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. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. The eateries are a hive of energy with an exciting atmosphere as many businesses, and VIP parties are held here. Here are the best things to do while in Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port! Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. What's Included: Three types of passes are available: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $90, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $105 and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (full-day pass) for $195. Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. 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. Water taxis dock at the pier which is right on the beach - not in the very central part, but 3 min walk from it. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. This is a very nice beach, with soft sand, and gorgeous turquoise water. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Hotels near Princ. The beach is about 1/3 mile long. The clear crystal waters offer the perfect chance to snorkel, especially on the rockier shores. 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. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. Little bay beach is located adjacent to Little Divi Resort. Maarten . For the vacationers who are early birds, they get to have a glimpse of a spectacular sunset, so be sure to set your alarms early. Beach chairs, umbrellas and jet-skis are available for a fee. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Orient Bay is a fairly quick drive by taxi, rental car or excursion bus from Philipsburg. We took a water taxi to this beach. There are so many things to do around the cruise port that you will never be bored but may be pressed for time. St. Maarten is one of the most popular destinations for eastern and southern Caribbean cruises, so cruise visitors need to know that Great Bay Beach is one of the best beaches near the cruise port. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. 2. A cruise visitor who is thinking about a car rental might do so for visits to the less-populated French side of the island, especially the quaint city of Marigot. From this lovely beach, you will also see beautiful mountains against the magnificent blue sky over the sea. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . As a former crew member for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line I can continue my passion by sharing my experiences with readers. But all in all, both sides offer some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean. Alicia's Inn. News. 1. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. This place is also less crowded and suitable for families looking for a spot for bonding and activities. 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 sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. Here you can dine at French, Thai, and Italian restaurants. coveneiet water taxi. Both offer relaxing stretches of sandy beach and an array of restaurants and amenities to make your time in St Maarten a memorable one. before joining cruise ship. Just a short walk away you can enjoy some duty-free shopping, great food, and delicious cocktails. Its a long stretch of several white sandy beaches nestled at the foot of sapphire colored sand cliffs. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. 10 Indulgence by the Sea St. Maarten Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea The Indulgence by the Sea Spa. Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. St Maarten is Dutch and to the north the French side is called St Martin. Youll still see some damage even along the boardwalk of Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg. Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Princess Heights Luxury Condo Hotel. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. Great Bay Beach is also a family beach which is kid-friendly so that the whole family can enjoy. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau In Phillipsburg, one of the best things to do is shopping on Front Street or Back Street or hang out in Wathey Square. The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. Always give yourself ample time for traffic, and theres always traffic in St.Maarten. Cruise Tips. In this post we will explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in St Maarten on a cruise. They also have many water sports that are available. But once found, its truly worthwhile. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. Peaceful and serene. The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. Dawn Beach offers spectacular views of sunrises. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Holland House Beach Hotel. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. St. Martin is one of the best shopping ports of the Caribbean. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! Riselle Celestina for Insider. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. Walk around to get the best deals on t-shirts, perfumes, cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, homeware and electronics, all duty-free. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. The extended stretch of fine white sand is great, and the swaying palm trees offer respite from the harsh sun. Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. The only problem was the ladies that would walk up and down the beach selling stuffed animals, massages , and hair braiding. Best for Crown Bay Cruisers: Emerald Beach (Lindbergh Bay Beach) Why go: Home to the Emerald Beach Resort, Lindbergh Bay has all the things you want in a beach, while being located close. Your email address will not be published. What Attractions Are At Orient Bay Beach? Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. This lovely, well-sheltered beach offers crystal-clear calm, warm waters that are perfect for swimming. Shops and food along the boardwalk. 