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Great Bay
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Explore Great Bay in Sint Maarten for a Caribbean beach, Philipsburg’s colonial streets, waterfront dining, shopping and maritime history.

Great Bay forms the seaward setting of Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten, and combines a broad Caribbean beach with one of the island’s most concentrated historic and commercial districts. The bay opens towards the south, while the town occupies the narrow land between the water and the low hills behind it. Its shoreline is divided between the sandy Great Bay Beach, the long Boardwalk promenade and the working harbour and cruise facilities farther east. Although compact, the area changes character noticeably from morning to evening and from the beach to the older streets inland.
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Philipsburg grew around the bay after John Philips established a settlement here in the eighteenth century. Front Street and Back Street retain the basic pattern of the colonial town, with pastel façades, wooden shutters, small courtyards and buildings associated with trade, government and religion. The courthouse on Wathey Square is among the best-known civic buildings, while the former military position at Fort Amsterdam occupies the peninsula at the western side of the bay. From the fort’s elevated ground, visitors can look across Great Bay, the harbour and the neighbouring coast, while remnants of the old defences reflect the strategic importance of Sint Maarten’s natural anchorages.
The waterfront is the area’s great unifying feature. Great Bay Beach is suited to swimming, sunbathing and easy access to town, though conditions vary with wind, waves and marine traffic. The Boardwalk links beach activities with cafés, bars and casual restaurants, while Front Street provides a denser concentration of shops, jewellers, galleries and visitor services. At the eastern end, the harbour connects Philipsburg with the island’s maritime economy and with cruise visitors, making the bay a meeting point for residents, day-trippers and travellers staying elsewhere on Sint Maarten.
Great Bay is also a practical base for understanding the wider island, but it should not be mistaken for the whole of Sint Maarten. The airport and Simpson Bay are outside this waterfront district, as are the French-side settlements and the island’s quieter northern beaches. Within Great Bay itself, the most rewarding experiences are close together: a swim before the streets become busy, a walk through the historic centre, a visit to a small museum, and an evening meal facing the water. The atmosphere is urban and maritime rather than rural, with the island’s Dutch constitutional setting expressed alongside Caribbean food, music and everyday life.

When is the best time to visit Great Bay?

Best: January–March · 30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)3070
February (best)3060
March (best)3070
April3180
May3190
June32100
July32110
August32120
September32130
October31120
November30100
December3080

Getting to and around Great Bay

How to get there

The usual international gateway is Princess Juliana International Airport, located outside Great Bay in the Simpson Bay area on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten. From the airport, taxis and rental cars reach Philipsburg by road, with journey times varying according to traffic. Great Bay also receives cruise ships at the port on its eastern waterfront, while ferries and excursion boats may use nearby harbour facilities. Visitors arriving from other Caribbean islands should check current air and sea connections, as routes and schedules change seasonally.

Transportation

Philipsburg, Great Bay Beach, the Boardwalk and the historic centre are close enough to explore on foot, although heat, steep approaches near Fort Amsterdam and uneven pavements can affect walking times. Taxis are widely used for transfers from the airport and for trips around the island. Public minibuses operate on Sint Maarten, but routes and stopping arrangements are less straightforward for first-time visitors than in a compact city. A rental car is useful for seeing the wider island, while water taxis can provide a practical or scenic connection between parts of the Great Bay waterfront when operating.

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Best attractions in Great Bay

Great Bay’s attractions are concentrated enough for a compact walking itinerary but varied enough to reveal several sides of Sint Maarten. Great Bay Beach and the Boardwalk provide the principal leisure setting, with swimming, sunbathing, waterfront dining and views across the busy harbour. Philipsburg’s historic core adds the small-scale attractions of Front Street, Back Street, Wathey Square, the courthouse and local museums, including the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit. Fort Amsterdam, above the western side of the bay, combines military history with broad views and remains of earlier fortifications. The eastern waterfront is associated with cruise activity, boat excursions and maritime movement rather than a conventional old-town atmosphere. Visitors interested in architecture can examine surviving colonial and nineteenth-century buildings, while those seeking a slower cultural experience can explore galleries, churches and the town’s civic spaces. Great Bay is not a wilderness destination: nature is encountered through the beach, sea, seabirds, tropical vegetation and elevated coastal viewpoints. For diving, secluded beaches, hiking and rural scenery, travellers will need to go beyond the bay into other parts of Sint Maarten.

