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Phillipsburg, St Maarten
As part of the world’s smallest island shared by two countries (France & the Netherlands), St Maarten boasts a special Caribbean charm. Although it is a small island, there is much to see and do during your visit. Just walking through Phillipsburg, you’ll see the colonial Dutch influence in the architecture and the pretty pastel coloured buildings that transform this Caribbean nation into a small blast of Europe.
Rivalling some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, St Maarten offers blue waters and miles of white sand beaches. If you are arriving by cruise, you will likely find yourself in Phillipsburg, the capital city. As you come into port you will find Great Bay Beach, which is located parallel to downtown Phillipsburg’s Front Street. This beach is great for sunning and swimming all day long. Should you choose to move on from the beach, you’ll find great shopping and restaurants directly on Front Street.
If you head west, you’ll find Little Bay
Beach just around the bend from Great
Bay Beach.
There, you’ll find people using jet skis and parasailing. Due to its calm
waters the let you see through the water, this area is optimal for snorkelling.
If you head off the beach, you’ll find Fort Amsterdam
which is a great look-out area that allows you to easily spot cruise ships as
they sail past. 
Okay, let’s talk shopping! As I mentioned above, Front Street is where you will find most of the shops. You will also find some colourful local markets along Back Street. Fun fact: St Maarten offers duty free – tax free shopping! The official currency in St Maarten is the Antillean Guilder or Florin, however, US Dollars are so commonly used an accepted that you won’t need to convert your money. In fact, you’ll even find USD ATM’s at banks and local supermarkets. Go ahead; take advantage of the ease of shopping in Phillipsburg!
Also on Front Street, you’ll find the Simartin Museum, which is great starting point if you would like to get to the island’s history. It houses everything from artefacts from the Arawacks, the first residents of the island – to treasures from a sunken British ship. It is easily an interesting way to spend your afternoon.
There are even smaller islands nearby that you can visit on day trips should you feel the desire to explore. The island of Statia (population 2000), 30 miles south of St Maarten is a great place to take in some diving and hiking. Another great place for scuba and hiking is Saba (population 1,650), which boasts a lush tropical rainforest and a tall steep mountain that on most days can be seen from St Maarten. It is also currently home to my friend Tim so if you do go there, you must say hello!
Whether you are in port for just a day or are planning a longer vacation on the island, you’ll find lots of activities to keep you and your family entertained!
Check Out Our 22 Night Caribbean Package! It Stops in Phillipsburg, St Maarten! Click here for details
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