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 8 Best Things to do in Philipsburg, Saint Maarten

 8 Best Things to do in Philipsburg, Saint Maarten

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Looking for the best things to do in Philipsburg, Saint Maarten? You’re in the right place!

Philipsburg is easily one of my favorite Caribbean destinations. From sipping rum punch on pristine beaches to hand feeding colorful birds and swimming alongside sea turtles, this island is packed with unforgettable experiences that keep me coming back for more.

What I love most about Philipsburg is its perfect blend of laid-back island vibes and unique, one-of-a-kind activities. It’s not just about the stunning beaches (though they’re incredible!) – it’s about uncovering the hidden gems that make this island unique!

So, without further ado, here are my tried-and-tested picks for the 8 best things to do in Philipsburg, Saint Maarten that you absolutely can’t miss!

Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!

A-huge-turtle-swims-through-the-waters-of-Philipsburg St-Maarten

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!

Our personal FAVORITE Philipsburg experience was this island hopping and snorkeling tour! We cruised on a speed boat, visited stunning islands, and snorkeled with sea turtles and stingrays – incredible!

Check out the 3,700+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!

Things to do in Philipsburg

1. Explore Philipsburg on a bicycle

Philipsburg-Courthouse-seen-in-Philipsburg St-Maarten-on-a-tour
A bike tour is a great way to see historical sites like the Philipsburg Courthouse
A palm tree on the beach in St Maarten
We also went to some drop dead gorgeous beaches!
  • Price: $51 USD 
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 8:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm 
  • Highlights: Philipsburg Courthouse, Saint Maarten’s oldest inn, Fort Amsterdam, hilltop views of the Great Bay, Pasanggrahan Hotel, Carnival Village, local market, Freedom Fighter’s Monument, drink on the boardwalk 
  • Inclusions: Use of bicycle, helmet rental, bottled water, beer or rum punch, local guide
  • Rating: 4.7 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

This cycling tour of Philipsburg is a fun and active way to discover the capital of Saint Maarten. It’s ideal for those who are short on time and a great way to learn about the island’s history, culture, and politics. 

The ride began with a leisurely pace along the picturesque boardwalk. The turquoise waters of Great Bay provided a stunning backdrop as we pedaled past charming cafes and bustling shops – it was easy to say we were swooned by Philipsburg!

Our first stop was the Philipsburg Courthouse, which offered a glimpse into the island’s colonial past. Our guide, Marcie, was a talented storyteller and she really brought history to life for us, particularly when we visited the Pasanggrahan Hotel, which is the oldest inn on the island.

The most challenging part of the tour was the climb up Little Bay Hill, but it was totally worth it. The incline was pretty steep but Marcie encouraged us to take our time and we were eventually rewarded with incredible panoramic views! From this vantage point, we could see the entire stretch of Great Bay, Little Bay, and Philipsburg below. 

Later on, we visited the 17th-century Fort Amsterdam for sweeping views of the city and another fascinating history lesson. Then, we ended the tour with a relaxing ride back along the boardwalk and a refreshing glass of rum punch. When in the Caribbean, right?

2. Island hop and snorkel with sea turtles

A-large-turtle-swims-to-the-surface-while-snorkeling in St Maarten
Look at this cutie!
Bailey-snorkeling-on-a-tour-in-Philipsburg St Maarten
The snorkeling was amazing
  • Price: $139 USD 
  • Duration: 6 hours 
  • Time: 9:30 am 
  • Highlights: Visiting the Dutch and French sides of the island, avoiding the crowds, swimming and snorkeling, chance to spot turtles and stingrays, sunbathing on white sand beaches, entertaining commentary, complimentary drinks and snacks
  • Inclusions: Boat transport, captain, lunch, soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks, use of snorkeling equipment, floatation devices
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 3,900+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 

If you’re looking for the most fun and exciting way to explore Saint Maarten, this speedboat and snorkeling tour is our top pick! It’s perfect for anyone wanting to see the island on one incredible day, including cruise passengers.

As soon as we boarded, we were welcomed by a friendly and knowledgeable crew. They treated us like VIPs all day long, ensuring that we were comfortable, entertained, well-fed, and watered. 

The stops we made were nothing short of magical. We loved snorkeling at Tintamarre Island because we got to see sea turtles, stingrays, and tons of tropical fish. It was the pinnacle of an epic Caribbean adventure! Snorkeling on Creole Rock was fantastic, too, as we had fun exploring the vibrant coral reefs. 

