MapVivid
Maho Beach and around
A day in Philipsburg · 9:30–12:00 · 3 stops
Open it on your phone:
mapvivid.com/philipsburg/itineraries/maho-beach-and-aroundA walking day around Mullet Bay and Maho Beach, with a lunch break nearby and Cupecoy Beach to end the day.
Every stop on Google Maps: open the list
Morning
↓ 17 min walk
10:152↓ 20 min walk
Lunch
12:00Lunch break nearby · Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps ↗
Good to know. Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.
Philipsburg tips
Transportation
- Ride the minibuses: Shared vans marked BUS run between Philipsburg, Simpson Bay, Marigot and other towns cheaply; flag one down.
- Agree taxi fares: Taxis use set rates rather than meters; confirm the price per person before setting off.
- Cross freely to the French side: There's no border control between Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin, so you can easily explore Marigot and Grand Case.
Local Hacks
- Walk the Boardwalk: Great Bay's beachfront Boardwalk has bars and chair rentals right in town.
- Visit Fort Amsterdam: Walk to the ruins for history and views of Great Bay and Little Bay.
- Use US dollars: US dollars are widely accepted, so you rarely need to change money for short visits.
Saving
- Visit on non-cruise days: Prices and crowds in Philipsburg rise on cruise ship days; check the port schedule.
- Eat at lolos: Local roadside barbecue stands serve ribs, chicken and johnny cakes at better prices than restaurants.
- Shop duty-free carefully: Front Street has duty-free shops; compare prices and know what you'd pay at home first.
Security
- Don't leave valuables in cars: Break-ins at beach car parks happen; take valuables with you or leave them at your hotel.
- Beware jet blast at Maho: Standing behind the fence at Maho Beach during takeoffs is dangerous; enjoy plane spotting from a safe distance.
- Plan for hurricanes: June to November is hurricane season; follow forecasts and consider travel insurance.
Cultural
- Try guavaberry liqueur: The island's traditional liqueur is made from local guavaberries; sample it in Philipsburg shops.
- Enjoy Carnival: Sint Maarten's Carnival in spring features parades, music and food villages.
- Know the two cultures: The Dutch and French sides have different languages, currencies and vibes; enjoy both.
Weather/Clothing
- Pack for tropical heat: It's warm and sunny year-round; bring light clothes, swimwear and reef-safe sunscreen.
- Expect brief showers: Short tropical showers can pop up anytime; a light rain jacket or umbrella is handy.
- Bring a cover-up: Wear a shirt or wrap over swimwear when leaving the beach for shops and restaurants.
Planned with MapVivid. Opening hours change, so check each place before you go. This day, with the map: mapvivid.com/philipsburg/itineraries/maho-beach-and-around
Day 2 of 39:30–12:003 stops
Maho Beach and around
A walking day around Mullet Bay and Maho Beach, with a lunch break nearby and Cupecoy Beach to end the day.
Opens Google Maps with every stop of the day, ready to save to your own list.
Morning
109:30 · 30 minWide, calm bay near the airport
3 tips
- Good for beginners
- Bring snorkel gear
- Limited facilities
📷 Photos
17 min walk
210:15 · 1 hFamous beach beneath landing planes
3 tips
- Check flight schedules
- Do not stand behind jets
- Bring a camera
📷 Photos
20 min walk
311:30 · 30 minBeach framed by sandstone cliffs
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Go for sunset
- Beware rough tides
- Bring supplies
📷 Photos
Lunch
Lunch break nearby · 12:00
Find restaurants nearby on Google Maps
Take this day with you
Add the stops to your calendar
Times are local time in Philipsburg. Apple Calendar adds every stop at once (Outlook too). Google Calendar adds one event per link.
Times are a guide for an unhurried pace. Check opening days before you go.