Phillipsburg is a very walkable town; you have Front street and Back street. Plus there is a nice beach right there. If this is a port stop on your cruise you can take a taxi to town or you can just walk it.
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St. Maarten is generally considered a safe place to visit, but as with any tourist destination there are some general safety precautions you should take. St. Martin is one of the safest warm weather climate (outside US) locations to visit.
Traveling by public bus (more like a minivan) is a reasonable means of transport on St. Maarten/St. Martin if you don't mind a bit of inconvenience and overcrowding. Buses run daily from 5am to midnight and serve most major locations on both sides of the island.
The island's weather is pleasant year-round, but these are times when rain showers are less likely. Summer and early fall are not good for a vacation; many hotels close in this offseason and there's a chance of hurricanes. Also avoid visiting in winter and early spring (mid-December to April) if you can.
I would avoid anything in Marigot, Sandy Ground, Nettle Bay, Dutch and French Quarters, Lower and Upper Prince Quarter, Cole Bay, Mary's Fancy, etc. These are locals areas and not much there for tourists. I am not sure there ARE AirBnBs in those areas but there could be.
Petty crimes like pickpocketing or bag snatching in Philipsburg, are relatively low. As a popular tourist destination, it is generally safe, especially in the bustling city center.
The dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant. This is also the peak season for tourists who come to enjoy the agreeable weather and summer temperatures. The sunshine is almost constant during this period, with hardly any rain.
Dutch Sint MaartenThe Dutch side of the island is more developed. There are more amenities and services available, traffic tends to be heavier and the atmosphere is more animated, with a steadier flow of tourists who are more likely to be looking for a party atmosphere.
You can walk to the beach from the Cruise port, about 1km, or take the water taxi from the cruise port to the pier in town. $5 or $7 i think. The beach is nice with plenty of chairs and umbrellas for rent.
Many cruise ships visit the island on a weekly basis, docking at the Port of St. Maarten in Philipsburg. You will need a passport to travel to and from St. Martin but rest assured that you can travel freely between the island's French and Dutch sides.
The US Dollar is accepted everywhere on the island. Local currency and US Dollar ATM machines (Maestro/Cirrus) are situated throughout the island. Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments.
Maarten is one of the world's most stunning islands. Thousands of tourists return to the island year after year, basking in the bright Caribbean sun and clear turquoise waters. St. Maarten is a true tropical paradise, combining vibrant island culture with elegant European charm.
Located on the island's southwest tip, Cupecoy is a set of three beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs. It's also the last beach on the Dutch side before crossing the northern French border.
Maarten's northeastern shore is a well-known stretch of soft white sand offering watersports, relaxation, snorkeling, and pristine waters for wading and swimming. This beach is famed as the St. Tropez of the Caribbean and among the largest on the island.
Baie RougeThe beach offers wonderful views of Anguilla in the distance as well as the cliffs that protect the beach on the west. Baie Rouge Beach in St Martin is perfect for swimming snorkelling and also bird watching. There are two beach bars located on Baie Rouge.
St. Maarten (and its French counterpart, St. Martin) is considered the melting pot of the Caribbean. Three days are enough time to experience the island's rich diversity of cultures and activities, and even venture farther afield in the Lesser Antilles.
English is the most commonly spoken language along with a local dialect. The official languages are French for Saint-Martin, and both Dutch and English for Sint Maarten.