Philipsburg, St. Maarten Panorama Updated May 1st, 2005 Tom OggLanguage and Currency St. Maarten/St. Martin Like? What is the Weather Like? Where Does the Ship Dock? Where is the Shopping? What is There to Buy? What is There To Do? Is There Anything of a “Don’t Miss Quality? Are There Any Great Restaurants or Bars? The Beautiful Water that Surrounds St. As this is an island of 2 different countries, French is the official language of St. Martin and Dutch is the official language of St. Maarten, but the main language used on both sides of the island isCurrency in St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antilles florin (the guilder) and it is the Euro in St. Martin, but the US dollar is acceptedStores will have prices listed in both local currency and US currency, with change given in like currency. St. Maarten/St. Martin like? View of a Ship Docked in St. Maarten (Taken St Maarten/St. Martin is 144 miles southeast of Puerto
At only 37 square miles, this is the smallest land mass in the world to be divided between two governments. In the early 1600’s both the Dutch and the French established small settlements on the island. together to prevent a Spanish invasion and decided to share the island. According to local folklore, the island was divided by a walking contest between a Dutchman and a Frenchman. The Dutch control 16 square miles, and the remaining 21 are under French control. European style casinos, and lively bars keep Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, bustling with activity. Marigot, St.Martin Sidewalk Cafe Marigot, the capital of French St. Martin, on the leeward side of the island, is much quieter andThis quaint town, only four streets wide, emanates the romance and ambiance of a small French village. Grand Case, a little fishing village, on the northern tip of St. Martin, is quite picturesque and provides yet another component of this complex island.
heavily damaged by a hurricane in 1995, but extensive restoration has made for a fresh, rejuvenated island. The lush landscape of verdant, rolling hills, miles of beautiful sandy beaches, salt ponds and placid lagoons is What is the weather like? Temperatures year round are idyllic. temperatures range from the mid to upper 80’sF. Gentle trade winds cool things off and keep the high humidity at bay. In the winter temperatures fall to the lower 80’s. Occasional showers occur in late summer and earlyWater temperatures are quite pleasant also, as it is 78-80 Where does the ship dock? MSC Lirica Docked at A.C. Wathey Pier in Most ships dock on the Dutch side, in Great Bay, at the A.C. Wathey Pier in Point Blanche. The pier is about 1 mile from the center ofSome ships anchor in Great Bay and tenders will transport passengers directly to the center of town. Taxis are readily available atAlthough taxis are not metered, fares are required to be posted
on the Dutch side. Fare to Philipsburg is $2 and $10 to Marigot. Philipsburg is an easy 15 minute walk from the pier. Where is the shopping? St. Maarten Front Street Shopping The entire island is duty-free, but most shopping is done in Philipsburg along Front Street. Just One of the Many Shopping Alleyways in This mile long main street, as well as the numerous alleyways and flower laden courtyards that run between Front Street and Back Street are a shopper’s paradise. On the French side, the best shopping is at the West Indies Mall along the harbor at Marina Port la Royale, in Marigot. The Shops Along the Marina's Water Edge in also sports a wonderful outdoor marketplace right on the water's edge by the marina that offers numerous items of interest to visitors. A Few of the Shops Located at A.C. Wathey Don't forget the many shops right at the cruise pierMany of the Caribbean's largest retailers are found here.
is there to buy? A Dazzling Array of Products Available in Everything from watches and jewelry to linens and swimwear can be purchased on this duty-free island. Italian leather goods are also “good buys”. Some of the best prices in the Caribbean can be found in St. Maarten. In fact, I found on numerous visits that the liquor on St. Maarten is cheaper than in St. Thomas. aware, however, that the same generous customs allowance permitted for goods purchased in St. Thomas does not apply here. guavaberry, an island liqueur made with rum and rare local berries, can be purchased at the Guavaberry Company and makes for a unique islandPlan to do your shopping in Marigot if you are looking for European fashions and haute-couture. is there to do? A.C. Wathey Pier Visitor Information Center This is another of the island gems that lends itself so well to dividing your time between power shopping and lounging at aYou will find a wonderful visitor information
center right at the foot of the A.C. Wathey Pier where you can find tours and local visitor information. I have already spoken of the shopping opportunities, so let me expound on the beaches. On the Dutch side, Simpson Bay and Mullet Bay are the most popular. Water sports equipment can be rented at Great Bay Beach, Downtown Philipsburg, St. For convenience, Great Bay and Little Bay are right downtown, but do not offer the most pristine conditions. St. Matin's Orient Beach are numerous beaches on the French side, Orient Beach stands out as Alive with energy and activity, Orient Beach is the best location for para-sailing, beach bars, people-watching and just limin’ (“hanging out” Caribbean style). On my list of “party beaches”, this definitely makes the top 10. Although Orient Beach is known as a clothing optional beach (as are many beaches in Europe), it is very possible to spend the day at Orient Beach without feeling the necessity to shed your
Beach Chairs in Front of a Restaurant on The south end of Orient Beach, near Club O, is reserved forIf you venture to the other end of the beach, it is very doubtful that you will encounter any nudity. If water sports, such as windsurfing, kayaking, and jet-skiing, snorkeling or diving do not interest you, then you can always try your hand at a little black-jack at one of the European-style casinos. Horseback riding, golf and hikingAs for plain old-fashioned sight-seeing, a visit to the Butterfly Farm provides an opportunity to see rare and exotic butterflies amidst flowers, waterfalls and music. Is there anything of “Don’t Miss” quality? I have to include a trip to Orient Beach as something that is not to be missed, and if given the opportunity should be experienced at Are there any great restaurants or bars? A Wonderful "Lo-Lo" located in Grand Case, Any of the “Lo-Lo’s”, small shacks along the pier on the