Sint Maarten , Netherlands (Dutch side) / France (French side)

Philipsburg by Bicycle and Beachtime

Active

(4 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

St. Maarten has a colorful history, and our guides love sharing it with you. On this Historical Bike Tour, you will start at the Cruise Ship Terminal, where you will get acquainted with your bicycle. Your guide will then lead you first to the southern part of Point Blanche for views of St. Barths, before heading back to Philipsburg where you will enjoy a variety of stops at historical points of interest, such as the famous Salt Pond, The Freedom Fighter’s Monument, Captain Hodge’s Wharf, and the old Courthouse, built in 1793. A refreshing complimentary drink on the Boardwalk as well as a chance to swim in the turquoise waters of Great Bay is well deserved before you make your way back to port.

Available options

Philipsburg by Bicycle and Beachtime

What's included

Trek FX 1 hybrid bike with straight bar framne

Minimal storage for personal items

One bottle of water is provided at the start of the tour

The choise of 1 drink, may include Rum Punch or beer

Cycling Helmet

The choice of 1 drink, may include soda

Detailed itinerary

Built in 1793, The Old Courthouse, situated in the heart of Philipsburg, is included in the St. Maarten's flag and is considered one of the most important sites on the island. Your guide will explain its history and allow you the opportunity to take photos.

Visit important locations in Philipsburg, such as the Great Salt Pond, The Old Court House, Carnival Village, views from Point Blanche, Landmark statues, and the bustling Boardwalk.

Stop 3

Enjoy a refreshing drink and a dip in the cool blue waters of Great Bay.

What's not included

Gratuities

Beach Towel

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Not recommended for anyone who has knee or neck issues

Not recommended for anyone who cannot raise their leg over the bike bar

Not recommended for anyone unfamiliar with cycling

Not recommended for anyone anxious about cycling with traffic

Meeting point

Cruise guests meet inside the cruise ship terminal by the statue of Peiter Stuyvesant (exit ship and walk until you see the statue). Non-cruise guests meet inside Terminal 2 Parking lot (EDC Parking) and wait by white tent. Park your car at Bobby's Marina or Chesterfield Restaurant and walk over.

About Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten is a unique destination that offers the best of two cultures and landscapes. The island is divided between the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and the French side (Saint Martin), each offering distinct experiences. Known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse dining options, it's a tropical paradise that caters to a wide range of travelers.

Top Attractions

Maho Beach

Famous for its close proximity to the airport runway, where planes fly extremely low. A must-see for thrill-seekers.

Beach 1-2 hours Free

Orient Bay Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, known for its white sand and clear waters. Ideal for water sports and relaxation.

Beach Half day to full day Free (rentals and activities extra)

Philipsburg

The capital of Sint Maarten, known for its colorful Dutch architecture, duty-free shopping, and vibrant nightlife.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore (shopping extra)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Conch Fritters

Fried fritters made from conch meat, a local delicacy.

Appetizer Contains seafood

Johnny Cakes

Fried dough bread, often served with butter or jam.

Breakfast Vegetarian

Bouillon

A hearty soup made with chicken, dumplings, and vegetables.

Soup Can be vegetarian or vegan with modifications

Popular Activities

Jet-skiing Parasailing Ziplining Hiking Beach hopping Spa treatments Sunbathing Yoga

Best Time to Visit

December to April

This is the peak tourist season with the best weather, low humidity, and minimal rainfall. It's ideal for beach activities, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures.

24°C to 29°C 75°F to 84°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch (Sint Maarten), French (Saint Martin)
Widely spoken: English, Papiamento (Creole dialect)
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Netherlands Antillean Guilder (Sint Maarten) / Euro (Saint Martin) (ANG / EUR)

Time Zone

GMT-4 (Atlantic Standard Time)

Electricity

110V (Dutch side) / 220V (French side)V, 60Hz (Dutch side) / 50Hz (French side)Hz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Sint Maarten is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates in tourist areas. However, petty theft and scams can occur, so it's important to stay vigilant.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use official taxis
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Princess Juliana International Airport • 3 km from Philipsburg

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable but infrequent and can be crowded. They are a good option for budget travelers.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Local taxi services, no Uber or Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Philipsburg Maho Marigot

Day trips

Anguilla

15 km (9 miles) • Half day to full day

A nearby island known for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and high-end dining. A great escape for a day of relaxation and exploration.

Sint Eustatius

30 km (18 miles) • Full day

A small, historic island with a rich colonial past. Known for its well-preserved ruins, diving spots, and laid-back atmosphere.

Tiny Island

10 km (6 miles) • Half day

A small, uninhabited island with beautiful beaches and clear waters. Perfect for a day of snorkeling, swimming, and picnicking.

Festivals

Carnival • April (dates vary) St. Martin Jazz Festival • March (dates vary) St. Martin Day Parade • November 11

Pro tips

Visit Maho Beach for the thrilling experience of watching planes land and take off
Explore the French side for a taste of European charm and culture
Try local dishes like conch fritters and Johnny cakes for an authentic culinary experience
Book accommodations and transport well in advance, especially during peak season
Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the marine ecosystem