Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Galion Beach is very popular with families and adrenaline junkies. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. You have detailed explanations in my Maho Beach review. Logo Store; Find Your Roll Call; Meet & Mingle; Guidelines; Community Help Center; . Didnt swim, but its safe, I was told. 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. For tourists who have a heart for adventure, this ones for you. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Taxis, which also are usually SUVs, have a T at the beginning of the license plate. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. The fact that its semi-secluded makes it a good spot for relaxation. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I trust that you have found this information useful if your plans are to visit a beach while on a cruise to St Maarten. This mile-long stretch of soft, white-sandy beach runs parallel to a long promenade stretching its entire length. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa. 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(Which Is Better For A Vacation), St Thomas vs St Maarten ( Which Island Is Better To Visit), Your email address will not be published. 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. View of cruise ship and stores. Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. 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. Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. Rent a jet ski and take a ride on the water. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. From there, cruise visitors can walk, take a water taxi or a taxi cab to Great Bay Beach. 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. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. A nice day trip is a jaunt from the Philipsburg cruise port over to Marigot, capital of the French side, or Grand Case. The John Craane cruise terminal is a large open-air mall where visitors can shop, dine and head for their paid shore excursions. Show Prices. 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 (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Note that it is clothing optional. 2. Charged 30 dollars(should have haggled) for two sunbeds and an umbrella plus 6 free beers! Both offer relaxing stretches of sandy beach and an array of restaurants and amenities to make your time in St Maarten a memorable one. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. Sint Maarten Beach Hotels; Sint Maarten Green Hotels; Sint Maarten Business Hotels; By Hotel Class. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. Taking a bus is a less expensive option. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Very energetic walkers can hike 2.5 miles to the other side of the bay to Little Bay Beach and the small ruins of Fort Amsterdam. On foot. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. All Inclusive Hotels in Sint Maarten; Near Airports. Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. Sea Palace Resort. 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 a long stretch of several white sandy beaches nestled at the foot of sapphire colored sand cliffs. Bicycles / scooters. 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. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. Reviews. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. This area is family-friendly. You could choose to bring your umbrellas and mat for picnics and sunbathing, and you could save some money while still enjoying this beachs amenities. 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. 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. The beach strip has enough to offer during the day, though, and stores galore towards Achter Straatan enduring shopping destination! Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. Its named after a defeated captain who went after Saba and ran aground on the very same beach. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding. If you prefer to walk its about 20 minutes. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. 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. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. A five-hour shore excursion with transportation to Orient Bay and Maho Beach will start at $40 per person. I finally had to ask her to stop because my daughter was about to cry. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. 17 Best Beaches in St. Maarten Top Public Beach Spots! This destination is also known to be the safest beach for kids since the water is calm and aquatic activities are relatively available in the area. Sit, relax, and work on your tan, sipping on cocktails, or you can enjoy some water sports such as jet-skiing, snorkeling, and much more. We had a lovely day off the ship relaxing on the beach which wasn't busy at all even with 2 ships in. Things To Bring On A Cruise: 19 Cheap & Really Useful Cruise Items, 17 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas Your Kids Will Absolutely Love. This cruise port is huge, handling over 20,000 people at a time and up to 6 ships at once. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. If this is something you would like to see and enjoy, then, by all means, visit Maho beach for this once in a lifetime experience. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. If tanning or water sports are not your thing, then you can take a walk around and enjoy the many restaurants, bars, and shops located in the area. The Happy bay beach is also known as the best snorkel spot in St Maarten. Enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and keep an eye on the time, time flies when youre having fun. We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. But dont take our word for it see for yourself. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. Why We Recommend This Beach Temperatures stay in the low 80s Fahrenheit in the winter and reach the high 80s in the summer. They are Philipsburg on the southern coast and Simpson Bay on the southwest coast because they have the cruise port and the airport. Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. from the cruise ship pier shopping area to the center of Great Bay beach ($7 for unlimited tri 93% of travelers recommend this experience. $$ - $$$ Caribbean Cajun & Creole Pub, Neighborhoods Points of Interest & Landmarks. 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 water is warm with a pleasant surf. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach. Where on French side? It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. 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. The eateries are a hive of energy with an exciting atmosphere as many businesses, and VIP parties are held here. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. The Guava berry Emporium is the spot to taste and sample this locally made liquor. The place is fabulous. It's perfect for a lazy beach day. You also get the use of their facilities. The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. Great Bay and Orient Bay are the best St Maarten beaches near the cruise port. 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. Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. 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. Friars Bay beach is a hidden gem amongst the best beach spots in St Maarten. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. 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. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. 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. If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. But they mainly represent low-end casual in one group and high-end seafood and steak in the other. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. There is a boat that brings people over and drops them at the dock. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. Another beach that is well loved by both locals and visitors to the island is Mullet Bay Beach. One of the more famous and controversial attractions is the Maho Bay beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. It. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. 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. Hotels near Princ. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. Where they serve fresh fish and lobsters for lunch among others. Pinel has two breathtaking beaches. