Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten, stretches for about 2 km (just over a mile) along the curve of Great Bay on the island’s south coast, on a narrow strip of land between the sea and the Great Salt Pond. Founded by the Dutch in the 1760s and named after John Philips, a Scottish-born commander of the island, it grew on salt and trade and is now one of the Caribbean’s busiest cruise ports: in 2025, according to Sint Maarten’s Department of Statistics, nearly 1.6 million cruise passengers came ashore, most of them heading for its streets. Four lanes run parallel to the bay: Front Street, lined with duty-free jewelry, watch, liquor and electronics shops and the white wooden Courthouse of 1793; Back Street; and, along the sand, the Boardwalk of Great Bay Beach, with beach bars, loungers and calm water for swimming. On the headland above the bay stand the ruins of Fort Amsterdam, the first Dutch fort in the Caribbean. Philipsburg is lively by day when ships are in and quiet in the evening; it is the place for shopping, a beach day by the pier and boat trips, and a short drive from Maho Beach and the French side. The best months are December to April.
Right now in Philipsburg
- Wed26–29°C79–84°F18 mm rain
- Thu28–29°C83–84°F1 mm rain
- Fri28–29°C83–84°F3 mm rain
- Sat 10 Oct Constitution Day
Top tours in Philipsburg
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Philipsburg at a glance
- Best for: duty-free shopping, a beach day on the Boardwalk, history, sailing and snorkeling trips, and an easy cruise-day stop.
- How long: a cruise day or a full day from a beach hotel; one or two nights if you want to be near the ferries and the pier.
- Best time: December to April, the dry season; weekdays when fewer ships are in port are quieter.
- Getting there: cruise ships dock at Pointe Blanche, at the eastern end of Great Bay; Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is about 20–30 minutes away by road.
- Getting around: on foot along Front Street and the Boardwalk; by water taxi between the pier and town; by taxi or minibus to the beaches.
- Money: US dollars are accepted everywhere alongside the Caribbean guilder (XCG 1.79 to US$1).
- Before you go: the ED card, entry rules, money and general safety are in our Sint Maarten travel guide.
Philipsburg’s areas and where to stay
The town is compact: everything from the pier to the western end of Front Street is within a 30-minute walk.
Front Street and the Boardwalk
The historic heart, with the Courthouse, Wathey Square, shops in restored wooden and stone buildings, and narrow alleys (steegjes) leading down to the Boardwalk and the beach. Small hotels and guesthouses face the bay. It is busy by day and much quieter at night.
Pointe Blanche and the cruise pier
The eastern end of the bay, with the cruise terminal, its shopping village and marinas, and the hill above with views over the harbor and, on clear days, Saba and Sint Eustatius.
Little Bay and Fort Hill
West of town, beyond Fort Hill, the sheltered cove of Little Bay has beach resorts, a dive center and good snorkeling below the walls of Fort Amsterdam, a few minutes’ drive from Front Street.
The Great Salt Pond and the hills
Behind the town, the salt pond that made Philipsburg’s fortune is now a haven for water birds, ringed by residential districts, government offices and roads climbing toward Sentry Hill and Rockland Estate.
Top things to see in Philipsburg
Great Bay Beach and the Boardwalk
Philipsburg’s own beach runs the length of the town, with calm, clear water, beach bars renting chairs and umbrellas, often in a package with drinks, and a wide promenade, the Boardwalk, lined with palm trees, restaurants and shops. It is one of the easiest beaches in the Caribbean for cruise passengers, just a walk from the pier, and it is fun to watch the ships and yachts come and go. All beaches on the island are public, according to St. Maarten Tourism.
Front Street and duty-free shopping
Sint Maarten is a duty-free port, and Front Street is its shop window: jewelers, watch and camera shops, perfume, liquor and cigar stores, and souvenir and craft stalls fill its old buildings. Compare prices with home before buying expensive items, ask for written receipts and warranties, and remember that your own country’s customs allowances apply when you return. Old Street, a small lane off Front Street, has colorful shops and cafés.
