Water Taxi Sint Maarten — Cruise Ship Shuttle Across Great Bay
A $5-7 boat shuttle from the Philipsburg cruise ship dock to the boardwalk and Great Bay Beach — skip the 30-minute walk.
Why Go
Water Taxi Sint Maarten solves the one logistical annoyance that every cruise passenger faces in Philipsburg: the long walk from the cruise ship dock to the actual town. For $5-7 round trip with unlimited rides, a small boat takes you across Great Bay and drops you at the boardwalk, saving 20-30 minutes of walking in the Caribbean sun.
The Experience
The Philipsburg cruise port sits at the eastern end of Great Bay, separated from the town center, the boardwalk, and Great Bay Beach by a stretch of road that feels much longer than it looks on a map — especially at noon under full sun with shopping bags. The Water Taxi eliminates this walk entirely. You step off the cruise tender, walk to the water taxi dock, and within minutes you are at the Philipsburg boardwalk with the shops, restaurants, and beach right in front of you. The ride itself is short enough that it barely qualifies as a boat trip, but the perspective from the water is worth the fare alone: Philipsburg's colorful waterfront, the hillside houses above, and the cruise ships looming behind you create a panoramic view you will not get from the road. The unlimited ride feature means you can shuttle back and forth as many times as your day in port allows — grab the taxi to town, come back to the ship for lunch, return to the beach for the afternoon, and shuttle back for the final time before sailing. At $5-7, this is among the best value propositions on the island for cruise visitors.
What to Try
Take the water taxi on your first trip into town to get your bearings from the water. Walk the Philipsburg boardwalk from one end to the other for shopping and people-watching. Spend time on Great Bay Beach — the water taxi drops you within steps of the sand. Use the unlimited rides to split your port day between shopping and beach time without exhausting yourself walking between them.
Insider Tip
The water taxi runs only when cruise ships are in port, so it is not available on non-ship days. Check the Philipsburg port schedule before your visit. On busy days with multiple ships in port, the water taxi queues are shortest in the early morning (right after docking) and mid-afternoon (when most passengers are already in town).
The Practical Stuff
Departs from Great Bay, Philipsburg, near the cruise ship dock. Operates on cruise ship days only. Price: approximately $5-7 round trip with unlimited rides. Drops off at the Philipsburg boardwalk near Great Bay Beach. No advance booking needed — just show up at the dock. Cash payment. Short ride across the bay.
Pair It With
- EFFY Jewelry — Jewelry shopping on the boardwalk where the water taxi drops you off
- NRG+ Transport Tours & E-Scooter Rental Guide — E-scooter rental near the boardwalk for exploring beyond walking distance