Friends, ready to swap the ordinary for sun-soaked adventures on Saint Maarten’s Dutch capital? Philipsburg pulses with beaches, reefs, and jungle-topped hills just begging to be explored.

From roaring ATVs along epic coastal trails to moonlit kayak glows and five-star catamaran cruises, this guide zeroes in on seven must-do experiences—complete with pricing, times, transport tips, and insider advice to make every moment count.

ATV Adventure

Four-hour off-road thrills depart at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. from Great Bay Waterfront (meeting point: ATV Adventures HQ, Front Street). Tickets run $95 per person, helmets, fuel, and a local guide included. The route tackles Maho Beach (famous for low-flying jets), then winds past Mullet Bay’s powdery sand.

Closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen are essential. Small groups (max 8 riders) ensure hands-on instruction for first-timers. After spotting iguanas in hidden coves, finish with a cool dip in Great Bay—just a short walk back to Philipsburg’s boardwalk.

Turtle Snorkel

This six-hour speedboat tour embarks from Marina Royale at 9:30 a.m.; adults fares are $125, children (6–12) $75. Glide past Great Bay into open water for two snorkel stops—Tintamarre Island and Creole Rock—where gentle currents attract sea turtles, stingrays, and parrotfish. Lunch ashore at Pinel Island features wraps, fresh fruit, and cold drinks, all provided.

Complimentary transfers from most Philipsburg hotels (or cruise port) and free marina parking make logistics a breeze. Snorkel gear, flotation devices, and onboard restrooms keep comfort high.

Bird Sanctuary

Parotte Ville Bird Park welcomes feathered friends at 10:15 a.m. daily for 2.5 hours of flight-time fun. Admission is $60 for adults, $40 for children under 12, and includes round-trip pickup from Philipsburg hotels or cruise terminals. Inside, over 140 birds across 26 species descend to your hand for a guided feeding session.

Wear a brimmed hat (colorful parrots love perching overhead) and bring insect repellent. Mid-tour breaks offer local juice and insight into each bird’s conservation story.

Catamaran Cruise

Set sail at 10 a.m. from Port de Plaisance for a five-hour luxury catamaran outing priced at $150 for adults, $120 for children. Breakfast fruit platters and pound cake kick off the day, followed by snorkeling in Little Bay—keep an eye out for a sunken helicopter!

Kayaks, paddleboards and a hot-lunch buffet (grilled chicken, fish tacos, salad) await aboard. Lounge on the lily pad float and toast Maho Beach’s jet-blast runway spectacle. Towels, life vests, and shaded seating ensure a pampered cruise experience.

Island Tour

Explore both French and Dutch sides in this 5–6 hour land tour. Depart at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. for $85 per person, including air-conditioned transport, hotel/port pickup, and a cooler stocked with water. Stops feature Harold Jack Lookout, Marigot Market’s duty-free boutiques, and Fort Louis’s panoramic ramparts.

Beach Hop

Relax on two postcard-perfect sands with this half-day shuttle. Depart Philipsburg at 10 a.m. for a 5-hour loop: two hours at Orient Beach (“French Riviera of the Caribbean”) and two at Maho Beach. The tour costs $70 per person, inclusive of transport and guide. On Orient, umbrella and chair rentals run $5–$10; water sports (jet ski 15 min for ~$50, parasailing ~$80) are extra. At Maho, plan to arrive 15 min before your flight-watching slot—the perfect vantage point for thunderous landings.

Boat Safari

Pilot a two-seat inflatable speedboat on a 3-hour snorkeling safari from Simpson Bay Lagoon. Head-out at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.; drivers (18+ with valid license) pay $110, passengers $90. Cruise under the Dutch Causeway into French waters, pausing at Creole Rock for mask-on reef exploration. Snorkel gear, life jackets, bottled water, and an experienced skipper are included. The journey continues past hidden coves like Happy Bay, where drop-anchor beach stops let you snorkel or sunbathe in blissful solitude.

Your Philipsburg Story Begins Here

Whether you’re blazing dunes at dawn, drifting over coral kingdoms by day, or toasting the horizon on deck at dusk, Philipsburg delivers nonstop thrills and lasting memories. Choose your adventure, pack your sunscreen, and get ready to write the next chapter of your Caribbean tale—because this island playground is yours to explore. Which experience will you dive into first?