Making the most of Philipsburg
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
St. Maarten has built an excellent new cruise terminal that can berth seven cruise ships simultaneously. A water taxi costing $4 one way runs continually between the terminal and several points on the beachfront promenade. Alternatively, walk for 10 min., take a land taxi into town or browse the few shops at the new terminal.
Keep a printable map with you.
After the Spanish closed their colonial fort on St. Maarten in 1648, a few Dutch and French soldiers remained hidden on the island and chose to share it. The Netherlands and France soon signed a formal accord dividing St. Maarten in half, as it remains today. Philipsburg's architecture and landscaping reflect its Dutch heritage. Endless beaches, beautiful scenery and excellent shopping await across the island.
Getting around
Taxi-price information is readily available from the tourist booth in Cyrus Wathey Square and from government taxi dispatchers. A taxi into town costs $3 one way. Water taxis from the cruise pier charge $5 one way or $7 for a day-long round trip; children aged 12 and under travel free. You receive a bracelet when purchasing.
Minibuses offer a useful way to reach Marigot on the French side or Maho Bay. At only a few$ they represent good value.
Car hire is comparatively inexpensive on the island.
Nearby places
Great Bay Beach has a convenient position on Philipsburg's waterfront.
Parotte Ville, St Maarten's Birdpark, is a hidden gem near the St Maarten/St Martin border. Beauty, wonder and history fill this bird paradise, which the entire family is sure to enjoy.
Philipsburg also has a new zipline named Rainforest Adventure.
For plane spotting, aircraft approaching Princess Julianna airport pass very low above Maho beach because the runway is just beyond the beach. A one-way taxi to Maho Beach costs $20.
Food and shopping
Philipsburg makes walking, shopping, dining and people-watching very easy. Around 3 long principal streets run through downtown, offering everything you might wish to see or do.
Philipsburg and Marigot, respective capitals of the Dutch and French sides, are centres for duty-free shopping. The whole island is duty-free, however, so purchases anywhere qualify and no paperwork is needed. Excellent bargains include handbags, men's shoes, alcohol, cosmetics, jewellery, electronics and cigars.
Money
St. Maarten uses the Netherlands Antilles florin, or guilder, while St. Martin uses the Euro, although both sides accept the US dollar. You do not need to exchange your dollars.
Staying connected
Because the island contains 2 different countries, French is St. Martin's official language and Dutch is official in St. Maarten. English, however, is the principal language used on both sides.
Opening Hours and
Most shops trade Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm and on Sunday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. Most also open whenever a cruise ship is in port. The French side closes completely on Sunday, while shops on the Dutch side begin trading at noon.