Plan for the day in St. Maarten.. is it doable?

We're in port from 8-5. I don't know how many ships will be in port with us, I don't know where to find that information. But here's my plan... tell me if it's doable..

Bus > Marigot > Taxi > Maho Beach > Taxi > Downtown Phillipsburg for shopping > Either walk back or take taxi to port.

Is this realistic?

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We're in port from 8-5. I don't know how many ships will be in port with us, I don't know where to find that information. But here's my plan... tell me if it's doable..

 

Bus > Marigot > Taxi > Maho Beach > Taxi > Downtown Phillipsburg for shopping > Either walk back or take taxi to port.

 

Is this realistic?

 

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Easy -you won't be likely to see large incoming planes at Maho before noon, so you can figure on at least a couple of hours to see Marigot first, and then leave Maho by about 2:00 to 2:30 - leaving time to handle any time delay getting back to Philipsburg and then being able to adjust shopping time - given the certainty of being able to walk to the pier in about 20 minutes.

Easy -you won't be likely to see large incoming planes at Maho before noon, so you can figure on at least a couple of hours to see Marigot first, and then leave Maho by about 2:00 to 2:30 - leaving time to handle any time delay getting back to Philipsburg and then being able to adjust shopping time - given the certainty of being able to walk to the pier in about 20 minutes.

This is exactly the answer I was looking for! Thank you!

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Delta, United, American and Air France all usually come in between 1P and 2:30P given or take a few minutes either side. Otherwise it'll be mostly the island hoppers.

Most of these larger flights are daily or around the same time each week, so if you google St Maarten Airport and look up the day of the week you'll be in SxM, you can get a fairly good sense of the better times to be at Maho. You can get a taxi from Phillipsburg back tot he pier if time gets too short. Or try to take the water taxi. But if you're up around the Greenhouse restaurant and the America's Cup sailing place, you might as well walk. Less than 10-15 minutes from there. but be sure to grab a gelato from Gelateria Milano before heading back.

We're in port from 8-5. I don't know how many ships will be in port with us, I don't know where to find that information. But here's my plan... tell me if it's doable..

 

Bus > Marigot > Taxi > Maho Beach > Taxi > Downtown Phillipsburg for shopping > Either walk back or take taxi to port.

 

Is this realistic?

 

Sent from my SM-G935T using Forums mobile app

There have been issues with taxi service on the island this month. I would hate to see you get stuck in Marigot.

If you or anyone reading this has an issue getting a taxi back from Maho just walk to the nearby Maho entertainment area and catch a taxi at one of the resorts, casino or at the taxi stand by the pharmacy.

Keep an eye on this board for updated information and double check at the port that there are no ongoing issues taking a taxi to and from your destinations.

Easy -you won't be likely to see large incoming planes at Maho before noon, so you can figure on at least a couple of hours to see Marigot first, and then leave Maho by about 2:00 to 2:30 - leaving time to handle any time delay getting back to Philipsburg and then being able to adjust shopping time - given the certainty of being able to walk to the pier in about 20 minutes.

Been to St. Maarten many times. There's only one road from Philipsburg to Marigot. And traffic is kind of slow at certain intersections. Do consider taking the local jitney (mini bus) over to Marigot. You'll meet the locals on the bus, the driver will tell you where to get off and where to catch the bus back. And you can get a cab there to go to Maho. At Marigot there's an outdoor market (nothing distinguished except there's a lady with all kinds of spices) and you can climb to Fort Louis for a wonderful view (free). Some nice little restaurants.

I think I remember that the 747 from France arrives in Marigot somewhere between 2 and 3 p.m. That's the big thrill there.

Been to St. Maarten many times. There's only one road from Philipsburg to Marigot. And traffic is kind of slow at certain intersections. Do consider taking the local jitney (mini bus) over to Marigot. You'll meet the locals on the bus, the driver will tell you where to get off and where to catch the bus back. And you can get a cab there to go to Maho. At Marigot there's an outdoor market (nothing distinguished except there's a lady with all kinds of spices) and you can climb to Fort Louis for a wonderful view (free). Some nice little restaurants.

 

I think I remember that the 747 from France arrives in Marigot somewhere between 2 and 3 p.m. That's the big thrill there.

OP, you are the only ship in port that day.

I can think of at least three ways to get to Marigot, two are obvious and one is out of the way for a scenic drive.

The Marketplace will be pretty good, as you visit on a Wednesday, I believe. Busy, and there are a couple of vendors selling spices, but also some artists selling their small pieces. We've purchased several.

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I will note that one visit I noticed several empty containers of 'Tone's' spices in the garbage near the market.

We have purchased several small pouches of unusual items while we were staying on-island for cooking.

The main airport is on the Dutch Side, not at Marigot. 747's stopped flying in some time ago.

You are there on a Wednesday, as I guess, and an Air France A340 is scheduled that day at 1:45. They OFTEN arrive early. A340 is pretty impressive.

You can see flights at Joyce Hanley's website by the day, so check next Wednesday to see what that day's flights will be.

gary

OP, you are the only ship in port that day.

 

I can think of at least three ways to get to Marigot, two are obvious and one is out of the way for a scenic drive.

 

 

The Marketplace will be pretty good, as you visit on a Wednesday, I believe. Busy, and there are a couple of vendors selling spices, but also some artists selling their small pieces. We've purchased several.

 

 

(click)

 

 

I will note that one visit I noticed several empty containers of 'Tone's' spices in the garbage near the market.

 

We have purchased several small pouches of unusual items while we were staying on-island for cooking.

 

The main airport is on the Dutch Side, not at Marigot. 747's stopped flying in some time ago.

 

You are there on a Wednesday, as I guess, and an Air France A340 is scheduled that day at 1:45. They OFTEN arrive early. A340 is pretty impressive.

 

You can see flights at Joyce Hanley's website by the day, so check next Wednesday to see what that day's flights will be.

 

gary

This was so so helpful! Thank you so much!

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Gary,

Just curious, we are in port on Thurs, June 29th. How do I find out how many ships are in port with us that day? You give such helpful and interesting information! Thank you for all your tips!

:)

I depend on the official Port of St Maarten Website, which has Cruise Ship Schedules.

gary

Ahh! Thank you!

[...]I will note that one visit I noticed several empty containers of 'Tone's' spices in the garbage near the market[....]

Can you expand on this? It seems like there's something you're trying to say without saying it but I can't figure out what it is....

I think the point was that you can buy Tone Spices on Amazon - if you are Prime, free delivery - for a lot less than in smaller packages in Marigot.