: Explore St. Maarten on your own

Our self-organized shore excursion on St. Maarten shows us that it's definitely worth exploring the island on your own. Public transportation makes commuting between the various attractions easy and inexpensive, and you have the freedom to set your own schedule.

Combining the French charm of Marigot, spectacular airplane landings on Maho Beach, and the paradisiacal tranquility of Mullet Bay Beach, this tour offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking for culture, history, adventure, or relaxation, everyone will find something to their liking on this small but beautiful Caribbean island.

For cruise passengers, who almost always only have one day on the island, we recommend starting early and allowing plenty of time to return to the ship. With a little organization and a sense of adventure, the shore excursion on St. Maarten is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.

Alternative: Guided island tour to the top 10 highlights

Tour with GetYour Guide

If you'd prefer to explore St. Maarten in an organized way, a 6-hour tour by air-conditioned bus is a comfortable option. You'll visit highlights like Orient Beach, Marigot, and Maho Beach, and enjoy several photo stops and tastings along the way. Drinks and transfers are included. Details and booking can be found directly at -> St. Maarten Top Ten Highlights Island Tour.

Practical information at a glance

Currency	US dollars (USD) on the Dutch side; euros (EUR) on the French side. USD are accepted everywhere.
Language	English, Dutch (Sint Maarten); French (Saint Martin). English is understood everywhere.
Mode of Transport	Water taxis (USD 5 one way and USD 7 both ways), minibuses (usually between USD 1,5 and USD 1,5), allow change for payment, taxis and rental cars available.
Beaches	Great Bay Beach (central), Maho Beach (airplanes), Mullet Bay Beach (quiet, ideal for swimming).
shopping	Duty-free shops in Philipsburg; market in Marigot with French flair.
points of interest & sights	Fort Amsterdam, Fort Louis, Sunset Bar & Grill at Maho Beach with flight schedule display.
Travel time	Best time to travel: December to May (dry season); June to November rainy season with risk of hurricanes.
time zone	Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4); no daylight saving time.
Internet & Roaming	EU roaming is possible on the French side; charges may apply on the Dutch side.
Safety	Generally safe; usual caution against pickpocketing in busy areas is recommended.