Philipsburg
Save31 hand-picked places in 9 lists. Tick the categories you want to see on the map.
Only have a day? See 3 ready-made day plans ↓10 places on the map
Nature
- 1
Crescent beach running along Philipsburg's waterfront
3 tips
- Calm water for swimming
- Busy on cruise days
- Rent loungers nearby
📷 Photos
- 2
Famous beach beneath landing planes
3 tips
- Check flight schedules
- Do not stand behind jets
- Bring a camera
📷 Photos
- 3
Wide, calm bay near the airport
3 tips
- Good for beginners
- Bring snorkel gear
- Limited facilities
📷 Photos
- 4
East-facing beach known for sunrise and snorkelling
3 tips
- Visit at sunrise
- Snorkel the reef
- Watch for rough surf
📷 Photos
- 5
Beach framed by sandstone cliffs
- Tip: Sunset
3 tips
- Go for sunset
- Beware rough tides
- Bring supplies
📷 Photos
- 6
Lively French-side beach with water sports
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Rent a sunbed
- Try beach restaurants
📷 Photos
- 7
Nature park with ziplines and a pool
- Tip: Book ahead
2 tips
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Bring a swimsuit
📷 Photos
- 8
Highest point on the island with views
- Tip: Go early
2 tips
- Bring water
- Wear good shoes
📷 Photos
- 9
Small islet off the French side with a sandy beach, reached by ferry.
📷 Photos
- 10
Protected marine and coastal reserve on the French side of the island.
📷 Photos
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1-day itineraries in Philipsburg
Only have a day? Each one keeps you in one area, from morning to late afternoon, with lunch nearby.
Day 1 of 3
Front Street and around
🕘 9:30–16:45📍 6 stops
- 1Front Street
- 2Philipsburg Courthouse
- 3Wathey Square
- 4Philipsburg Boardwalk
- 5Great Bay Beach
- and 1 more
Day 2 of 3
Maho Beach and around
🕘 9:30–12:00📍 3 stops
- 1Mullet Bay
- 2Maho Beach
- 3Cupecoy Beach
Day 3 of 3
Orient Bay and around
🕘 9:30–12:15📍 3 stops
- 1Orient Bay
- 2Butterfly Farm
- 3Dawn Beach