Two nations on one island. The Dutch side serves up duty-free Front Street, a long sandy beach steps from the pier, and the Caribbean's best plane-spotting show at Maho. The French side adds Marigot's open-air market and Orient Beach's European flair — all within a half-hour drive.
Ships dock at the A.C. Wathey Cruise Facility in Pointe Blanche — a short shuttle or water-taxi ride from the heart of Philipsburg.
💡 Pro move: Bobby's Marina is a well-marked landmark at the east end of the boardwalk — a useful meeting point for tour pickups and taxis.
Philipsburg handles up to five ships simultaneously at the modern A.C. Wathey Cruise Facility.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most major cruise lines | Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Pier, Pointe Blanche📍 | Docked |
| Smaller expedition/yacht vessels | Bobby's Marina or Great Bay anchorage📍 | Tendered |
St. Maarten packs an outsized variety into 88 sq km — beach clubs, island-hopping, plane-spotting, and a full French-side daytrip all within reach.
Planes land at Princess Juliana Airport so low you can almost touch them. Grab a beer at Sunset Bar and Grill, watch the jet blast, and marvel at one of the world's most photographed runway approaches.
Find Maho Beach tours →The island's most beautiful beach — a long arc of white sand on the French side with beach clubs, loungers, watersports, and a clothing-optional section. About 30 min from Philipsburg by taxi.
Find Orient Beach excursions →Cross the open border into the French collectivity for Marigot's waterfront market, Fort Saint-Louis ruins, and French patisseries. A completely different vibe from the Dutch side — and no passport control.
Find island tour excursions →Race aboard a real 12-meter America's Cup yacht in Great Bay. Crews compete head-to-head — you grind winches, work the sails, and feel like a proper sailor for a few hours.
Find sailing excursions →Set in the hills of the French side near Pic du Paradis, Loterie Farm offers ziplines, a treetop walk, and a cool freshwater pool — a refreshing escape from the beach crowds.
Find Loterie Farm tours →Philipsburg's Front Street and boardwalk are lined with local rum bars and casual Caribbean restaurants. Sample guavaberry rum (the local specialty) and fresh seafood without ever leaving the waterfront.
Find food tour excursions →Philipsburg is compact and easy to explore on foot — the main boardwalk and Front Street are the twin arteries of any self-guided stroll.
Walk the Great Bay Beach boardwalk from Bobby's Marina westward, dipping in and out of Front Street's duty-free shops, then return along the beach. The full strip covers everything central Philipsburg has to offer.
Head west around Great Bay toward the Divi Little Bay peninsula, where the ruins of Fort Amsterdam sit on the headland between Great Bay and Little Bay. Built in 1631, it's the oldest Dutch fortification in the Caribbean, with good views back over Great Bay. Most visitors take a short taxi rather than walk the full way.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Caribbean (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°F / -1°C | 15°F / -9°C | 10 |
| Feb | 30°F / -1°C | 14°F / -10°C | 15 |
| Mar | 39°F / 4°C | 20°F / -7°C | 12 |
| Apr | 45°F / 7°C | 25°F / -4°C | 12 |
| May | 57°F / 14°C | 34°F / 1°C | 13 |
| Jun | 67°F / 19°C | 43°F / 6°C | 13 |
| Jul | 78°F / 26°C | 50°F / 10°C | 6 |
| Aug | 77°F / 25°C | 50°F / 10°C | 6 |
| Sep | 67°F / 19°C | 42°F / 6°C | 8 |
| Oct | 52°F / 11°C | 31°F / -1°C | 11 |
| Nov | 38°F / 3°C | 19°F / -7°C | 11 |
| Dec | 29°F / -2°C | 13°F / -11°C | 12 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Caribbean. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.