See here for more information. Cruise ships dock at the new cruise port (the AC Wathey Pier & Port Facility) located a 20 minute walk from the downtown area of Philipsburg. Some other suites feature a swim-out pool, while the signature Azul restaurant boasts the most breathtaking views. On the Dutch side you have Great Bay Beach and Little Bay Beach, located right next to each other on either side of the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula. Port essentials with port maps, taxi prices, cruise terminal & water taxi info. They'll keep a running tab for you as long as you are there. However US dollar are widely accepted. Finding the way is easy. Oyster Pond A community located in the eastern part of the island, overlooking Lucas Bay. Just walk up to the transport booth at the end of the pier and choose from a number of choices availed to you. That's Maho Beach, aka Airport Beach. To get from St Maarten cruise port to Maho Beach, youll need to take a taxi. Old Street in Philipsburg | Photo: Vacation St. Maarten/Facebook, How to Indulge At the Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port | Celebrity Cruises, Symphony of the Seas | Our first Royal Caribbean Cruise | Port Day St. Maarten, St Maarten Cruise Terminal Philipsburg Cruise Ship Port St Martin, How Much Are Drinks On Viking River Cruises, Where Are Norwegian Cruise Ships Registered, Where Do Viking River Cruises Dock In Amsterdam, Can You See The Northern Lights On An Alaskan Cruise, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive, What Is The Best Month To Take An Alaskan Cruise, Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Puerto Rico, Cruise Lines Departing From Mobile Alabama. 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. Shopping: at the cruise terminal or in town Transportation: Taxis at the cruise terminal Watertaxi available to get you from the cruise terminal to town Beach: Great Bay Beach is the main beach in town. Sonesta Ocean Point Resort is an adults-only, 5 star luxury all-inclusive resort which features direct access to spectacular Maho Beach. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. The French route it is just too much travel time and distance. June 15, 2022 rey chavez distributor weekly specials rey chavez distributor weekly specials See St Maarten cruise port on Google maps, Check out St Maarten rent-a-car deals and offers, See the list of the best Philipsburg tours, 3. This can happen as early as 8:30. is a turnaround day for vacationers and the airport will be busy. We were there are Christmas Day and there were a lot of taxis and busses going out to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The crowds of people waiting for planes to land took up almost the entire middle of the beach closest to the runway. We dont even recommend taking your passport. Just visited Dec 26th - was told by multiple people that Maho beach was washed away by hurricane Irma and all that is left is rock - and the bar at the end of the beach is gone - completely destroyed. You'll need to be at the airport 2 hours prior to departure, arriving later than that may or may not result in your missing your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 1 American Airlines flight in at 2:00pm - the rest prop planes. If youre looking for more of an adventure, there are kayak, paddleboard and even jet ski rentals available at several locations in Philipsburg. We advice you to book in advance. Our St. Maarten cruise excursions and island tours allow you to experience all the wonder of the Dutch part of the twin island, complete with water sports, hiking and biking, marine life, and quaint history in the capital of Philipsburg. You can rent the ATV on your own, or you can book one of the off-road tours that will take you through the rugged terrain of the island and stop at the islands main landmarks. As cruise port, Cancun is visited by smaller-sized ships and superyachts as Puerto Juarez Dock can handle only vessels with low draft. Whether you are coming for the first time or you have already been, make sure you plan your day ahead to maximize your stay in this amazing port of call. And best of all the taxi charges are standardized by the government. For more information about the latest travel restrictions or port updates, please check: Also find all detailed information about cruise port St. Maarten and what to see and do underneath. Theres two more on the Dutch side you should visit, if you have the time, and at least 5 more on the French side. The fare is 2 to 3 US dollar. No need to worry. The tide was in so close that there wasnt a lot of free sand space at all- although Im told theres not a drastic difference between high and low tide at Maho. Pinel Island can be reached via a short ferry trip across Cul de Sac as well. Its just not a good idea. Rainclouds rarely stick around for long, and we were confident that by the time we reached the airplane beach it would have passed. These taxis are more like minivans, and its likely that youll share a ride with other passengers or crew in order to fill up the vehicle. Can anyone tell me how far the airport (SXM)is from the cruise dock? Walk 1h 45m. Creditcards are accepted at mosts shops. When cruise ships return to the docks of Philipsburg this summer, Sint Maarten is going to be ready. #1. The Airplane Beach in St Maarten is not what I was expecting. You might be cutting it very close with airport check-in being 2 hr's prior.With a plan it might be doable. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Cruise Terminal to Airport (Philipsburg, St Maarten) ? Everyday Im hustlin . The cruise port is located on the French side of the island. http://www.yapta.com/search/results/?id=03735b347bad15f9770ef1e8a196df8c. Sat. There was indeed white sand and crystal clear water, but Maho Beach is also one of the most-visited beaches in St Maarten, mainly due to the fact that its built directly next to the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. Marigot is the main town and capital in the French Collectivity of Saint Martin. St Maarten / St Martin has for decades been a popular port of call for cruise passengers. Make sure to take some home with you. The Dutch later built Fort Amsterdam as a military outpost in Philipsburg for protection from intruders. The French route it is just too much travel time and distance. rel="sponsored nofollow noopener"if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventourbegins_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-leader-1-0'); If you want to have an adrenaline-packed day filled with water activities and island exploration, you should go for one of the numerous boat tours offered by your cruise line and independent tour operators. Kids 3 and under are free and it is cheaper than taking a cab if you wish to go downtown for shopping. By clicking I Agree, you accept our privacy policy. Sign up here. Is visa required for Canadian PR card holders ? This is where you catch the watertaxi to the centre of Philipsburg. more, St Martin / St Maarten Destination Experts. There were so many people that the waitstaff were ran off their feet, carrying gigantic trays from table to table and struggling to keep up with all the orders. This opportunity alone makes any St. Maarten shore excursion and trip incredibly fulfilling. Of course, if youd prefer to snorkel right off the beach in St. Maarten, you can do that too. There is no direct connection from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Marigot, Saint Martin. Especially considering all the cheese shops wed passed en route in the taxi. St. Maarten's cruise port is within an easy 5 to 10 minute walking distance to Philipsburg. The only thing that separates the beach from the runway is a narrow tarmac road and a wire fence, on which signs are tacked, warning people to stay back because of blasts from the jets. It takes approximately 9 min to drive from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay. You are free to walk, but you can also take the water taxi or a regular taxi. Check out, Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling, and Beach Tour with Lunch. The distance between St Maarten Airport (SXM) and Port de Galisbay is 3 miles. The Dutch side draw bridge will open at 9:30 A.M. This is clearly a popular holiday destination, whether for people travelling only to Sint Maarten, or cruise passengers and crew like me and my pal Rachel; but I was still surprised by how Americanised the whole place felt. A water taxi, $4 one way, continually runs from the cruise terminal to different spots at the beach promenade or you can walk ( 10 min.) My favorite is the guava berry colada. It takes about 20 minutes if the roads are clear. Walk from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Philipsburg 8.8 km. It is famous for being adjacent to the Princess Juliana International Airport, and is a popular site for tourists and planewatchers, who visit the beach to watch aircraft on final approach landing at the airport, passing only a short distance above their heads. Between 1946 and 1950, it was the base for the airline Compagnie Arienne Antillaise, which flew planes from the island's 500m airstrip (no longer existent.). Anguilla is endowed with virgin beaches that feature pristine white sandy stretches. There are great sites to visit and memories to make. However, you must leave the airport (which requires going through immigration) and take a cab to get to the ferry port . So, if you are looking for the cheapest way to enjoy the Maho beach, then the local bus is an ideal way. This is your ticket to the beach and back; the taxi will drop you in the car park close to Maho Beach, and taxi vans regularly take passengers back from the exact same spot. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. It's famous because if you're there at the right time, and if you've got the right spot on the beach, planes will fly . How to Get to Philipsburg From the St. Maarten Cruise Port Cruise ships dock at the AC Wathey Pier & Port Facility around 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) south of Philipsburg center. For those looking for a different kind of beauty, the Caribbeans finest butterfly farm and a guided local artisan tour are fine ways to spend the day. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Instead, try off the beaten path gems like Happy Bay Beach or nearby Friars Bay Beach. More 1 hour Free Cancellation From $9.00 Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to St Maarten Airport 86 Leisure car rental service recently won the WTA awards as the best St. Maarten car rental company for 2020. TAke a cab and you will have time to spare. For travel planning advice, please refer to our Rome2rio Coronavirus information page . It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. For the most part, we stayed out of the crowds but still appreciated the landings at an angle. GOOD LUCK. The walk is 100-200 meters long , and in case you have difficulty in walking, there is a small trolley that can take you there for free. Large dock and cruise terminal available: 1 mile from Philipsburg Tender dock available right in town. 4. The roads were not meant to carry current traffic volumes, resulting slow driving times. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Read the full cruise port guide here. Most ships will dock when they make St. Martin their port of call and therefore the following information is based on ships docking at the cruise terminal. No, there is not a beach within walking distance of the St. Maarten cruise port. Read more about your options in the full Philipsburg, St. Maarten cruise port guide. The restaurants and bars are huddled at opposite ends of Maho Beach, although the entire thing is so small that it only takes about ten minutes to walk from one end to the other. Generally arrivals are between 6:30 and 7 on up to 8:30 or 9. Each airplane came in so low over the sand that it felt as if you could almost reach out and touch them as they rumbled onwards to the tarmac across the road. The most popular resorts in this area are Coralita Beach, Oyster Bay, and Dawn Beach. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Look out for our newsletters with travel tips and special offers. Snorkel Gear and Scuba Diving Equipment Tips by a Pro! I think I'll try and find a flight a'round noon or 1 pm. Kind of like never standing at the back end of a horse. Mere steps from where the cruise ships dock in Philipsburg is the extremely popular St. Maarten 12 Metre Challenge, which gives normal folk the thrill of racing in an actual Americas Cup regatta. Wait, what? not as many planes to watch though as traffic at the airport is still somewhat slow. . I would recommend a taxi ride from cruise port to Mullet Bay instead of excursion. Cancun Airport has four passenger terminals (total 62 gates) of . It boasts an impressive infrastructure that can accommodate a large number of cruise ships simultaneously, including the worlds largest cruise ships. A round trip costs 7 US dollars. Theres plenty of shopping just nearby. Portland, OR. It is right in town at the main boulevard. Although gutted by the French in the late 1790s, it was rebuilt by the British and today has been fully restored, with its kitchen complex, stables and slave quarters intact. Some (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? . Re: St Martin airport beach to cruise port, Get answers to your questions about St Martin / St Maarten, Last Minute Hotels in St Martin / St Maarten, Browse all 24,710 St Martin / St Maarten topics . . Philipsburg: Awarded Cruise Harbor. . and note the bridge openings. There might be two extremes in St. Maarten hair-raising ziplines and sleepy sunset cruises but there is so much more to the island, which really grew on me during my short stay and now ranks as my favourite Caribbean destination. For over 350 years they have been living alongside one another on this small island. . Just watch the video below filmed on January 11, 2017. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-14746401', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight is at 10:30 you need to be at the airport to check in by 8:30. so it depends on what time you dock and how fast you can get off the ship. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, St. Maarten suffered significant damage that its still working to recover from. Now, any day can be a 12K kind of day. St. Maarten Two Islands Private Day TourTwo countries on one island for almost 400 years. Having worked in the cruise industry for over 7 years as Concierge and Shore excursions staff (Rivages du Monde, Viking River Cruises, Royal Caribbean International), Ive gained priceless, inside knowledge about the ports of call and have become a shore excursions expert. They also have 3 hour sightseeing tours for $90. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88299383', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise ships have that as an excursion it's the sunset beach bar . . Fed and watered, Rachel and I headed onto the beach itself. Whether you book a shore excursion with the cruise line, a third party vendor, or a local tour operator, there are numerous locations in the area to spot a variety of marine life. Or walk into Philipsburg and catch a local bus heading to Maho Beach. The rusting cannons of Fort Amsterdam guard the many cruise ships that make a port of call in St. Maarten. The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. Last updated: March 1 | Data sourced from: ACAPS, OXFORD. There's no physical border or customs checkpoint between the two sides. Travel down Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard with a transfer thats easy to count on, choosing between a modest sedan or a spacious chartered bus to see the vibrant culture of the Arawak people, or consider one of many meet-and-greet services ranging from luxury limousines perfect for arriving to beachside resort restaurants in brilliant fashion, or go with a casual local personal driver who can offer the natives perspective of surrounding landmarks as well as exotic natural flora. The nicest beaches in St. Maarten are Majo Beach, located at the end of the airport runway, and Orient Beach, located on the French side of the island. Many more are coming and cruise life is getting back to normal. Do you have a special shop, museum, attraction or tour you would like to share? Marigot to Grand Case should take 15 minutes, but here as well it can sometimes take longer. That was very silly of me. Thank you for reading and Happy Cruising! Cruise portsCrew membersDestinationsBlogAbout me, ContactPrivacy policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimer, We use cookies to improve your experience. I only know two rental companies located near the cruise port. On Monday, December 4, 2017, Viking Sea was the first cruise ship to call at the island of St Maarten since the passing of hurricane Irma earlier in September that same year. Find a booth (see picture) to buy a ticket. To get around the island you will need a vehicle and luckily transport is readily available at the end of the short pier. Sint Maarten Tourism; Sint Maarten Hotels; Sint Maarten Bed and Breakfast. 