St. Maarten: My Dual-Nation Island That Has It All
The sail-in to St. Maarten is pure drama – our ship threads between green hills while planes roar low over Maho Beach on the Dutch side, and I'm screaming like a kid every time one lands. We dock in Philipsburg and I'm off by 8 a.m., straight through the cute little town to the water-taxi dock (great all-day value) to cross Great Bay faster than walking.
My perfect day: first stop Maho Beach to feel a 747 blast me with jet wash while holding my Goombay Smash from Sunset Beach Bar (totally worth it for the experience). Then shared taxi to Orient Beach on the French side – I rent loungers at Kakao Beach Club, order grilled lobster and rosé, and float in that insane turquoise water for hours. Lunch turns into an all-day affair with ti' punch and Johnny cakes. Late afternoon I head to Marigot on the French side for the market, pain au chocolat, and duty-free shopping, then back to Philipsburg for last-minute guavaberry liqueur at the factory. Sunset from the ship's deck watching planes land is the cherry on top.
Getting Around St. Maarten
Dr. A.C. Wathey Pier – 2-minute walk to water taxi or downtown. Taxis everywhere, reasonably priced to Maho, Marigot, and Orient. Water taxi to town is great value for unlimited use.
- Maho Beach: Short taxi ride from pier
- Orient Beach (French): Taxi to French side (worth it!)
- Marigot Market: Same taxi route as Orient Beach
Positively Worded Word of Warning
The friendly taxi drivers and beach vendors are St. Maarten's way of giving you a warm dual-nation hug – a smile and a "maybe later, mon" keeps the island vibe flowing while you chase your perfect beach!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I do both French and Dutch sides in one day?
A: Easily – they're 20–30 minutes apart.
Q: Best place for plane spotting?
A: Sunset Beach Bar – write your name on the surfboard!
Q: Currency?
A: USD accepted everywhere; euros on French side.