Historical Philipsburg Bike Tour in St Maarten
Philipsburg, Netherlands Antilles
Rating: 
Trip Type: Bike & Mountain Bike Tours
Duration: 3 hours
Philipsburg began on a sandy strip that separated the Great Bay from Great Salt Pond, during a time of battle between the Dutch and the Spanish empires. Cycle beyond the jewelry shops and casinos that attract millions to St Maarten’s capital today, and get to know its historical sights on this 3-hour guided bike tour. Learn about the town’s maritime and colonial legacy as you see St Maarten’s oldest inn, the Philipsburg Courthouse, and capture hilltop views of the Great Bay and capital from Fort Amsterdam.
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Philipsburg began on a sandy strip that separated the Great Bay from Great Salt Pond, during a time of battle between the Dutch and the Spanish empires. Cycle beyond the jewelry shops and casinos that attract millions to St Maarten’s capital today, and get to know its historical sights on this 3-hour guided bike tour. Learn about the town’s maritime and colonial legacy as you see St Maarten’s oldest inn, the Philipsburg Courthouse, and capture hilltop views of the Great Bay and capital from Fort Amsterdam.
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.
Special Offer - Book with us and save 12% compared to another travel site! - Book Now!
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.
Special Offer - Book with us and save 12% compared to another travel site! - Book Now!
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