Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. They are Philipsburg on the southern coast and Simpson Bay on the southwest coast because they have the cruise port and the airport. Hotels near Philipsburg Cruise Port Terminal in St Maarten At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. Fondly known as the Friendly Island, St Maarten is unique in that it is the smallest landmass divided between two nations in the world. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. Deals. News. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. St. Martin is named as the French side and St. Maarten is named as the Dutch side. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. There are no full restrooms but there is a port-a-potty available and usually there is a crowd on weekends. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. It has BUS at the beginning of the license plate and the destination sign in the window. If youre on a Caribbean cruise tour, Great Bay Beach is a fun stopover for daytrippers since it is located at the peak of Philipsburg. 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. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. 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. Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. There are street bars, rum shacks serving ice-cold beer, and restaurants serving delicious food. Views remarkable. 285 reviews. The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. I've lived on St. Martin/St. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. 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. Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach. The casino hours are 10am to 4am daily. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. If you are after a more local atmosphere and better bargains, try Back Street. The sunset in Cupecoy Beach is astounding, and we suggest you spend it at the bar while waiting for the vibrant ambiance at night. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. The powdery soft sand and coconut trees backdrop give it a magical atmosphere. There is also a small souvenir flea market nearby, just keep walking straight in pass Back Street, its hard to miss. With its mesmerizing blue waters, sunny beaches, and lively nightlifeSt Maarten in the Caribbean islands is lauded as a prime vacation spot, especially for those who are in need of travel inspiration. Dont forget to bargain with the vendors. The John Craane cruise terminal is a large open-air mall where visitors can shop, dine and head for their paid shore excursions. This beach is as relaxing as relaxing gets; it even offers spa services to enhance the experience. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. #3 Best Value of 7 Philipsburg Cruise Port Hotels. Rates include all on-property. You will be dropped off and picked up at the pier here, you will know you have arrived when you see the map of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin mural on the ground. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Little bay beach is located adjacent to Little Divi Resort. St. Maarten Cruise Port and Things to Do for Cruise Travelers. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. We didn't find anywhere to snorkel that had anything to see. But traffic outside of the Boardwalk and Front Street is often heavy. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. 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. 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. Pinel has two breathtaking beaches. This mile-long stretch of soft, white-sandy beach runs parallel to a long promenade stretching its entire length. Show Prices. 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. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. Best Family Beaches in St. Maarten for an Outstanding Time A smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. It creates a very magical experience. Peaceful and serene. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. 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. The Guava berry Emporium is located on Front Street in Phillipsburg in an old townhouse, you cant miss the big liquor bottle at the entrance. For tourists who have a heart for adventure, this ones for you. It has become a popular destination for people ready to enjoy the sun rise and set while relaxing with a cocktail. Whether youre looking for a nice day out on the beach, or a day filled with fun things to do, this place is definitely enjoyable. If youre looking for a particular piece of jewelry Im sure you can find it here no doubt. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. Required fields are marked *. Again, look for signs point the way. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Buses usually have a sign that says Maho beach and it takes approximately 20 minutes from the cruise port. Beaches In St Maarten Near Cruise Port (The Ultimate Guide), Living In The Caribbean (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). This cruise port is huge, handling over 20,000 people at a time and up to 6 ships at once. Great Bay and Orient Bay are the best St Maarten beaches near the cruise port. Its arguably famously known as the bikini beach as it entertains many lively parties and holds huge crowds of party people. 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. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. 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. 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. It is often moderate from January through July. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. Took a water taxi from cruise port area $7 per person round trip. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. I finally had to ask her to stop because my daughter was about to cry. A snorkeling excursion there costs about $75 per person including transportation. When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. The water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. This beach is about 30 minutes from the cruise port via taxi along Airport road. Royal Palm Beach Resort. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. 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. 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. However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. Even better, this white-sand, two-mile beach is right in front of Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side of the island. 5 Best Beaches In St. Maarten For Snorkeling Nature lovers have additional reasons to love this beach, owing to the fact that its located near the Oyster pond marina. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. Cruise passengers get from the docks to Philipsburg via walking, taxi or an inexpensive water taxi. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. 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. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Your email address will not be published. They also have many water sports that are available. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. Frequented by tourists from far and wide, this beach is an amazing destination for all ages. Known to be a part of the Natural Reserve of Saint-Martin, this island is a famous snorkeling spot. We took a water taxi to this beach. 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. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. From this lovely beach, you will also see beautiful mountains against the magnificent blue sky over the sea. My favorite is the guava berry colada. Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. You can access this beach by walking. This hidden gem is seldom crowded because its tricky to find. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. But they mainly represent low-end casual in one group and high-end seafood and steak in the other. The beach is certainly grand in Sint Maarten, and within steps from the port (unlike Cayman). St. Maarten cruise port - Top rated port guide for cruise ship passengers Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. Show Prices. It did shelve quite quickly. Great food and lots of cold drinks to keep you refreshed while lounging in the sun. Maarten . The chairs and umbrellas are $5 each. All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. 