The Courthouse
Built in 1793 for the island’s commander and council, the white wooden Courthouse on Wathey Square, with its cupola topped by a pineapple, has served as a town hall, fire station, jail and post office, and is Philipsburg’s best-known landmark. It still houses court functions, so you can admire it from the outside.
Fort Amsterdam
On the narrow peninsula between Great Bay and Little Bay, Fort Amsterdam was built by the Dutch in 1631, the first Dutch fort in the Caribbean, and was captured by the Spanish two years later. Its remaining walls and cannons look out over both bays and the town. It is reached on foot from Little Bay; access can be restricted at times, so ask locally.
Fort Willem and the views
On the hill west of town, the site of the 19th-century Fort Willem, now crowned by a telecommunications tower, offers one of the best views over Great Bay, the salt pond and the cruise ships. The steep road is best done by car or on a guided hike.
More sights
- Sint Maarten Museum: a small museum on Front Street about the island’s history, from the Arawak people and the salt industry to hurricanes, run by a heritage foundation.
- Guavaberry Emporium: a historic house on Front Street selling the island’s guavaberry liqueur, with tastings.
- Wathey Square: the square in front of the Courthouse, with a market and a stop for water taxis and the Boardwalk.
- The Methodist Church and old Front Street buildings: among the oldest buildings in town, with traditional Caribbean architecture.
- The Great Salt Pond: the old salt pans, now a bird habitat, seen from the roads around town.
Other things to do in Philipsburg
Sailing and boat trips
Philipsburg’s marinas are the base for catamaran trips to snorkeling spots and beaches around the island, sunset cruises and the popular match races aboard former America’s Cup racing yachts, where guests help crew the boats in a race around the bay. See our boat trips guide.
Snorkeling and diving
Little Bay, just west of town, has the closest good snorkeling, with reef fish and sometimes turtles around the rocks below Fort Amsterdam on calm days. Dive centers lead trips to the reefs and wrecks off the south coast, in the Man of War Shoal Marine Park, which is managed by the Nature Foundation St. Maarten, and to the 18th-century wreck of HMS Proselyte off Great Bay. See our snorkeling and diving guides.
Zip lines and hikes at Rockland Estate
About 15 minutes north of town, the former plantation of Rockland Estate, on Sentry Hill, has a chairlift to the top of the hill, zip lines, including the long and steep “Flying Dutchman,” and nature walks with views over both sides of the island. See our hiking guide.
Food and drink
Boardwalk restaurants serve seafood, burgers and cocktails with your feet almost in the sand, and side-street spots serve local dishes such as johnnycakes, saltfish, conch and dumplings, goat water and barbecued ribs and chicken. Try a guavaberry colada, made with the island’s own liqueur. Many places close in the evening, when most visitors head to Simpson Bay or Grand Case for dinner.
Day trips from Philipsburg
- Maho Beach and Simpson Bay: about 20–30 minutes west by taxi, for the planes landing over the beach and the swimming at Mullet Bay. See our Simpson Bay and Maho Beach guide.
- Orient Bay and Marigot: on the French side, across the open border, for the island’s longest beach and the market and fort of Marigot. See our Saint Martin travel guide.
- Dawn Beach and Guana Bay: on the east coast, 15–20 minutes away, for sunrise, snorkeling and waves.
- Saint-Barthélemy: by fast ferry from Philipsburg to Gustavia, in about 45 minutes to an hour and a quarter, for a day on the chic French island. See our Saint-Barthélemy travel guide.
- Saba: by ferry, for a day on a steep volcanic island with hiking and diving.
Getting there and getting around
By cruise ship
Ships dock at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facility at Pointe Blanche, which welcomed 1,597,940 cruise passengers on 592 calls in 2025, according to the Department of Statistics. Day-visit cruise passengers do not need to fill in the ED card, according to St. Maarten Tourism. From the terminal, you can walk along the waterfront to the eastern end of Front Street in about 15 to 20 minutes, take a water taxi across the bay to the Boardwalk, or take a taxi from the rank at the pier to the beaches and the French side. Allow plenty of time to get back, as traffic can be heavy when several ships are in.
