Philipsburg, St. Maarten
-
Philipsburg, built on a sand bar, is the old capital of the Netherland Antilles.
This tiny island – less than 100 sq km – was divided between the Dutch and French in the 1600s, as a bastion against the Spanish. The division was supposedly made by someone from each country walking round the coastline in opposite directions until they met up again. Two historic forts were built around this time: Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631, was soon captured by the Spanish, who abandoned it a few years later. Some of the original walls remain, and the site gives fine views over Philipsburg. Fort Willem, built by the British during the Napoleonic War, also offers a panoramic view over the town.
Front Street, Philipsburg’s long main street, has lots of shops, but the alleys and courtyards down to Back Street are also worth exploring. There are some stylish restaurants as well, but the Lo-Lo huts, which sell grilled chicken, fish and cakes from home-made barbecues, are great for a cheap snack of authentic Caribbean food.
- IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN
- Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Please note that the tour transport used in the Caribbean normally consists of coasters (similar to small mini buses), which do not have suitable storage space to accommodate wheelchairs, therefore unfortunately our tours are not considered suitable for wheelchair users.
- TOUR H - RENDEZVOUS BEACH TOUR
- Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Our tour today will take us to a charming beach bar and restaurant located on the delightful Orient Beach – locals critically acclaim this area as the ‘French Riviera of the Caribbean’, with more than one and a half miles of white sand, fringed by coconut palms and sea grape trees.
- PHILIPSBURG - INFORMATION
- Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
This tiny island – less than 100 sq km – was divided between the Dutch and French in the 1600’s, as a bastion against the Spanish. The division was supposedly made by someone from each country walking around the coastline in opposite directions until they met up again. Two historic forts were built around this time: Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631, was soon captured by the Spanish, who abandoned it a few years later. Some of the original walls remain, and the site gives views over Philipsburg. Fort Willem, built by the British during the Napoleonic War, also offers a panoramic view over the town.
For reference, the currency of St Maarten is the Euro, although US Dollars are widely accepted
- TOUR B - GOLDEN EAGLE CATAMARAN CRUISE
- Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
The Golden Eagle will anchor off a white sandy beach located on the calm side of the island. We may swim in the quiet cove, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters to explore coral formations teeming with fish, or bob around on a large beach float.
- TOUR A - ISLAND TOUR & BUTTERFLY FARM
- Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Departing from Philipsburg, we will travel along the Great Salt Pond and through Sucker Garden where we shall pass by the monument that marks the Dutch/French border. Our coach will then continue on through the French Quartier D’Orleans, before arriving at the butterfly farm.
- TOUR E - ST MAARTEN 12-METRE CHALLENGE
- Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Recognised as a truly unique tour, the St Maarten Americas Cup 12-Metre Yacht regatta offers us a fantastic opportunity!
- TOUR F - HIDDEN FOREST HIKE
- Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
An approximate 35 minute coach journey will take us away from the hustle and bustle of modern life to experience the tranquillity of Loterie Farm, a private nature reserve and historical site.
- TOUR G - AN ISLAND UNDER TWO FLAGS
- Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Philipsburg, St. Maarten
We will depart the quayside by coach on a tour that will explore this island ruled by two nations; by the Dutch to the south and the French to the north.
Find us on: