Things To Do
Bustling Sint Maarten


St. Maarten (the Dutch side) is a favorite cruise ship stop because of the extensive duty free shopping in Philipsburg and its excellent beaches, actually better than the French side.

Something families with small children might want to keep in mind since beaches on the French side are topless and at Orient Beach also bottomless.

Dutch St. Maarten prospered growing tobacco, cotton and sugar for a time and its one-time and present day wealth are still obvious.

When the cruise ships are in, Philipsburg's shopping arcades are crowded and congested.  Every cruise ship day is like the day after Thanksgiving, traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year in the U.S. 

As many of Philipsburg's stores are increasingly being staffed by Asians and East Indians, you'd never know you were in a Dutch territory.  In St. Maarten, at times where you are does not seem as important as what you buy.

Arrival Briefing
What you need to know if you go

Search St. Maarten Hotels

St. Maarten Weather
Current temps & conditions

Getting Married in St. Maarten
Good place to have a wedding consultant

Island History
More about St. Maarten's/St. Martin's split personality from a historical perspective.

Major Attractions

Beaches with Attitude
St. Maarten has a beach for your frame of mind

Beach Walks
You can walk for miles and miles

Carnival in St. Maarten
Conveniently timed, at the end of April

Philipsburg, St. Maarten
The capital of Dutch St. Maarten offers lots of shopping but pay close attention to "the deals"

St. Maarten Saying:

"Their money melted like butter
against the sun."

(Visit the duty free stores
in Philipsburg to experience the profound meaning)