St Maarten Cruise Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions 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). The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. One of the more famous and controversial attractions is the Maho Bay beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. Re: Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten 5 years ago Save Hi Maria, The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Buses usually have a sign that says Maho beach and it takes approximately 20 minutes from the cruise port. Unfortunately, you may only get a glimpse of this gem of an island, I always recommend a proper vacation for a week or two. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Saba is known for hiking and other ecotourism activities. We were there for happy hour from 1pm to 3pm and had 2 cocktails for $10 from the Nazca bar and restaurant. Again, look for signs point the way. 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. 370 reviews. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. Great Bay Beach is a fun beach and everything you will need will be there------the beach---water sports---bars--restaurants----long & wide and close to the docks and along one of the best shopping streets in the Caribbean. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten (with Prices 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. Where Is The Cruise Port In St Maarten - CruiseInfoClub.com Find a Cruise. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Known to be a favorite spot among celebrities, this outstanding beach showcases a plethora of restaurants, hotels, and shops by the oceanfront, making it convenient for the tourists to go souvenir shopping. Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Plantation. But traffic outside of the Boardwalk and Front Street is often heavy. 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. The top three excursions in St. Maarten are 1) The Flying Dutchman zip-line, 2) a chairlift to the top of sentry hill and 3) racing on a multi-million dollar America's Cup yacht boat. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. There is a boat that brings people over and drops them at the dock. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. Show Prices. What is the best beach to go to from Cruise Ship - St Martin / St There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. The sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. 1. Clothing is optional because it is secluded and located by the French St. Martin border. The extended stretch of fine white sand is great, and the swaying palm trees offer respite from the harsh sun. Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. Deals. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . Great Bay Beach is also a family beach which is kid-friendly so that the whole family can enjoy. Taxis. I've lived on St. Martin/St. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. Anyone who walks around the Philipsburg waterfront wont find much else to see other than the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants. 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. Calm and clear azure waters with an excellent view of the Ocean is what greets you at Grand Case Beach. Views remarkable. Best things to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port: The Ultimate Guide Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? coveneiet water taxi. The right portion is where families and children would bond through a number of recreational activities, and the left-most area is the adult division of the beach meant for nude sunbathing. Its located near Maho beach, and though you can see the airplanes flying above, they are usually far away and therefore less noisy. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. Reviews. I know you will love visiting this Caribbean island as much as I do. 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. St Martin Beaches - St. Martin/St. Maarten - Cruise Critic Community Peaceful and serene. For tourists who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, this is the place to be. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. With so many things to do and see in St. Maarten, you may need to come back and spend a weeks holiday to really enjoy the rest of the island. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! Head to St. Martin, the French side of St. Maarten, where you'll find a peaceful environment. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. The water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. Explore different ways to experience this place. They have Jet-Skis rentals and water sports equipment rentals. Visit this beach to enjoy a great beach break on its soft white sands and when you get hungry grab a bite at the nearby restaurants. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. 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. Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! The nearby amenities and close proximity to the ship make it a very popular choice for cruise guests. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-banner-1-0');Visit Little Bay Beach if youre looking for a beach thats close to the cruise port, about 7-minute cab ride. If this is something you would like to see and enjoy, then, by all means, visit Maho beach for this once in a lifetime experience. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in St Maarten, located near Princess Juliana Airport. A 15-minute taxi ride will get you to this beach. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. 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. Competent swimmers should try this beach and swim out to the arch and enjoy the other hidden beach found at the base of the cliff. 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. 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. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. 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. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. 285 reviews. 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? The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. 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. Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. St. Martin is named as the French side and St. Maarten is named as the Dutch side. Show Prices. 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. It. Walk around to get the best deals on t-shirts, perfumes, cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, homeware and electronics, all duty-free. Some of the ladies started harassing a guy because he said no to a massage for his wife. Beach nice enough, sea was lovely but quite a drop as the current changed..safe enough though. Here you can dine at French, Thai, and Italian restaurants. Shore Excursions & Cruise Tours: 2023 Reviews & Ratings - Cruise Critic Sit, relax, and work on your tan, sipping on cocktails, or you can enjoy some water sports such as jet-skiing, snorkeling, and much more. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. 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. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. Located on the northeast coast of St Maarten is The Orient Bay Beach, the perfect vacation spot. 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. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. You can take off and walk the boardwalk and sightsee or just relax and work on your tan. We were approached by multiple people right as we got off the water taxi and decided to pay $30 for two beach chairs, free wi-fi and five free drinks. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. The John Craane cruise terminal is a large open-air mall where visitors can shop, dine and head for their paid shore excursions. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. There are street bars, rum shacks serving ice-cold beer, and restaurants serving delicious food. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. Little Bay Beach. 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. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. There are villas located on the mountainous side, fun tours to try, and sightseeing activities on this island. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Commodore Suites, Divi Beach, Little Bay RdSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Moreover, go for snorkeling and explore the underwater world. 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. This is the most affordable option. But dont take our word for it see for yourself. This is something extraordinary to write home about. Water taxis dock at the pier which is right on the beach - not in the very central part, but 3 min walk from it. Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. Two beach bars are located at either end of this beach being Sunset bar and grill and Driftwood boat bar respectively. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Great Bay Beach: Great Bay Beach, Philipsburg: Address, Great Bay Beach Reviews: 4.5/5. Known to be near the Great Bay, you could make a side trip here to experience this beachs greatness. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. This Beach is a hidden gem found behind Divi resorts and makes for a perfect escape from the crowds. Mullet Bay (Sint Maarten) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Maho Beach is a 30-40 minute drive to reach, and it requires a shore excursion or taxi to get there. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. Maho Beach is famous because it is located so close to the airport that landing planes will swoop so close over the heads of beachgoers that some of them get knocked off their feet. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. THE 5 BEST Sint Maarten Cruise Port Hotels - Mar 2023 (with Prices 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. Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. Kids can play on the sand and enjoy a splash in the calm water. If youre looking for a particular piece of jewelry Im sure you can find it here no doubt. Hotels near Princ. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach. We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. 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. Car rentals. The calm waters on this beach justify its spot as the best beach for swimming in St Maarten. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. When the clock hits at the time of sunset, thats where the flashing lights, livid atmosphere, and the nightlife starts. Directly a few blocks inland from the duty free store, past the courthouse, the yellow and blue RBC bank building with automated teller machine is always open to tourists in need of cash for excursions / tipping. Cruise Tips. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. They also have showers and restrooms that are all nearby and available for everyone to use. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. St. Maarten cruise docks. Grand Case Beach. St Maarten Shore Excursion: Orient, Maho Beach Half-Day Tour 2023 - Viator The beach itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. Ships dock at the Dr. AC Wathey Cruise Facility in front of a sprawling outdoor pedestrian mall. St. Martin/St. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. Royal Palm Beach Resort. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. Always give yourself ample time for traffic, and theres always traffic in St.Maarten. Grab a beach chair and umbrella and enjoy your day in port at this lovely beach. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. One of the more interesting beaches on St. Maarten is Cupecoy because of its white sand, sandstone cliffs and small caves along the shore. 3. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! All Rights Reserved. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. International brands such as Little Switzerland and Diamond International are easily accessible. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. 17 Best Beaches in St. Maarten Top Public Beach Spots! Visit Orient Bay village, within walking distance of the beach. Both offer relaxing stretches of sandy beach and an array of restaurants and amenities to make your time in St Maarten a memorable one. What Attractions Are At Orient Bay Beach? The main appeal is the convenient Great Bay Beach, the long boardwalk that runs parallel to it and the shops and restaurants that line the boardwalk. Say Maho! when the planes fly over your head; its a tradition on the island! News. Until the development of the new cruise terminal, Front Street ranked among one of the best shopping experiences in the Caribbeanalong with Playa Del Carmen, St. Thomas and Old San Juan. Therefore, depending on the time of year that you visit expect there to be a crowd. Wathey Square is where the boat taxis operate from. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. You only need to get to the port early. Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten - Tripadvisor before joining cruise ship. As a result, it often draws large crowds. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. St. Thomas/St. John Beach Guide - Cruise Critic Recommended Hotel Nearby: Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Great Bay Beach, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. 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. Running parallel to the boardwalk is Front Street, which has most of the shops in the city. With its nice horizon, outstanding view, and superb restaurants to trythe Oyster pond is one of the prettiest beaches in St Maarten. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. Galion Beach is very popular with families and adrenaline junkies. Visitors will find plenty of taxis at the docks ready to take them there. Rent a jet ski and take a ride on the water. If you are after a more local atmosphere and better bargains, try Back Street. The island has virtually no stop signs or stop lights. Is your upcoming Caribbean cruise docking in St Maarten? Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. Beaches In St Maarten Near Cruise Port (The Ultimate Guide), Living In The Caribbean (Pros & Cons Fully Explained).
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