Its not difficult to spend a day exploring this fantastic beach, be sure to pack some energy and appetite when trying out the local cuisine. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. Maho Beach Arguably the most popular beach that travelers on cruises to St. Maarten visit is Maho Beach, which is known for having the area's longest stretch of hotels and resorts. Our Cousin is a very active- independent young man that is in a wheelchair- I think it's going to be fine, but wanted to check? From the comfort of your lounge chair under the sun . Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. The water is warm with a pleasant surf. Mullet Bay may get too busy on the weekends, so we suggest that you visit during the weekdays to maximize your relaxation by the beach. Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port - Things to Do! - Gangwaze.com It's a nice swimming beach with gentle surf, but there are also jet ski rentals and a pier you can sit on to enjoy the view of cruise ships and sailboats. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. As a result, it often draws large crowds. Anyone with an interest in good beaches might instead consider a shore excursion to one of the neighboring islands, such as Anguilla, St. Barth or Saba. This beach offers chairs and umbrellas by the shore, which is perfect when youre in the mood to get a tan and bask out in the sun! 10 Best Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Martin The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. Great beach. Shops and food along the boardwalk. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. Why We Recommend This Beach Reviews. Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. Very energetic walkers can hike 2.5 miles to the other side of the bay to Little Bay Beach and the small ruins of Fort Amsterdam. niNice beach, water clean and lovely. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. If you would rather walk there, its only a 15-minute walk down the boardwalk, and you can enjoy music and some local bars and restaurants along the way. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Its arguably famously known as the bikini beach as it entertains many lively parties and holds huge crowds of party people. Sint Maarten as called by the Dutch and St. Martin by the French, is a 37 sq mile island that features all the charm of the Caribbean. Hawkers in front of the cafes will sometimes offer them for free to visitors who buy food and beverages. Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. 30 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise Get sandblasted by the jets as the plane fly by. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding. 2022. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. With its nice horizon, outstanding view, and superb restaurants to trythe Oyster pond is one of the prettiest beaches in St Maarten. Kim Sha is a popular starting point for dive and excursion boats. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Princess Heights Luxury Condo Hotel. Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. from the cruise ship pier shopping area to the center of Great Bay beach ($7 for unlimited tri 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Most people visit the beach to see the Jumbo jets that fly over it at very close proximities when landing or taking off from the airport right next door. The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour 206 Recommended Bus Tours from $450.00 $382.25 per group (up to 10) Ultimate Eco and Sightseeing Tour 33 Recommended Power Boats from $95.00 per adult Sunset Champagne Cruise in St. Maarten 18 Recommended Sailing from $50.26 per adult Private St Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour 7 Adventure Tours from Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Are Really Worth Your Time? Another beach that's one of the best beaches to visit during a cruise is one you can walk to from the cruise port, right? Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. It lies right in from of the city of Philipsburg. The beach is certainly grand in Sint Maarten, and within steps from the port (unlike Cayman). Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. Find the right beach for you for spending your day in port. 285 reviews. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. Heres a list of a few more suggestion in Phillipsburg: Top 6 Car Rentals in St. Maarten Cruise Port. If you are planning an upcoming cruise for St Maarten or the rest of the Caribbean, I have an awesome product recommendation that can save you money. The place is fabulous. It is a must-see stop for any southern or eastern Caribbean cruise and why 2 million cruise visitors come to the port every year. The Philipsburg St. Maarten cruise port has three major attractions: the massive John Craane cruise terminal, the nearby city and Great Bay Beach right beside it. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. They also have showers and restrooms that are all nearby and available for everyone to use. Be sure to pack some goggles or eye protective gear with you because when the larger planes take off from the airport, watch out for sand sprays on the shore may occur. When the clock hits at the time of sunset, thats where the flashing lights, livid atmosphere, and the nightlife starts. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. The Water UFO is definitely good times, with family and friends. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. But traffic outside of the Boardwalk and Front Street is often heavy. $$ - $$$ Caribbean Cajun & Creole Pub, Neighborhoods Points of Interest & Landmarks. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. But it is one of the most convenient beaches in the Caribbean for cruise port visitors because it is within walking distance of the docks. Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. Two beach bars are located at either end of this beach being Sunset bar and grill and Driftwood boat bar respectively. Some jet skis nearby filling up with fuel every 10 minutes which smelt terriblenot very safety conscious either as they were floating about in the water while filling up. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. Browse the shops for souvenirs and gorgeous beach wear. Guana Bay Beach is on the route to Philipsburg, making it easy for day tourists to take a detour and have fun at this little beach. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Shore Excursions & Cruise Tours: 2023 Reviews & Ratings - Cruise Critic Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. All Rights Reserved. St. Thomas Beaches Near the Cruise Port - Caribeez.com If you have a cruise vacation coming up in the Eastern Caribbean it might be worth finding out more about these stunning St.Martin/St. The Second Lady kept saying how awful my daughters hair looked and that it wasnt professional. If these beaches dont meet your needs, then try any of the 24 remaining beaches you are sure to find what you are looking for. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Playa Orient Bay. Outside of Philipsburg, two of the most famous attractions on the island are beaches. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. The St Maarten cruise terminal is located in Philipsburg, the Dutch part of the island, around 1.5 mi away from the city center.It boasts an impressive infrastructure that can accommodate a large number of cruise ships simultaneously, including the worlds largest cruise ships. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. Travel to Maho beach and watch jumbo jets fly overhead to land at the nearby airport. Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. This St. Martin beach is a bit far, about 45 minutes and 15 miles from the port but the entry and exit areas are easy and accessible. Little Bay has perfect calm crystal clear waters resultant from the protection offered by the peninsula. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. Happy Cruising!! Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Walk along the beach on the boardwalk to find shops, food and drink or grab a chair and umbrella (usually for a fee) and take a dip in the bay. Took a water taxi from cruise port area $7 per person round trip. St. Maarten cruise docks. Buses usually have a sign that says Maho beach and it takes approximately 20 minutes from the cruise port. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. Ships dock at the Dr. AC Wathey Cruise Facility in front of a sprawling outdoor pedestrian mall. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. Temperatures stay in the low 80s Fahrenheit in the winter and reach the high 80s in the summer. Alicia's Inn. A smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Atrium Beach Resort and Spa St Maarten a Ramada by Wyndham, Also See:Beaches in BermudaBest Beaches in JamaicaPhuket Beaches, Guana Bay, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. This beach is perfect for surfing and windsurfing. Unfortunately, you may only get a glimpse of this gem of an island, I always recommend a proper vacation for a week or two. Car rentals. The beach is great for swimming but at times can be rough so definitely one has to be cautious with children. It features clear, calm crystalline waters with soft white sand and sprawling palm trees. We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. 15 Best Beaches in St. Maarten | Celebrity Cruises Very convenient. How To Get From The Cruise Port To Great Bay Beach, What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Great Bay Beach, How To Get From The Cruise Port To Orient Bay Beach. One beach faces Saint Martin and is a perfect stretch of sandbar with shallow, calm waters perfect for families with kids. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. It has become a popular destination for people ready to enjoy the sun rise and set while relaxing with a cocktail. The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. If you're looking for the best time to visit St Maarten, you may find this guide helpful. The beach has rental chairs and umbrellas available for rent for the day. St. Maarten. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. Feel free to browse our website for more content on St Maarten, the Dutch Caribbean and rest of the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. Water taxis to Maho Beach from the cruise port is easy to find and cost about $20. With close to 45 miles of beautiful coastline, you'll find some amazing beaches near St Maarten cruise port. Had an enjoyable walk along the beach and a very good day. Beach 3 Snorkeling 4 St. Maartan Airport Tour 5 Catamaran Tour 6 4x4 Adventure 7 Dolphin Encounter 8 Butterfly Farm 9 Scuba Diving 10 Horseback Riding 11 ATV 12 Kayaking 13 Bicycle Tour 14. A playground is still delightful for toddlers across from shops beside Holland House Hotel, where cruise passengers can purchase the Beach Special ($25 toilets, beach chair and shower with wifi). Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Great Bay beach is a lovely beach to sit and relax while soaking up the sun or enjoying the view of the ocean. You can also take a stroll to the nearby market for the local cuisine. The powdery soft sand and coconut trees backdrop give it a magical atmosphere. Sea Palace Resort. Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. The island has virtually no stop signs or stop lights. Running parallel to the boardwalk is Front Street, which has most of the shops in the city. Is your upcoming Caribbean cruise docking in St Maarten? water warm and lovely, beach clean. If you are looking for a beach away from the hustle of the capital city with a Caribbean feel, then Orient Bay Beach is an amazing option to consider. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho Beach. St. Martin is named as the French side and St. Maarten is named as the Dutch side. Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. We didn't find anywhere to snorkel that had anything to see. However, if you are looking for a quieter beach, then this isnt that beach, and you should probably try Mullet beach found nearby. You could choose to bring your umbrellas and mat for picnics and sunbathing, and you could save some money while still enjoying this beachs amenities. Its like a 3 min ride. Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. St Maarten is Dutch and to the north the French side is called St Martin. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Case Beach Club, Also See:Top Beaches in The CaribbeanBeaches in Aruba, Orient Bay BeachSint Maarten, NLD 1744+31 6 83359253. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. The fact that its semi-secluded makes it a good spot for relaxation. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. Authentic name brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci are just some designer brands you will find. They prob stop and ask about every 5 mins so it does get annoying. Anse Marcel is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. One of the more interesting beaches on St. Maarten is Cupecoy because of its white sand, sandstone cliffs and small caves along the shore. You have detailed explanations in my Maho Beach review. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. St. Barth is frequented by the rich and famous. Once we got the the beach there are people there trying to rent you lounge chairs. Top 10 St. Maarten Excursions Catamaran ($1599.99) Sonesta Day Pass ($88.99) Speedboat & Snorkel ($124.99) Highlights & Beach ($55.99) Sightseeing ($44.99) Attraction Park ($138.99) ATV HIghlight and Beach ($99.99) Beach Bum Combo ($44.99) Full Day Sailing ($134.99) Sky Explorer and Dutchman ($98.99) St. Maarten Cruise Excursions Reviews 4.8/5 If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. While it is useful to consider a rental car, bus or taxi, it is wise to avoid renting a bicycle or scooter. Easily one of our favorite destinations among the best beaches in St Maarten, Baie Rouge offers long extensive shores and pristine cool waters. Get a lounge chair and umbrella going for about $7, kick back and relax. The swell is never too high thanks to its coral reefs. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Curacao, What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Bonaire, Living In Aruba (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In St Eustatius ( Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In St Maarten (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In Saba Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), St Maarten Vs St Martin (Which Is Better For A Vacation), St Thomas vs St Maarten ( Which Island Is Better To Visit), Your email address will not be published. Log in. I know you will love visiting this Caribbean island as much as I do. Orient Bay Beach is excellent for water sport activities such as snorkeling and many individuals prefer it for swimming and sunbathing than Great Bay Beach. Explore different ways to experience this place. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. St. Maarten Cruise: Best Cruises to St. Maarten - Celebrity Cruises Its worth noting that shopping on Front Street has declined in recent years because much of it has moved to the John Craane cruise terminal. Make sure to take some home with you. Logo Store; Find Your Roll Call; Meet & Mingle; Guidelines; Community Help Center; . If tanning or water sports are not your thing, then you can take a walk around and enjoy the many restaurants, bars, and shops located in the area. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. Hotels near Princ. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. A 10-15 percent tip for bus and taxi drivers is common. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. As a famous tourist island, this place is accessible and will give you the well-deserved vacation you need. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. The islands rugged coastline features 37 beaches all around. THE 5 BEST Sint Maarten Cruise Port Hotels - Mar 2023 (with Prices Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. Kayaking is also available on this island where you get to paddle across the entirety of the waters, a must-try activity for all ages. We were there for happy hour from 1pm to 3pm and had 2 cocktails for $10 from the Nazca bar and restaurant. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. This place is also less crowded and suitable for families looking for a spot for bonding and activities. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. They can rent umbrellas and chairs for a reasonable price and a lovely view of the bay. In Phillipsburg, one of the best things to do is shopping on Front Street or Back Street or hang out in Wathey Square. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_13',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0_1');.mobile-leaderboard-1-multi-113{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}If youre into water sports, this is a one of a kind attraction in the Caribbean, great fun! The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. There is also a small souvenir flea market nearby, just keep walking straight in pass Back Street, its hard to miss. Whether you prefer to be laid back or power shop, St, Maarten is the island for you and your family to enjoy it all. These cliffs are eroded to create perfect small coves that create small secluded romantic beaches on their own. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Villas at Simpson Bay Beach Resort and Marina, Little Bay Beach, Octavius L. Richardson Rd, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. We paid $50 for 2 I believe. If walking isnt appealing, there are quite a few transportation options. We had a lovely day off the ship relaxing on the beach which wasn't busy at all even with 2 ships in. Show Prices. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. These are the best beaches near Saint Martin/Sint Maarten - USA TODAY Beach bumming is the main activity here, but you can also try the locals favorite guava berry rum Coladas served at the little bars nearby. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. There are villas located on the mountainous side, fun tours to try, and sightseeing activities on this island. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. The chairs and umbrellas are $5 each. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. The nearby amenities and close proximity to the ship make it a very popular choice for cruise guests. It often gets ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean. Day Passes at Caribbean Resorts | Cruise Critic Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. Then it climbs to a high point for the rest of the year.

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