Philipsburg Ferries

The port of Philipsburg plays a key role in the ferry network of Saint Martin, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by - ferry companies, Philipsburg serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Philipsburg, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include - connecting Philipsburg with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as - run regular services from Philipsburg, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Philipsburg offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Travelers can reach Philipsburg via Princess Juliana International Airport, located about 20 minutes away by taxi on the Dutch side of the island. Regular ferry services connect Philipsburg to neighboring islands, with the terminal conveniently located in the heart of town. If arriving from the French side of the island (Saint Martin), local buses and taxis provide frequent connections across the border. For those arriving by cruise ship, the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility sits adjacent to town, allowing for an easy walk into Philipsburg. Parking is available near the ferry terminal, though spaces can be limited during peak tourist season.

Nestled on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond, Philipsburg serves as the charming capital of Dutch St. Maarten. This colorful Caribbean port town blends Dutch colonial architecture with tropical island flair, creating an atmosphere that's both relaxed and lively. As a key ferry gateway in the northeastern Caribbean, Philipsburg welcomes visitors to explore its duty-free shopping, pristine beaches, and rich multicultural heritage.

Philipsburg enjoys a tropical climate with temperatures hovering between 75-85°F (24-29°C) year-round. The ideal time to visit is from December to April during the dry season when rainfall is minimal and humidity levels are more comfortable. February and March offer perfect beach weather coupled with vibrant Carnival celebrations that showcase local music, dance, and cuisine. The summer and fall months (June-November) constitute hurricane season, when ferry services might face occasional disruptions. May and November represent excellent shoulder season options with fewer crowds, lower accommodation rates, and still-reliable ferry schedules.

Philipsburg serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring the captivating islands of the northeastern Caribbean. Regular ferry services connect to Anguilla (approximately 25 minutes), where pristine white-sand beaches and luxurious resorts await travelers seeking tranquility. St. Barths lies just a 45-minute ferry ride away, offering French sophistication, designer shopping, and stunning scenery. The unspoiled island of Saba, known as the 'Unspoiled Queen' with its dramatic mountain peak and world-class diving, can be reached in about 90 minutes. For those interested in island-hopping, seasonal services also connect to St. Kitts and Nevis, creating opportunities to experience multiple distinct Caribbean cultures in one trip.

Front Street, Philipsburg's main thoroughfare, invites visitors to browse duty-free jewelry, electronics, and local crafts in a colorful array of shops housed in traditional West Indian buildings. Just steps away, Great Bay Beach offers a mile-long stretch of white sand perfect for swimming or relaxing at one of the many beach bars serving up local specialties like johnnycakes and fresh-caught mahi-mahi. History enthusiasts should visit Fort Amsterdam for panoramic views and colonial history, while the St. Maarten Museum provides fascinating insights into the island's past. For an authentic local experience, explore the Philipsburg Marketplace, where vendors sell tropical fruits, spices, and handmade souvenirs against the backdrop of the harbor.

Philipsburg was founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy, making it one of the oldest settlements in the Caribbean. The town sits on the border of the world's smallest landmass shared by two nations (Dutch St. Maarten and French Saint Martin), with residents freely crossing between the two distinct cultural zones. Local legend claims that the border was determined by a walking contest between a Dutchman and a Frenchman, with the Frenchman covering more ground because he drank water while the Dutchman preferred gin. Philipsburg's Great Salt Pond once produced so much salt that it became the town's primary export, earning it the nickname 'Salt City' among early traders.