Netherlands Antilles 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Philipsburg and Great Bay Beach

  • Morning: Arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the island of St. Maarten
  • 9:00 AM: Check-in to your hotel in Philipsburg, the capital city of St. Maarten
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Philipsburg Courthouse and Museum to learn about the history and culture of the island
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at one of the many restaurants on Front Street, such as The Old Gin Mill or The Beachside Bar & Restaurant
  • 1:30 PM: Spend some time relaxing on Great Bay Beach, known for its calm waters and scenic views
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the nearby Loterie Farm, a former lotterie company that now offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants, such as The Harbor Club or The Seafood Grill

Day 2: St. Maarten and St. Eustatius

  • 8:00 AM: Take a ferry from St. Maarten to St. Eustatius (approximately 30 minutes)
  • 9:00 AM: Explore the historic town of Oranjestad on St. Eustatius, including the Old Government Building and the Catholic Church
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the Annaberg Sugar Plantation Museum to learn about the island’s sugar industry history
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant, such as The Blue Beach Restaurant or The Sunset View Bar & Grill
  • 2:00 PM: Return to St. Maarten by ferry (approximately 30 minutes)
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Mullet Bay Beach on the island of Saba (approximately 10 minutes from Philipsburg)
  • 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at one of the many local restaurants, such as The Fisherman’s Wharf or The Caribbean Seafood Restaurant

Day 3: St. Maarten and Saba

  • 8:00 AM: Take a ferry from St. Maarten to Saba (approximately 10 minutes)
  • 9:00 AM: Explore the scenic town of Windwardside on Saba, including the St. Barts Museum and the Saba National Research Institute
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the top of Mount Scenery, the highest point in the Netherlands Antilles (approximately 1 hour hike)
  • 12:30 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant, such as The Bottom’s Up or The Windwardside Café
  • 2:00 PM: Return to St. Maarten by ferry (approximately 10 minutes)
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the Butterfly Farm and Gardens in Philipsburg for some last-minute souvenir shopping

Things to Know

  • Visa Requirements: No visa is required for tourism or business purposes
  • Language: English, Dutch, French, and Papiamento are official languages; however, most locals speak English
  • Currency: The US dollar is the official currency; credit cards are widely accepted
  • Time Zone: St. Maarten and Saba are in the Atlantic Standard Time (UTC-4) zone; St. Eustatius is in the same time zone as the other two islands

Transportation

  • Airport: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) serves St. Maarten
  • Ferries: Regular ferry services operate between St. Maarten and St. Eustatius, and between St. Maarten and Saba
  • Taxis: Available at the airport and throughout the islands; prices vary depending on destination

Other

  • Weather: The Netherlands Antilles have a tropical climate with two seasons: dry (December to June) and wet (July to November)
  • Safety: Generally a safe destination for tourists; take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings
  • Medical Facilities: Modern medical facilities are available on each island

Note: This itinerary is just a suggestion and can be customized based on individual preferences.