Explore on your own rating
You can walk to town and a beach, and the water taxi is easy.
Where ships dock
- Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility, Philipsburg
Getting to town
Philipsburg's Front Street and Great Bay Beach are about a 15–25 minute flat walk along the waterfront, or a 5–10 minute water taxi ride to Captain Hodge Wharf.
Walk or take the water taxi (a reported fare is about $7 round trip; check current pricing). Taxis to other beaches charge set rates; agree on the price first.
Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.
Top sights nearby
- Front Street shopping
- Philipsburg boardwalk
Beaches
- Great Bay Beach (walk or water taxi)
- Maho Beach and Orient Bay (taxi; farther away)
Safety & tips
- The island has a Dutch side and a French side; the French side uses euros.
- Traffic can be heavy on busy ship days.
Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.
⏰ Back to the ship on time
Check when the last water taxi leaves. Island traffic back from Maho or Orient Bay can be slow, so leave at least 75 minutes before all-aboard.
Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.