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. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. St Martin Beaches - St. Martin/St. Maarten - Cruise Critic Community A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Very convenient. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. Otherwise, walk the boardwalk, and pick a spot on the beach and relax for the day, swim, drink, or tan. This mile-long stretch of soft, white-sandy beach runs parallel to a long promenade stretching its entire length. The ENTIRE beach however is public and all the amenities of the resort are available to the public. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. 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. 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. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. 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. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. 29 Best St. Maarten Excursions | 93,000+ Verified Reviews Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills. 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 water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. Make sure to take some home with you. 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. Deals. Nature lovers have additional reasons to love this beach, owing to the fact that its located near the Oyster pond marina. When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. 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! You can also walk from the port which takes 15-20 minutes. View of cruise ship and stores. There are no full restrooms but there is a port-a-potty available and usually there is a crowd on weekends. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. Shopping in St. Maarten: Where to Go & What to Buy - Celebrity Current Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. It often gets ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Is your upcoming Caribbean cruise docking in St Maarten? Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. When the clock hits at the time of sunset, thats where the flashing lights, livid atmosphere, and the nightlife starts. A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. Always give yourself ample time for traffic, and theres always traffic in St.Maarten. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? It's perfect for a lazy beach day. I know you will love visiting this Caribbean island as much as I do. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. Just a short walk away you can enjoy some duty-free shopping, great food, and delicious cocktails. Maho Beach is a 30-40 minute drive to reach, and it requires a shore excursion or taxi to get there. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. This makes it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. 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. The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. Best Things to Do in St. Martin, According to a Local - Insider Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. Expect to pay anywhere between $7 and $35 to get to a zone. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. St. Maarten Beaches Near the Cruise Port - Caribeez We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. Where they serve fresh fish and lobsters for lunch among others. 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. A 20minutes taxi ride from the cruise pier will get you to the beach. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. This Beach is a hidden gem found behind Divi resorts and makes for a perfect escape from the crowds. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. This place is also less crowded and suitable for families looking for a spot for bonding and activities. The Water UFO is definitely good times, with family and friends. Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. Holland House Beach Hotel. With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. Daughter thought they were the best she has had this holiday. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. It consists of a small stretch of white sandy beach located next to the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. From this lovely beach, you will also see beautiful mountains against the magnificent blue sky over the sea. Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. A nice day trip is a jaunt from the Philipsburg cruise port over to Marigot, capital of the French side, or Grand Case. The extended stretch of fine white sand is great, and the swaying palm trees offer respite from the harsh sun. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. Surfing is also one of the best things to do in St Maarten; Mullet bay has northern winds, making it an excellent spot for surfers. Until the development of the new cruise terminal, Front Street ranked among one of the best shopping experiences in the Caribbeanalong with Playa Del Carmen, St. Thomas and Old San Juan. You also get the use of their facilities. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go A smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. The Guava berry Emporium is the spot to taste and sample this locally made liquor. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten (with Prices However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. It features clear, calm crystalline waters with soft white sand and sprawling palm trees. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. 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 Alternatively, you can take a public transportation which costs USD $2.50 to go and USD$2.50 to return. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. 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. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. In Phillipsburg, one of the best things to do is shopping on Front Street or Back Street or hang out in Wathey Square. This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. The overhead plane landing makes it one of the most popular beaches in St Maarten. Taxi rates are set according to more than 20 zones around the island. 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. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. Great for: Beach time, diving, snorkeling, water sports. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Discover 9 Top Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love + 5 More For Kids! There are a number of bars that offer drinks and lounge chairs at the beach. Its not easy elsewhere to find washrooms for public use, except at restaurants by the beach. Do the taxis going from the St. Maarten cruise port to great bay beach dock at a pier or beach? Marigot Marigot is the capital of the French collective of the island. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa. Hawkers in front of the cafes will sometimes offer them for free to visitors who buy food and beverages. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Great Bay Beach, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. All Inclusive. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten - Tripadvisor Then it climbs to a high point for the rest of the year. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. One beach faces Saint Martin and is a perfect stretch of sandbar with shallow, calm waters perfect for families with kids. The beach restaurants are currently closed due to hurricane Irmas damage, but rebuilding is taking place. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. 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. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. Find a Cruise. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau 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. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. Located on the northeast coast of St Maarten is The Orient Bay Beach, the perfect vacation spot. 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. more. There is a large Westin resort located on this beach. St. Maarten cruise docks. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. Its like a 3 min ride. Had an enjoyable walk along the beach and a very good day. The islands rugged coastline features 37 beaches all around. The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. This beach is about 30 minutes from the cruise port via taxi along Airport road. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. St. Thomas/St. John Beach Guide - Cruise Critic 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. Kim Sha is a popular starting point for dive and excursion boats. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. 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. 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. The top three excursions in St. Maarten are 1) The Flying Dutchman zip-line, 2) a chairlift to the top of sentry hill and 3) racing on a multi-million dollar America's Cup yacht boat. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. 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 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. There are hundreds of duty free stores and the discounts are great. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. Magens Bay has an entry fee of $5 for adults and children 13 and older. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. 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. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? The chairs and umbrellas are $5 each. My favorite is the guava berry colada. Great Bay Beach is also a family beach which is kid-friendly so that the whole family can enjoy. The Philipsburg boardwalk lies between the beach and the shopping district of the city. Rates include all on-property. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. If youre looking for a particular piece of jewelry Im sure you can find it here no doubt. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. In this post we will explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in St Maarten on a cruise. . Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. At the far end #27 is Dutch Blonds pancakes and escape rooms; just look for the windmill. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Shops and food along the boardwalk. A 15-minute taxi ride will get you to this beach. 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. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. 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. But once found, its truly worthwhile. The island has a small number of narrow winding roads, so car rentals even for a day are quite commonso common that traffic jams are frequent. Mullet Bay has beautiful white sand with calm waters and amazing views and landscape. 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. The water is warm with a pleasant surf. Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. If these beaches dont meet your needs, then try any of the 24 remaining beaches you are sure to find what you are looking for. Cruise Tips. Check it out and enjoy your Caribbean adventure to the fullest! The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. 3. 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. For tourists who have a heart for adventure, this ones for you. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. One of the more interesting beaches on St. Maarten is Cupecoy because of its white sand, sandstone cliffs and small caves along the shore. Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. This is the beach for you. Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. Beaches In St Maarten Near Cruise Port (The Ultimate Guide), Living In The Caribbean (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). Fine sandy beach alongside a boardwalk. Shore Excursions & Cruise Tours: 2023 Reviews & Ratings - Cruise Critic Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. We were family of 5 with late teens, beautiful day off a cruise ship. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. It takes one about 25 minutes to get to the beach. Be sure to pack some goggles or eye protective gear with you because when the larger planes take off from the airport, watch out for sand sprays on the shore may occur. These are the best beaches near Saint Martin/Sint Maarten - USA TODAY These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. If you're looking for the best time to visit St Maarten, you may find this guide helpful. Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. The Second Lady kept saying how awful my daughters hair looked and that it wasnt professional. 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. Kids can play on the sand and enjoy a splash in the calm water. 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 place is fabulous. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. 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. 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. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. It lies right in from of the city of Philipsburg. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Princess Heights Luxury Condo Hotel. Now, its a silent part of the busy beach leading to the cruise ship terminal, where tour operators await with open-air trucks to carry passengers to activities (USD cash accepted). Then travelled back on water taxi (very good ride!) Little Bay rests at the base of Fort . Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. 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. So get a taxi or car rental if you plan to see more than just the tourism district. Both offer relaxing stretches of sandy beach and an array of restaurants and amenities to make your time in St Maarten a memorable one. With its nice horizon, outstanding view, and superb restaurants to trythe Oyster pond is one of the prettiest beaches in St Maarten.
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