Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. The extended stretch of fine white sand is great, and the swaying palm trees offer respite from the harsh sun. Great food and lots of cold drinks to keep you refreshed while lounging in the sun. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Another beach that is well loved by both locals and visitors to the island is Mullet Bay Beach. Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach. Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. I've lived on St. Martin/St. There are a number of bars that offer drinks and lounge chairs at the beach. Check out the list below for the top recommended Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Wathey Square is where the boat taxis operate from. Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. Or try a restaurant that serves local cuisine to taste an array of delicious dishes. With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. Its like a 3 min ride. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Atrium Beach Resort and Spa St Maarten a Ramada by Wyndham, Also See:Beaches in BermudaBest Beaches in JamaicaPhuket Beaches, Guana Bay, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. The casino hours are 10am to 4am daily. You can even take a short taxi ride into Maho to watch the planes take-off and land. The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour 206 Recommended Bus Tours from $450.00 $382.25 per group (up to 10) Ultimate Eco and Sightseeing Tour 33 Recommended Power Boats from $95.00 per adult Sunset Champagne Cruise in St. Maarten 18 Recommended Sailing from $50.26 per adult Private St Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour 7 Adventure Tours from Worth it even if you take just a dip. We walked from the port to the beach area around 20 mins and walked along the beach front stopping in and out of shops on routewe must have been offered sunbeds by at least 10 different people..most were polite enough when you said no but most were quite persistent and it was pretty irritating one after the other continuously. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? Take a water taxi to the island and enjoy the amazing beaches and scenery. If you are planning an upcoming cruise for St Maarten or the rest of the Caribbean, I have an awesome product recommendation that can save you money. Shore Excursions & Cruise Tours: 2023 Reviews & Ratings - Cruise Critic Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. 1 mile away from Friars Bay Beach is a walking trail that takes you right into the heart of the open beach and the black rock formation. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Hotels near Princ. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. 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. Walk around to get the best deals on t-shirts, perfumes, cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, homeware and electronics, all duty-free. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. Galion Beach is very popular with families and adrenaline junkies. 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. Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. 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. It features clear, calm crystalline waters with soft white sand and sprawling palm trees. You can either take the watertaxi right to the center of this street or walk from the cruise terminal which will take you about 20 to 30 minutes. Visitors will find plenty of taxis at the docks ready to take them there. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. Tourists should visit Rainforest Adventures, Seaside Nature Park, and Tintamarre island. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. The beach strip has enough to offer during the day, though, and stores galore towards Achter Straatan enduring shopping destination! Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? We visited Secrets Resort in Saint Martin a week ago. We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. 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Little bay beach is located adjacent to Little Divi Resort. The beach which starts at the end of Princess Juliana Airport Runway attracts airplane fanatics, thrill seekers and even photographers. Clear waters, beautiful beach, and powdery sandy shoreswhat more could you ask for in Divi Beach? Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. 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. The beach itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. We didn't find anywhere to snorkel that had anything to see. Maarten for 20 years, and I'm sharing the best things on the island. The John Craane cruise terminal is a large open-air mall where visitors can shop, dine and head for their paid shore excursions. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Get a lounge chair and umbrella going for about $7, kick back and relax. Cruise Tips. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. 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. The beach has rental chairs and umbrellas available for rent for the day. Public bus. 10 Best Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Martin It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. 29 Best St. Maarten Excursions | 93,000+ Verified Reviews Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. New restaurant Oleos had good food and amazing view. The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. We were approached by multiple people right as we got off the water taxi and decided to pay $30 for two beach chairs, free wi-fi and five free drinks. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. Hotels near Philipsburg Cruise Port Terminal in St Maarten Great beach. Here you can dine at French, Thai, and Italian restaurants. The beach is certainly grand in Sint Maarten, and within steps from the port (unlike Cayman). It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. Logo Store; Find Your Roll Call; Meet & Mingle; Guidelines; Community Help Center; . 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. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. There are villas located on the mountainous side, fun tours to try, and sightseeing activities on this island. 370 reviews. For tourists who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, this is the place to be. It is often moderate from January through July. Best things to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port: The Ultimate Guide Therefore, depending on the time of year that you visit expect there to be a crowd. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. Cruise visitors will arrive at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities just outside of Philipsburg on Great Bay. 13 Stunning St. Maarten Beaches You Should Experience - Cruise Hive Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. Clear waters, beautiful horizon, and the quiet ambiance of the Grand Case Beach makes it a worthwhile destination. Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. It is reasonably private and not crowded, giving you ample time for relaxation and sunbathing. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. 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. Show Prices. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Buses usually have a sign that says Maho beach and it takes approximately 20 minutes from the cruise port. 