Enjoy stunning views over the historic centre of Philipsburg and the warm waters of the Caribbean when standing on top of Fort Amsterdam. This site is not only famous for its historical ruins, but also for its pelicans, which come here annually to breed.
The first Dutch military base in the Caribbean dates back to 1631. The fort changed hands between the Dutch, British and French many times, before being decommissioned during the late 19th century.
Climb the hill that overlooks Philipsburg to reach the fort. From the centre of town, a trail will take you along the coast, offering stunning ocean views. Cycle tours are also available from within the town and follow a paved path to the fort.
The beautiful landscape is home to many creatures, including a large colony of brown pelicans. Look for one of the dozens of nests these birds build on the peninsula each year.
A number of the main walls of the fort still remain, despite having largely succumbed to nature over the years. The historic cannons that once protected the island from invading forces still point out to sea. The fort is the site of an important archaeological dig in 1987 the skeleton of a Spanish soldier was uncovered. Visit the St. Maarten Museum to find many of the artifacts recovered during the dig.
The panoramic views from the fort are some of the best photo opportunities on the island. In one direction you can see across the roofs of the quaint town of Philipsburg, while in the other direction the Caribbean Sea stretches for miles. Visit the fort area at dawn or dusk for beautiful sunrise or sunset vistas.
Fort Amsterdam is just 2 miles (3 kilometres) from Philipsburg and can be reached on foot, by bike or by car. Parking is available within the grounds of the nearby Divi Bay Resort for a small fee. Access to the fort is free of charge.