17 Best Beaches in St. Maarten Top Public Beach Spots! The Philipsburg boardwalk lies between the beach and the shopping district of the city. Once we got the the beach there are people there trying to rent you lounge chairs. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. If you are going to be traveling to Maho beach its best to pack up and head back to the port latest 3:30 pm if your ships leaving at 5 pm. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. 1. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. Since 1648, Philipsburg has been a site of settlement or port of call for travellers as well as slave ships past (see Lizzy Wade for Science 9 Mar 2015). Juliana Airport (SXM) Hotels near Esperance Airport (SFG) Hotels near Wallblake Airport (AXA) Tours; Add a . Hawkers in front of the cafes will sometimes offer them for free to visitors who buy food and beverages. They have Jet-Skis rentals and water sports equipment rentals. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. The centuries-old liquor is a part of St. Maartens culture, there are songs and stories dedicated to the Guava Berry. The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. This cruise port is huge, handling over 20,000 people at a time and up to 6 ships at once. There are street bars, rum shacks serving ice-cold beer, and restaurants serving delicious food. We paid $50 for 2 I believe. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. St. Maarten. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. 3-Hour Guided Jeep Tour Island Highlights and 1-Hour Relax by Beach, The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour, The Original Eco Tour Full-Day Around the Island of Sint Maarten, Private St Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour, Best Of St Maarten Private Nightlife Tour, Modern Interactive Art MaShin Tour in Philipsburg with Pickup, @Philipsburg: calling all Sunbathers and shoppers. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. As such there is little vegetation. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'stmaartenadventure_com-leader-3','ezslot_8',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-leader-3-0');There are also cabs to take you to different destinations if you prefer to discover the island. Located at the northern portions of St Maarten, Tintamarre Island is a secluded paradise unlike anywhere else. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. 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. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Orient Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Cupecoy Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! However, kindly note that this one is the furthest on this list from the cruise port. Great Bay Beach, a long boardwalk and shopping on Front Street run side by side. 285 reviews. Grab a beach chair and umbrella and enjoy your day in port at this lovely beach. Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. Grand Case Beach. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. The coral reefs offer snorkelers a peek into St. Maarten water inhabitants. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. This is something extraordinary to write home about. The John Craane cruise terminal is a large open-air mall where visitors can shop, dine and head for their paid shore excursions. It is very close to the cruise terminal and you can get there either by water taxi for $7 with a return ticket or pay $5 for a one way. If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. Where on French side? It gives a semiprivate vibe but is not totally secluded, still giving you a public place to stroll and bask in the sun. They are Philipsburg on the southern coast and Simpson Bay on the southwest coast because they have the cruise port and the airport. Otherwise, walk the boardwalk, and pick a spot on the beach and relax for the day, swim, drink, or tan. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. The Great Bay Beach is a well-maintained destination complete with white sandy dunes and clear waters, which is why its among our top picks when it comes to the different nice beaches in St Maarten. The popular cruise destination in the Eastern Caribbean has two sides and is known for being the smallest landmass to host two nations in one place. Top 5 Best Beach In St Maarten For Snorkeling Happy Bay Beach Happy Bay is a small beautiful beach that is located in the Northwest of the island between the Bay of Grand Case and Friars Bay. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. Oyster Pond is perfect if youre looking for a place that exudes tranquility. Great Bay Beach is also situated near car rentals, restaurants, bars and cafes and is a fantastic beach for swimming. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Required fields are marked *. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. The Happy bay beach is also known as the best snorkel spot in St Maarten. Views remarkable. From the small pebbles found on the shore to its magnificent coastlines, you are bound to fall in love with the beach as you take a long stroll. Do the taxis going from the St. Maarten cruise port to great bay beach dock at a pier or beach? Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters. "Everything was great, except check in because there's no place to park immediately until after you check in and pay the fees for the parking lot. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Travel to Maho beach and watch jumbo jets fly overhead to land at the nearby airport. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. Forums. INDULGENCE BY THE SEA Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea LITTLE BAY BEACH ST. MAARTEN TREASURE SEEKER Photo courtesy of Treasure Seeker WATHEY SQUARE Photo courtesy of Vacation St. Maarten WATER UFO ST. MAARTEN Photo courtesy of Water UFO SUNSET BAR AND GRILL 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. An island tour that includes quick stops at Orient Beach, Maho Bay, Marigot, Mullet Bay Beach and other attractions will cost about $50 per person. It is about seven miles north of the Philipsburg cruise port. