Philipsburg, steps from your ship
The Dutch side's capital sits on Great Bay, about a 15-minute walk from the cruise pier. Duty-free shopping on Front Street, a beachfront Boardwalk, a 1631 fort and a few things most visitors walk right past.
Philipsburg at a glance
Small town, big port day
Philipsburg sits on a narrow strip of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond, so the whole town runs along a few parallel streets. Front Street faces the water; Back Street runs behind it.
- What it is
- Capital of Sint Maarten, the Dutch side
- From the cruise pier
- About a 15-minute walk, or a water taxi
- Shopping
- Duty-free jewelry, watches, liquor and electronics on Front Street
- Beach
- Great Bay, with the Boardwalk and its beach bars
- History
- The 1793 Courthouse and Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631
- Money
- Caribbean guilder (Cg); US dollars accepted everywhere
- Sunita Tours meeting point
- Cruise guests meet our tours at the EDC parking lot, a 5 to 10 minute walk from the pier, so you can see the island first and shop in town afterwards.
From the cruise port
Getting into town from your ship
Ships dock at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities on the edge of Great Bay. You have three ways into Philipsburg.
Walk
Follow the waterfront from the port village into town. It is flat and easy, but it gets hot by late morning, so bring water and a hat.
Water taxi
Water taxis cross Great Bay to the Philipsburg waterfront, stopping at Captain Hodge Wharf, Walter Williams Jetty and Bobby's Marina.
Taxi or tour
Taxis wait at the terminal. Want more than town? Our tours start at the EDC parking lot, a 5 to 10 minute walk from the pier.
See shore excursionsThings to do
The best of Philipsburg on foot
Front Street
The island's best-known shopping street: duty-free jewelry, watches, liquor, electronics and cigars. Compare prices before you buy, and keep your receipts.
The 1793 Courthouse
The white Courthouse on Wathey Square is Philipsburg's signature building and the classic photo stop on Front Street.
Guavaberry Emporium
Taste guavaberry, the island's national liqueur, for free on Front Street, where the Guavaberry Colada was created in 1973.
The Boardwalk & Great Bay
A beachfront promenade with bars, restaurants and loungers right on the sand. The easiest beach on the island for cruise guests, with long happy hours.
Back Street & craft market
Affordable fashion on Back Street, and arts, crafts and souvenirs at the market behind the Courthouse.
Fort Amsterdam & Little Bay
Walk out to the ruins of Fort Amsterdam, built by the Dutch in 1631, for old cannons and views over Great Bay, then cool off in the calm water of Little Bay below.
Plan your port day
See the island first, shop on the way back
Philipsburg is easy to explore on foot, and it is still there at the end of the day. Most of our cruise guests see the island in the morning, when it is cooler and the roads are quieter, and leave Front Street for the afternoon.
- Under 4 hours in port: stay in Philipsburg, or take a taxi to a nearby beach and back.
- 4 to 5 hours: a private tour built around three or four must-see stops, planned backwards from your all-aboard time.
- 6 hours or more: join our $50 shared island tour at 9:30 AM for the full 360° loop, then shop in town.
- Always: know your all-aboard time and carry your ship card and photo ID.
Philipsburg questions
Quick answers for cruise guests
How far is Philipsburg from the cruise ship terminal?
About a 15-minute walk along the waterfront from the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities. Water taxis also cross Great Bay to Captain Hodge Wharf, Walter Williams Jetty and Bobby's Marina, and taxis wait at the terminal.
Is Front Street in Philipsburg duty-free?
Yes. Philipsburg is a duty-free port, so jewelry, watches, liquor, electronics and cigars on Front Street are often cheaper than at home. Compare prices before you buy and keep your receipts.
What can I do in Philipsburg in a few hours?
Walk Front Street, photograph the 1793 Courthouse, taste guavaberry liqueur at the Guavaberry Emporium, relax on Great Bay beach along the Boardwalk, or walk out to Fort Amsterdam and swim at Little Bay.
Do I need guilders in Philipsburg?
No. The Dutch side's currency is the Caribbean guilder (Cg), but US dollars are accepted everywhere in Philipsburg.
Where do Sunita Tours meet cruise passengers?
At the EDC parking lot, a 5 to 10 minute walk from your ship depending on your pier. Shared tour guests should be there by 9:20 AM; private tour guests meet us at their booked start time.
Can I see the whole island and still shop in Philipsburg?
Yes. The shared island tour starts at 9:30 AM and takes 5 to 6 hours, and the private tour has start times from 9 AM to 1 PM, so most guests see the island first and walk Front Street afterwards. Both come with our on-time port return guarantee.
Book in two minutes
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- Best of St. Martin Private TourPrivate vehicle for your group only · $450 for up to 4 passengers, +$50 each extra
- Two Islands Twice the FunShared bus with other travelers · $50 per person · full 360° island loop