Stretching for two miles in front of the Dutch side capital, Philipsburg, a myriad of cruise ships sail into her harbor daily. The thousands of cruise ship visitors that line Great Beach every day can keep an eye on their floating hotel, and shopping in Philipsburg is always close at hand.
Philipsburg with the Boardwalk along Great Bay Beach has cleaned up impressively after the hurricane of 2017 and has become once again an attractive center of shopping, business and leisure activities. There are numerous bars and restaurants lining the beach, and even the Casino Rouge et Noir is right at the strand's edge.
The beach bars offer lounge chairs and umbrellas, restrooms and showers. You will find great combination deals where an ice bucket of 10 cold beer is thrown in if you take chairs.
Great Bay Beach is broad and well-kept, the seawater clean and refreshing. If you visit the island only for a few hours and like to relax in the sun, with a bit of shopping, staying right in town is perfectly fine.
