Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. Where you can relax and just enjoy the beauty. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_13',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0_1');.mobile-leaderboard-1-multi-113{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}If youre into water sports, this is a one of a kind attraction in the Caribbean, great fun! Its not easy elsewhere to find washrooms for public use, except at restaurants by the beach. It features clear, calm crystalline waters with soft white sand and sprawling palm trees. The sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. The beach strip has enough to offer during the day, though, and stores galore towards Achter Straatan enduring shopping destination! There are hundreds of duty free stores and the discounts are great. Royal Palm Beach Resort. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. This is something extraordinary to write home about. It is a definite try if youre on a trip to the Caribbean. 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. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. 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. Bicycles / scooters. Grand Case Beach. Little Bay Beach. Philipsburg Cruise Port in Sint Maarten. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! A five-hour shore excursion with transportation to Orient Bay and Maho Beach will start at $40 per person. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. Great beach. Some of the beds were very worn one or two broken so check that your bed is ok before sitting down. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. 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. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht Anyone with an interest in good beaches might instead consider a shore excursion to one of the neighboring islands, such as Anguilla, St. Barth or Saba. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. 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. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Great Bay Beach is also situated near car rentals, restaurants, bars and cafes and is a fantastic beach for swimming. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. Additionally, there is a clothing optional area on this beach. Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding. This is a very nice beach, with soft sand, and gorgeous turquoise water. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. Maarten for 20 years, and I'm sharing the best things on the island. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. Front Street in Philipsburg. These cliffs are eroded to create perfect small coves that create small secluded romantic beaches on their own. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. 3. Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. What's the best way to see Great Bay Beach? With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. Anse Marcel is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. Moreover, go for snorkeling and explore the underwater world. Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. Alicia's Inn. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. St. Martin/St. In the morning, the beautiful beach and the clear sand captivates the vacationers to take a dip. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. Say Maho! when the planes fly over your head; its a tradition on the island! 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. All Inclusive. Pinel has two breathtaking beaches. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. Great for: Beach time, diving, snorkeling, water sports. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. 17 Best Beaches in St. Maarten Top Public Beach Spots! Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It lies right in from of the city of Philipsburg. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. At the far end #27 is Dutch Blonds pancakes and escape rooms; just look for the windmill. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. Guana Bay Beach, located on the southeast coast of the island, offers great views of St. Barthelemy and is used for wind and kite surfing. Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. Taxis. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. When the clock hits at the time of sunset, thats where the flashing lights, livid atmosphere, and the nightlife starts. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Beach Tour Including Lunch in St. Maarten (From $139.00) Half Day Snorkeling and Beach Tour/Excursion (From $89.00) Private Sailboat Charter in St Maarten; Anguilla and Prickly Pear Cays day trip (From $160.00) 3 Island Adventure with stop at Tintamarre to swim with Turtles (From $146.00) 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. It often gets ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. The powdery soft sand and coconut trees backdrop give it a magical atmosphere. There are so many things to do around the cruise port that you will never be bored but may be pressed for time. 2022. They can walk a hundred more feet to reach many more restaurants and the ports extensive shopping district, most of which falls along the lengthy Front Street. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. Note that it is clothing optional. Another beach that's one of the best beaches to visit during a cruise is one you can walk to from the cruise port, right? The island has virtually no stop signs or stop lights. There are street bars, rum shacks serving ice-cold beer, and restaurants serving delicious food. While the Dutch side boasts of the closest beaches to the cruise port, the French side has some of the best. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Great Bay Beach, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters. It is often moderate from January through July. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. Rates include all on-property. 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? St Maarten Shore Excursion: Orient and Maho Beach Half-Day Tour 36 Bus Tours from $40.00 per adult St Maarten Shore Excursion: Maho Beach and Orient Bay Sightseeing 23 Recommended Bus Tours from $35.00 per adult Calypso Tour 56 Recommended Bus Tours from $47.00 per adult Maho Beach Extreme Jet Blast 1 Bus Tours from $35.00 per adult Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Charged 30 dollars(should have haggled) for two sunbeds and an umbrella plus 6 free beers! Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Cupecoy is a half hour west of the port and requires a taxi or rental car to get there. The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. 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. Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. 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. This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. niNice beach, water clean and lovely. Happy Cruising!! Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. It is reasonably private and not crowded, giving you ample time for relaxation and sunbathing. Tourists should visit Rainforest Adventures, Seaside Nature Park, and Tintamarre island. 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. Two beach bars are located at either end of this beach being Sunset bar and grill and Driftwood boat bar respectively. Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. St. Maarten. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. The overhead plane landing makes it one of the most popular beaches in St Maarten. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. Its named after a defeated captain who went after Saba and ran aground on the very same beach. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. On foot. You can even take a short taxi ride into Maho to watch the planes take-off and land. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. We've found the most popular sights, attractions and shore excursions for a truly amazing day. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. Get a lounge chair and umbrella going for about $7, kick back and relax. This beach offers chairs and umbrellas by the shore, which is perfect when youre in the mood to get a tan and bask out in the sun! Nature lovers have additional reasons to love this beach, owing to the fact that its located near the Oyster pond marina. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. Maarten beaches. Check out the list below for the top recommended Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Beach 3 Snorkeling 4 St. Maartan Airport Tour 5 Catamaran Tour 6 4x4 Adventure 7 Dolphin Encounter 8 Butterfly Farm 9 Scuba Diving 10 Horseback Riding 11 ATV 12 Kayaking 13 Bicycle Tour 14. With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. 