Rent a car in Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities Port
Want to rent a car in Rent a Car in Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities Port?
Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities serves as St Maarten's main cruise terminal, welcoming thousands of visitors to this Caribbean paradise. Located in Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St Maarten, the port sits at the heart of Great Bay with easy access to the island's famous beaches, duty-free shopping, and vibrant culture. Renting a car at the cruise port gives you freedom to explore both the Dutch and French sides of this unique bi-national island during your shore excursion or extended stay.
Why Choose Car Rental at Wathey Cruise Port?
St Maarten/St Martin is one of the Caribbean's most diverse islands, sharing 37 square miles between Dutch and French territories. The port location in Philipsburg provides immediate access to Front Street's duty-free shopping, Great Bay Beach, and the island's main road network. While taxis and tours are available, a rental car maximizes your time ashore, allowing you to discover hidden beaches, authentic local restaurants, scenic viewpoints, and both European cultures that make this island extraordinary.
Port Location Advantages
Downtown Philipsburg - Walking distance to Front Street shopping and boardwalk
Great Bay Beach - Adjacent to the cruise terminal
Princess Juliana Airport - 15 km away, 15-20 minute drive
Dutch Side Capital - Heart of St Maarten's main town
Border Access - Easy crossing to French St Martin (no passport control)
Island Center - Strategic location for exploring all regions
Exploring St Maarten/St Martin from the Port
Dutch Side Attractions
Philipsburg Front Street
Walk 5 minutes from the port to Front Street's duty-free shopping district featuring jewelry stores, electronics shops, local boutiques, casinos, and restaurants. The mile-long shopping street parallels Great Bay Beach, allowing easy beach breaks between purchases.
Great Bay Beach
This calm beach sits directly beside the cruise port with beach bars, water sports rentals, and stunning views of arriving cruise ships. The protected bay creates ideal swimming conditions. Beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent.
Maho Beach
Drive 15 minutes (8 km) to witness the world-famous low-flying airplane landings at Princess Juliana Airport. Aircraft pass just meters overhead before touching down. Sunset Beach Bar provides front-row viewing. Exercise caution during jet blast, which can be powerful.
Simpson Bay
This vibrant area (10 minutes from port) features the Caribbean's largest lagoon, yacht marina, restaurants along the boardwalk, fishing charters, and water sports. The drawbridge opens twice daily for sailboat passage.
French Side Destinations
Marigot
The French capital (20 minutes, 12 km northwest) offers charming European atmosphere with French bakeries, bistros, open-air markets selling spices and crafts, Fort Louis ruins with panoramic views, and Wednesday/Saturday harbor markets featuring local produce and artwork.
Grand Case
Known as the "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean" (25 minutes, 15 km north), this beach town features gourmet French restaurants, casual lolos (BBQ shacks), art galleries, and beautiful Grand Case Beach. Reservations recommended for popular restaurants.
Orient Bay
The French side's premier beach (30 minutes, 18 km northeast) offers 2 km of white sand, water sports including parasailing and jet skiing, beach clubs with music and cocktails, and clothing-optional southern section. Parking available at beach entrance.
Colombier/Friar's Bay
These adjacent beaches (15 minutes from Marigot) provide tranquil swimming, beach bars, and less crowded conditions than major tourist beaches. Friar's Bay features two popular beach restaurants serving French and local cuisine.
Scenic Drives and Viewpoints
Pic Paradis
Drive to St Martin's highest point at 424 meters (30 minutes from port) for spectacular 360-degree island views. The winding mountain road passes through tropical forest. Clear days reveal neighboring islands including Anguilla, St Barths, and Saba.
Loterie Farm
This nature reserve on Pic Paradis's slopes (25 minutes) offers zip-lining, treetop obstacle courses, hiking trails, and a spring-fed pool surrounded by jungle. The restaurant serves organic farm-to-table cuisine.
How to Rent a Car at Wathey Cruise Port
Step 1: Pre-Book Online
Visit Final Rentals website before your cruise and select "Dr. A.C. Wathey Port" or "Philipsburg Cruise Terminal" as pickup location. Specify your ship's arrival time and expected shore time. Pre-booking guarantees vehicle availability and saves precious port time.
