Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. Explore different ways to experience this place. Kayaking is also available on this island where you get to paddle across the entirety of the waters, a must-try activity for all ages. 285 reviews. There is a large Westin resort located on this beach. The powdery soft sand and coconut trees backdrop give it a magical atmosphere. Is there anything near the cruise port? The swell is never too high thanks to its coral reefs. The Philipsburg boardwalk lies between the beach and the shopping district of the city. 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). 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. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . coveneiet water taxi. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. You also get the use of their facilities. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. You can also walk from the port which takes 15-20 minutes. St. Maarten cruise docks. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. Alicia's Inn. 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. Cupecoy is a half hour west of the port and requires a taxi or rental car to get there. As a result, it is hugely popular with visitors taking photos and videos. INDULGENCE BY THE SEA Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea LITTLE BAY BEACH ST. MAARTEN TREASURE SEEKER Photo courtesy of Treasure Seeker WATHEY SQUARE Photo courtesy of Vacation St. Maarten WATER UFO ST. MAARTEN Photo courtesy of Water UFO SUNSET BAR AND GRILL Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. You can even take a short taxi ride into Maho to watch the planes take-off and land. St Maarten is Dutch and to the north the French side is called St Martin. Great for: Beach time, diving, snorkeling, water sports. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht The sunset in Cupecoy Beach is astounding, and we suggest you spend it at the bar while waiting for the vibrant ambiance at night. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. The calm waters on this beach justify its spot as the best beach for swimming in St Maarten. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. Water taxis dock at the pier which is right on the beach - not in the very central part, but 3 min walk from it. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho Beach. This was our second visit. Have in mind last taxis back to cruise port depart around 5.30-6 PM, so if your ship departs late in the evening there's no point spending 7$ pp. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. I know you will love visiting this Caribbean island as much as I do. 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. We were there for happy hour from 1pm to 3pm and had 2 cocktails for $10 from the Nazca bar and restaurant. 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. What's the best way to see Great Bay Beach? The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. You only need to get to the port early. Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. Great Bay Beach is also a family beach which is kid-friendly so that the whole family can enjoy. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. 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. Nature lovers have additional reasons to love this beach, owing to the fact that its located near the Oyster pond marina. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. 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. Its arguably famously known as the bikini beach as it entertains many lively parties and holds huge crowds of party people. 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. Great food and lots of cold drinks to keep you refreshed while lounging in the sun. We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. 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. Peaceful and serene. Unfortunately, you may only get a glimpse of this gem of an island, I always recommend a proper vacation for a week or two. Luckily, given the islands size, you can visit any beach within the few hours allowed in port. Located on the northeast coast of St Maarten is The Orient Bay Beach, the perfect vacation spot. 2022. Orient Bay is a fairly quick drive by taxi, rental car or excursion bus from Philipsburg. It creates a very magical experience. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Hotels near Princ. And that brings up $$ - $$$ Caribbean Cajun & Creole Pub, Neighborhoods Points of Interest & Landmarks. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. Deals. 17 Best Beaches in St. Maarten Top Public Beach Spots! It is a definite try if youre on a trip to the Caribbean. The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. This is the most affordable option. This beach is perfect for surfing and windsurfing. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? Buses usually have a sign that says Maho beach and it takes approximately 20 minutes from the cruise port. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. Its wide shoreline makes it a perfect spot for beach picnics and playing games on the shore. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. before joining cruise ship. 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? It is reasonably private and not crowded, giving you ample time for relaxation and sunbathing. Its the perfect beach spot if you want a quiet place to go without the touristy vibe. As a famous tourist island, this place is accessible and will give you the well-deserved vacation you need. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. What Attractions Are At Orient Bay Beach? The beach strip has enough to offer during the day, though, and stores galore towards Achter Straatan enduring shopping destination! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Food and drinks All this fun with family can make you hungry. Marigot Marigot is the capital of the French collective of the island. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! Its a long stretch of several white sandy beaches nestled at the foot of sapphire colored sand cliffs. Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. What part of the beach is the best to spend few hrs, coming via cruise plan to walk or take taxi. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. Rates quoted by the St. Maarten Taxi Association are $10 per person each way for two passengers and $9 per person for three to five passengers. Its not difficult to spend a day exploring this fantastic beach, be sure to pack some energy and appetite when trying out the local cuisine. 1. Clear waters, beautiful beach, and powdery sandy shoreswhat more could you ask for in Divi Beach? A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. 2. Take a swim in the clear blue sea. The walk is about 10 minutes, goes three fourths of a mile and is not difficult on a warm day. Anyone wanting a break from Great Bay Beach can stroll along the Boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and shops. The beach has rental chairs and umbrellas available for rent for the day. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Commodore Suites, Divi Beach, Little Bay RdSint Maarten, NLD 1744. We were family of 5 with late teens, beautiful day off a cruise ship. The beach is about 1/3 mile long. The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. Known to be near the Great Bay, you could make a side trip here to experience this beachs greatness. Great Bay beach is a lovely beach to sit and relax while soaking up the sun or enjoying the view of the ocean. Authentic name brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci are just some designer brands you will find. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. This lovely, well-sheltered beach offers crystal-clear calm, warm waters that are perfect for swimming. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. 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. St. Barth is frequented by the rich and famous. Magens Bay has an entry fee of $5 for adults and children 13 and older. The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! But once found, its truly worthwhile. News. Youll still see some damage even along the boardwalk of Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg. This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. It. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Taxi rates are set according to more than 20 zones around the island. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in St Maarten, located near Princess Juliana Airport. It has become a popular destination for people ready to enjoy the sun rise and set while relaxing with a cocktail. 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. Grand Case Beach. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. more. What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Curacao, What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Bonaire, Living In Aruba (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In St Eustatius ( Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In St Maarten (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In Saba Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), St Maarten Vs St Martin (Which Is Better For A Vacation), St Thomas vs St Maarten ( Which Island Is Better To Visit), Your email address will not be published. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Great Bay Beach, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Make sure to take some home with you. Some of the beds were very worn one or two broken so check that your bed is ok before sitting down. Little Bay has perfect calm crystal clear waters resultant from the protection offered by the peninsula. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. Alternatively, you can take a public transportation which costs USD $2.50 to go and USD$2.50 to return. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. Where they serve fresh fish and lobsters for lunch among others. Friars Bay beach is a hidden gem amongst the best beach spots in St Maarten. It offers convenient access and plenty to do right there by the port. Orient Bay Beach is the most popular beach in St Martin, so expect there to be a crowd. On foot. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Baie Rouge is what youll expect what a Caribbean beach would look like. Fondly known as the Friendly Island, St Maarten is unique in that it is the smallest landmass divided between two nations in the world. Taxis. There is also a small souvenir flea market nearby, just keep walking straight in pass Back Street, its hard to miss. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. 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. Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. International brands such as Little Switzerland and Diamond International are easily accessible. We took a water taxi to this beach. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. Even better, this white-sand, two-mile beach is right in front of Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side of the island. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. All Inclusive. All Inclusive Hotels in Sint Maarten; Near Airports. 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. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. Show Prices. Taking a bus is a less expensive option. It's perfect for a lazy beach day. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. They can rent umbrellas and chairs for a reasonable price and a lovely view of the bay. Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. Where they want to go often includes Philipsburg itself. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. Cruise visitors will arrive at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities just outside of Philipsburg on Great Bay. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Quite packed thoughClose by the cruise port, just a quick $7 water taxi over to here. Check out the list below for the top recommended Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. 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). It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. Having your towels on your beach loungers will reserve them for the day. Rainfall is a different matter. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Philipsburg Cruise Port in Sint Maarten. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. With close to 45 miles of beautiful coastline, you'll find some amazing beaches near St Maarten cruise port. We had a lovely day off the ship relaxing on the beach which wasn't busy at all even with 2 ships in. Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. It is larger than Maho beach and it a good option for beginner snorkeling as you can see fishes near the shoreline. Therefore, be sure to gauge return time to the ship properly as there can be traffic jams on afternoons from this beach back to the port. But traffic outside of the Boardwalk and Front Street is often heavy. Cruise passengers get from the docks to Philipsburg via walking, taxi or an inexpensive water taxi. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. A guide, complimentary refreshments and round-trip transportation from the . Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. #3 Best Value of 7 Philipsburg Cruise Port Hotels. As a result, it often draws large crowds. 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. 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. 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. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. Visit Orient Bay village, within walking distance of the beach. They also have many water sports that are available. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. Re: Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten 5 years ago Save Hi Maria, The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. 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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. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Say Maho! when the planes fly over your head; its a tradition on the island! Dawn Beach offers spectacular views of sunrises. Once we got the the beach there are people there trying to rent you lounge chairs. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. Bicycles / scooters. There are so many things to do around the cruise port that you will never be bored but may be pressed for time. This hidden gem is seldom crowded because its tricky to find. Holland House Beach Hotel. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. 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. This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Known to be a part of the Natural Reserve of Saint-Martin, this island is a famous snorkeling spot.

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