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Best landmarks in Great Bay

The most recognisable landmark in Great Bay is Fort Amsterdam, whose remains occupy a strategic peninsula overlooking the bay and the harbour. Built by the Dutch in the seventeenth century, the fort represents the military importance of Sint Maarten’s anchorage and provides one of the area’s clearest elevated views. In Philipsburg, the courthouse on Wathey Square is a distinctive civic landmark, marked by its pale façade and central position in the historic town. Front Street and Back Street are significant collectively rather than as a single monument: their alignment, surviving façades and relationship with the beach express Philipsburg’s colonial trading origins. The Boardwalk and Great Bay Beach form the modern visual identity of the waterfront, while the harbour’s cruise berths and working marine traffic show how the bay continues to function as an economic gateway. The contrast between Fort Amsterdam’s rough stone remains, the town’s colourful historic buildings and the broad open sweep of the beach gives Great Bay a clearly layered sense of place.

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Best restaurants in Great Bay

Dining in Great Bay centres on the Boardwalk, Front Street and the streets immediately behind the beach, where casual cafés, hotel restaurants, bars and international eateries serve visitors alongside local residents. Menus commonly reflect Sint Maarten’s position between Caribbean, European and North American food cultures, with grilled fish, seafood, chicken, ribs, rice dishes, fried specialities and Creole-influenced preparations appearing alongside burgers, pizzas and French or Dutch-style options. Seafood is particularly appropriate near the harbour, although diners should ask about the day’s catch and its origin rather than assuming every fish is local. Beachfront establishments suit relaxed lunches and sunset meals, while Front Street offers a broader range of settings. Markets and small food counters can provide a more informal taste of island cooking, including johnnycakes and other Caribbean staples. Prices vary considerably, and menus may use US dollars or Caribbean guilders, so check the currency and any service charge before ordering.

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Best bars in Great Bay

Great Bay’s evening life is focused on the Boardwalk, Front Street and the restaurants facing the beach rather than on a large, fixed nightclub district. Sunset drinks, rum-based cocktails, local beers, sports bars and live music are common ways to spend the evening, with some venues becoming livelier after dinner. Historic-town bars and hotel lounges provide a quieter alternative to the waterfront, while occasional music and entertainment programmes change with the season. Cruise-ship days can make the early evening feel busier, but activity generally becomes more dependent on individual venues later at night. Taxis are the practical choice for returning to accommodation elsewhere on the island, particularly if drinking. Visitors should check current opening arrangements locally, as small establishments and entertainment schedules can change after storms, during low season or in response to demand.

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Best nightclubs in Great Bay

Great Bay’s evening life is focused on the Boardwalk, Front Street and the restaurants facing the beach rather than on a large, fixed nightclub district. Sunset drinks, rum-based cocktails, local beers, sports bars and live music are common ways to spend the evening, with some venues becoming livelier after dinner. Historic-town bars and hotel lounges provide a quieter alternative to the waterfront, while occasional music and entertainment programmes change with the season. Cruise-ship days can make the early evening feel busier, but activity generally becomes more dependent on individual venues later at night. Taxis are the practical choice for returning to accommodation elsewhere on the island, particularly if drinking. Visitors should check current opening arrangements locally, as small establishments and entertainment schedules can change after storms, during low season or in response to demand.

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Best shops in Great Bay

Shopping in Great Bay is concentrated in Philipsburg, particularly along Front Street and the adjoining lanes, with jewellery, watches, fashion, perfume, souvenirs, liquor and duty-free-oriented retailers serving international visitors. Back Street has traditionally offered a more mixed high-street character, including practical shops and smaller businesses, while the Boardwalk focuses on beachwear, gifts, crafts and casual purchases. Retail choice and opening patterns can be influenced by cruise-ship arrivals, and the busiest periods often coincide with ships in port. Look for locally produced food products, island-themed artwork, handmade items and Caribbean spices rather than assuming every souvenir originated on Sint Maarten. Small galleries and independent shops provide a more distinctive alternative to branded goods, although stock varies. When buying jewellery, electronics or other expensive items, compare prices, request clear documentation and understand warranty arrangements before completing a purchase. The currency should also be confirmed, as prices may be displayed in Caribbean guilders or US dollars.