By air
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), in Simpson Bay, has direct flights from the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and nearby islands, according to the airport. Philipsburg is about 20–30 minutes away by taxi, more at rush hour.
Getting around
The town center is best explored on foot. Taxis charge set fares between zones, so confirm the price, and whether it is per person, before you get in. Privately run minibuses, marked with “BUS” plates, run between Philipsburg, Simpson Bay, Maho and Marigot by day for a few dollars. Traffic into and out of town is slow at rush hours and on busy cruise days; parking is limited, so if you drive, use the paid lots behind Back Street.
When to go and how long to stay
Philipsburg is hot all year, cooled by trade winds. The dry season, from December to April, is the busiest, with the most cruise calls; from May to November, it is hotter and more humid, with short, heavy showers, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, according to the US National Hurricane Center. The table shows averages from the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) 1991–2020 normals for Princess Juliana International Airport, the island’s official weather station, about 7 km (4 miles) west of town.
| Month | Average high / low | Rain (days with 1 mm or more) | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29 °C (83 °F) / 23 °C (74 °F) | 68 mm (2.7 in), 13 days | Breezy, brief showers; many ships in port |
| February | 29 °C (84 °F) / 23 °C (74 °F) | 49 mm (1.9 in), 11 days | Sunny; peak cruise season |
| March | 29 °C (84 °F) / 24 °C (74 °F) | 47 mm (1.8 in), 8 days | Driest stretch; regatta month |
| April | 30 °C (85 °F) / 24 °C (76 °F) | 60 mm (2.4 in), 8 days | Dry; Carnival in some years; King’s Day |
| May | 30 °C (87 °F) / 25 °C (78 °F) | 98 mm (3.9 in), 10 days | Warmer; Carnival in some years; fewer ships |
| June | 31 °C (88 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F) | 55 mm (2.2 in), 9 days | Hot; hurricane season begins |
| July | 32 °C (89 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F) | 97 mm (3.8 in), 13 days | Hot and humid; Emancipation Day |
| August | 32 °C (89 °F) / 27 °C (80 °F) | 106 mm (4.2 in), 14 days | Hottest; quiet streets |
| September | 32 °C (89 °F) / 26 °C (80 °F) | 116 mm (4.6 in), 13 days | Peak storm risk; quietest month |
| October | 31 °C (88 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F) | 157 mm (6.2 in), 14 days | Wet; cruise season resumes late in the month |
| November | 30 °C (87 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F) | 162 mm (6.4 in), 14 days | Wettest month; ships return |
| December | 29 °C (85 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F) | 101 mm (4.0 in), 14 days | Busy holiday season |
A cruise day in Philipsburg
Walk or take the water taxi into town, browse Front Street and the Courthouse in the cooler morning, then rent chairs on Great Bay Beach for a swim and lunch on the Boardwalk. Alternatively, head straight to Maho Beach for the midday and early-afternoon arrivals, or join a catamaran or America’s Cup sailing trip from the marinas near the pier.
One or two nights
Add Fort Amsterdam and Little Bay’s snorkeling, a morning at Rockland Estate, and an early ferry to Saint-Barthélemy or Saba.
Where to stay in Philipsburg
- On the Boardwalk: small hotels and guesthouses on the beach, steps from the shops, best for short stays and early ferries.
- Little Bay: beach resorts in a sheltered cove, a short drive from town, with snorkeling on the doorstep.
- Pointe Blanche and the hills: apartments and villas with harbor views.
Most visitors who stay longer choose Simpson Bay or the Lowlands, nearer the airport and the nightlife. Hotels charge a 5% room tax, and many add a service charge.
What a visit to Philipsburg costs
Prices are approximate, for October 2026, in US dollars (XCG 1.79 to US$1).