Later on, we headed to Pinel Island, where we enjoyed a delicious lunch and spent some time relaxing on the sand. We also loved exploring the beautiful Mullet Bay, and of course, no tour of Saint Maarten would be complete without experiencing the thrill of planes roaring overhead at Maho Beach!

We covered so much ground – or rather, water – on this tour, and managed to avoid the big crowds. It was the perfect way to explore this paradisiacal island, and we would definitely do this tour again!

3. Get your adrenaline pumping on an ATV tour

Bailey-and-Daniel-on-ATV-during-a-tour-in-St Maarten
An ATV is a great way to see Philipsburg
An-iguana-seen-in-Philipsburg St-Maarten
We saw so many iguanas!
  • Price: $77 – $103 USD per person
  • Duration: 4 hours
  • Time: 9 am or 1 pm 
  • Highlights: Exciting ATV ride, Maho Beach, Marigot, Mullet Bay, Grand Case, Phillipsburg
  • Inclusions: Use of ATV, helmet, fuel, local guide
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,500+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 

This ATV tour is the most exhilarating way to explore Saint Maarten! We had an absolute blast navigating the island’s stunning scenery and iconic beaches. Plus with over 1,400 5-star reviews, you know it will be a great tour!

We met our guides in Philipsburg where, after a quick safety briefing, we geared up and got ready to ride. The ATVs were super easy to handle and the guides were on hand to help throughout the tour. 

We started out by cruising along the main roads, taking in the gorgeous coastal views along the way. Occasional off-road stretches added a thrilling twist and allowed us to see a different side of the island.

Our first big stop was Maho Beach, where we got to experience the thrill of planes flying low overhead. Then, we made our way to the pristine Mullet Bay to enjoy the soft sand and turquoise waters.

Another highlight of the tour was Marigot, which is the capital of the French side of the island. We loved whizzing through the town’s colorful homes and we had a chance to check out the charming local markets. Oh, and if you’re an animal lover then seeing loads of iguanas and getting the chance to feed them is sure to make your day!

The tour ended back in Philipsburg, where we washed the sand and dust off with a refreshing swim in the Great Bay. The entire experience was an amazing mix of adventure and sightseeing. It’s also ideal for first-timers, so there’s no need to worry if you’ve never ridden an ATV before.

4. See exotic birds at Parotte Ville Bird Park 

A colorful bird seen at Parotte ville bird sanctuary Philipsburg St Maarten
We saw so many colorful birds!
A bird eats out of someones hand at Parotte ville bird sanctuary Philipsburg St Maarten
You even get to feed them
  • Price: $49 USD
  • Duration: 2.5 hours
  • Time: 10:15 am
  • Highlights: Go on a guided tour of Parotte Ville Bird Park, interact with and feed a variety of exotic birds, and learn about the different species from your guide
  • Inclusions: Hotel/port pick-up/drop-off, guide, entrance fee
  • Rating: 5 stars (check out the great reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

If you’re a bird lover or just curious about local wildlife, this bird tour in Philipsburg is an experience you won’t forget!

You’ll start with a convenient pickup from your Philipsburg hotel or the cruise port before heading to a local bird park. Home to 26 species and around 140 birds, this park is a haven for bird enthusiasts!

We thought exploring with a guide made the experience so much better – they shared fascinating insights about the different species and their habits while answering all our questions.

But the highlight for me had to be feeding the birds! They flew right up to us, landing on our hands, shoulders, and even our heads. It was such an interactive and fun experience that both kids and adults absolutely loved. (Pro tip: wear a hat – just in case a bird gets a little too excited above you!)

At only 2.5 hours long, this tour is perfect for cruise passengers or anyone short on time. Whether you’re traveling with family or simply looking for a unique activity in Philipsburg, this tour is engaging, educational, and leaves you with plenty of time to explore more of the island afterward!

Why We Book Tours with Viator

Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:

  • Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
  • Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
  • Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
  • Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
  • Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.

Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.

