We did end up getting some of our kids hair braided by two different people. From there, cruise visitors can walk, take a water taxi or a taxi cab to Great Bay Beach. My favorite is the guava berry colada. Best Family Beaches in St. Maarten for an Outstanding Time Both offer relaxing stretches of sandy beach and an array of restaurants and amenities to make your time in St Maarten a memorable one. St. Martin is named as the French side and St. Maarten is named as the Dutch side. Then travelled back on water taxi (very good ride!) 1. It's perfect for a lazy beach day. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. Quite packed thoughClose by the cruise port, just a quick $7 water taxi over to here. Related:15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. If you're looking for the best time to visit St Maarten, you may find this guide helpful. 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. 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. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. It creates a very magical experience. If you prefer to walk its about 20 minutes. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. It offers convenient access and plenty to do right there by the port. A 10-15 percent tip for bus and taxi drivers is common. Though it's not nearly as . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg - Tripadvisor Time to ged inspired by these 13 stunning St. Maarten beaches you can experience during a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean. Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. Anyone who walks around the Philipsburg waterfront wont find much else to see other than the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants. The sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. Its like a 3 min ride. 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. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? 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. From the comfort of your lounge chair under the sun . The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. News. There are few chain restaurants. Juliana Airport (SXM) Hotels near Esperance Airport (SFG) Hotels near Wallblake Airport (AXA) Tours; Add a . Known to be near the Great Bay, you could make a side trip here to experience this beachs greatness. These are the best beaches near Saint Martin/Sint Maarten - USA TODAY Get a lounge chair and umbrella going for about $7, kick back and relax. 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. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Shopping in St. Maarten: Where to Go & What to Buy - Celebrity Current St Maarten/St Martin Beaches Maho Beach - This famous beach is one of the main St Maarten attractions and is located a 25-minute drive (14 km/9 miles) from the cruise ship terminal. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. Two beach chairs and an umbrella go for $20. Bicycles / scooters. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. 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. Rates include all on-property. It takes one about 25 minutes to get to the beach. Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. That aspect alone would make you want to visit this spot, and it also makes Burgeaux beach one of the best beach destinations on the island. I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. The short runway forces planes to fly low over the beach. Whether you prefer to be laid back or power shop, St, Maarten is the island for you and your family to enjoy it all. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. St. Maarten Cruise: Best Cruises to St. Maarten - Celebrity Cruises 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. 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. What Attractions Are At Orient Bay Beach? Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. On foot. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Its a long stretch of several white sandy beaches nestled at the foot of sapphire colored sand cliffs. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. 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. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. 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. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. THE 5 BEST Sint Maarten Cruise Port Hotels - Mar 2023 (with Prices Best things to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port: The Ultimate Guide Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. 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. Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. 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. In this post we will explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in St Maarten on a cruise. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. St. Maarten Beaches Near the Cruise Port - Caribeez Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. Philipsburg is big enough and developed enough to spend most of the day on foot. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 370 reviews. You can rent two chairs and umbrellas for $20 and relax the day away. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Charged 30 dollars(should have haggled) for two sunbeds and an umbrella plus 6 free beers! While the Dutch side boasts of the closest beaches to the cruise port, the French side has some of the best. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. 285 reviews. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. The water is calm, no waves. Note that it is clothing optional. The Guava berry Emporium is the spot to taste and sample this locally made liquor. 5 Best Beaches In St. Maarten For Snorkeling We were there for happy hour from 1pm to 3pm and had 2 cocktails for $10 from the Nazca bar and restaurant. 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 beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. Log in. Little bay beach is located adjacent to Little Divi Resort. The swell is never too high thanks to its coral reefs. We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. Hotels near Philipsburg Cruise Port Terminal in St Maarten You can even take a short taxi ride into Maho to watch the planes take-off and land. 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. 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. 30 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise The ride is only 10 minutes long. Visit Orient Bay village, within walking distance of the beach. But traffic outside of the Boardwalk and Front Street is often heavy. Grab a beach chair and umbrella and enjoy your day in port at this lovely beach. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. 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. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Another beach that is well loved by both locals and visitors to the island is Mullet Bay Beach. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Ships dock at the Dr. AC Wathey Cruise Facility in front of a sprawling outdoor pedestrian mall. Anse Marcel is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. Vans are also available, and prices vary depending on the number of people on board. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? They also give you free Wi-Fi so dont forget to ask for the Wi-Fi code, especially for your social media buffs. 