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. Best Things to Do in St. Martin, According to a Local - Insider Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. 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. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. Re: Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten 5 years ago Save Hi Maria, The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. You can take a tour of the nature reserve nearby as you explore the majestic beauty of the place. What's the best way to see Great Bay Beach? Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. Even better, this white-sand, two-mile beach is right in front of Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side of the island. 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. Philipsburg Cruise Port in Sint Maarten. The sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. Easily one of our favorite destinations among the best beaches in St Maarten, Baie Rouge offers long extensive shores and pristine cool waters. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. So get a taxi or car rental if you plan to see more than just the tourism district. You can access this beach by walking. Had an enjoyable walk along the beach and a very good day. 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. Take a swim in the clear blue sea. Peaceful and serene. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. If you have a cruise vacation coming up in the Eastern Caribbean it might be worth finding out more about these stunning St.Martin/St. St 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 Additionally, there is a clothing optional area on this beach. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in St Maarten, located near Princess Juliana Airport. 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. 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. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. water warm and lovely, beach clean. The place is fabulous. As a result, it often draws large crowds. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. 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. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. The ride is only 10 minutes long. Oyster Pond is perfect if youre looking for a place that exudes tranquility. Luckily, given the islands size, you can visit any beach within the few hours allowed in port. Little Bay has perfect calm crystal clear waters resultant from the protection offered by the peninsula. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Plantation. The Water UFO is definitely good times, with family and friends. Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! Great care must be exercised as persons have died in the past due to the effects of the jet blast. 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? 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). Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. 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. Great Bay Beach, a long boardwalk and shopping on Front Street run side by side. Location You can find them at Airport Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten Star Lite Car Rentals Star Lite Car Rentals are a local rental service provider in Cruise Port of St, Maarten. Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. Fondly known as the Friendly Island, St Maarten is unique in that it is the smallest landmass divided between two nations in the world. Grand Case Beach. Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Though it's not nearly as . 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. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. There are street bars, rum shacks serving ice-cold beer, and restaurants serving delicious food. The clear crystal waters offer the perfect chance to snorkel, especially on the rockier shores. 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? In Phillipsburg, one of the best things to do is shopping on Front Street or Back Street or hang out in Wathey Square. The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. 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. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. Great Bay Beach Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Kids can play on the sand and enjoy a splash in the calm water. Asked for Miguel after reading recomendations but he wasn't around so headed off to quiet end with wider beach and Sweet Andy looked after us. Two beach chairs and an umbrella go for $20. Get sandblasted by the jets as the plane fly by. 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. Find the right beach for you for spending your day in port. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. It has become a popular destination for people ready to enjoy the sun rise and set while relaxing with a cocktail. All Rights Reserved. The island has virtually no stop signs or stop lights. These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Great Bay Beach: Great Bay Beach, Philipsburg: Address, Great Bay Beach Reviews: 4.5/5. And that brings up Dont forget to bargain with the vendors. Forums. Where Is The Cruise Port In St Maarten - CruiseInfoClub.com If you walk it's a 15-20 min walk cruise port-beach or vv. It is a definite try if youre on a trip to the Caribbean. An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. Roatan, Honduras. St. Thomas/St. John Beach Guide - Cruise Critic Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. 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. 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. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. Water taxis to Maho Beach from the cruise port is easy to find and cost about $20. Youll still see some damage even along the boardwalk of Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. An island tour that includes quick stops at Orient Beach, Maho Bay, Marigot, Mullet Bay Beach and other attractions will cost about $50 per person. Where on French side? How To Get From The Cruise Port To Great Bay Beach, What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Great Bay Beach, How To Get From The Cruise Port To Orient Bay Beach. Required fields are marked *. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. It did shelve quite quickly. This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. It has beautiful white sand beaches and is reachable by ferry or excursion boat from Simpson Bay and Marigot. But traffic outside of the Boardwalk and Front Street is often heavy. Hawkers in front of the cafes will sometimes offer them for free to visitors who buy food and beverages. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. A guide, complimentary refreshments and round-trip transportation from the . Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten - Tripadvisor Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. Known to be near the Great Bay, you could make a side trip here to experience this beachs greatness. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. Is your upcoming Caribbean cruise docking in St Maarten? Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. 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. But dont take our word for it see for yourself.
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