Nestled among the Caribbean’s picturesque islands, the unique island of Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin, shared by the Dutch and French, captivates visitors with lush green landscapes, breathtaking coastlines, idyllic beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters.
During the seven years I worked on cruise ships in the early 2000s, I visited St. Maarten several times, but always stayed on the Dutch side of the island.
At just 37 square miles, the island is the world’s smallest landmass shared by two nations. An invisible border divides it into two distinct sides. The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, is known for its lively nightlife, glittering casinos, restaurants, and bustling atmosphere, while the French side, Saint-Martin, offers a quieter, more laid-back experience.
With more than 30 beaches to discover, St. Maarten is a friendly and vibrant Caribbean destination filled with adventure, culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you want to try multiple water sports, climb a mountain, get close to exotic birds, explore the island’s history and culture, or even hop over to another island for the day, there is something for everyone.
Or you can simply slow down with a tropical drink in hand, relax, feel the sand beneath your feet, and take in the beauty around you.
Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side, is easy to explore on foot. Many of its landmarks, attractions, shops, and restaurants are conveniently located within walking distance of one another and the cruise port. Cruise ships dock on the Dutch side, just outside Philipsburg, making the town particularly easy to explore during a cruise stop.
From the cruise terminal, it takes roughly 10–15 minutes to walk into town, although taxis and water taxis are also readily available.
The two-mile-long Front Street runs parallel to the Boardwalk, with Back Street situated just behind it. Together with Old Street, these streets form the heart of Philipsburg’s shopping district, offering a lively mix of shops, boutiques, jewellery stores, and local finds.
The Boardwalk brings casual restaurants and places to enjoy a drink right alongside the waterfront, while Front Street provides easy access to the town’s shops and attractions.
One of the great advantages of Philipsburg is that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy the beach. Great Bay Beach sits right alongside the town, with its golden sand, calm blue waters, and bustling streets all within easy reach.
It’s the perfect place to combine a little sightseeing and shopping with some time relaxing by the beach, or simply stop for something to eat or drink.
And you don’t need to book an expensive beach package to enjoy it. Much of the beach remains accessible for public recreational use, so you can simply bring a towel, find a spot on the sand, and enjoy the surroundings at your own pace.
For me, Great Bay Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Its calm, warm waters make it particularly inviting, while the surrounding scenery creates that unmistakable tropical-island feeling.
St. Maarten’s drier season generally runs from December through May, while the wetter and more hurricane-prone season falls between June and November. For those seeking sunshine and beach days, the winter and early spring months are generally the most appealing time to visit.
I was fortunate that all my visits to St. Maarten were during the winter months, when the weather was at its best.