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Great Bay essentials

Currency and Payment
Sint Maarten uses the Caribbean guilder, written as Cg and internationally coded XCG, as its official currency. United States dollars are also very widely accepted in tourist areas, and prices may be displayed in dollars or guilders; confirm which currency is being quoted before paying. Major hotels, shops and restaurants generally accept international cards and contactless payments, but small vendors, taxis and casual beach businesses may prefer cash. Carry modest amounts of usable cash rather than relying entirely on one payment method.
Safety
Great Bay is a busy visitor district, so use normal precautions with phones, wallets and bags, particularly around crowded streets, transport points and nightlife venues. Avoid leaving valuables unattended on the beach or in a parked vehicle. Tropical sun, dehydration, sudden showers and strong surf can create more immediate risks than sightseeing itself; follow local swimming advice and stay within marked areas. Exercise care on wet pavements, near harbour traffic and around the uneven ground and exposed edges of Fort Amsterdam.
Emergency Situations
For an immediate police, fire or medical emergency in Sint Maarten, call 911 and state your location clearly, using a hotel, street, landmark or nearby waterfront business if necessary. Ask accommodation staff or local authorities for the most appropriate route to medical care for non-life-threatening problems. In the event of a tropical-storm warning, follow official instructions, avoid the shoreline and do not approach flooded roads or damaged structures. Keep travel-insurance and accommodation details accessible, as conditions can change quickly during severe weather.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress casually on the beach but cover up when entering shops, churches or government buildings, and ask before photographing people or private property. Respect swimming boundaries, harbour restrictions and signs around historic masonry. Queue considerately, confirm taxi prices or destinations before departure, and check whether a menu price is in guilders or US dollars. Tipping is customary for good service, though the amount and any included service charge should be checked. Do not remove shells, coral, stones or historic fragments from the shoreline or fort area.
Local Tips
Great Bay is easiest to appreciate by combining the beach and Boardwalk with a deliberate walk through Front Street, Back Street and the central squares rather than treating the waterfront as a single resort strip. Cruise days can bring a sharp rise in daytime visitors, while quieter periods are often better for museums and historic buildings. Visit Fort Amsterdam in cooler weather and take water, since shade is limited. For a broader island itinerary, plan separate time for the airport-side lagoon, the French side and beaches beyond Philipsburg rather than assuming they are all within Great Bay.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBonjou[Bohn-zhoo]
GoodbyeOrevwa[Oh-reh-vwah]
YesWi[Wee]
NoNon[Nohn]
Please/You're welcomeSouple[Soo-play]
Thank youMesi[Meh-see]
Excuse me/SorryEskize mwen[Es-kee-zay mwen]
How are you?Kijan ou ye?[Kee-zhan oo yay]
Fine. And you?Byen. E ou?[Bee-ehn. Eh oo?]
Do you speak English?Es ou pale Anglais?[Es oo pah-lay Ahn-glay]
I don't understandMwen pa konprann[Mwen pah kon-pran]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMwen ta renmen wè meni an, souple[Mwen ta ren-men weh meh-nee ahn, soo-play]
I don't eat meatMwen pa manje vyann[Mwen pah mahn-jay vyahn]
Cheers!Sante![Sahn-tay]
I would like to pay, pleaseMwen ta renmen peye, souple[Mwen ta ren-men pay-ay, soo-play]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Sove![Soh-vay]
Go away!Ale ale![Ah-lay ah-lay]
Call the Police!Rele polis la![Ray-lay poh-lees lah]
Call a doctor!Rele yon doktè![Ray-lay yohn dok-tay]
I'm lostMwen pèdi[Mwen peh-dee]
I'm illMwen malad[Mwen mah-lahd]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mwen ta renmen achte...[Mwen ta ren-men ah-shtay...]
I'm just lookingMwen ap gade[Mwen ap gah-day]
How much is it?Konbyen sa koute?[Kohn-byen sah koo-tay]
That's too expensiveSa a twò chè[Sah ah traw shay]
Can you lower the price?Es ou ka bese pri a?[Es oo kah beh-say pree ah?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ki lè li ye?[Kee leh lee yay]
It's one o'clockLi se yè a[Lee seh yay ah]
Half past (10)Demi (10)[Duh-mee (10)]
MorningMatin[Mah-tan]
AfternoonApre midi[Ah-pray mee-dee]
EveningSwa[Swah]
YesterdayYè[Yay]
TodayJodi a[Zho-dee ah]
TomorrowDemain[Duh-manh]
1Yen[Yen]
2De[Day]
3Twa[Twah]
4Katre[Ka-tray]
5Senk[Sank]
6Sis[Sees]
7Sèt[Set]
8Huit[Wheet]
9Nèf[Nehf]
10Dix[Dee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Ki kote a/the...?[Kee koh-tay ah/the...?]
What's the address?Ki adrès la?[Kee ah-dress lah?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Es ou ka montre mwen (sou kat la)?[Es oo kah mohn-tray mwen (soo kaht lah)?]
When's the next (bus)?Kilè pwochen (otobis la)?[Kee-lay proh-shen (oh-toh-bees lah)?]
A ticket (to ....)Yon tikè (pou ....)[Yohn tee-kay (poo ....)]

