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Sint Maarten
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Philipsburg
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Tours & Activities
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Historical Philipsburg Bike Tour in St Maarten
3 h
About this activity
Meet your guide at the Philipsburg cruise ship terminal for your 3-hour bike tour of St Maarten’s capital. During a safety briefing, get fixed up with a bike, helmet and lock, and go for a test ride to make sure you’re ready for the streets. Then, pedal off after your guide, who provides commentary on the historical sights you see along the way.
Stop at the Passangrahn Hotel and learn the colorful history behind St Maarten’s oldest inn, which has retained its West Indies colonial style of architecture. Cycle into the center of the town to see Captain Hodge’s Wharf, and on Front Street, check out the 1793 Philipsburg Courthouse, one of the most famous attractions in St Maarten, and originally the home of John Philips who played a key role in developing the town.
Next, head out of the downtown area and huff up the challenging Little Bay Hill (if you prefer, walk with your bike). At the top, admire panoramas of Philipsburg, Little Bay and Great Bay.
Continue through the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, tackle another short incline and find Fort Amsterdam at the end of a peninsula. Built in 1631, Fort Amsterdam was the first Dutch fort in the Caribbean. Hear about the many battles that took place here between the Spanish and Dutch fleets in the 17th century. As you wander about the ruins, take in sweeping views of Philipsburg and the crystal-clear Great Bay. Return to Philipsburg along a boardwalk, and stop for a cold drink in the shade before arriving back at the cruise ship terminal, where your tour ends.
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Stop at the Passangrahn Hotel and learn the colorful history behind St Maarten’s oldest inn, which has retained its West Indies colonial style of architecture. Cycle into the center of the town to see Captain Hodge’s Wharf, and on Front Street, check out the 1793 Philipsburg Courthouse, one of the most famous attractions in St Maarten, and originally the home of John Philips who played a key role in developing the town.
Next, head out of the downtown area and huff up the challenging Little Bay Hill (if you prefer, walk with your bike). At the top, admire panoramas of Philipsburg, Little Bay and Great Bay.
Continue through the Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, tackle another short incline and find Fort Amsterdam at the end of a peninsula. Built in 1631, Fort Amsterdam was the first Dutch fort in the Caribbean. Hear about the many battles that took place here between the Spanish and Dutch fleets in the 17th century. As you wander about the ruins, take in sweeping views of Philipsburg and the crystal-clear Great Bay. Return to Philipsburg along a boardwalk, and stop for a cold drink in the shade before arriving back at the cruise ship terminal, where your tour ends.
Included
- Professional guide
- Use of bicycle
- Use of helmet
- Bottled water
- One cold beverage (water, soda, beer or rum punch)
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Features
Tourism
65%
Sport
55%
Cultural
30%
Reviews
This was a nice way to see Philipsburg and learn about its history. Guide was very friendly, well organized, and kept the small group safe and together. There's one very steep heart-pumping hill on a busy street. We made it up, but you can walk it if need be. My wife and I try to take bike tours wherever we go. Its a good way to see the highlites and meet some locals. You don't have much time to enter museums or shops, but once you see something interesting, you can always go back on your own on another day. Much better than a bus tour or walking in a large crowd listening through headphones. This tour was a perfect way to enjoy a nice day.
Tour was very informative. Our guide Joost is very knowledgeable of the Island history. Ride was mostly on flat surface except going up the hill to the fort which was very challenging. Islanders are very friendly. Overall, this was a great tour.