5. Relax on a luxury catamaran

Daniel-poses-for-a-photo-on-a-catamaran-cruise-from-Philipsburg St-Maarten
Daniel enjoying the views and working on his tan!
Bailey-on-a-paddle-board-during-a-cruise-in-Philipsburg St-Maarten
Stand-up paddle boarding is always a good time
  • Price: $139 USD 
  • Duration: 5 hours 
  • Time: 10 am 
  • Highlights: Cruising around Saint Maarten, snorkeling and kayaking, visiting Little Bay, seeing planes fly overhead at Maho Beach, visiting Mullet Bay, eating fresh fruit and pound cake, cooked lunch on board, sipping cocktails
  • Inclusions: Luxury catamaran ride, captain and crew, use of snorkel equipment, paddle boards and kayaks, soft drinks, cocktails, lily water mat 
  • Rating: 4.9 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes 

This sailing catamaran tour around Saint Maarten is the epitome of luxury and relaxation. We were thoroughly pampered from start to finish and the vessel itself was sleek and comfortable. We especially loved the sun deck, which was perfect for topping up our Caribbean tans. 

The day began with a breakfast of fresh cut fruit and pound cake. Our first stop was Little Bay, where we explored the calm, crystal-clear waters on a guided snorkeling excursion. We even saw a sunken helicopter and submarine, which was pretty surreal! It sent shivers down my spine. 

Later on, we sailed past Maho Beach with cocktails in hand as we watched planes soar overhead. The crew anticipated our every need and never let our glasses run dry. They also ensured we had time to relax on the giant lily pad, which was so much fun. 

Anchoring at Mullet Bay was the perfect finale for the tour. We grabbed some SUP boards and paddled through the turquoise waters before enjoying a delicious lunch on board. Being served a freshly cooked meal right on deck really made us feel like VIPs and it was the perfect note to end on. 

This sailing trip is truly a 5-star escape into paradise – plus full of 5-star reviews (see them all here!). If you’re looking for a luxurious way to explore the stunning beauty of Saint Maarten, there’s no better choice! 

6. Explore the full island with a guide

A-plane-flies-low-at-Maho-Beach-on-a-tour-of-Philipsburg St-Maarten
Planes fly right over your head at Maho Beach!
Fort-Louis-in-St-Maarten-seen-on-a-tour from Philipsburg
Enjoying the views at Fort Louis
  • Price: $60 – $62 USD 
  • Duration: 5 – 6 hours 
  • Time: 9 am or 10 am 
  • Highlights: Beaches, forts and monuments, museums, sipping on local beers and rum punch, learning about the island’s history, shopping
  • Inclusions: Hotel or port pickup and drop-off, air conditioned transport, fully stocked cooler, professional guide, rum tasting
  • Rating: 4.5 stars (check 750+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

If it’s your first time visiting Philipsburg, then we highly recommend booking this sightseeing tour! It’s also a great option for cruise passengers or those who are short on time.

Our guide, Cutty, was outstanding. His stories really brought Saint Maarten’s history to life for us. We also loved sipping on cold beers and refreshing rum punch in the van as we drove around the island – talk about traveling in style! 

Our first stop of the day was the Harold Jack Lookout Point, where we enjoyed panoramic views of Simpson Bay Lagoon and the surrounding islands. Next up, we visited Maho Beach. Planes fly very low over this beach, so it was an exciting spot to visit. It felt like we could reach up and touch the aircrafts! 

Later on, we visited Marigot to do some duty-free shopping and grab some delicious French pastries. Then, we decided to walk them off by walking up the 100 steps to the top of Fort Louis! 

The tour also included a visit to Topper’s Rhum Distillery, where we got to try some local rum, and free time to explore Philipsburg. All in all, it was such a well-balanced experience that gave us a great overview of the island. Whether you’re here for a day or just getting started on your trip, this tour is a fantastic way to see Saint Maarten.

7. Spend the day at Orient and Maho Beach

A plane flies over Maho Beach on a tour from Philipsburg St Maarten
Maho Beach is famous for its low flying planes
Orient Beach seen on a tour from Philipsburg St Maarten
Orient Beach is one of those dream beaches everyone has to go to at least once
  • Price: $45 USD
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Time: 10 am
  • Highlights: Relax on two of Saint Maarten’s best beaches: Orient and Maho Beach, try out a variety of fun water sports (at your own expense), and enjoy complimentary refreshments including beer and rum punch
  • Inclusions: Hotel/port pick-up/drop-off, guide, transportation, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks
  • Rating: 4.5 stars (check out the 400+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

For beach lovers visiting Saint Maarten, this half-day tour to Orient Beach and Maho Beach is an absolute dream! It’s a stress-free way to visit two of the island’s most famous beaches, complete with complimentary drinks and plenty of time to soak up the sun.

The tour starts with a drive to Orient Beach, a gorgeous stretch of white sand and turquoise water. Known as the “French Riviera of the Caribbean,” it’s the perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, or even trying out watersports (available at an additional cost). With two full hours to relax or explore, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the beach’s breathtaking beauty!