2022. Great for: Beach time, diving, snorkeling, water sports. Are you looking for a unique experience by the beach thats accessible and convenient? Outside of Philipsburg, two of the most famous attractions on the island are beaches. 10 Best Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Martin Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten of 2023 (with Prices Always give yourself ample time for traffic, and theres always traffic in St.Maarten. This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho Beach. St. Martin/St. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. We suggest checking in to the lovely villas by the cliff, and youll surely enjoy your time with a majestic view of the blue waters. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten - Tripadvisor Very convenient. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. You only need to get to the port early. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. The powdery soft sand and coconut trees backdrop give it a magical atmosphere. 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). Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. #3 Best Value of 7 Philipsburg Cruise Port Hotels. 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. Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. The waters on this beach are very inviting. The place is fabulous. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. Once we got the the beach there are people there trying to rent you lounge chairs. This destination is also known to be the safest beach for kids since the water is calm and aquatic activities are relatively available in the area. 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. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. 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. We paid $50 for 2 I believe. 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. 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. International brands such as Little Switzerland and Diamond International are easily accessible. There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. 3. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. 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. It did shelve quite quickly. Swim shoes may come in handy when walking by the shore, and there may be small rocks you may encounter when walking in the waters. Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I trust that you have found this information useful if your plans are to visit a beach while on a cruise to St Maarten. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. 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. These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. However, if you are looking for a quieter beach, then this isnt that beach, and you should probably try Mullet beach found nearby. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. What is the best beach to go to from Cruise Ship - St Martin / St Hence, the island of St. Maarten is one of the worlds top cruise port destinations. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. 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. The sunset in Cupecoy Beach is astounding, and we suggest you spend it at the bar while waiting for the vibrant ambiance at night. In the morning, the beautiful beach and the clear sand captivates the vacationers to take a dip. As such there is little vegetation. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. 285 reviews. Otherwise, walk the boardwalk, and pick a spot on the beach and relax for the day, swim, drink, or tan. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Plantation. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. St. Barth is frequented by the rich and famous. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. Some of the ladies started harassing a guy because he said no to a massage for his wife. St. Maarten Cruise Port and Things to Do for Cruise Travelers. 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. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. This beach is as relaxing as relaxing gets; it even offers spa services to enhance the experience. "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. Rainfall is a different matter. Great food and lots of cold drinks to keep you refreshed while lounging in the sun. Its the perfect beach spot if you want a quiet place to go without the touristy vibe. St Maarten Shore Excursion: Orient, Maho Beach Half-Day Tour 2023 - Viator They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. Easily one of our favorite destinations among the best beaches in St Maarten, Baie Rouge offers long extensive shores and pristine cool waters. 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. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding. As a result, it often draws large crowds. 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. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . Is your upcoming Caribbean cruise docking in St Maarten? Expect to pay anywhere between $7 and $35 to get to a zone. Wathey Square is where the boat taxis operate from. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. Pinel Beach is found in an island lying just a few yards off the east coast of Sint Martin. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. While it is useful to consider a rental car, bus or taxi, it is wise to avoid renting a bicycle or scooter. Check out the list below for the top recommended Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Therefore, be sure to gauge return time to the ship properly as there can be traffic jams on afternoons from this beach back to the port. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? Its located near Maho beach, and though you can see the airplanes flying above, they are usually far away and therefore less noisy. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. Maho Beach is usually a favorite of visitors to the island and it is a tiny beach. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. Oyster Pond is perfect if youre looking for a place that exudes tranquility. St Maarten Cruise Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port - Things to Do! - Gangwaze.com What is there to do near the cruise port? Best way to get to French Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Orient Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Cupecoy Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. Reviews. The extended stretch of fine white sand is great, and the swaying palm trees offer respite from the harsh sun. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Moreover, go for snorkeling and explore the underwater world. Mullet Bay (Sint Maarten) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go The island has a small number of narrow winding roads, so car rentals even for a day are quite commonso common that traffic jams are frequent. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. One of the more interesting beaches on St. Maarten is Cupecoy because of its white sand, sandstone cliffs and small caves along the shore. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. If you walk it's a 15-20 min walk cruise port-beach or vv. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Front Street is famous for its duty-free shopping.