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. The island is also a famous spot for hiking and exploring the enthralling red cliffs scattered all throughout the area. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. The beach restaurants are currently closed due to hurricane Irmas damage, but rebuilding is taking place. Always give yourself ample time for traffic, and theres always traffic in St.Maarten. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. Calm and clear azure waters with an excellent view of the Ocean is what greets you at Grand Case Beach. Show Prices. Walk around to get the best deals on t-shirts, perfumes, cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, homeware and electronics, all duty-free. Log in. You can also walk from the port which takes 15-20 minutes. I know you will love visiting this Caribbean island as much as I do. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. The ride is only 10 minutes long. As a famous tourist island, this place is accessible and will give you the well-deserved vacation you need. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. 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. You can access this beach by walking. Water Shoes might be good for a day on the beach when snorkeling, get yours here. Martin. We did end up getting some of our kids hair braided by two different people. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. There are hundreds of duty free stores and the discounts are great. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. 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. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. While the Dutch side boasts of the closest beaches to the cruise port, the French side has some of the best. The beach is about 1/3 mile long. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. All Inclusive. 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. Heres a list of a few more suggestion in Phillipsburg: Top 6 Car Rentals in St. Maarten Cruise Port. The Sunset Beach Bar is a popular destination amongst St.Maarten tourists and locals, other places in Maho are Driftwood Boat bar right on the beach great spot to catch the planes and a new bar called Sand bar. St. Maarten cruise docks. Philipsburg is big enough and developed enough to spend most of the day on foot. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. It has beautiful white sand beaches and is reachable by ferry or excursion boat from Simpson Bay and Marigot. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. For tourists who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, this is the place to be. Children under 13 are free. 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. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. Here you can dine at French, Thai, and Italian restaurants. Grand Case Beach. But all in all, both sides offer some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean. Required fields are marked *. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. The extended stretch of fine white sand is great, and the swaying palm trees offer respite from the harsh sun. You can also enjoy the day at Great Bay Beach, Divi Little Bay Beach. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. 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. The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. Make sure to take some home with you. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only. 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. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. There are so many things to do around the cruise port that you will never be bored but may be pressed for time. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. It has BUS at the beginning of the license plate and the destination sign in the window. This place is also less crowded and suitable for families looking for a spot for bonding and activities. 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. The island only has one major road. It offers convenient access and plenty to do right there by the port. Maho Beach is a 30-40 minute drive to reach, and it requires a shore excursion or taxi to get there. 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. 1. 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. It creates a very magical experience. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . 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. The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. Its arguably famously known as the bikini beach as it entertains many lively parties and holds huge crowds of party people. You can get to this beach via a taxi or a bus. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. One beach faces Saint Martin and is a perfect stretch of sandbar with shallow, calm waters perfect for families with kids. Maarten for 20 years, and I'm sharing the best things on the island. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. Vans are also available, and prices vary depending on the number of people on board. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? Great for: Beach time, diving, snorkeling, water sports. It features clear, calm crystalline waters with soft white sand and sprawling palm trees. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? 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. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. This is a very nice beach, with soft sand, and gorgeous turquoise water. Food and drinks All this fun with family can make you hungry. Running parallel to the boardwalk is Front Street, which has most of the shops in the city. As a former crew member for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line I can continue my passion by sharing my experiences with readers. The clear crystal waters offer the perfect chance to snorkel, especially on the rockier shores. Re: Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten 5 years ago Save Hi Maria, The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. While it is useful to consider a rental car, bus or taxi, it is wise to avoid renting a bicycle or scooter. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. My favorite is the guava berry colada. Its not easy elsewhere to find washrooms for public use, except at restaurants by the beach. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. As such there is little vegetation. Top 10 St. Maarten Excursions Catamaran ($1599.99) Sonesta Day Pass ($88.99) Speedboat & Snorkel ($124.99) Highlights & Beach ($55.99) Sightseeing ($44.99) Attraction Park ($138.99) ATV HIghlight and Beach ($99.99) Beach Bum Combo ($44.99) Full Day Sailing ($134.99) Sky Explorer and Dutchman ($98.99) St. Maarten Cruise Excursions Reviews 4.8/5 Maho Beach is usually a favorite of visitors to the island and it is a tiny beach. All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. 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! 94% of travelers recommend this experience. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. Head to St. Martin, the French side of St. Maarten, where you'll find a peaceful environment. St. Barth is frequented by the rich and famous. Explore different ways to experience this place. 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 itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. Rainfall is a different matter. Other St. Maarten attractions include the Mont Vernon Plantation and the Butterfly Farm. As a result, it often draws large crowds. The sand is indeed white, waves are crystal clear, and gives you a fun experience with the planes in the sky. Rates include all on-property. Located at the northern portions of St Maarten, Tintamarre Island is a secluded paradise unlike anywhere else. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? 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Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. Fondly known as Airplane beach, as planes usually have to approach the landing at an altitude of less than 100 feet. It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. Is there anything near the cruise port? Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. Happy Cruising!! Having your towels on your beach loungers will reserve them for the day. Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. Two beach chairs and an umbrella go for $20. A snorkeling excursion there costs about $75 per person including transportation. News. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so?

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