10 Things to Do in Philipsburg

If you are someone who prefers beach destinations and idyllic landscapes, then Saint Martin could be a great option for your holiday. This island, located in the Caribbean Sea near Puerto Rico, is administered by the Netherlands and France and not only has one of the most picturesque airports in the world, but also many attractions to offer.

Among the best activities you can do in Saint Martin are visiting the popular Maho Beach, taking a guided tour to see the island's main sites, enjoying a snorkelling experience in Philipsburg, joining an adventure excursion on a quad bike, touring some of the rum distilleries, visiting Tintamarre Island and taking a full-day excursion to Simpson Bay.

Maho Beach is a popular destination located on the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean, but it is also one of the most photographed beaches in the world. Known for its location, this resort is located right at the end of the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport, so visitors can see planes landing up close. From there, you can experience the thrill of aviation manoeuvres just a few metres away.

At Maho Beach, you will be amazed by the roar of the engines and the wind generated by the planes passing overhead, creating a surreal image. If you are an aviation enthusiast or an adrenaline lover, you will be delighted by the opportunity to see up close how these aircraft manoeuvre in the limited space between the beach and the runway.

In addition, Maho Beach also has white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, providing the perfect setting to relax under the Caribbean sun. There you can swim, go on some of the best snorkelling excursions in Saint Martin, or simply take a dip while watching the planes go by. The site also has bars and restaurants where you can enjoy local dishes and rum-based cocktails, which are the local drink par excellence.

Please note that at Maho Beach, due to its proximity to the airport, you must follow certain safety recommendations. Signs and warnings indicate the safe areas for spectators, and it is essential that you stay behind the established barriers.

Exploring the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean is a fascinating experience that can be further enriched by opting for a guided tour. With its location divided between north and south, this tour will take you to discover the best of both sides of the island.

In the north of Saint Martin, one of the must-see sites is the capital, Marigot. With its French and Caribbean charm, this city offers a unique blend of cultures. You can stroll through its colourful streets, visit the local market, where you will find fresh produce and handicrafts, and sample the delicious Creole cuisine in the local restaurants.

In the south of the island, you will find Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side. This lively city is known for its crystal-clear beaches and its famous promenade, known as Front Street. There you will find a wide variety of duty-free shops, designer boutiques and casinos. What's more, if you plan to visit Saint Martin in December, you can discover the Christmas markets.

A guided tour will also take you to some of the most beautiful beaches in Saint Martin, such as Orient Bay, located in the north. This long white sand beach is perfect for sun and sea lovers. With its calm waters and a large number of restaurants and bars, it guarantees a relaxing and fun experience in one of the most idyllic places in the world.

Snorkelling in Philipsburg, on the island of Saint Martin, is an aquatic adventure not to be missed. With its crystal-clear waters and marine biodiversity, this area offers the perfect environment for exploring the reefs and discovering the underwater life of this beautiful Caribbean destination.

When you dive into the waters of Philipsburg, you will find yourself surrounded by a wide variety of tropical fish, colourful corals and other fascinating marine creatures. You can explore the reefs near the coast or venture into deeper areas to discover hidden surprises, such as stingrays and sea turtles, especially if you plan to visit Saint Martin in October, which marks the beginning of the migration season in the Caribbean.

One of the most popular snorkelling areas in the region is the famous Little Bay beach, where you can also choose from some of the best tours in Philipsburg. There you will find rich marine life and calm waters, perfect for beginners and experienced snorkellers alike. You can also join a guided boat tour that will take you to sites further from the coast, where you can enjoy a more exclusive experience.

In addition to underwater exploration, when snorkelling in Philipsburg you can also enjoy the views from the surface. Little Bay Beach offers spectacular scenery with its rocky cliffs and turquoise waters. You can admire the coast of Philipsburg and its lively promenade while immersing yourself in the underwater world.

Joining an exciting quad bike adventure tour in Saint Martin is the perfect opportunity to explore the island's natural beauty while enjoying a dose of adrenaline. Riding a quad bike will allow you to traverse varied terrain and discover places that would otherwise be inaccessible, especially due to the region's cliffs.

During the excursion, you will venture along winding trails and paths that will take you through lush rainforests, rugged hills and secluded beaches. One of the popular routes is the one that will take you to the famous Pic Paradis viewpoint. There you will have a panoramic view of the island, from which you can appreciate its beaches, lagoons and lush local vegetation.

In addition to enjoying the quad bike adventure, you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural environment of Saint Martin. Many excursions include stops at picturesque locations, such as hidden waterfalls or underground caves, where you can cool off and marvel at the island's natural beauty.

Please note that when joining an ATV adventure excursion, you must follow all instructions and safety precautions provided by the tour guides. This includes wearing the appropriate protective equipment, obeying traffic rules, and following environmental regulations.

Living a pirate experience at Rusty Parrot in Saint Martin will allow you to immerse yourself in an exciting world of adventure and fun. This theme park will transport you back to the age of pirates, offering an interactive and entertaining experience for the whole family.

At this site, you will find yourself surrounded by an authentic pirate atmosphere. From the detailed décor to the staff dressed in period costumes, every detail is carefully designed to create an immersive experience. You'll feel as if you've been transported to a pirate ship ready to set sail for new horizons!

