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Caribbean

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Experience two nations in one day on this unique, 37-square-mile island. Grab a coffee and explore at your own pace.

Quick Facts

Weather Range

77-86F (25-30C)

Currency

ANG,USD

Language

Dutch, English

Time Zone

AST (UTC-4)

Overview

Welcome to St. Maarten, the friendly, energetic Dutch side of an island shared with the French (Saint-Martin). Philipsburg is a shoppers paradise, a mile-long stretch of duty-free shops, bars, and restaurants set along the beautiful Great Bay Beach boardwalk. But the islands true claim to fame is just a short ride away: Maho Beach, where you can stand on the sand as massive jets roar just feet over your head to land at the adjacent airport. For a change of pace, you can easily cross the border to the French side to explore the chic boutiques and gourmet restaurants of Marigot. This is an island of endless variety.

Top Sights

  • Front Street
This is the main artery of Philipsburg and a shoppers dream. The mile-long street is packed with duty-free. shops selling jewelry, electronics, and liquor, all housed in colorful, colonial-style buildings.
  • Loterie Farm
Escape to this lush, 135-acre nature sanctuary on the French side of the island. You can relax by the. spring-fed pool, go on a treetop zip-line course, or hike the scenic trails.
  • Toppers Rhum Distillery
Take a fun and informative tour at this local, family-owned distillery. Youll learn how they make their unique. artisanal rums and get to sample a wide variety of delicious, creative flavors.
  • Fort Amsterdam
Explore the ruins of this 17th-century Dutch fort, located on a scenic peninsula between Great Bay and Little Bay. It's a. historic site that also serves as a breeding ground for brown pelicans and offers.
  • Great Bay Beach & Boardwalk
Stretching the full length of Philipsburg, this beautiful, wide beach and lively boardwalk are just steps from the port. It's the. perfect place to rent a chair, grab a 2-for-1 cocktail, and watch the world.
  • Maho Beach (Airport Beach)
This is one of the most famous beaches in the world, located at the end of the airport runway. Experience the. thrill of watching massive jets fly just feet over your head as they land.

Neighborhoods

Simpson Bay

Sandy beaches and cafes

Marigot

Local eats and photo spots

Grand Case

Local eats and photo spots

Orient Bay

Sandy beaches and cafes

Shore Things Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.

ATV Tour to Maho Beach

3.5 Hours

Very Active

Spend a half-day journeying around St. Maarten on a guided ATV tour to the white sand beaches of Maho Beach to relax a bit before returning.
View Details
From

$120 USD

Brewery Tour & Beach Bar BBQ

3.5 Hours

Easy

Take a unique island brewery tour at Caribbean Brewing Company before heading to the famous Dutch Blonde Beach Bar & Restaurant for a BBQ lunch.
View Details
From

$125 USD

Sky Explorer Panoramic Views & Rockland Estate

4.0 Hours

Moderate

After the short ride to Rockland Estate, you'll tour the Plantation House, now a museum, before embarking on the Sky Explorer for 360 degree views.
View Details
From

$70 USD

St. Maarten Private Catamaran Experience

7.0 Hours

Moderate

Spend the day in St. Maarten the best way, aboard your private catamaran stopping to see popular beaches, to snorkel & a full BBQ lunch on board.
View Details
From

$3000 USD

Explore all Philipsburg Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator

ATV Tour to Maho Beach

3.5 Hours

Very Active

Spend a half-day journeying around St. Maarten on a guided ATV tour to the white sand beaches of Maho Beach to relax a bit before returning.
View Details
From

$120 USD

Brewery Tour & Beach Bar BBQ

3.5 Hours

Easy

Take a unique island brewery tour at Caribbean Brewing Company before heading to the famous Dutch Blonde Beach Bar & Restaurant for a BBQ lunch.
View Details
From

$125 USD

Sky Explorer Panoramic Views & Rockland Estate

4.0 Hours

Moderate

After the short ride to Rockland Estate, you'll tour the Plantation House, now a museum, before embarking on the Sky Explorer for 360 degree views.
View Details
From

$70 USD

St. Maarten Private Catamaran Experience

7.0 Hours

Moderate

Spend the day in St. Maarten the best way, aboard your private catamaran stopping to see popular beaches, to snorkel & a full BBQ lunch on board.
View Details
From

$3000 USD

Explore all Philipsburg Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Map

Quick Facts

Weather Range

77-86F (25-30C)

Currency

ANG,USD

Language

Dutch, English

Time Zone

AST (UTC-4)

Ready to explore Philipsburg?

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