Philipsburg, St. Maarten Port Reviews

The Tiki Hut excursion is well worth it. If you have someone that doesn't snorkel they can relax on the floating platform, and if you have others in your group that may or may not want to snorkel they can always try and get back on the floating platform that has plenty of chairs. They also have a small pool for kids to experiment in that fish can come into that they frequently feed bread. They have equipment if you need it as well as floaters for the weaker swimmers. They have a full bar on the platform that also has limited food like burgers. The prices are really good too. They have the Friendliest staff I think I have ever encountered on an excursion. I've done this tour twice. Snorkeling includes a ship and plane wreck, and it's in a secluded Bay Area with calm water, and good snorkeling near the rock area of the bay. You can even see the snuba tour when snorkeling! There's no set time, boats start coming to get people ever like half hour or so.

Sat in the sun on the beach

Visited: Dec 29, 2019

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I enjoyed myself until after dinner when my credit card company notified me my credit card had a fraudulent charge. They caught is and boy am I thankful. I did lots of shopping and received great prices.

Visited: Dec 08, 2019

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Save all your major shopping for St. Maarten. They have the best selection and variety and number of stores of any island. Phillipsburg has an outstanding array and prices are very good. Some say the French side is cheaper for shopping, but I didn't find that to be the case. However, the restaurants on the French side are hands down better than the Dutch side with perhaps the exception of L'Escargot on Front Street. Orient Beach is a full service beach with lots of establishments to accomodate visitors. Each has a bar, chaise lounges, umbrellas and restrooms. We paid $15 for two chairs and an umbrella. The beach was unsurpassed and my wife was able to parasail. This beach is adjoined at the extreme south side by the not to be confused Club Orient which is a nude facility. They stay to themselves, but the curious can walk down and see how the other half lives. All beaches are topless. We paid $7/pp for a taxi/van roundtrip and the driver waited for us.

Visited: Jul 31, 2011

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This was probably my favorite port on the island. We went to Mula? Beach and it was absolutely amazing the water was so pretty and clear and the people there were great. Highly recommend getting a local massage with aloe Vera

Visited: Oct 26, 2019

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shopping

Visited: May 09, 2019

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Sadly, this was our least favorite port. Political unrest and the damage from Irma take away from the appeal of the island. We did the top 10 tour, which was interesting. I enjoyed hearing about the history of the island, but my kids were beyond bored. The best part of the tour was Maho Beach. We got to spend an hour plane watching, which was cool. The only downside is that Maho Beach is very small and crowded. Most people were sitting on the rocks, next to the road, watching the planes. There is a small stretch of sandy beach there and the water is warm and beautiful, but if you don't like crowds you may want to look for another beach.

Visited: Sep 29, 2018

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We did the aqua boats / snorkeling which were very fun to drive. I guess it comes down to the area in which we were actually to do the snorkeling it wasn't very exciting.... we saw a few fish and swam around. Got back on the boats and drove back.

The same as St Thomas unfortunately there were some locals at a little outside bar area arguing and dropping f bombs right in front of tourists including our children

Visited: Dec 19, 2021

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