In port for the day
The beach bar right off the cruise ship
Docked at Port St. Maarten? Thirsty Pirate is one of the closest beach bars to the cruise terminal — sand, shade, cold drinks and lunch on the Philipsburg boardwalk, all before your all-aboard.
Getting here
A short hop from the pier to the sand
Your ship ties up at the A.C. Wathey Cruise Facility on Point Blanche. From there, the Philipsburg boardwalk — and the Thirsty Pirate — is closer than most people expect.
Water taxi · 5–10 min
The easiest route. Catch the water taxi at the pier and it drops you on the Great Bay boardwalk, a few steps from our umbrellas.
Walk · 20–25 min
Prefer to stretch your legs? It's about 1.5 miles / 2.4 km along the waterfront path into Philipsburg — an easy, scenic stroll.
Time ashore · 6–9 hrs
A typical port stop leaves loads of time for a swim, a frozen rum punch and lunch before you head back to the ship.
Front Street boardwalk
Beach on one side, shopping on the other
Front Street is Philipsburg's main shopping boardwalk — duty-free jewellery, souvenirs and local shops line one side, the golden sand of Great Bay Beach the other. The Thirsty Pirate sits right in the middle of it, so you can shop, swim and eat without ever calling a taxi.
Drop your bags, rent a beach chair, and let us bring the cold drinks to you. It's the relaxed, no-hassle version of a St. Maarten port day. First time in port? Our cruise port guide covers docking, the water taxi and getting back on time.
Why stop here
Everything a port day should be
Good to know
Cruise-day questions, answered
How far is Thirsty Pirate from the St. Maarten cruise terminal?
It's on the Front Street boardwalk in Philipsburg — about a 20–25-minute walk (about 1.5 miles / 2.4 km) from the A.C. Wathey Cruise Facility at Point Blanche, or a 5–10-minute water taxi that drops you right on the Great Bay boardwalk, steps from the bar.
Is it walking distance from the cruise port?
Yes. Many cruise passengers walk the waterfront path into Philipsburg in 20–25 minutes, but the easiest option is the water taxi from the pier, which lands on the boardwalk just outside.
How much time do I need for a beach stop?
A typical port day gives you 6–9 hours ashore — plenty for a swim, a rum punch and lunch. Rent a beach chair, order from the grill, and keep an eye on your all-aboard time.
What are the hours?
Open daily 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, every day of the week — so we're open and pouring whenever your ship is in port.
Plan your visit
St. Maarten port-day guides
Local tips for making the most of your hours in Philipsburg.
- St. Maarten Cruise & Port St. Maarten Cruise Port Guide: Where Ships Dock, the Water Taxi and Getting Into Philipsburg
- Travel Tips St. Maarten Currency: Dollars, Guilders, Euros and Tipping
- Food & Drink Rum Punch and Guavaberry: What to Drink in St. Maarten
- Cruise & Port How Much Time Do You Really Have in Port? A St. Maarten Cruise Day Plan
- Beaches The Best Beaches Near the Philipsburg Cruise Port
- Food & Drink Where to Eat in Philipsburg: Boardwalk Food Near the Cruise Port
- Cruise & Port The Best St. Maarten Excursions for Cruise Passengers
- Cruise & Port Things to Do in St. Maarten on a Cruise Port Day (2026 Guide)