One of the main attractions at Rusty Parrot is the exciting pirate show. Aboard a ship, you'll witness a battle on the high seas, complete with swords, cannons, and hyper-realistic stunts. This captivating show will keep you on the edge of your seat as the corsairs fight for the hidden treasure.

In addition to the show, Rusty Parrot offers interactive activities and games. You can search for treasure, challenge mazes under the Caribbean sun and enjoy walks along the coast. Children can participate in special activities designed for them, such as age-appropriate treasure hunt games. You can reach this theme park on your own or by transfer from St. Maarten Airport.

Visiting the Loterie Farm nature reserve in Saint Martin is an experience that combines the natural beauty of the island with exciting and relaxing activities. Located on the slopes of Pic Paradis, the highest mountain in Saint Martin, this reserve offers a peaceful and lush environment where you can enjoy nature at its finest.

At Loterie Farm, you will be surprised by the serenity of the surroundings. With extensive tropical vegetation, waterfalls and nature trails, this reserve is a paradise for nature lovers. You can explore the trails on foot, enjoying the local flora and fauna, or opt for a zip-line experience that will take you through the jungle canopy.

In addition to outdoor activities, Loterie Farm has a swimming pool surrounded by palm trees. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Caribbean sun while cooling off in the crystal-clear waters or participating in a buggy excursion along the nature trails.

One of the most notable attractions of this site is its observation deck. From there , you can enjoy panoramic views of the island, including the beaches, mountains and surrounding landscape. It is the perfect place to take spectacular photographs and admire the natural beauty of Saint Martin.

A tour of Topper's Distillery in Saint Martin will give you an insight into the world of Caribbean rum production. Located in the French part of the island, this family-run distillery is renowned for its high-quality rum and its artisanal approach to spirits production.

During the tour of Topper's, you will learn about the rum distillation process. From the selection of the best sugar cane to fermentation and distillation, you will learn the secrets of how the drink is made. Expert guides will show you each stage of the process and provide information on local techniques and traditions, which is why a visit is usually included in the best excursions in Saint Martin.

In addition to learning about rum production, you will also have the opportunity to taste different varieties at the distillery. You can savour the rich flavour and smoothness of Topper's different products, from aged drinks to more exotic and creative flavours. You can also purchase bottles to take home and share the experience with friends and family.

Topper's distillery also has a shop where you can purchase local products, such as rums, liqueurs, and other souvenirs related to the distillery. In addition, you can enjoy a charming setting, surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens and panoramic views of the island.

Discovering Tintamarre Island in Saint Martin will allow you to immerse yourself in a tropical paradise of natural beauty and tranquillity. Located just a short boat ride from the coast of Saint Martin, this small uninhabited island is a hidden treasure in the Caribbean.

In Tintamarre, you will find white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. This island is known for its coral reefs, making it an ideal place for snorkelling. Exploring its waters will allow you to discover a wide variety of tropical fish and other colourful sea creatures.

In addition to its stunning beaches and marine life, Tintamarre is also home to a large population of iguanas. You may encounter these fascinating creatures while walking around the island, which you can reach on your own or on one of the best full-day excursions from Saint Martin.

The tranquillity of Tintamarre makes it a perfect retreat for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. There you can enjoy a picnic on the beach, sunbathe on the soft sand or simply relax while gazing out at the turquoise waters. There are no tourist facilities on the island, which adds to the unspoilt and wild charm of the experience.

Visiting the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit in Saint Martin is an exciting activity for film lovers and Star Wars fans. Created by special effects master and character designer Nick Maley, known as Yoda Guy for his work on George Lucas' iconic saga, this exhibition offers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the most famous films in history.

At the exhibition, you will find yourself surrounded by authentic objects from the Star Wars films. From original costumes to props, models and detailed replicas, you will be able to appreciate the artwork and attention to detail that went into creating these galactic worlds. Nick Maley is also present at the exhibition, sharing his experience and anecdotes about his time working on the franchise.

However, the exhibition is not limited to Star Wars. You can also explore exhibits dedicated to other films and projects the filmmaker has been involved in, such as Superman, Highlander, and Alien.

In addition to the exhibition itself, the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit also has a shop where you can purchase memorabilia and souvenirs related to the films. From T-shirts and toys to collectibles, you'll find a wide selection of items to take home a piece of the magic of cinema. If you consider yourself a film buff and have the opportunity to join a private or personalised tour of St. Martin, this is a must-see stop on your itinerary.

Taking a trip to Simpson Bay in Saint Martin is a great way to enjoy the many attractions this bay has to offer. Located on the Dutch side of the island, this bay is known for its beaches, restaurants, lively nightlife and a variety of water activities.

One of the most popular activities in Simpson Bay is renting a boat and exploring the crystal-clear waters of the bay. You can sail along the coast, stop at different beaches and enjoy the sun and sea. You can also try water sports such as water skiing, paddleboarding or snorkelling, and discover the rich marine life that inhabits these waters.

In addition to water activities, Simpson Bay has a wide selection of restaurants and bars where you can enjoy local dishes and cocktails. During a full-day excursion from St. Martin, you can discover many of these establishments, which offer views of the bay, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal or drink while watching the yachts and sailboats glide across the water.

Simpson Bay is also famous for its vibrant nightlife. After a day full of activities, you can cheer yourself up with live music, lively bars and nightclubs that will keep you dancing until the wee hours of the morning. The bay becomes a hub of night-time entertainment, where you will find a wide variety of options to suit all tastes.