Gustavia, St. Barts Cruise Port Guide
Welcome to Gustavia, the chic and sophisticated capital of St. Barts. This exclusive Caribbean jewel is a favorite port of call for luxury cruise lines such as Seabourn, Silversea, and Star Clippers. Passengers are drawn to its unique blend of French Riviera glamour and relaxed island charm. From designer shopping along the harbor to sunbathing on pristine, secluded beaches, Gustavia offers an unforgettable day of indulgence and natural beauty.
In This Guide
- Shore Excursions & Tours
- Key Gustavia Port Information
- • Top Attractions & Excursions
- • Nearby Cities & Attractions
- • Port Location
- • Local Currency
- • Safety Considerations
- • Weather & Climate
- • Getting Around
- • Shopping
- Visiting Gustavia Cruise Deals
- Upcoming Cruises to Gustavia Cruise Deals
- Ships in Port Schedule
- Monthly Pricing
Shore Excursions & Tours
The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour
Experience the best of St. Maarten on an exclusive private tour for your family or group, avoiding overcrowded tours. This combination tour includes sightseeing, historical sites, photo opportunities, and fabulous duty-free shopping. You can also eat at a delicious local restaurant and relax at Mullet Bay or any beach of your choice. Do whatever your heart desires and stay as long as you like at any point of interest.
Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit (Hologram Tour) and Star Wars Celebrity
Visit one of St. Maarten's most popular attractions, the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, and explore the private movie relic collection of Nick Maley. Known as "that Yoda Guy" for his contribution to creating Yoda, Nick tells about the making of his 63 movies. This unique, self-paced tour is narrated via hologram and DVD. Your entrance ticket allows you to jump the queue and explore at your own leisure.
Colorful Species Of Birds
Enjoy close-up encounters with colorful birds and iguanas, with opportunities to feed them during the tour. This trip also includes great photo stops and lessons on the island's history and culture. You will get to sample Gouda cheese and cool off with an ice cream. At the end of the tour, choose to shop, dine, or swim in Philipsburg or be taken back to your pickup point.
Big Bastard's Ultimate Great Bay Beach Day for 2 - Row 2/3/4
Enjoy a full-service, hassle-free beach day on Great Bay Beach with a reserved spot waiting for you. This experience includes music, games, floaties, and dedicated service right to your beach seats. Your space is yours for the entire day, allowing you to leave and explore Philipsburg's nearby vendors as you wish.
Two Islands, Twice the Fun
Escape the crowds and discover the authentic charm of the island on the "Two Islands, Twice the Fun" tour. This experience blends the best of both Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin, taking you to hidden local spots. Immerse yourself in two distinct cultures and savor exquisite cuisine favored by islanders. The tour is 4 to 6 hours long and covers both sides of the island.
St. Maarten Pelican Private Tour
This tour focuses on providing a fun and educational experience exploring the island. Discover St. Maarten's most amazing views and beautiful beaches. The goal is to ensure you have the best experience and leave with a big smile on your face. Free cold beverages are provided throughout the entire tour.
St.Martin/St.Maarten Magical Tour
This tour focuses on providing a fun and educational experience exploring the island. Discover St. Maarten's most amazing views and beautiful beaches. The goal is to ensure you have the best experience and leave with a big smile on your face. Free cold beverages are provided throughout the entire tour.
Private Transport on Saint Maarten Island
Relax with a premium private transportation service anywhere on the island of Sint Maarten. We are the number one transport company with a modern and connected fleet, and we can pick you up wherever you ask. This service is available 24 hours a day, every day of the week.
Best Of St Maarten Private Nightlife Tour
Discover why St. Maarten is called "The Night Life Capital of The Caribbean" on a guided evening tour. Your local guide, Sunita, will take you to her favorite nightlife hot spots, including the best bars, restaurants, casinos, and lounges. You'll travel aboard an air-conditioned bus with a dynamic and entertaining guide showing you the best of the island at night.
Private St Maarten Sightseeing Tour from Philipsburg
Enjoy a private and customized tour that allows your group to travel at your own pace and focus on your specific interests. This sophisticated and personalized experience lets you indulge in all the island has to offer. You will still enjoy the benefits of a guided sightseeing tour, with picturesque stops and historical landmarks. Your private guide will also provide commentary on things worth knowing about the island.
Luxury Private Picnic in Paradise Beach
Award yourself with a unique, two-hour private beach picnic experience for a once-in-a-lifetime memory. The experience combines authentic Caribbean elements with European style and tastes in a stunning, styled setup. This retreat offers artfully prepared food and leisure time to swim, sunbathe, or relax.
St.Maarten/St.Martin Tripple Beach Tour
This is a beach tour created for you and your family to enjoy the best beaches on the island. The tour focuses on fun, culture, and more fun in the sun. St. Maarten has 37 beaches, and this tour selects from them for your leisure.
St. Maarten 4 Hour Sightseeing Tour
See the highlights of the island with four amazing stops in just four hours. This tour is popular for people who don't want to spend a long time at the beach but want to see the main attractions. Relax and enjoy the ride with free beverages or local rum punch. Your guide will provide the island's history as you travel.
Private Customizable Island Sightseeing Tour in St Maarten
Celebrate a special occasion with this private island tour, customized completely to your choices. You choose the locations and attractions you want to see and what you want to do. The 5-6 hour tour includes complimentary drinks from an open bar where you can help yourself.
