Philipsburg Cruise Port: Things to Do, Excursions & Cruises Calling

About Philipsburg

Philipsburg serves as the main port of entry for Sint Maarten, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Located on the southern coast of Saint Martin island between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond, the town is home to the major airport and port facilities that welcome cruise visitors.

The town offers several attractions within easy reach of the cruise terminal. The Yoda Guy Movie Experience is rated 4.8 out of 5 by 607 reviewers, whilst the Boardwalk Philipsburg and Under SXM both hold ratings of 4.5. For something more adventurous, Sea Trek Helmet Diving provides an underwater experience rated 4.4, and the Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation & Museum offers cultural insights with a 4.3 rating.

What to expect in Philipsburg

Tourism forms the backbone of the local economy, supported by extensive lodgings and cultural activities throughout the town. Most attractions are located within 0.3 to 0.5 kilometres of the port, making them easily accessible during a port call. Nearby cruise destinations include Basseterre, Bridgetown, Castries, and Charlotte Amalie.

Philipsburg is the main town and capital of Sint Maarten, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is located on the southern coast of Saint Martin island, between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. It serves as the main port of entry, with the major airport and port located in the vicinity. Tourism is the main economic activity, supported by extensive lodgings and cultural activities. As of 2017, the town had 1,894 inhabitants.

Things to do in Philipsburg on a port day

Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.

Photo: Nancy Petrolino · via Google Maps
Museum

Yoda Guy Movie Experience

4.8 (607) 0.3 km from port

Museum from special-effects designer Nick Maley with Star Wars props & costumes, plus a gift shop.

Near: Pasanggrahan Royal Guest House (16 m) · Foo Ho - Chinese Bar & Restaurant (19 m)
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “If your in Sint Maarten, you have to take an hour and go through this movie museum. Spend a bit…” — Bryan O
- 5 · “Best day... EVER? Once-in-a-lifetime chance to tour an amazing collection of original artifacts and more, plus meeting the wonderful Nick…” — Chris Chiarella
Website Google Maps Directions +1 721-553-2545
Photo: George Dekker · via Google Maps
Tourist attraction

Boardwalk Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

4.5 (146) 0.4 km from port

Near: Joe's Jewelry International (62 m) · Captain's Duty Free Shop (70 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “We got off the MSC Grandiosa on the first stop of our trans-Atlantic cruise (31 days) and walked around the…” — Raymond Ingham
- 5 · “I’ve been coming to St. Maarten for over 20 years and rediscovered Philipsburg boardwalk and was super impressed. Clean, well…” — Mad Irish
Google Maps Directions
Photo: Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation & Museum · via Google Maps
Museum

Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation & Museum

4.3 (98) 0.3 km from port

Cozy heritage museum with Arawak pottery, photos & artifacts, plus a store selling Caribbean crafts.

Near: Axum Art Cafe (8 m) · Pasanggrahan Royal Guest House (65 m)
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “This is a neat, little hidden museum that I highly suggest visiting. It's not very expensive but what's there is…” — Matt Arenson
- 5 · “Jean Marc, hope I didn't get your name wrong, was an excellent host. Very knowledgeable and entertaining. Everyone should get…” — Justin Clark
Website Google Maps Directions +1 721-542-4917
Photo: Sea Trek® Helmet Diving · via Google Maps
Tourist attraction

Sea Trek Helmet Diving

4.4 (74) 0.5 km from port

Guided underwater tours of the sea floor using proprietary pressurized helmet devices.

Near: Philipsburg Ferry Terminal (20 m) · St Maarten 12 Metre Racing - Ultimate Sailing Adventure (27 m)
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “100% something everyone should try. I can't say enough about our crew, divers, Arturo, Samantha, Seth and Liam, Black Jesus…” — April Bates
- 5 · “Fabulous experience. Friendly, knowledgeable crew and great equipment. We saw many fish and an octopus. Very enjoyable afternoon and well…” — Jonathan Moore
Website Google Maps Directions +1 721-520-2346
Tourist attraction

Under SXM

4.5 (65) 0.5 km from port

Near: Great Bay Express (17 m) · Philipsburg Ferry Terminal (48 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “My friends and I had a wonderful excursion with Under SXM. Derek our guide did a wonderful job making sure…” — Aimee Dunn
- 5 · “We had an excellent experience with Underwater SXM! The underwater sculptures were absolutely fascinating and made the snorkeling experience unique…” — Sokol Tafmizi
Website Google Maps Directions +1 721-586-3243