History of Great Bay

Indigenous Settlement Before European Colonisation

Long before Philipsburg existed, Sint Maarten was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including communities associated with the Arawakan and Kalínago cultural worlds. The island’s bays, salt ponds and sheltered coastal areas supported fishing, gathering, farming and movement through the Lesser Antilles. Great Bay’s protected waters would have made it a useful maritime location, although the surviving evidence is distributed across the island rather than confined to the modern town. Visitors should understand the colonial streets and forts as a later layer in a much older human landscape.

Spanish and Dutch Rivalry in the Seventeenth Century

European powers valued Sint Maarten for its salt resources, harbours and position within Caribbean trade routes. Spanish control and influence were challenged by Dutch settlers, and the island became part of the wider contest among Spain, the Dutch Republic, France and England. Fort Amsterdam, on the peninsula beside Great Bay, was established by the Dutch in 1631 to guard the harbour. Its strategic position explains why the bay became central to the island’s political and commercial history.

The Treaty of Concordia, 1648

In 1648, French and Dutch representatives agreed to divide Sint Maarten, creating one of the world’s oldest continuing international borders. The agreement did not eliminate later disputes, but it established the political division that still shapes the island. Great Bay lies on the Dutch side, within Sint Maarten, while the French Collectivité of Saint-Martin occupies the northern part of the island. The border is open for ordinary travel, but the distinction remains important for administration, language, currency arrangements and public services.

The Foundation of Philipsburg

John Philips, a Scottish privateer and merchant who settled under Dutch authority, is associated with the founding of Philipsburg in 1763. The town developed on the narrow land between Great Bay and the inland salt pond, an easily defended and commercially practical position. Streets serving trade, administration and worship grew around the waterfront, and the settlement became the principal Dutch town on the island. The alignment of Front Street, Back Street and the central squares still reflects this colonial urban framework.

Salt, Plantation Agriculture and Enslaved Labour

For centuries, salt production formed a major part of Sint Maarten’s economy, with evaporation ponds near Philipsburg supplying a valuable export. Agriculture, livestock and small plantations also shaped the island, and these colonial economies depended heavily on the forced labour of enslaved Africans and their descendants. The history of Great Bay cannot be separated from this system of exploitation, even when the visible remains are mainly civic buildings, streets and waterfront infrastructure. Emancipation in the Dutch Caribbean came in 1863, though social and economic inequalities continued afterwards.

From Port Town to Tourism Centre

During the twentieth century, Sint Maarten’s economy shifted from salt, agriculture and small-scale trade towards tourism, aviation, yachting and cruise travel. Philipsburg remained the island’s administrative and commercial centre, while Great Bay gained promenades, hotels, restaurants, shops and expanded harbour facilities. The arrival of cruise tourism transformed the scale and rhythm of the waterfront, particularly during daytime visits. Modern Great Bay therefore combines a historic town plan with an international visitor economy and an active maritime setting.

Hurricanes and Waterfront Renewal

As a low-lying Caribbean waterfront, Great Bay has always been exposed to tropical storms, but major hurricanes have periodically caused severe damage. Hurricane Luis in 1995 and Hurricane Irma in 2017 affected buildings, boats, businesses and public infrastructure across Sint Maarten. Subsequent rebuilding altered parts of the seafront while reinforcing the importance of resilient construction and storm preparedness. The bay’s contemporary appearance is consequently both historic and continually renewed, with restoration, repair and adaptation forming part of local life.

Great Bay in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Great Bay, Sint Maarten

Discover Great Bay like never before with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, and restaurants
  • Images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for easy trip planning
  • Book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app
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More about the Evendo app

Download Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for Great Bay, Sint Maarten. This comprehensive, free app makes exploring attractions, landmarks, shops, restaurants, and booking experiences seamless and enjoyable.

  • History of Great Bay and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions and amenities
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Great Bay, Sint Maarten! With Evendo, your travel experience is about to get a whole lot easier and more exciting. Imagine having all the information you need about the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences right at your fingertips.

Planning to visit famous landmarks like the Boardwalk, Fort Amsterdam, or the Great Bay Beach? Evendo has you covered with detailed descriptions, images, local tips, and maps to make your visit hassle-free. Craving some local cuisine? Discover top-rated restaurants such as The Greenhouse and Ocean Lounge, complete with contact details and user reviews.

But that's not all. Evendo's 'Near Me' feature ensures you never miss out on hidden gems around you, no matter where you are in Great Bay. Plus, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you time and effort.

Whether you're a history buff wanting to know the rich past of Great Bay or a foodie looking for the best local dining spots, Evendo provides tons of local advice to make sure you get the most out of your trip. And the best part? It’s 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Once you download Evendo, you also get access to travel guides for over 7,000 other destinations worldwide. So why wait? Download Evendo today and start your adventure in Great Bay!

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