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. 10 Best Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Martin The sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. 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. It has beautiful white sand beaches and is reachable by ferry or excursion boat from Simpson Bay and Marigot. St. Martin/St. Otherwise, walk the boardwalk, and pick a spot on the beach and relax for the day, swim, drink, or tan. 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. 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. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. "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. This is a very nice beach, with soft sand, and gorgeous turquoise water. You can take off and walk the boardwalk and sightsee or just relax and work on your tan. Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. Not only will the beach take your breath away but also the view, including the sunsets and docked yachts, produce a postcard memory if you go on a trip in the Oyster Pond. 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. Its named after a defeated captain who went after Saba and ran aground on the very same beach. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Philipsburg Cruise Port in Sint Maarten. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. The Second Lady kept saying how awful my daughters hair looked and that it wasnt professional. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg - Tripadvisor Show Prices. 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. Having your towels on your beach loungers will reserve them for the day. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'stmaartenadventure_com-box-3','ezslot_2',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-box-3-0');When youre on a Caribbean cruise, most likely you will end up stopping in Sint Maarten, the cruise capital of the Caribbean. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Hotels near Princ. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. 29 Best St. Maarten Excursions | 93,000+ Verified Reviews In Phillipsburg, one of the best things to do is shopping on Front Street or Back Street or hang out in Wathey Square. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. Water taxis dock at the pier which is right on the beach - not in the very central part, but 3 min walk from it. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. Didnt swim, but its safe, I was told. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. We paid $50 for 2 I believe. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? Friars Bay beach is a hidden gem amongst the best beach spots in St Maarten. These are the best beaches near Saint Martin/Sint Maarten - USA TODAY It is about seven miles north of the Philipsburg cruise port. 2022. Check it out and enjoy your Caribbean adventure to the fullest! They can rent umbrellas and chairs for a reasonable price and a lovely view of the bay. Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. 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. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten of 2023 (with Prices If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. Front Street in Philipsburg. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. Taxis. 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. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. Taxis, which also are usually SUVs, have a T at the beginning of the license plate. 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. There are a number of bars that offer drinks and lounge chairs at the beach. 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. 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. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. In this post we will explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in St Maarten on a cruise. An invisible boundary divides the 37 km island into two countries. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. Make sure to take some home with you. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. 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 fact that its semi-secluded makes it a good spot for relaxation. All Inclusive Hotels in Sint Maarten; Near Airports. Had an enjoyable walk along the beach and a very good day. 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. 2. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. Get a lounge chair and umbrella going for about $7, kick back and relax. Additionally, there is a clothing optional area on this beach. Carry snacks and drinks though there are vendors on the beach. Forums. Didnt feel too crowded and it was a great beach for kids to play and swim. The overhead plane landing makes it one of the most popular beaches in St Maarten. Kim Sha is a popular starting point for dive and excursion boats. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. What is there to do near the cruise port? Best way to get to French Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. These cliffs are eroded to create perfect small coves that create small secluded romantic beaches on their own. If you're looking for the best time to visit St Maarten, you may find this guide helpful. Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. 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. It often gets ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean. At the far end #27 is Dutch Blonds pancakes and escape rooms; just look for the windmill. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Commodore Suites, Divi Beach, Little Bay RdSint Maarten, NLD 1744. 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 exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. Anse Marcel is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. St Martin Beaches - St. Martin/St. Maarten - Cruise Critic Community A 15-minute taxi ride will get you to this beach. Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only, The Villas at Simpson Bay Beach Resort and Marina, Atrium Beach Resort and Spa St Maarten a Ramada by Wyndham, Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa, Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA. I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. Vans are also available, and prices vary depending on the number of people on board. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. This beach is perfect for surfing and windsurfing. September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. 13 Stunning St. Maarten Beaches You Should Experience - Cruise Hive Get forecasts each morning for every major island. St. Thomas Beaches Near the Cruise Port - Caribeez.com 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. It is reasonably private and not crowded, giving you ample time for relaxation and sunbathing. This is the most affordable option. 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. Rainfall is a different matter. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht There are so many things to do around the cruise port that you will never be bored but may be pressed for time. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. Re: Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten 5 years ago Save Hi Maria, The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. 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. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? Complete with the softest powdery coasts, turquoise waters, and the freshest breezes of cool air, this island is a breathtaking destination. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. The beach which starts at the end of Princess Juliana Airport Runway attracts airplane fanatics, thrill seekers and even photographers. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. Water taxis to Maho Beach from the cruise port is easy to find and cost about $20. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. . The beach itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. If youre coming with kids who love water activities, you could try out their snorkeling and underwater fun for a lower price than other beaches in St Maarten. A nice day trip is a jaunt from the Philipsburg cruise port over to Marigot, capital of the French side, or Grand Case.

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