On a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean, you are likely to spend time in Philipsburg, St. Maarten as we did in April 2022. St. Maarten is a world record holder for being the smallest island in the world to host two nations, the Netherlands and France. The Dutch calls the island Sint Maarten and the French calls its St. Martin. Philipsburg is the main town and capital of Sint Maarten, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The town is on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond.
Our cruise ship docked at Port St. Maarten. Port St. Maarten has two piers and is now one of the few ports able to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships.
Per the port's website "Immediately upon coming ashore, passengers are welcomed to the Harbour Point Village to the sound of steel pans. That tropical feeling on the “Friendly Island” begins! Built in Philipsburg’s charming old architectural style, the Village contains duty-free outlets, souvenir shops and market stalls as well as bars and a restaurant."
Taxis and water taxis are located a short walk from the cruise pier and can take passengers to Philipsburg by water taxi or all over the island by normal taxi. Tickets for one-day unlimited rides for the water taxes are $6 and The Captain Hodge Wharf, Walter Williams Jetty and Bobby’s Marina are three convenient water taxi stops on the Philipsburg waterfront. You will need to purchase tickets before getting on the water taxi. Be on the lookout for iguanas laying on the rocks on your way to the water taxi!
Shopping
Philipsburg's main streets to go shopping on is Front Street and Back Street with interconnecting alleys and squares.
On Front Street you will find stores to purchase jewelry, liquor, perfumes, t-shirts, duty-free cigars, and designer clothes. Some renowned jewelry houses are Ballerina’s, Joe’s Jewelry, Diamonds International, Zhaveri , Dazzling Gems and Oro Diamanté.
On Back Street, you will find where the locals do their daily shopping. Cash is mostly used to buy items, while some large shops also have the facility of paying through credit cards. Stop by a local grocery store and pick up some local prepackage food to take home with.
St. Maarten is a duty-free port; duty-free refers to the act of being able to purchase an item in particular circumstances without paying import, sales, value-added, or other taxes. Here are some items tourists should purchase when they are on the island.
Porcelain -the island is home to several factories that makes fine china
Jewelry- gold, silver, diamonds, and precious gems
Caribbean Rum- the island has several distilleries that produce some of the best rum in the world
Guavaberry Products- Guavaberry is grown on the island and the small, tart fruit is used to make liqueur, jam, and syrup
Souvenirs- most popular souvenirs are key chains and t-shirts
You can find more shopping information at St Maarten / St Martin: a shopping haven from Philipsburg to Simpson Bay (visitstmaarten.com)
Food
There are many great restaurants and food stands on Front Street and the Board walk. One great restaurant to try is Taloula Mango’s / Blue Bitch Bar. Per their website the Blue Bitch Bar is "A fun place to chill when you're in heat! We serve all sorts of cocktails, liquors, shots, beers, or juices. We also cook for you! Local specialties like Creole Grouper or Creole Chicken, Steaks, Pasta, Pizzas, Tapas, Ribs, Burgers and Sandwiches!". While at the bar, try the best drink in the world, The Amazing Grace while you enjoy the views.
You can find more information about restaurants on Restaurants & Bars of Dutch & French side St Maarten / St Martin (visitstmaarten.com)
Things to Do
The Courthouse was built in colonial times in 1793. It has been devastated by hurricanes and restored several times. The government of St. Maarten had it listed as a major historical monument. This building houses the court of Sint Maarten
Casinos- Poker tournaments, roulette, craps, blackjack, slot machines and baccarat all compete for attention in the dozen casinos of St. Maarten. Two of the casinos are Casino Royale of Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino & Spa.
Philipsburg Mural Walk- Walk around Philipsburg and see how many colorful murals you can find.
The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit-a Museum created by Nick Maley, the creator of Yoda
Sky Explorer & Flying Dutchman- '"The experience encompasses two chairlifts as well as a series of platforms encircle the mountaintop showcasing 360-degree views of the island including vistas of neighboring islands Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barts and Anguilla. A brief orientation will prepare you to fly down the mountain on The Flying Dutchman; the world’s steepest zip line! You’ll be attached to a flight line in a secure harnessed chair, launching you on the 1050-foot drop in elevation over 2800 feet to experience the ride of a lifetime."
Beaches
Maho Beach- This beach is one of the most famous in the world because the beach is located at the end of a runway at the Princess Julia International airport. Many amenities and bars are adjacent to the beach, and some of St Maarten’s largest resorts are situated around this area.
Great Bay Beach- a 2-mile-long stretch of white sandy beach that is located at the heart of Philipsburg about a 15–20-minute walk from the cruise terminal. You will find the beach in front of the boardwalk. You will find sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, and clean bathrooms
You can find more information about things to do at https://www.visitstmaarten.com/
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