Cruise stop, layover or last day
St. Maarten in One Day
Only one day to see the highlights? This route loops around the island by car: Philipsburg’s shopping street, the Marigot market, lunch at a Grand Case lolo, the big beach at Orient Bay and the planes of Maho Beach at sunset.
- Length
- One day, 8am to 7pm
- Getting around
- Rental car or taxi
- Best for
- First visit, cruise stop, last day
- Both sides
- Yes, no border to cross
Updated October 2026
Around the island in a day
A loop around both sides of the island. Leave extra time: traffic is heavy at rush hour, and the Simpson Bay drawbridge opens at set times (see the schedule).
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8am
Philipsburg, before the crowds
Duty-free shopping on Front Street, then the Boardwalk along Great Bay Beach while town is still quiet.
Philipsburg Beach (Great Bay)
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10am
Marigot and Fort Louis
On the French side, the waterfront market (big market on Wednesday and Saturday mornings), then the 91 steps up to Fort Louis for the view over the bay.
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12:30pm
Lunch at a Grand Case lolo
The boulevard’s lolos grill chicken, ribs, fish and conch at lunchtime, no reservation needed. Bring cash.
Cynthia’s Talk of the Town
Creole Cuisine / Lolo Read more
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2pm
Orient Bay
Swim and lounge on the island’s big beach, between beach clubs and water sports.
Orient Bay Beach
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5pm
The planes of Maho Beach
Back on the Dutch side, at the end of the airport runway: planes pass right over the beach. Stay for sunset, and follow the signs: jet blast at takeoff is dangerous.
Maho Beach
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7pm
Dinner in Maho or Simpson Bay
Steakhouses, Italian, grills and bars: the island’s widest choice is right there.
Make it yours
No car, on a cruise stop
Stay in Philipsburg: Front Street, the Boardwalk and Great Bay Beach are all walkable from the port. Add snorkeling over the underwater sculptures of Under SXM in Little Bay. See our cruise port guide.
Beach first
Swap Marigot for Pinel Island, reached by shuttle boat or kayak from Cul-de-Sac, then continue to nearby Orient Bay.
On the water
A full day on a catamaran in the nature reserve, with stops at Tintamarre, Pinel and Creole Rock: see Scoobi Charters.
Our tips
- Start early: Philipsburg gets very busy on cruise ship days, and beaches fill up by late morning.
- On Sundays, the market and most shops in Marigot are closed: spend more time at the beach instead.
- Carry cash for the lolos and small purchases, in US dollars or euros. See currency and payments.
- Pick up your rental car the day before or at the airport. See car rentals.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see St. Maarten in one day?
Yes, for a first taste. By car, a loop through Philipsburg, Marigot, Grand Case, Orient Bay and Maho Beach shows both sides of the island and its best scenery.
What should I do in St. Maarten on a cruise stop?
Without a car, Philipsburg, Front Street and Great Bay Beach are walkable from the port. With a taxi or a tour, add Maho Beach or Orient Bay. See our cruise port guide.
Do I need a car?
To get around the whole island in one day, yes, or a taxi. Buses only run along the main roads.
When can I see the planes at Maho Beach?
Planes land throughout the day. Schedules are on our flights and airports page.