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? One of the more interesting beaches on St. Maarten is Cupecoy because of its white sand, sandstone cliffs and small caves along the shore. It often gets ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. There are few chain restaurants. Its the perfect beach spot if you want a quiet place to go without the touristy vibe. We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. The water is warm with a pleasant surf. The sunset in Cupecoy Beach is astounding, and we suggest you spend it at the bar while waiting for the vibrant ambiance at night. Check it out and enjoy your Caribbean adventure to the fullest! Additionally, there is a nearby fishing village by the beach, giving a tranquil vibe that is different from the vibrant nightlife of other beaches in St Maarten. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. It is generally not as interesting as the nightlife around Maho and Mullet Bay, a characteristic feature of the Dutch side, long after the U.S. military built the Princess Juliana airstrip by 1947 and development ensued in the 1960-70s. St.Barths is only 30 minutes away from this beach, and we suggest you take a side trip there to complete your ultimate Caribbean vacation. Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. Explore different ways to experience this place. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. Get a waterproof case to protect your phone right here. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. Maho Beach is a 30-40 minute drive to reach, and it requires a shore excursion or taxi to get there. As a famous tourist island, this place is accessible and will give you the well-deserved vacation you need. You can get to this beach via a taxi or a bus. So get a taxi or car rental if you plan to see more than just the tourism district. 1. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. They can rent umbrellas and chairs for a reasonable price and a lovely view of the bay. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. Cupecoy is a half hour west of the port and requires a taxi or rental car to get there. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. We rented chairs with wonderful service from Jimmy from the love boat restaurant and beach service , chair rental and service right on the beach with food and reasonably priced drinks were exceptional.. could not have asked for a more pleasant day til, Convenient swimming with shopping and restaurants. An invisible boundary divides the 37 km island into two countries. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. 3. Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Beach Tour Including Lunch in St. Maarten (From $139.00) Half Day Snorkeling and Beach Tour/Excursion (From $89.00) Private Sailboat Charter in St Maarten; Anguilla and Prickly Pear Cays day trip (From $160.00) 3 Island Adventure with stop at Tintamarre to swim with Turtles (From $146.00) Dont miss out on visiting the different souvenir shops where you could snag some trinkets and memorabilia to remember your Caribbean Trip here in Great Bay Beach. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-box-4','ezslot_3',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-box-4-0');There are many beach bars located in Maho such as Sunset Beach Bar, Driftwood Boat Bar, and the new Sandbar Beach Bar. You get 2 Beach Loungers and 1 umbrella and 6 beers all for approximately $25-$30 depending on which restaurant or bar you go to. St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. The walk is about 10 minutes, goes three fourths of a mile and is not difficult on a warm day. These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! While it is useful to consider a rental car, bus or taxi, it is wise to avoid renting a bicycle or scooter. It requires steering with your bodymovements, if you have 2 people riding you must lean in unison. Frequented by tourists from far and wide, this beach is an amazing destination for all ages. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? Beaches In St Maarten Near Cruise Port (The Ultimate Guide), Living In The Caribbean (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). 2. Expect to pay anywhere between $7 and $35 to get to a zone. 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. It has BUS at the beginning of the license plate and the destination sign in the window. With close to 45 miles of beautiful coastline, you'll find some amazing beaches near St Maarten cruise port. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. Pinel has two breathtaking beaches. Enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and keep an eye on the time, time flies when youre having fun. New restaurant Oleos had good food and amazing view. Arrived on cruise ship having read the reviews and took the $7 water taxi as advised. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. Taxis, which also are usually SUVs, have a T at the beginning of the license plate. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Plantation. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. Some of the ladies started harassing a guy because he said no to a massage for his wife. 15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience, 15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise, Photos Reveal Progress at Carnival Cruise Lines New Port, Cunard Line Unveils Historical Photo ExhibitionFrom Past 100 Years, Royal Caribbean Cuts Back on Housekeeping Service, Fourth Carnival Cruise Ship Will Be Based Out of Galveston, Texas. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. A 20minutes taxi ride from the cruise pier will get you to the beach. Martin. Known to be near the Great Bay, you could make a side trip here to experience this beachs greatness. They dont tell you how much the braids cost till the end and this lady wanted $65 for some braids she put in my sons hair but my daughters cost $25. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding.
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