FUN DAY St.Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour with Beach
Explore some of St. Maarten's most famous spots on this comprehensive island tour. Stop for pictures at Oyster Bay, enjoy fun in the sun at Orient Bay, and visit the French capital, Marigot. You'll also watch airplanes at Maho Beach and see the views from Cole Bay Hill. Beer, water, soda, and rum punch are included all day.
Shore Excursion: Orient Beach and Maho Beach Adventure
This group rendezvous is a beach adventure, not a traditional tour. Spend two hours at Orient Beach, where you can swim, enjoy water sports, or simply relax on the white sand. Then, head to Maho Beach for another two hours of fun watching aircraft land and take off right overhead. At the end of the day, choose to stay in town or be dropped off back at your cruise ship.
6 Seater Side by Side Rental
This is a self-guided buggy adventure around the island. You will be shuttled from the cruise port to the company office for a quick run-down on using the buggy and an explanation of the island map. After that, you are free to set off and explore on your own. The price includes all taxes and rental insurance for your convenience.
St Maarten Half-Day Trip to Orient and Maho Beach
Enjoy a sensational half-day of sun and sea at two of St. Maarten’s most popular beaches. First, head to Orient Beach where you’ll find water sports, beach bars, and restaurants. Then it's on to Maho Beach to watch the famous aircraft fly close overhead as they land. This trip includes complimentary refreshments and round-trip transport with a friendly guide.
Small-Group Culinary Culture Tour in St. Maarten
Experience St. Maarten’s ethnic sounds, smells, and tastes on a culinary culture delight. This tour explores the finest dining and exquisite restaurants on both the French and Dutch sides of the island. You will get to sample ethnic foods and drinks at a variety of places.
Key Gustavia Port Information
Top Attractions & Excursions
Most of Gustavia's top attractions are easily accessible during a port day. A short walk from the tender dock leads you to Shell Beach, a unique spot where the sand is composed of countless tiny shells. For one of the island's most iconic views, take a brief taxi ride to St. Jean Beach, famous for its turquoise waters, white sand, and vibrant beach clubs. For a dose of history and a panoramic photo opportunity, you can walk up to the ruins of Fort Gustav, which overlooks the yacht-filled harbor and the town's signature red-roofed buildings.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Nearby Cities & Attractions
St. Barts is a small island, making it easy to explore beyond Gustavia. The village of St. Jean is just a 5-10 minute taxi ride away and is a bustling hub with famous beaches, waterfront dining, and chic shops. For a more secluded experience, visit Anse de Grande Saline, an unspoiled and protected beach on the island's southern shore, approximately a 15-minute drive from the port. Another popular spot is Lorient, known for its calm bay and local atmosphere, also about a 15-minute drive from Gustavia.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Port Location
The cruise experience in Gustavia is exceptionally convenient as ships tender passengers directly to the Quai du Général de Gaulle in the center of town. From the tender pier, you are immediately immersed in the action. The harbor front, lined with luxury boutiques, art galleries, and cafes, is just steps away. All of Gustavia's main attractions are within easy walking distance, so no shuttles or initial transportation are required to explore the capital city itself.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Local Currency
The official currency of St. Barts is the Euro (€). However, US Dollars are widely accepted in nearly all shops, restaurants, and tour companies, especially in Gustavia. Be aware that you will likely receive change in Euros, and the exchange rate offered by vendors may not be the most favorable. Credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are accepted in most establishments. ATMs that dispense Euros can be easily found in town.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Safety Considerations
St. Barts is considered one of the safest islands in the Caribbean, with a very low crime rate. Visitors can feel comfortable exploring Gustavia and the rest of the island independently. The primary safety considerations are environmental; the sun is very strong, so sunscreen and hydration are essential. If you choose to rent a vehicle, be cautious on the narrow, steep, and winding roads. As always, it is wise to take standard precautions like not leaving valuables unattended on the beach.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Weather & Climate
St. Barts enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, making it a perfect cruise destination. During the peak cruise season from December to May, the weather is idyllic, with average temperatures ranging from the high 70s to mid-80s Fahrenheit (25-30°C) and lower humidity. The summer and fall months are hotter and mark the official hurricane season, which runs from June to November, with the highest risk in September and October. For your visit, pack light summer clothing, swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Getting Around
While Gustavia itself is best explored on foot, you will need transportation to visit the island's famous beaches. Taxis are the most common option and are readily available at the tender pier, though they can be expensive. There is no public bus system or ride-sharing services like Uber on the island. For more freedom, many visitors opt to rent a small car, scooter, or ATV for the day; several rental agencies are located near the port. A popular option for seeing the highlights is to arrange a private island tour by taxi.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Shopping
Gustavia is a world-class, duty-free shopping destination, particularly for luxury goods. The main shopping streets are Quai de la République and Rue du Roi Oscar II, located right along the harbor. Here you'll find high-end designer boutiques like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Cartier, alongside independent shops selling chic resort wear and fine jewelry. Local specialties to look for include vanilla rum, French perfumes, and art from local galleries. While prices are duty-free, they reflect the luxury brands, so haggling is not customary.
Last updated on March 3, 2026
Visiting Gustavia Cruise Deals
Upcoming Cruises to Gustavia Cruise Deals
Ships in Port Schedule
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Monthly Pricing - Cruises visiting Gustavia
On average Gustavia is fairly expensive as a port of call. Cruises visiting Gustavia during the peak seasons of winter and spring are much more expensive than the the low season of fall. Check the illustration below for the average cost per day by month.
