Overview:
St. Maarten–along with neighboring St. Martin–at only 37 square miles, is the smallest land mass in the world to be divided between two governments. In the early 1600’s both the Dutch and the French established small settlements on the island. They fought together to prevent a Spanish invasion and decided to share the island. St. Maarten is governed by the Netherlands Antilles while St. Martin is part of the French West Indies. There is no real border, just modest monuments and signs.
There is the charm of the Dutch on one side, the social flair of the French on the other, and the blending of both with exotic native heritage. Add dozens of world-class beaches and lagoons, amazing duty-free shopping, luxury hotels, over 300 restaurants and you may understand why St. Maarten/St. Martin is one the most visited islands in all of the Caribbean.
Where you’ll dock:
Most ships dock on the Dutch side, in Great Bay, at the A.C. Wathey Pier in Point Blanche. The pier is about 1 mile from the center of Philipsburg, the capital of St. Maarten. On busy days, some ships anchor in Great Bay and tenders will transport passengers directly to the center of town.
Taxis are readily available at the pier. Although taxis are not metered, fares are required to be posted on the Dutch side. Fare to Philipsburg is $2 and $10 to Marigot. Downtown Philipsburg is an easy 15 minute walk from the pier.
What to do:
–Shopping in Philipsburg is one 
of the biggest attractions on St. Maarten. The island’s completely Duty Free status guarantees great bargains for cosmetics, jewelry, liquors, cigars, electronics and much more. Some of the best prices in the Caribbean can be found in St. Maarten along Front Street.
Be aware, however, that the same generous customs allowance permitted for goods purchased in St. Thomas does not apply here. Plan to do your shopping in Marigot if you are looking for European fashions and haute-couture.
–Marigot, St. Martin, the hub of the French side, is filled with designer boutiques and fabulous restaurants, bistros and cafes (duty-free merchandise, while occasionally available, isn’t as much a focus). In Marigot, don’t miss Marina Royale.
A block or two from downtown, what was once simply a hangout and destination marina for yachters has come into its own during the last three years or so, with shoulder-to-shoulder waterfront cafes and bistros, crafts shops and trendy boutiques. For some spectacular — though pricey — museum-quality Haitian art, visit Gingerbread Gallerie.
–If you are a water lover, you won’t want to miss the beaches on the island. The crystal clear waters are host to every type of water sport imaginable: sailing, surfing, body boarding, wakeboarding, jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and the list goes on.
On the Dutch side, Simpson Bay and 
Mullet Bay are the most popular. For convenience, Great Bay and Little Bay are right downtown, but do not offer the most pristine conditions. Although there are many beaches on the French side, Orient Beach stands out as the best.
Although Orient Beach is a clothing optional beach, it is very possible to spend the day here without feeling uncomfortable or the obligation to shed your swimsuit.
St. Maarten/St. Martin is typically featured on Eastern and Southern Caribbean Itineraries:
2012-2013 Cruises to St. Maarten/St.Martin
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