OVERVIEW: The town has a number of interesting sites which will bring to life the long and rich history of Dutch St. Maarten and are waiting to be discovered as you take a bike ride through beautiful Philipsburg.
HIGHLIGHTS: Tour the historic sites of Philipsburg by bike, including the Passangrahan Hotel, Captain Hodge's Wharf, Philipsburg courthouse, traditional West Indian cottages and Fort Amsterdam. Stop for a cold drink and rest at the popular Taloula Mango Restaurant.
NOTES: Participants should be aware that there are certain inherent risks with any cycling excursion. The boardwalk and road utilized during this excursion will be shared with motor vehicles and pedestrians.
Overview:
Quaint cottages and mighty fortifications are waiting to be discovered as you take a bike ride through beautiful Philipsburg. The town has a number of interesting sites which will bring to life the long and rich history of Dutch St. Maarten.
Highlights:
- Tour the historic sites of Philipsburg by bike, including the Passangrahan Hotel, Captain Hodge’s Wharf, Philipsburg, courthouse, traditional West Indian cottages, and Fort Amsterdam.
- Stop for a cold drink and rest at the popular Taloula Mango Restaurant.
Full Description:
Your guide will meet you at the entrance to the cruise ship terminal and give you a 10 minute briefing on the operation of your Trek bicycle. You will start riding along the Point Blanche road to the start of the boardwalk in the capital, Philipsburg. Your first historical stop will be at the Passangrahan Hotel, St. Maarten’s oldest inn, which was originally the Governor’s residence and then the Royal residence when St. Maarten’s Queen Beatrix would visit. Continue along the boardwalk for your next stop at Captain Hodge’s Wharf which is the center of this bustling and colorful town and was the original fishing and shipping venue in the early 1900’s.
Step over to the Philipsburg courthouse which dates to 1793 and see the lawyers and judges congregating every Wednesday for cases as they have been doing for hundreds of years. Your tour continues along the boardwalk and crosses over to Back Street. You’ll pass the oldest and most traditional West Indian (gingerbread) cottages and start your first climb up the Little Bay Hill where you can stop and rest at Look Out Point, offering an incredible view of the town.
You’ll continue on your bicycle adventure to the beautifully located Divi Little Bay Resort and begin your second short incline to historic Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631. Built in 1631, this strategic point was the place of many battles between the Spanish and Dutch fleets in the 17th century. The remaining walls and cannons at this spectacular vantage point offer a glimpse into St. Maarten’s rich history.
From the fort, return to Philipsburg along the boardwalk, stopping at the popular Taloula Mango Restaurant for a cold drink under the shade and a dip in the calm waters of Great Bay. From there, it is a short 10 minute ride back to the cruise ship terminal.
What to Bring:
- You should always take your SeaPass card (provided onboard the ship) and photo identification when in port.
- Sun protection
- Camera
- Money for incidentals
What to Wear:
- Recommend wearing light clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Important Notes:
- Participants should be aware that there are certain inherent risks with any cycling excursion. Please note that the boardwalk and the road utilized during this excursion will be shared with motor vehicles and pedestrians.
- Guests should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this tour is appropriate. Guests with cardiac conditions, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, other heart or respiratory conditions or any other medical condition should take particular caution when selecting a tour. Guests who have concerns should consult with their personal physician before engaging in any activity that may be strenuous for them.
