Come along with us as we spend the day in Philipsburg, St. Maarten!
Welcome aboard, fellow travelers! Join us on an unforgettable day trip as we head into port at Philipsburg, St. Maarten! We spent a week aboard the magnificent Wonder of the Seas from Royal Caribbean. Today, our journey takes us to the vibrant shores of Philipsburg, St. Maarten, where azure waters meet golden sands, and adventure and relaxation beckons at every turn. Get ready to immerse yourself in the beauty and excitement of this Caribbean paradise, as we explore its hidden gems and indulge in a day filled with sun, sea, and unforgettable experiences!
all abord the wonder of the seas
The disembarkation process off of the Wonder of the Seas is very efficient. I recommend getitng off the boat as soon as possible, as the streets of St. Maarten are beautifully relaxing (and less hot!) to wander in the earlier morning hours. In the port square, you will notice a stand where you can purchase water taxi tickets to the main downtown area of Philipsburg. The water taxi is about a 10 minute ride and will drop you off at either end of the main strip of beaches and shops. When you’re ready to return to port, the water taxi will pick you up at the same docks and return you to port!
what to do
St. Maarten offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that would captivate any traveler’s heart! You can dive into the crystal-clear waters for snorkeling or scuba diving, zip-line through lush rainforest, or tackle the waves with exhilarating water sports like jet-skiing and parasailing if you are looking for adventures. If you are looking for a more relaxing day, you can indulge in a leisurely stroll along the iconic boardwalk of Philipsburg, or explore the island’s rich history and culture at historical sites like Fort Amsterdam. One of the most famous experiences on the island is that of Maho Beach, where you can catch jets landing and taking off right over the beach.
For us, however, we love spending a leisurely day walking the streets of Philipsburg and basking on its glorious beaches. There is endless shopping to be found on the inner streets, and if you are looking for some new bling, Kay’s Fine Jewelry is a must-shop! You’ll find lots of jewelry stores but also cute boutique stores as well, especially along the boardwalk on the beach.
And speaking of beaches – this is why we love St. Maarten! Their beaches are always a great time and the water is warm and clear. One of our favorite places to set up on the beach when we visit Philipsburg is the Holland House Beach Hotel. It is located in the heart of the Philipsburg boardwalk and for $35 a day you can rent two beach chairs and an umbrella with drinks included! I recommend visiting here early to purchase chairs so you can get a primo spot, and the walking around and shopping before some sunbathing and swimming.
where to eat
Another reason why Holland House Beach Hotel is a favorite for us is that there beachfront restaurant is a phenomenal lunch stop! Head up from the beach and into the shade of their beautiful open-air restaurant and dine on a delicious lunch and some cocktails before heading back to the ocean. I especially love their burrata and the chef’s garden sandwich!
There are a lot of great places to grab a snack on the boardwalk, or a coconut to drink! We love Chez Delphine for their delicious smoothies, juices and coffees, but they also offer a wonderful menu too!
We bid farewell to this Caribbean paradise with hearts full of cherished memories – St. Maarten left an indelible mark on our souls. As we sailed away into the horizon, we knew we would be back again one day!