Twenty Ideas for Things To Do Within Walking Distance of the St. Maarten Cruise Port
Visitor research by the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association has shown that destination St. Maarten / St. Martin is popular because of the many things to do on a small island. This compact size also means that most activities fit well within a cruise ship visit window. Depending on your ship’s arrival and departure time, you can experience a surprising amount of what St. Maarten has to offer.
This is especially true because the capital, Philipsburg, is within easy walking distance of the cruise port. For many cruise visitors, this makes getting off the ship worthwhile. The town offers many different activities in a walkable setting, while still allowing enough time to return to your cruise vessel before departure.
There is always something new to discover in this vibrant Caribbean town. You can take a relaxing beach day, you can explore historic streets, local culture, shopping, food, and even nature trails. Philipsburg’s old town is centered around pedestrians, making it easy to explore on foot.
This article focuses on things to do within walking distance of the St. Maarten cruise port. There is much more available through tours departing from the Philipsburg pedestrian area; for those options, see our overview page of fun St. Maarten shore excursions. For the activities below, you do not need to travel beyond the town area and Fort Amsterdam opposite the cruise ships. Most attractions listed can easily be combined because they are all located within roughly two square miles. Listed from east (the cruise port) to west:
1. Beaches (15 minutes walking distance)
St. Maarten / St. Martin’s beaches are all available to cruise visitors, but two beaches are especially close to the cruise port. See our dedicated page on the best beaches near the cruise port for details about what to do at Great Bay Beach and Little Bay Beach.
Both beaches offer a variety of beach chair packages and are excellent starting points for further exploration of Philipsburg.
2. Breakfast & Lunch (15 minutes walking distance)
The Philipsburg Boardwalk begins about 15 minutes from the cruise port. Along the waterfront, you will find a wide variety of restaurants and great spots for breakfast and lunch restaurants.
Many restaurants offer seaside seating or beach chair packages, making it easy to combine a meal with a relaxing beach stop.
3. Hiking to the Natural Pool (15 minutes walking distance to trail start)
The Natural Pool is one of St. Maarten’s most famous hiking destinations, and the trail starts only about 15 minutes from the cruise port.
If you are looking for an approximately 1.5-hour hike, do not head into Philipsburg. Instead, walk east toward Pointe Blanche. Download the route before leaving, as there are no facilities along the trail. Bring enough water and wear proper footwear.
4. Shopping (15 minutes walking distance)
As soon as you enter Philipsburg’s Front Street a shopping destination unfolds. From high-end jewelers to fashion stores, many visitors use their time in the island capital to buy something special for loved ones — or themselves.
Popular jewelry stores include Ama Jewelers, Ballerinas, and Joe’s Jewelry.
5. The Museum (20 minutes walking distance from the cruise port)
St. Maarten’s small museum, operated by the St. Maarten Heritage Foundation, is located in one of the first alleys to the right of the Philipsburg Boardwalk. The museum features interesting exhibits about island forts, Jewish heritage, nature, and local history. Entry is free.
The Heritage Museum is not only a place for a deeper look into St. Maarten’s culture and history; it also has a fun shop selling copies of old St. Maarten maps, books, and other local items.
6. Rumhuys (20 minutes walking distance)
Near the beginning of Front Street, you will find Rumhuys, formerly known as the Rusty Parrot.
This attraction tells the story of rum history and even allows visitors to create their own rum blend — a unique experience for Caribbean visitors.
7. Say Cheese! (And Wine) — 20 minutes walking distance from the cruise ship
Across from Rumhuys, you will find the Amsterdam Cheese & Liquor store. This shop takes the “Dutch” and “French” sides of the island seriously by offering a selection of quality Dutch cheeses and carefully chosen French wines.
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8. Murals (20 minutes walking distance from the cruise ship)
Starting with the beautiful bird mural by local artist Loic Bryan next to the West Indies Tavern Building in Philipsburg, you can spend an entire afternoon discovering the town’s street art.
With around 30 murals throughout Philipsburg, there is plenty to explore. Some celebrate the local dialect, while others honor local heroes such as “Porkchop”. Whether you take a quick look or make it a creative walking tour, the murals offer a colorful way to experience local culture.
