Philipsburg, St. Maarten Port Reviews

This port was definitely an upgrade over St. Thomas, but many rundown areas here too. We took public buses (locals were very friendly) to the French side (Marigot), and had some wonderful pastries at Chez Fernand bakery and also at L’Express bakery. Fort Louis was cool… Other than that it’s mostly just shopping here. After that we headed back to the Dutch side for some shopping and beaches.

You must take a tour, Nothing to do at the port excerpt to shop. We took a "circle the island" tour which I had taken before. I only went because some of my party had not been to this port. Most tours are beaches. I'm not a beach person. Next time, I'll stay on the ship.

This island was hit hard by hurricane 5 years ago. Still a lot of damage and debris. An entire resort of bungalows by a beach was destroyed and abandoned. No attempt at repairs. Did a Jeep tour, but saw lots of poverty and damage still. Eye opening for sure.

Our beach excursion didn’t allow us to see the ocean from the chair we were given. Stray dog sleeping under the chair. Many, many, many people walking through the beach chairs trying to sell their products.

We took an island tour that let us visit both sides and then ended with a boat tour with rum punch and tunes. Loved hearing about the history of the island.

St maarten was beautiful. We did a beach day. It was very nice except the people there keep coming by every 3 mins trying to sell you anything. You have to keep telling all of them no unless they finally talk you into buying whatever they're selling.

Strongly recommend Open Top Double Decker tour!! We went to the French side, Maho beach, Toppers Rhum and the Gouda factory all while learning about the history of St Maarten.

Haven’t been there for a few years so we did a bus tour around the island. Very informative, had a few stops, great driver!!

We took a bus ride around the island visiting the dutch side and the french side. Very interesting. We visited Maho Beach and watched some planes fly right over your head, which was really neat.

Choosing the right beach is everything. Take a cab to Mullett beach and you will LOVE it!