New since late September 2026, Pelican Park in Point Blanche pairs a ridge walkway with three viewing platforms over Great Bay and Philipsburg, minutes from the cruise pier. Open daily 10 am to 4 pm, from $20 for adults.
St. Maarten has a new place to take in the view. Pelican Park opened in late September 2026 on the ridge of Pelican Peak in Point Blanche, high above Great Bay. A wooden walkway runs along the hilltop to three viewing platforms, and the whole thing is just a few minutes from the Philipsburg cruise port. The locally run attraction is open every day from 10 am to 4 pm.
A ridge walk with three lookouts
The trail winds through natural hillside, and the steps are spaced out generously, so you can climb at your own pace and stop whenever you like. The first platform sits at entrance level and already delivers a wide panorama with no stairs at all. A larger deck sits just below the summit, and the last one crowns the ridge. A guide on the platforms points out landmarks and the islands on the horizon. There are restrooms, a snack bar and free, unlimited Wi-Fi.
The path to the top involves stairs and isn’t suitable for wheelchairs, but the entrance platform is step-free. Wear comfortable shoes, and don’t forget your camera.
What you’ll see
From the ridge, Philipsburg and Great Bay Beach spread out below you, along with the harbor and its cruise ships, the Great Salt Pond and Little Bay. Offshore, St. Barths and Saba look close enough to touch. On very clear days, St. Kitts, Nevis and even Montserrat come into view.
For cruise passengers, it’s an easy add-on before or after Front Street that doesn’t eat up the whole day. It also gives you a rare photo: you, high above the ship you came in on. Our St. Maarten cruise port guide covers the rest of your day ashore. For more island panoramas, see our hiking and viewpoints guide.
Tickets and getting there
- Adults (18+): $20
- Youth (13-17): $18
- Children (6-12): $10
- Under 6: free
These are introductory prices and may change. Pelican Park is at 39 Flamingo Road, Point Blanche. It’s a short ride from the cruise pier, on a road that winds up through a quiet residential neighborhood, with views well before you reach the gate.
Buy tickets online or at the entrance, by cash or major credit card. Book and find details at pelicanparksxm.com, call +1 (721) 581-5920 or email info@pelicanparksxm.com.