Next, you’ll head to Maho Beach, one of the most iconic spots on the island, where you can see planes flying just overhead as they come in to land at the nearby Princess Juliana International Airport. Standing on the sand as jets roar just above you is such a thrilling and unique experience – it’s like nothing else I’ve ever done!

And, of course, what’s a beach day without drinks? With complimentary beer, rum punch, and water included, you can sip and relax your way through the day. This tour is perfect for beach bums looking to explore Saint Maarten’s coastline and experience its most pristine beaches in a fun and easy way!

8. Drive your own mini-speed boat on a snorkeling adventure

RHINO-SAFARI-people-on-speedboats-in-St-Maarten Philipsburg
This was an absolute blast! Photo credit: RHINO SAFARI
Bailey-snorkels-on-a-tour-from-St-Maarten Philipsburg
So many colorful fish!
  • Price: $199 USD per pair 
  • Duration: 3 hours 
  • Time: 10 am or 1 pm 
  • Highlights: Riding around on a self-drive inflatable boat, snorkeling in protected waters, seeing sea turtles and tropical fish, visiting hidden beaches and bays
  • Inclusions: Use of mini speed boat, snorkeling equipment, use of life jacket, bottled water or soda, local guide
  • Rating: 4.8 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
  • Free cancellation: Yes

Driving our very own mini-speed boat along the stunning coastline of Saint Maarten was such a thrilling adventure! It’s not every day that you get to be your own captain in the Caribbean so as far as we’re concerned, booking this tour is a must while you’re in town!

We had a quick briefing and got comfortable using our speedboat, and then before we knew it we were off, cruising across the Simpson Bay Lagoon. We were whooping and hollering as we passed by mega yachts owned by the rich and famous. Our guides even shared some fun stories about the owners of these luxurious vessels, which made the ride even more interesting.

Once we crossed under the Dutch causeway and into the French waters, we made a seamless transition into the world of pristine beaches and cute coastal towns. We especially loved visiting Creole Rock, which is easily one of the island’s best snorkeling spots. Jumping into the water and exploring marine life was a blast, especially as we got to see Sergeant Major fish and colorful parrot fish. 

On the way back, we passed hidden bays and secluded beaches, including the charming Happy Bay. It was so quiet, with such pristine scenery that we could scarcely believe it was real! Basically, this tour is a must if you’re looking for excitement and natural beauty.

Where to Stay in Philipsburg, Saint Maarten

Holland House Beach Hotel in Saint Maarten
Photo credit: Holland House Beach Hotel

Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Philipsburg, you need somewhere perfect to stay! Luckily, this island isn’t huge, so whether you want to stay beachfront or in the city, you’re never far from the top attractions. Here are three excellent hotel options for a range of budgets.

Luxury – $$$

The Morgan Resort Spa & Village is a luxury hotel in a pristine location! Located in Simpson Bay on Maho Beach (just 15 minutes from downtown Philipsburg), this is exactly what you’d expect for a Caribbean escape. You can enjoy the modern rooms with amazing views, the onsite pool, or lounge chairs that are right in the ocean. Plus the restaurant, bar, and spa!

Rooms average around $400 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Mid-range – $$

If you want the perfect location – near the beach and right in Phillipsburg, Holland House Beach Hotel is my top choice! This hotel sits right on Great Bay beach so you can enjoy sea views and all of the fun amenities to pair. They offer standard rooms or suite-style, a large luxury pool, a spa, and a traditional Caribbean restaurant.

Prices start around $240 USD per night and can be reserved on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Alicia’s Inn is an affordable hotel located in the heart of Phillipsburg. You are just a three-minute walk from the beach and some of the best restaurants in the city. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the perfect place to stay if you want to be out exploring Saint Maarten. They offer queen or twin rooms starting at $90 USD per night.

Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!

If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.

SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.

SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.

Book your travel insurance with SafetyWing here!

Thanks for reading!

Daniel-and-Bailey-take-a-selfie-in-St Maarten
Thanks for reading!

We loved our time in Philipsburg, it was the perfect launch point for exploring Saint Maarten! It’s hard to be bored here between the stunning blue Caribbean waters, charming colonial architecture, and thrilling adventure activities. Even if you only hit half of the top things to do on this list, you will have a fantastic vacation in paradise!

If you need help planning your next adventure, check out our other travel guides. We’ve been all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences with fellow travelers. Here are a few related blogs to help inspire your travels – cheers!

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