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. 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. This beach is about 30 minutes from the cruise port via taxi along Airport road. 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. Baie Rouge or the RedBay beach is a gorgeous beach on the French side named so because of its pink sands. The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. A 10-15 percent tip for bus and taxi drivers is common. Vans are also available, and prices vary depending on the number of people on board. They also give you free Wi-Fi so dont forget to ask for the Wi-Fi code, especially for your social media buffs. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. Water Shoes might be good for a day on the beach when snorkeling, get yours here. Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. 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. We were taken to two cushioned beach chairs one row back from the beach with umbrellas. Philipsburg is big enough and developed enough to spend most of the day on foot. 1. The sand is indeed white, waves are crystal clear, and gives you a fun experience with the planes in the sky. Have in mind last taxis back to cruise port depart around 5.30-6 PM, so if your ship departs late in the evening there's no point spending 7$ pp. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. St. Maarten cruise docks. Didnt swim, but its safe, I was told. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. 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. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. Great Bay Beachs location is ideal if you want to enjoy the beach as well as take advantage of the excellent duty free opportunities available on the island. I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. 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. Related:15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise. 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. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. Again, look for signs point the way. Then it climbs to a high point for the rest of the year. 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. Orient Bay is a fairly quick drive by taxi, rental car or excursion bus from Philipsburg. We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. The beach restaurants are currently closed due to hurricane Irmas damage, but rebuilding is taking place. Cruise visitors will arrive at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities just outside of Philipsburg on Great Bay. 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. Known to be a part of the Natural Reserve of Saint-Martin, this island is a famous snorkeling spot. You can get to this beach via a taxi or a bus. Buses usually have a sign that says Maho beach and it takes approximately 20 minutes from the cruise port. There is also a small souvenir flea market nearby, just keep walking straight in pass Back Street, its hard to miss. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. It gives a semiprivate vibe but is not totally secluded, still giving you a public place to stroll and bask in the sun. What makes a good cruise port arguably is a combination of: The St. Maarten cruise port at Philipsburg has all of the above in a pleasant mix. Make sure to take some home with you. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? Fondly known as the Friendly Island, St Maarten is unique in that it is the smallest landmass divided between two nations in the world. They also have many water sports that are available. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. 370 reviews. 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. Great Bay Beach Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. There is a boat that brings people over and drops them at the dock. Best for Crown Bay Cruisers: Emerald Beach (Lindbergh Bay Beach) Why go: Home to the Emerald Beach Resort, Lindbergh Bay has all the things you want in a beach, while being located close. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. 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. 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. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! I've lived on St. Martin/St. In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever. All Rights Reserved. Show Prices. Calm and clear azure waters with an excellent view of the Ocean is what greets you at Grand Case Beach. It consists of a small stretch of white sandy beach located next to the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. 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. before joining cruise ship. 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 French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. Unfortunately, you may only get a glimpse of this gem of an island, I always recommend a proper vacation for a week or two. 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. Peaceful and serene. When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. International brands such as Little Switzerland and Diamond International are easily accessible. The water is warm with a pleasant surf. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. St. Maarten is one of the most popular destinations for eastern and southern Caribbean cruises, so cruise visitors need to know that Great Bay Beach is one of the best beaches near the cruise port. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. Take a swim in the clear blue sea. 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. Guana Bay Beach is on the route to Philipsburg, making it easy for day tourists to take a detour and have fun at this little beach. 2. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. Frequented by tourists from far and wide, this beach is an amazing destination for all ages. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? Clear waters, beautiful beach, and powdery sandy shoreswhat more could you ask for in Divi Beach? ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. A snorkeling excursion there costs about $75 per person including transportation. From this lovely beach, you will also see beautiful mountains against the magnificent blue sky over the sea. Sint Maarten as called by the Dutch and St. Martin by the French, is a 37 sq mile island that features all the charm of the Caribbean. Oyster Pond is perfect if youre looking for a place that exudes tranquility. They are Philipsburg on the southern coast and Simpson Bay on the southwest coast because they have the cruise port and the airport. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . Show Prices. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. Anyone wanting a break from Great Bay Beach can stroll along the Boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and shops. It takes one about 25 minutes to get to the beach. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. It has beautiful white sand beaches and is reachable by ferry or excursion boat from Simpson Bay and Marigot. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. "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. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. The beach is certainly grand in Sint Maarten, and within steps from the port (unlike Cayman). Clothing is optional because it is secluded and located by the French St. Martin border. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Easily one of our favorite destinations among the best beaches in St Maarten, Baie Rouge offers long extensive shores and pristine cool waters. Though it's not nearly as . It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. Temperatures stay in the low 80s Fahrenheit in the winter and reach the high 80s in the summer. Take a water taxi to the island and enjoy the amazing beaches and scenery. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. Expect to pay anywhere between $7 and $35 to get to a zone. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. 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. Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. Indigo Bay Beach is famous because of its quality attributes, making it popular with tourists. For tourists who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, this is the place to be. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region.
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