Step 2: Vehicle Selection
Compact Cars - Navigate narrow island roads easily
SUVs - Comfort for groups and beach equipment
Jeeps - Popular for island exploring and beach access
Open-Air Vehicles - Enjoy Caribbean breezes
Step 3: Port Pickup Process
Exit the cruise terminal and look for Final Rentals representative holding a sign near the port gate. Present booking confirmation, valid driver's license, passport, and credit card. Complete quick paperwork and receive keys. Vehicles are parked nearby for immediate departure.
Step 4: Essential Documents
Valid driver's license held minimum 1 year (some companies require 2 years), passport for identification, credit card in driver's name for deposit, proof of cruise ship booking showing return time.
Driving in St Maarten/St Martin
Important Information
Right-Side Driving - Drive on the right side of the road (American system)
Border Crossing - Open border between Dutch and French sides; no passport control required
Speed Limits - Generally 40-60 km/h; watch for school zones
Road Conditions - Main roads paved; some beach access roads unpaved
Parking - Free at most beaches; paid parking in Philipsburg downtown
Navigation Tips
The island is small—you can drive around the entire coastline in 2-3 hours. Roads are generally well-marked. GPS or smartphone maps recommended. The French side has more winding coastal roads while the Dutch side features flatter terrain.
Return to Port
Allow 30 minutes before ship departure to return your vehicle, clear customs, and board. Final Rentals staff coordinate timing with cruise schedules to ensure smooth returns.
Fuel Stations
Gas stations operate throughout the island on both Dutch and French sides. Dutch side typically sells fuel by the gallon (US gallons), French side by the liter. Prices vary between sides—French side often cheaper. Most rentals require full-to-full fuel policy.
Why Choose Final Rentals at Wathey Port?
✓ Convenient cruise terminal pickup and return
✓ Pre-booking for guaranteed availability
✓ Flexible hourly and daily rates
✓ Coordination with cruise schedules
✓ Island exploration freedom
✓ Both Dutch and French side access
✓ Beach-ready vehicles available
✓ Local driving tips and maps provided
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Wathey Cruise Port from Princess Juliana Airport?
Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Port in Philipsburg is approximately 15 km from Princess Juliana International Airport, about a 15-20 minute drive depending on traffic. The route follows the main coastal road through Simpson Bay.
Can I cross between Dutch and French sides with a rental car?
Yes, the border between Dutch St Maarten and French St Martin is completely open with no passport control or customs. Drive freely between both sides. The only difference you'll notice is road signs changing from English/Dutch to French.
How much time do I need to explore the island from the cruise port?
A 4-6 hour rental allows visiting 2-3 beaches and one town. An 8-hour rental enables a comprehensive island tour including both capitals, multiple beaches, and Maho Beach plane watching. The island is small—full circumference is drivable in 2-3 hours.
Is parking available at beaches?
Most beaches have free parking areas. Orient Bay and Maho Beach have organized parking. Some beach bars offer parking for customers. Arrive early at popular beaches during cruise ship days as parking fills quickly.
What is the best beach to visit from the cruise port?
Maho Beach (15 minutes) for airplane watching is uniquely spectacular. Orient Bay (30 minutes) offers the best water sports and facilities. Mullet Bay (12 minutes) provides beautiful swimming. Grand Case Beach (25 minutes) combines beach time with excellent restaurants.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in St Maarten?
An International Driving Permit is recommended but not always required. A valid license from your home country is generally accepted for short-term rentals. Carry your passport as well for identification.
Can I visit multiple beaches in one day?
Absolutely. The island's small size allows visiting 3-5 beaches in a full day. Popular combinations include Maho Beach for planes, Mullet Bay for swimming, and Grand Case for lunch and another beach. Or explore Orient Bay, Pinel Island (water taxi), and Friar's Bay on the French side.
What should I know about returning the car before ship departure?
Plan to return your vehicle 30-45 minutes before ship departure. Final Rentals coordinates with cruise schedules. Allow time for refueling (if required), returning the car, walking back through port security, and boarding. Missing your ship is serious—prioritize punctuality.