Shopping right off pier when getting of ship?

I am wondering if there is shopping close by after getting off the ship in St. Maarten? Anything like jewelry stores, souvenir shops, coffee shops? Never been and curious as to what is nearby or do you need to take a taxi to everything?

Thanks

There is very limited shopping opportunity right at the pier: essentially souvenirs. A fifteen minute walk will get you to Phillipsburg with all sorts of shopping from market stalls to Tiffany, Prada, etc. if you do not want to walk, $7 will give you a round trip on the water taxi from the pier to the boardwalk half a block from the shops.

Thank You!!

where exactly do you get the water taxi after getting off the ship , I assume they will be very busy.

Right at the pier there are shops including jewelry stores, a SMALL guavaberry store, a small chocolatier place, and some other souvenir shops. You can walk (20 min) or ride the water taxi across the way to a whole SLEW of shops that are one block behind the man made beach area.

To get to the water taxi: follow everyone to the central area - you'll see the signs of life so to speak. Off to the left as you enter this area there is a ramp up to the water taxi, some signs but not a ton if you're easily distracted by the other things there. Prb a 5 min stroll from the gangway to the water taxi. You pay once and can ride all day.

Where you enter the water taxi:

http://cdn2.vtourist.com/4/3860172-The_water_taxi_to_downtown_5_all_day_bracelet_Sint_Maarten.jpg

Yes it is busy, but I've never had to wait long to make the exchange for a wrist bracelet and often you walk straight up to a loading water taxi. Note that there are two stops on the 'other' side. The first is off to the left of the 'boardwalk' and the other is in the middle close to the man made beach and the Hard Rock Cafe named Wathey Square. If you don't want as much walking you'll want to use this 'middle' stop.

Judy

Water taxi is very easy to do and saves lots of walking. Be sure to stop in at the Guava Emporium. Their guava colada is awesome!

I am wondering if there is shopping close by after getting off the ship in St. Maarten? Anything like jewelry stores, souvenir shops, coffee shops? Never been and curious as to what is nearby or do you need to take a taxi to everything?

 

Thanks

The major jewelry stores have smaller branches right at the pier shopping area. we were there on xmas day, and they were the only shops open.

awesome feed back , thanks all. :)