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. However, the Water Taxi is $7 round trip and a short 5-10 minute water ride to a beach. In 2017 a woman from New Zealand was killed when she was thrown backwards by a jet blast from a Caribbean Airlines flight which was taking off. And yet there really is just a simple wire fence separating the road from the runway. I will be disembarking a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Indirect flights to St Maartens airport can be sought by going via Paris or Amsterdam. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). - Wikipedia. We went to a beach just past the airport call Mullet Bay - if you want you can actually walk to runway to watch landings - for us, we skipped it because the only flights in / out were small inter-island planes. This island also has a beach lined with loungers and umbrellas to relax after your snorkeling trek. Tintamarre Island is an uninhabited island which has been recognized as an important bird area. February 18. Portland, OR. Both the Dutch side and French side of the island have so much to offer in the way of beaches. Anyone familiar with Villa Oyster Pearl and/or Dawn Beach? But eventually the tide came in so close that there was nothing else for it but to pack up and move on. Your email address will not be published. Currency: The official currency in St Maarten is the Antillean Guilder and the Euro depending on which side you are on. Cruise ships dock at A.C. Wathey Pier, in Dutch St. Maarten. Read Also: Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Puerto Rico. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88390607', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maho beach was washed away by hurricane Irma and all that is left is rock - and the bar at the end of the beach is gone - completely destroyed. I hope my article gave you an insight into the best of St Maarten/Saint-Martin. . The most famous of all the beaches on the island is Maho Bay Beach thanks to its proximity to the airport. Underneath you will find your transportation options: The water taxi is a very popular way to go to the city centre of Philipsburg. Rodael ingored my email and car booking request made from their website. The journey should only take about 20 minutes, but we spent almost double that crawling along in a long line of cars. There are lots of beaches nearby. No matter which option you choose, our stress-free transportation service ensures a comfortable and enjoyable journey from start to . Airport: St Maartens airport is called St Maartens Princess Juliana International Airport. Cabin Prices. St Maarten port is one of the fastest-growing Caribbean cruise ports and the leading cruise port in the Eastern Caribbean. When we left the ship that morning the sky was overcast and there was drizzle all around; but the weather in the Caribbean can change in a matter of minutes. Find all the transport options for your trip from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay right here. This price is very reasonable and affordable for everyone. Add it! One is Rodael Car Rental and the other one is Coastal Car Rental. Cruise for 9 nights departing in October 2023 | Cruise code departing from Boston . Here, you will find the Pinel Island Marine Trail, a designated snorkeling route teeming with marine life. The cutest little streets youll ever want to explore are here, plus white sand beaches that bow to the more liberal European culture. Both beach bars on the beach are up and running for some time. The fastest way to get from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay is to ferry. It occupies the northern part of the island, and the capital is Marigot, a charming town known for its vibrant markets and beautiful beaches, dominated by Fort St. Louis, the 18th-century military fort offering amazing panoramic views of the island.var cid='2861769772';var pid='ca-pub-7965674744033396';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=2;var alS=2021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} Regardless of your choice, you should include the places below on your sightseeing list: Insider tip: If you are booking a tour, make sure its organized in small groups, cruise ship friendly, and guarantees your return to the ship! For full information, please see mydisclaimerhere. But whilst the Silver Wind was still in port, another 3 ships docked in St Maarten Regal Princess, Eurodam and Anthem of the Seas. And the area directly in the path to the runway was naturally where people gravitated towards; everyone needs the money shot of themselves with an airplane zooming low behind. However, there are services departing from Sint Maarten and arriving at St. Martin via Anguilla. At its Great Bay is the Port of St. Maarten, a main gateway for experiencing the few blocks of historic city nearby. At St. Martins cruise terminal you will find international and local shops, tourist information, cafes and restaurants and a (water)taxi service.The cruise dock is about 1,5 km or 1 mile from the city centre of Philipsburg. Welcome to the St. Maarten cruise port guide. we will be on a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Docking at the island is smooth, courtesy of the large pier that accommodates up to 7 ships. How far away is the airport from the docking piers in st. marrten. Hi, the 27th is on a Saturday ---your docking time WILL BE KEY. With over 500 duty-free stores this must be absolute shoppers paradise. more, St Martin / St Maarten Destination Experts. Nowadays, the island reflects a blend of two cultures and mentalities that learned to live, work, and grow together. Cruise tourists contribute around 7,1% to Puerto Rico's economy. Also, AA airline flight departs at 10:30 am..can I make this flight? There are no direct flights from the UK to St Maartens, making it a great island to explore when cruising. distance from st maarten airport to cruise port. It's perhaps a 15- to 20-minute drive (sometimes more if the traffic is really bad). We have received no reports of travel restrictions in Saint Martin.