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Water taxi, pier to town, day pass | US$7–10 |
| Two beach chairs and an umbrella on Great Bay | US$20–30, often with drinks |
| Taxi to Maho Beach (one or two people) | US$25–35 |
| Minibus ride | US$2–3 |
| Lunch on the Boardwalk | US$20–35 |
| Local beer at a beach bar | US$3–6 |
| America’s Cup sailing race or catamaran trip | US$90–150 |
| Zip line at Rockland Estate | US$80–130 |
| Beachfront hotel double, high season, per night | US$180–350 |
Practical tips for Philipsburg
- Check the cruise schedule: Front Street and the beach are far calmer on days with one ship or none; Port St. Maarten publishes the schedule.
- Shop smart: compare prices before buying jewelry or electronics, and get receipts and warranty cards.
- Cover up in town: wear a shirt and shorts or a cover-up away from the beach.
- Agree on taxi fares first: fares are set by zone, often per person.
- Leave a buffer: cruise passengers should aim to be back at the pier at least an hour before all-aboard time.
Safety
Philipsburg is busy and generally relaxed by day. Keep an eye on bags on the beach and in crowds, avoid flashing valuables, use licensed taxis, and stick to lit, busy streets after dark, when the center empties. Watch for traffic on Front Street, which is shared with cars in places, and for jet skis and boats near the beach. The sun is strong, so use sunscreen and drink water. For emergencies, call 911 for police, 912 for an ambulance and 919 for the fire department; the Coast Guard is on 913.
What to pack for Philipsburg
Swimwear and a cover-up for town, a hat, sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen, comfortable sandals, water shoes for the rocks at Little Bay, a small dry bag for boat trips, a light rain jacket from May to November, and your passport if you plan a ferry trip. Sockets are American-style at 110 V; see our travel adapters guide.
Philipsburg travel FAQ
Can I walk from the cruise port to Philipsburg?
Yes. It is about 15 to 20 minutes on foot along the waterfront from the pier at Pointe Blanche to the eastern end of Front Street, or a few minutes by water taxi.
Is there a beach in Philipsburg?
Yes. Great Bay Beach runs along the whole town, with calm water, chair rentals and the Boardwalk’s bars and restaurants behind it.
Do cruise passengers need the ED card?
No. According to St. Maarten Tourism, day-visit cruise passengers are exempt; it is required for arrivals by air at Princess Juliana Airport and by yacht.
How far is Maho Beach from Philipsburg?
About 12 km (7.5 miles), 20 to 30 minutes by taxi, longer in heavy traffic.
Is shopping in Philipsburg really duty-free?
Sint Maarten is a duty-free port, so there is no import duty or sales tax added at the till, but compare prices with home, and remember your own country’s customs allowances when you return.
What currency should I use in Philipsburg?
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere, and cards are widely used. The local currency is the Caribbean guilder, pegged at XCG 1.79 to US$1.
How old is the Philipsburg Courthouse?
It was built in 1793 and is the town’s best-known landmark, on Wathey Square on Front Street.
Can I visit the French side from Philipsburg?
Yes. There are no border controls between the two sides; Marigot is about 30 minutes away by car or minibus, and Orient Bay about 25 minutes.
What is the best time to visit Philipsburg?
December to April for dry, sunny weather; for quieter streets, come on a day with few cruise ships in port.
Plan your trip
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Sources · last reviewed 5 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 5 October 2026. Cruise passenger and ship-call numbers for 2025: the Government of Sint Maarten’s Department of Statistics; the cruise facility: Port St. Maarten; the ED card exemption for cruise passengers, public beaches and emergency numbers: St. Maarten Tourism; fire department number: the Government of Sint Maarten; the Caribbean guilder peg: the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten; flights: Princess Juliana International Airport; climate averages: the WMO 1991–2020 normals for Princess Juliana International Airport (NOAA archive); hurricane season: the US National Hurricane Center. The town’s founding and history, the Courthouse and fort dates, the museum, ferry routes and times, walking and driving times, and taxi, tour, food and hotel prices are general references or estimates, flagged for checking. Fees and schedules change, so check before you go. For the ED card, entry rules, money and general safety, see our Sint Maarten travel guide.
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch · Air quality: OpenAQ · Rates: ECB · Holidays: Nager.Date · Wikidata (CC0)