9. Island-Made Ice Cream (20 minutes walking distance)
Luciano’s produces its own gelato at its Philipsburg location, where you can also visit the ice cream parlor.
On a hot Caribbean day, this Italian-inspired treat makes for a refreshing stop while exploring the town.
10. Toppers Boardwalk Flagship Store (20 minutes walking distance from the port)
Since 2026, local rum producer Toppers has had a flagship store on the Philipsburg Boardwalk.
It is not only a great place to taste the company’s variety of rum flavors, but also a place to purchase stylish bottles that make a tasty St. Maarten souvenir.
11. See Your Cigars Being Rolled (25 minutes walking distance)
At central Wathey Square, Casa del Habano is a great place to explore premium regional cigar brands.
Visitors can also watch cigars being rolled in front of them and even take part in cigar-making courses.
12. Monument Exploration (25 minutes walking distance from the cruise port)
Wathey Square is a great starting point for exploring some of Philipsburg’s important monuments.
The monumental 18th-century Courthouse is the national symbol of St. Maarten and has a slavery monument in front. Across the square, you will find the on .
If you walk a little further north, you can discover the Salt Pickers Monument and the Emancipation Monument.
13. Escape Rooms (25–30 minutes walking distance from the cruise port)
On the Boardwalk beyond Wathey Square, you will find the Caribbean Escape Rooms at Dutch Blonde Beach Bar.
For groups and families, solving puzzles together, followed by a Dutch pancake, is a fun activity. Children from around eight years old can participate, while adults often discover that they enjoy the challenge just as much.
14. Tasting Three Island Craft Beers (25–30 minutes walking distance)
While visiting Dutch Blonde, taste their award-winning local craft beer with the same name.
Next door at Seaview Beach Bar, you can continue your craft beer discovery with Pelikaan beer (Dutch for “Pelican”). If you want to try even more local brews, walk a few minutes back to St. Rose Beach Bar for a third island-made beer: SXM Beer.
15. Cabanas (25–30 minutes walking distance)
If you enjoy the beach but prefer having a pool nearby, Seaview Beach Bar is the place to go.
It is the only location along the Boardwalk with a pool next to the beach. Seaview Beach Hotel rents out cabanas along the waterfront, offering your own private space with a TV, couch, and service just steps from the sea.
16. Down Street (30 minutes walking distance)
Down Street is the quieter area behind Front Street and Back Street. It is one of the least busy parts of Philipsburg’s old town and features many traditionally built St. Maarten houses.
It is a good place to experience a more authentic side of the island capital away from the main shopping streets.
17. Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village (Carnival Village) — 30 minutes walking distance
For a taste of local culture, visit the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village, also known as Carnival Village.
The village is especially lively during the Carnival season in late spring, but throughout the year several eateries and event spaces remain active.
Along the way, you can also visit nearby landmarks such as the Salt Pickers Monument.
18. Walter Plantz Square (30 minutes walking distance from the cruise port)
Walter Plantz Square was developed by Port St. Maarten as a tribute to traditional local building styles.
The small Caribbean-style huts include restaurants such as The Pier, while the central fountain is a popular area for children. It combines well with a seaside visit and is also surrounded by several murals.
19. Jet Ski at The Pier (30 minutes walking distance)
At The Pier, visitors can rent jet skis and explore Philipsburg from the water.
It is a great way to see the capital from a different perspective while enjoying the Caribbean Sea at your own pace.
20. Fort Amsterdam & Pelican Watching (40 minutes walking distance)
Directly opposite your cruise ship, you will find Fort Amsterdam, the historic fort that once protected Philipsburg’s < salt trade>.
For history lovers, this is one of the top things to do near the St. Maarten cruise port. Nature lovers will also enjoy this location, as it is one of the important areas where brown pelicans breed and dive for fish.
Although the fort looks close to the cruise ships, the walk takes around 40 minutes around the bay. Bring water, especially on warm Caribbean days.
The activities above can also be combined into several easy walking itineraries. If you are looking for inspiration, see our suggested walkable itineraries for cruise visitors:
