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PhilipsburgFamily-friendly activities

Our most recommended Philipsburg Family-friendly activities

St. Maarten: Orient and Maho Beaches Half-Day Tour

1. St. Maarten: Orient and Maho Beaches Half-Day Tour

Following pick-up from the cruise port at Philipsburg, transfer to Orient Beach to discover the longest beach in St. Maarten. Orient Beach boasts a wide range of beach bars and restaurants, all within easy reach of the sand. Take advantage of water sports facilities (own expense) such as jet skis, sailboats, paragliding and kids activities. Enjoy a refreshing dip in the pristine, clear blue waters. You will have 2 hours at Orient Beach before the transfer to Maho Beach. Arrive at Maho Beach at approximately midday, just in time to see the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 come into land at nearby Princess Juliana International Airport. The huge planes will fly just a few meters over the beach for a thrilling spectacle. With 2 hours at Maho Beach, you will automatically become a guest of the Sunset Beach Bar and Grill. Here you can enjoy a cocktail or tasty lunch (own expense). Listen to the live feed of the control tower communicating with the approaching aircraft. Sit back and relax and feel the cool breeze of the Caribbean Sea. Stroll along the pure white sand and get lost in the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks.  Then transfer back to your hotel or the cruise port, having achieved the official status of a St. Maarten beach bum!

St Maarten: Round the Island Cruise on the Santino

2. St Maarten: Round the Island Cruise on the Santino

Experience a round-the-island cruise on the Santino and enjoy snorkeling at Creole Rock and swimming in the sea at Tintemarre. Hike across the island which was once inhabited by workers and the farming industry and even had its own currency. The remains of two airplane wrecks can still be found across the flat plains, as well as the original farmhouse, farming implements, and old stone walls. But it is the breathtaking white sandy beaches and marine life that will draw you to spending most of your time in the water, discovering the rich and protected underwater world. Beach, snorkel, swim, or simply grab a noodle and chill next to the floating cooler. Snorkel gear, beers, sodas, and rum punch are included. Bring your own special refreshments and a picnic lunch. Make a final stop at the palm-fringed Pinel before the ride home. Pinel has a beach with chairs and umbrellas. The water is calm and shallow, making it perfect for kids and lazy noodle lovers.

Philipsburg: St Maarten Beaches Tour with Transfer

3. Philipsburg: St Maarten Beaches Tour with Transfer

Explore all of St Maarten's highlights in a short time with this insightful tour, perfect for cruise ship passengers. Enjoy a drive to the island's most beautiful beaches in the company of your guide. Learn about local history and culture as you discover each site. Get picked up from your accommodation or the cruise port and begin your island adventure. Stop by Bell's lookout point to marvel at panoramic views of the town and snap incredible photos. Head over to Mullet Bay and Orient Beach and enjoy plenty of time at both locations. Stroll through the town of Marigot and end your journey with more free time at the stunning Maho Beach. At the end of your tour, you can choose to get dropped off at your starting place or stay in downtown Philipsburg to take in its fun attractions, museums, casinos, and shopping areas on your own.

Marigot: Guided Island Highlights Tour in Taxi

4. Marigot: Guided Island Highlights Tour in Taxi

Enjoy a 2–3-hour tour of the French and Dutch side of St. Maarten and discover why it is called the “Friendly Island.” Explore untouched beaches, scenic vistas, and duty-free shopping. Experience the best of St.Maarten and a true Caribbean welcome in one day with your guided sightseeing tour and climb aboard an air-conditioned minivan with a dynamic, entertaining, private guide for just you and your family or group and see the highlights of St.Maarten/St.Martin. Enjoy the guide's full attention as you travel around St.Maarten and avoid overcrowded tours. Explore all of St Maarten's highlights in a short time with this insightful tour, perfect for cruise ship passengers. Learn about local history and culture as you discover each site. Get picked up from the cruise port and begin your island adventure. Discover the island’s most beautiful beaches, swim in the turquoise Caribbean waters of Grand Case Beach or Orient Bay Beach, or decide on any beach of your choice!

St.Maarten: Beach and Shopping Tour by Bus

5. St.Maarten: Beach and Shopping Tour by Bus

Come to the island of St. Maarten and visit the reefs and iguana farm. Explore beautiful beaches, including Orient Beach, Kim Sha Beach, and Maho Beach. Go on a duty-free shopping spree in Philipsburg and explore the museums, cigar lounges, and casinos. See Simpson Bay from Bell's Lookout. Start your island experience as your driver collects you from your cruise ship or hotel in the morning. Snap photos at the reef before admiring the reptiles at the iguana farm. Continue to Orient Beach on the French side of the island and then to Kim Sha Beach, famous for hosting parties. Pass by Board Point and visit Mullet Bay, known for palm trees and snorkeling. Finish your tour at the top of Bell's Lookout Point, where you can gaze at Simpson Bay. Relax as your driver takes you back to your accommodation or cruise ship.

Philipsburg: Rusty Parrot Pirate Experience Entry and Rum

6. Philipsburg: Rusty Parrot Pirate Experience Entry and Rum

Travel back in time and meet the real pirates of the Caribbean. Enter the Rusty Parrot, a sunken pirate ship replica where you will be greeted with our homemade rum tasting. As you venture through the immersive experience you will be blown away with the special effects. Watch the pirates telling their secrets and learn more about their way of life. After the visit, you will become a pirate and we will invite you to a green screen photoshoot with pirate accessories and you'll get the digital photos free of charge. Unwind with a complementary fruit punch or rum punch on the upper deck, some fun games and a breathtaking view of the cruise ships and the Great Bay Beach. Become a pirate for a day!

St. Maarten: Half-Day Moon Dance Sailing Charter

7. St. Maarten: Half-Day Moon Dance Sailing Charter

Head off shore and explore St. Maarten on a half-day sailing charter. The Moon Dance leaves from Simpson Bay on a voyage of exploration of the St. Maarten coastline, its beaches, and some of the neighboring islands. You can choose to relax on deck and enjoy the beauty of the coastline, or help out and become a part of the crew. You can try your luck fishing with the poles available on board, or use the kayak to access the shore. Whatever you choose to do during the sail the views are guaranteed to be spectacular! Although lunch is not included in the price of the charter you’re welcome to bring along a lunch to enjoy on deck or to opt for a meal at the Lolo Shacks. Make the most of your stay and set sail on a Moon Dance charter!

Philipsburg: St. Maarten Family Tour to Beaches and Marigot

8. Philipsburg: St. Maarten Family Tour to Beaches and Marigot

Explore the island of St. Maarten on a day trip from Philipsburg designed for the whole family. Discover sandy beaches and photo-worthy bays from Orient Beach to Cole Bay Hill. See an iguana farm and explore local life in the colorful town of Marigot. After pickup directly from your hotel, set out to explore the island with your guide. First, stop to see one of the island's reefs before making your way to a short stop at an iguana farm. Next, spend one hour at Orient Beach before exploring Marigot for 30 minutes. Stop at Board Point and spend some time at Mullet Bay, then make your way to Maho Beach and relax there for another hour. Before drop-off back in Philipsburg, enjoy a final stop at Cole Bay Hill.

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What people are saying about Philipsburg

Had a great experience, nice and quick 30 minutes experience that you can share with friends and family. The ambiance of the place is pretty cool for big groups and families.

A pirate story in a superb setting and beautiful special effects, ending with a glass of rum on the upper deck it was a great morning