Anchorage· Sint Maarten (Dutch side)· Leeward Islands
Great Bay Anchorage (Philipsburg)
18° 1.2′ N · 63° 3.0′ W · approximate
The capital's harbour - anchor off downtown Philipsburg's beach and boardwalk, next to the cruise-ship piers, with Bobby's Marina for fuel and dinghy access.
Practical
Coordinate is approximate: open water in the western half of Great Bay clear of the cruise-ship channel buoys, checked against the OpenStreetMap coastline. Generally good holding in about 10-20 ft, but exposed to swell, especially in southerly conditions, and busy with cruise ships and tour boats; one 2026 guide does not recommend it for an overnight. Harbour fees apply and cruisers call it the island's most expensive anchorage. Keep out of the marked cruise-ship channel and restricted areas. Approach past Man of War Shoal (Proselyte Reef) south of the bay.
Best for
Day stop for Philipsburg shopping and clearing at Great Bay
Season
Settled easterlies only; avoid in southerly swell
Nearby
- Laundry at Bobby's Marina (Philipsburg)0.3 NM away
- Ocean Lounge (Holland House, Philipsburg)0.3 NM away
- Philipsburg Boardwalk Bars & Restaurants0.3 NM away
- Philipsburg Front Street & Boardwalk0.3 NM away
- St Maarten Carnival0.3 NM away
- Bobby's Marina (Philipsburg)0.4 NM away
- Chesterfield's (Dock Maarten Marina)0.4 NM away
- Fairway Mark It (Philipsburg)0.5 NM away