A two-nation island with Dutch and French sides, offering beaches, shopping on Front Street, and planes landing over Maho.
Philipsburg is the capital of Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of an island shared with French Saint-Martin. Ships dock at the cruise port on Great Bay, at the edge of town.
You can shop and swim right in town, or cross to the French side for a completely different feel. It suits shoppers, beach lovers, and anyone who likes two countries in one day.
Average daily high and low in °F, from the nearest weather station with long records: Princess Juliana Airport, St. Maarten. Source: Meteostat station records, 1991–2020.
Here are my favorite ways to spend a cruise day in Philipsburg. Each one opens on Viator, where you can check the times, reviews and price before you book.
A fast boat ride around the island to snorkel with turtles and tropical fish, then beach time and lunch on a small island off the coast. One of the most-booked tours in St. Maarten.
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Drive your own off-roader over the hills and coast roads, ending at Maho Beach, where jets land just over your head. Built around cruise ship times.
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A private guide shows you both the Dutch and French sides of the island: Philipsburg, Marigot, Orient Bay and the best lookouts, at your own pace.
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Jim's Ship Pick
This is the BEST ship I’ve EVER sailed on! It rarely felt crowded, the food was incredible, the shows were absolutely phenomenal, and there’s something for everyone!
My favorites: walk Front Street and the beach boardwalk along Great Bay; watch planes fly low overhead at Maho Beach; spend the afternoon at Orient Bay Beach on the French side; visit Marigot, the French side's capital, for its market and waterfront; see the ruins and views at Fort Amsterdam.
Caribbean guilder on the Dutch side and euro on the French side; US dollars are widely accepted on both.
Front Street is about a mile from the pier, so you can walk or take a water taxi, and taxis go everywhere else on the island.
Search sailings that stop in Philipsburg on our site, or ask me for a quote. I book it for you with no fees, and I watch for price drops after you book.
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