Philipsburg, St. Maarten on Wave 1: Beaches, Shopping & Plane Spotting at Maho Beach!
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
If you’re sailing with us on the Wave 1 Eastern Caribbean Cruise (February 14-21, 2027), get ready for an unforgettable day in Philipsburg, St. Maarten — the capital of the Dutch side of this beautiful island!
St. Maarten offers the perfect blend of easygoing beach vibes, fantastic duty-free shopping, rich history, and one of the most unique beach experiences in the Caribbean. Whether you want to stroll colorful streets, relax on the sand, or watch planes land right over the water, Philipsburg delivers.
Learn more about cruising to Philipsburg, St. Maarten here:
Fun Things to Do in Philipsburg
Philipsburg is one of the most cruiser-friendly ports in the Caribbean, with plenty to enjoy right near the ship or with a short taxi ride:
Shopping heaven on Front Street — duty-free deals on jewelry, watches, perfume, liquor, and local souvenirs
Relax on Great Bay Beach, just a short walk from the port with soft sand and beach bars
Visit the famous Maho Beach to watch airplanes land dramatically right overhead (one of the most iconic experiences in the Caribbean!)
Explore the charming colonial streets, boardwalk, and historic sites of Philipsburg
Enjoy fresh Caribbean cuisine and local rum at waterfront restaurants
Popular excursions include catamaran sails with snorkeling, zip-lining at Loterie Farm, ATV or jeep island tours, and visits to the French side (including Orient Beach)
The island’s unique Dutch and French heritage gives it a fun, cosmopolitan feel that’s different from other Caribbean ports.
Maho Beach – The Must-Do Highlight
No visit to St. Maarten is complete without experiencing Maho Beach. This world-famous spot lets you relax on the sand while massive planes fly incredibly low right above you as they land at Princess Juliana International Airport. It’s thrilling, photogenic, and a true bucket-list moment for many cruisers.
Many AFS members love combining a relaxed morning of shopping in Philipsburg with an afternoon at Maho Beach — it’s easy to do independently or as part of a guided excursion.
What’s Included / Low-Cost vs. Extra Cost Options
Easy & Low-Cost Options:
Walking to Great Bay Beach and the Philipsburg boardwalk
Shopping along Front Street (many great duty-free finds)
Exploring the town on foot or via the local trolley
Relaxing at beach bars and enjoying local food and drinks
Premium Experiences (Extra Cost):
Guided excursions to Maho Beach with plane spotting
Catamaran or boat tours with snorkeling and beach stops
Zip-lining and adventure at Loterie Farm
ATV or jeep island tours
Visits to the French side (Orient Beach and more)
Private cabanas or upgraded beach experiences
With so much available right from the port, many travelers enjoy a relaxed independent day, while others book excursions for more adventure.
Making It Special with AFS
Philipsburg is a fantastic port for the AFS group because it offers both easy independent exploring and exciting group-friendly options. Whether you spend the day shopping for souvenirs together, relaxing on Great Bay Beach, or heading to Maho Beach for the plane-spotting thrill, it’s a memorable stop.
With Jessica Nelson and the Destinations team on-site handling logistics, you can focus on enjoying the day with your AFS family — creating stories and connections that last long after the trip ends.
Ready to earn your spot on Wave 1? Keep supporting AFS Exclusive Brands and stacking those points!
Questions about St. Maarten or the cruise?
Reach out to Jessica Nelson at jessica@destinationsinc.com.
See you in Philipsburg — it’s going to be a great day! ✈️🏖️
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