Netherlands Antilles-7-day-itinerary

Netherlands Antilles Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Philipsburg

  • Arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)
  • Take a taxi or shuttle to your hotel
  • Visit the Philipsburg Beach, a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing
  • Explore the nearby shops and restaurants on Front Street

Day 2: St. Maarten

  • Take a ferry from Philipsburg to Marigot, St. Martin (approximately 10 minutes)
  • Visit the Maho Beach, known for its stunning views of planes taking off and landing
  • Explore the charming town of Marigot, with its French colonial architecture
  • Try some delicious Creole cuisine at one of the local restaurants

Day 3: Saba

  • Take a ferry from Philipsburg to Saba (approximately 1 hour)
  • Hike to The Peak, the highest point on the island, for breathtaking views
  • Visit the Saba National Park, which features unique flora and fauna
  • Enjoy some of the best snorkeling or diving in the Caribbean

Day 4: St. Eustatius

  • Take a ferry from Philipsburg to Oranjestad, St. Eustatius (approximately 1 hour)
  • Visit the Fort Oranje, a historic fort that dates back to the 18th century
  • Explore the island’s beautiful beaches and coves
  • Try some of the local seafood at one of the island’s restaurants

Day 5: Island Hopping

  • Take a day trip to the nearby islands of Sint Eustatius, Saba, or St. Barts (approximately 1-2 hours by ferry)
  • Visit the Quilliam Hill, which features stunning views of the surrounding waters
  • Snorkel or dive in one of the island’s beautiful coves

Day 6: Philipsburg

  • Spend the day exploring Philipsburg, including:
    • The Philipsburg Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the island
    • The Willemstad Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse that dates back to the 19th century
    • The St. Maarten Food & Wine Festival, which takes place in February (if you’re visiting during this time)

Day 7: Departure

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or relaxing on the beach
  • Depart for the airport and head back home

Things to Know

  • Visa Requirements: No visa is required for tourists from most countries, including the US, Canada, and EU nations.
  • Language: The official languages are Dutch and English, but many locals also speak French and Papiamento (the island’s indigenous language).
  • Currency: The Netherlands Antilles Guilder is no longer in use; the US Dollar is widely accepted, but credit cards are preferred.
  • Weather: The best time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is cooler and drier.
  • Safety: Take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

Transportation

  • Ferries: Regular ferries connect the islands of St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius (approximately 10-60 minutes).
  • Taxis: Available on all islands for transportation to and from the airport.
  • Rental Cars: Available on St. Maarten and St. Eustatius; not recommended on Saba due to the island’s narrow roads.

Other Tips

  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Be respectful of local customs, especially when visiting historic sites.
  • Don’t miss the vibrant Philipsburg Beach Festival, which takes place in June (if you’re visiting during this time).
  • Try some of the delicious local cuisine, including seafood, Creole dishes, and traditional island snacks.

Have a wonderful trip to the Netherlands Antilles!