Where You Dock in Philipsburg – St. Maarten
Getting Around Philipsburg – St. Maarten
Water Taxi – a great way to get to downtown Philipsburg for a low cost. One price ($7) will do you for the day and you’ll get a great view of the harbor.
Taxis – you will see passengers lining up at the pier for taxis, by destination and fare type. The government regulates taxi fares by zone and number of passengers (extra cost for more than 2 passengers). They also have 3 hour sightseeing tours for $90. See here for more information.
Rental Car – this can be a great way to see the island, especially if you have more than a group of 3 people. There are a number of car rental locations near the port. Coastal Car Rental is right at the pier.
Shopping In Philipsburg – St. Maarten
Philipsburg has some of the best shopping in the Caribbean and it’s all duty free! You can get some great deals on jewelry, electronics, cosmetics and more , with prices on luxury good at 50% off!
Front Street – Located steps from the water taxi dock, Front Street and its side streets is Philipsburg’s main shopping district. It has every shop and boutique you could imagine.
Blue Mall – located west of the airport, and 13 kms from Philipsburg is a modern mall with different men’s and women’s apparel stores and a food court.
Dining In Philipsburg – St. Maarten
There are many options to choose from in St. Maarten, from casual Caribbean fare to upscale restaurants serving lobster thermidor – a local specialty.
Chesterfields (Great Bay Marina) – located closest to the pier, on the way to Philipsburg – has a great view and pub fare
Lazy Lizard Beach Bar & Grill (Boardwalk) – rated as the #1 restaurant in St. Maarten, this casual stop offers burgers, sandwiches, seafood and Johnny Cakes
Dirty Sanchez Crew Bar (Boardwalk) – rated as the #1 bar in St. Maarten, offering fantastic cocktails in a fun atmosphere
Ital Shack (Bush Road No. 7, Philipsburg) – super laid back, offers local, organic, vegan fare and fresh juices for a reasonable price
Burger Madness (Front Street) – Amazing burgers with all the toppings you could imagine, located right on the beach
Things To Do in Philipsburg – St. Maarten
What to do in St. Maarten
Maho Beach/Sunset Bar & Grill – watch the airplanes fly incredibly close over your head as they land at the airport. Enjoy this amazing sight while eating a great meal at the bar or sunbathing on the beach.
Casinos – if you haven’t had your fill at your ship’s casino, enjoy the Atlantis World casinos around Philipsburg or Casino Royale at Maho Village.
Margot, St. Martin – visit the Capital of French St. Martin and visit some wonderful boutiques and bistros
Ferry to Anguilla – if you have been there, done that in St. Maarten, why not take the 25 minute ferry ride from Marigot St. Martin to Anguilla. The cost is $15 one way and the ferry departs in 45 minute intervals. Spend time exploring this beautiful island with some sightseeing tours or just sink your toes into its gorgeous white sandy beaches.
Day Pass at a Beach Resort – if you’ve been to St. Maarten a few times and are looking for something different, spend the day at a beach resort. ResortPass offers a couple of options, located about a half hour from the port. You’ll enjoy the amenities provided by the resort including pools, restaurants, bars, and of course, the gorgeous beach! Click here for details!
Beaches in St. Maarten
Closest Beach to the Pier – Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg, along the Boardwalk
Best Beach for Water Sports – past Philipsburg is a beach called Little Bay with rentals for all sorts of water activities
Best Beach for Getting Away from it All – Mullet Bay – about an hour from the pier, but far from the crowds in Philipsburg, this great beach offers umbrella and chair rentals
Famous Beach – Orient Bay (on the French Side) is a beautiful, conventional beach with restaurants and watersport rentals but the more adventurous can visit Club Orient a naturist beach (clothing optional, which is permitted on the island).
Top Tours & Excursions In Philipsburg – St. Maarten
Half Day Catamaran Sail & Snorkel
Board a spacious 50 foot catamaran and sail past the beauty of St. Maarten. Choose to relax on deck in the sun or shade, or snorkel in the crystal waters. Beverages & snacks available throughout the day....
- Duration: 3.75 hours
- Activity Level: Moderate
St. Maarten Sights, Shopping & Sand
You’ll explore the entire island including the French side, stopping at major sites along the way. Spend time swimming or lounging on the beach at Orient Bay before heading back to Philipsburg for some shopping....
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Activity Level: Moderate
Da Party Bus Island Tour
Spend time partying your way around the island with stops at Orient Bay, Margot, St. Martin, then Sunset Bar & Grill at the famed Maho Beach to watch airplanes fly close overhead as they land....
- Duration: 4 hours
- Activity Level: Moderate
- Note: 4 beverages are provided on the bus
