Savour St. Maarten: A One-Day Culinary Journey for Cruise and Stayover Visitors
Savour St. Maarten: One-Day Culinary Itinerary
The Savour St. Maarten Tour is designed for travelers who want to experience the island through its flavors, restaurants, culture, and waterfront scenery in just one day. This itinerary is ideal for cruise visitors docking in Philipsburg, as well as stayover guests looking for a relaxed yet immersive culinary journey. Distances are short, transport is easy, and the pace allows time to enjoy each stop without rushing. From fresh seafood breakfasts to Creole cooking traditions and gourmet souvenirs, this tour highlights the edible soul of St. Maarten. It is set up so that it is feasible for both stay over guests, resorts, and cruise visitor shore excursions. On busy cruise days, it is good to book in advance. See on the St. Maarten / St. Martin Cruise Schedule how many ships and passengers can be expected.
Overview
Duration
1 Day
Ideal For
- Cruise visitors
- Food lovers
- Couples and small groups
- First-time visitors to St. Maarten
Main Areas Visited
Morning Start: Breakfast at Chesterfields, Philipsburg
Begin your day in Philipsburg, just minutes from the cruise pier, at Chesterfields Restaurant & Bar. Located waterfront near Bobby’s Marina, Chesterfields is a long-standing local favorite known for its relaxed atmosphere and fresh seafood-inspired breakfast dishes. Watching boats and megayachts yachting, glide through the marina while enjoying breakfast sets a calm and authentic tone for the day.
Breakfast recommendations include Caribbean-style omelets, fresh fish specials when available, and hearty classics paired with island coffee or fresh juices. Portions are generous, making this an ideal fuel- up before your morning activity.
Transportation note:
If arriving by cruise ship, Chesterfields is reachable by a 10–15 minute walk from the cruise terminal. Taxis are readily available at the port and will reach Chesterfields in under five minutes. Public- private minibuses marked “Simpson Bay” or “Airport” also pass nearby; ask the driver to stop near Bobby’s Marina.
Morning Activity: Creole Culinary Classroom Experience
After breakfast, head to the Creole Culinary Classroom for a deeper dive into St. Maarten’s food culture. This experience focuses on traditional Creole cooking techniques, local spices, and the stories behind beloved island dishes. Availability can vary, so advance arrangement is recommended.
Optional Arrangements at Creole Culinary Classroom
Participants may enjoy a hands-on cooking session guided by local chefs, learning how to prepare classic dishes such as Creole chicken, fresh seafood stews, plantains, and seasonal sides. Other optional arrangements can include spice tastings, market-inspired ingredient introductions, and recipe cards to take home. For visitors short on time, a demonstration-style class with tasting options may also be available.
Transportation note:
From Chesterfields, taxis are the most convenient option and take approximately 10 minutes depending on traffic. If using a public minibus from the Emmaplein bus station close to Chesterfield’s, look for routes marked “Simpson Bay”. Always confirm the drop-off point with the driver, as minibuses mostly operate without allocated bus stops.
Midday Relaxation and Exploration
Following the culinary session, allow time to relax and reflect on the flavors you’ve experienced. As the island’s most busy tourist area, it has a variety of beaches and shops to explore. Depending on timing, you may choose a short stroll, coffee stop, or scenic drive along the lagoon area before returning toward Philipsburg and the Great Bay Boardwalk for the afternoon.
Afternoon Dining: Aziana Restaurant on the Boardwalk
For a refined yet approachable afternoon dining experience, make your way to Aziana, located at the beginning of the Great Bay Boardwalk. Aziana offers a menu inspired by Asian and international flavors, complemented by ocean views and a breezy boardwalk setting. This stop is perfect for a late lunch or early dinner, especially for cruise visitors mindful of ship departure times. The boardwalk location allows guests to enjoy seaside ambiance while staying close to the heart of Philipsburg. After dining, it is an easy and pleasant walk back toward the cruise terminal.
Transportation and walking options:
From the Creole Culinary Classroom area, taxis can return you to Philipsburg in approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Public minibuses heading toward Philipsburg are also available; ask to be dropped near the Boardwalk. From Aziana, the cruise pier is reachable on foot in about 10–15 minutes. Parking is available nearby at Bobby’s Marina and the Rusty Parrot for those with rental cars.
Last Stop: Foodie Souvenir Shopping
If you have 30 minutes to an hour remaining, take a short five-minute walk from Aziana to the Amsterdam Cheese and Liquor Store. This stop is ideal for picking up gourmet souvenirs such as Dutch cheeses, Caribbean rums, flavored liqueurs, and other edible gifts. Staff are knowledgeable and accustomed to travelers, making it easy to select items suitable for transport home or back to the ship. This final stop neatly wraps up the Savour St. Maarten Tour, combining taste, culture, and convenience within walking distance of major cruise and transport points.
Practical Tips for Cruise Visitors
This itinerary is designed to fit comfortably within a cruise port day. All major stops are close to Philipsburg, with short transfer times and flexible pacing. Taxis are plentiful and reliable, while public- private minibuses offer a budget-friendly and authentic local transport experience. Always allow extra time to return to the ship, especially during peak hours. Should you look for other (also food related!) day plans on St. Maarten / St. Martin, see our dedicated itinerary blog.
