St. Martin is divided into a Dutch side, known as St. Maarten, and a French side St.Martin.
It is possible to move between the two sides without a passport, but they operate under distinct governance. Throughout the guide, St Maarten will be referenced as it is where the cruise port is located.
Philipsburg, located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, is a thriving port town renowned for its duty-free shopping, active nightlife, and picturesque beaches. The Boardwalk, a lengthy stretch of shops, restaurants, and bars that runs along the waterfront, is a hallmark of Philipsburg. The town also boasts several historic landmarks, such as Fort Amsterdam, the Courthouse, and the Great Salt Pond.
Maho Beach is a petite coastal area situated on the Dutch side of a Caribbean island. It is situated right next to the Princess Juliana International Airport. The beach is distinctive in that it is particularly near the runway threshold, which puts it right underneath the flight path. As a result, planes on their last approach fly over the beach at a height of less than 100 feet above ground level.
St Maarten offers a plethora of exciting activities to indulge in. As with most Caribbean islands, spending your day by the beach or in the water is a must. If you have only one day in St Maarten as a cruise port, then it is advisable to choose an activity based on your plans for other ports. If you haven’t tried snorkeling yet, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. If you’re longing for a beach day, there are several stunning options to choose from. Regardless of your choice, your day in St Maarten is sure to be an amazing experience.
What do do and see in St.Maarten?
Simpson Bay – paddling a kayak
One of the most enjoyable aspects of kayaking on this trip is the opportunity to observe sea creatures and luxurious yachts up close. The route takes you through mangroves, past many mega yachts, and past countless crabs. The kayaking portion of the trip is quite manageable, requiring only 40 minutes of paddling.
St.Maarten’s hiking
It’s likely you’ve noticed that the allure of St. Maarten lies greatly in its stunning, unspoiled scenery. To truly take in this beauty, embarking on a hike is one of the most recommended activities on the island.
Flying on the steepest zipline in the world
Experience the adrenaline rush of the Flying Dutchman, the steepest zipline in the world. Soaring through the air for 2,539 feet, you’ll descend a jaw-dropping 1,050 feet in elevation while competing with other thrill-seekers. If heights aren’t your thing, take the Soualiga Sky Explorer, a four-person chairlift that will transport you to the highest point on the island, Sentry Hill, which stands at 1,125 feet tall. For a different kind of ride, try the Schooner Ride, where you’ll slide down the mountain on an inner tube along a specially designed, curvy track.
Shopping in Philipsburg
Philipsburg is a fantastic place to explore, with its vibrant streets, bustling markets, and breathtaking vistas of the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can partake in a variety of activities, including snorkeling, diving, sailing, and fishing. Philipsburg is an excellent destination for those seeking a Caribbean escape, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and thrilling nightlife.
Visit a Mullet Bay beach
St. Maarten is renowned for its picturesque beaches, and among them, Mullet Bay is considered to be one of the finest. The beach is safeguarded from over-expansion by a golf course that lies behind it. Despite having a couple of restaurants and facilities for renting beach chairs and umbrellas, the beach is never too crowded. Its crystal-clear water and proximity to a reef make it an ideal spot to go snorkeling.
Test how Lucky You Are at Casino Royale
In St. Maarten, one of the exclusive activities that can only be done on the Dutch side is gambling. The prime spot for gambling is Casino Royale, located in Maho Beach, which offers a massive 21,000 square feet of gaming space. For those staying near Philipsburg, there are also numerous other casinos in the area that are more than happy to cater to your gambling needs and take your money.
In conclusion, we’ve covered the top highlights of St. Marteen. Although there is an abundance of things to experience, I hope this brief overview of activities on the Dutch side of the island provides some insight.
