What kind of shopping is there in St. Marteen..cheap little cute things from the locals, or expensive jewellery...
Where does the water taxi take you to?
There seems like there is shoping as soon as you get off the ship and then on the other side of the island too--the French side.
I just don't understand how the island is layed out.

Yes, there is shopping right when you get off the ship. It is limited. The water taxi $5 roundtrip, takes you across the bay to Phillipsburg where there is everything from T-shirt and knick knack stores, to electronics and fine jewelry. Also restaurants. You are on the Dutch side of the island. You would need to take a taxi to go over to the French side of the island.

I can remember some years back that we walked into Philipsburg from where we docked & it wasn't all that far. Since the renovation of the dock area I doubt if as many people visit the downtown area as much since there isn't anything different to be seen. (except the casino) As long as the weather isn't to hot it's a pleasant walk.