"All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. 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 We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. News. 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. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. Beach nice enough, sea was lovely but quite a drop as the current changed..safe enough though. However, if you are looking for a quieter beach, then this isnt that beach, and you should probably try Mullet beach found nearby. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. The place is fabulous. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. 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. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. Didnt feel too crowded and it was a great beach for kids to play and swim. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. 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. 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. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. Moreover, go for snorkeling and explore the underwater world. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. While the other is a rocky beach that faces the other side and is exposed to the rough side of nature but bears beautiful rock formations. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. The main appeal is the convenient Great Bay Beach, the long boardwalk that runs parallel to it and the shops and restaurants that line the boardwalk. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. St. Maarten. Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. A smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . 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. Both offer relaxing stretches of sandy beach and an array of restaurants and amenities to make your time in St Maarten a memorable one. Martin. There are villas located on the mountainous side, fun tours to try, and sightseeing activities on this island. Maho Beach is usually a favorite of visitors to the island and it is a tiny beach. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. Great Bay Beach Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. Nature lovers have additional reasons to love this beach, owing to the fact that its located near the Oyster pond marina. St Maarten port is one of the fastest-growing Caribbean cruise ports and the leading cruise port in the Eastern Caribbean. You can take off and walk the boardwalk and sightsee or just relax and work on your tan. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. Orient Bay Beach is the most popular beach in St Martin, so expect there to be a crowd. Deals. We rented chairs with wonderful service from Jimmy from the love boat restaurant and beach service , chair rental and service right on the beach with food and reasonably priced drinks were exceptional.. could not have asked for a more pleasant day til, Convenient swimming with shopping and restaurants. Frequented by tourists from far and wide, this beach is an amazing destination for all ages. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Alternatively, you can take a public transportation which costs USD $2.50 to go and USD$2.50 to return. 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 Its not easy elsewhere to find washrooms for public use, except at restaurants by the beach. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. You can access this beach by walking. 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. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. There is a large Westin resort located on this beach. It. This makes it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You can also enjoy the day at Great Bay Beach, Divi Little Bay Beach. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. Rainfall is a different matter. 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. Reviews. Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. You can get to this beach via a taxi or a bus. Want to have that french au naturel ambiance? Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? St. Maarten cruise docks. Check it out and enjoy your Caribbean adventure to the fullest! If you prefer to walk its about 20 minutes. 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? As a result, it is hugely popular with visitors taking photos and videos. We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. Great Bay Beach Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. If you're looking for the best time to visit St Maarten, you may find this guide helpful. From the comfort of your lounge chair under the sun . There are few chain restaurants. A weather forecasting app may help to ensure that your visit to the beach will be exquisite. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. Youll still see some damage even along the boardwalk of Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg. Where they serve fresh fish and lobsters for lunch among others. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. 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. If youre looking for a particular piece of jewelry Im sure you can find it here no doubt. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. Discover 9 Top Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love + 5 More For Kids! A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. 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 roads are narrow and winding. The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. 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. Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. Daughter thought they were the best she has had this holiday. Mullet Bay has beautiful white sand with calm waters and amazing views and landscape. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. Other St. Maarten attractions include the Mont Vernon Plantation and the Butterfly Farm. 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. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. 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. 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. But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. This hidden gem is seldom crowded because its tricky to find. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. The islands rugged coastline features 37 beaches all around. Visit this beach to enjoy a great beach break on its soft white sands and when you get hungry grab a bite at the nearby restaurants. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. Clear waters, beautiful horizon, and the quiet ambiance of the Grand Case Beach makes it a worthwhile destination. Water taxis dock at the pier which is right on the beach - not in the very central part, but 3 min walk from it. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. Feel free to browse our website for more content on St Maarten, the Dutch Caribbean and rest of the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. This beach is perfect for surfing and windsurfing. Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. 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. Enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and keep an eye on the time, time flies when youre having fun. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. It features clear, calm crystalline waters with soft white sand and sprawling palm trees. 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. Anyone wanting a break from Great Bay Beach can stroll along the Boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and shops. The sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. All Inclusive Hotels in Sint Maarten; Near Airports. Grab a beach chair and umbrella and enjoy your day in port at this lovely beach. Marigot Marigot is the capital of the French collective of the island. The uncrowded shore of Grand Case Beach, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, will lure you in with its clear turquoise seas and long, expansive coastline. Peaceful and serene. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . They have Jet-Skis rentals and water sports equipment rentals. View of cruise ship and stores. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. Little Bay Beach is just right next to Great Bay Beach only separated by the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula. It requires steering with your bodymovements, if you have 2 people riding you must lean in unison. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. The chairs and umbrellas are $5 each. Beach chairs, umbrellas and jet-skis are available for a fee. This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. You can even take a short taxi ride into Maho to watch the planes take-off and land. At the far end #27 is Dutch Blonds pancakes and escape rooms; just look for the windmill. Riselle Celestina for Insider. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. Have in mind last taxis back to cruise port depart around 5.30-6 PM, so if your ship departs late in the evening there's no point spending 7$ pp. Is there anything near the cruise port? if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_13',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0_1');.mobile-leaderboard-1-multi-113{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}If youre into water sports, this is a one of a kind attraction in the Caribbean, great fun! With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. Browse the shops for souvenirs and gorgeous beach wear. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Beach Tour Including Lunch in St. Maarten (From $139.00) Half Day Snorkeling and Beach Tour/Excursion (From $89.00) Private Sailboat Charter in St Maarten; Anguilla and Prickly Pear Cays day trip (From $160.00) 3 Island Adventure with stop at Tintamarre to swim with Turtles (From $146.00) Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. 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. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. A five-hour shore excursion with transportation to Orient Bay and Maho Beach will start at $40 per person. Great food and lots of cold drinks to keep you refreshed while lounging in the sun. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. Hotels near Princ. 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. Alicia's Inn. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. Vans are also available, and prices vary depending on the number of people on board. Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. The powdery soft sand and coconut trees backdrop give it a magical atmosphere. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. If walking isnt appealing, there are quite a few transportation options. The extended stretch of fine white sand is great, and the swaying palm trees offer respite from the harsh sun. before joining cruise ship. The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. The waters on this beach are very inviting. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. But all in all, both sides offer some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean. Therefore, depending on the time of year that you visit expect there to be a crowd. Maarten for 20 years, and I'm sharing the best things on the island. Royal Palm Beach Resort. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. Explore different ways to experience this place. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. Dont forget to bargain with the vendors. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. You also get the use of their facilities. 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. St.Barths is only 30 minutes away from this beach, and we suggest you take a side trip there to complete your ultimate Caribbean vacation. In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever. Clean restrooms are available to visitors. 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. #3 Best Value of 7 Philipsburg Cruise Port Hotels. Check out the video below from In The Loop Travel that shares the walk from the cruise terminal to Great Bay Beach. Travel to Maho beach and watch jumbo jets fly overhead to land at the nearby airport. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. Baie Rouge is what youll expect what a Caribbean beach would look like. 285 reviews. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty The beach strip has enough to offer during the day, though, and stores galore towards Achter Straatan enduring shopping destination! It is a definite try if youre on a trip to the Caribbean. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Required fields are marked *. 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. If you walk it's a 15-20 min walk cruise port-beach or vv. Little Bay rests at the base of Fort . It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. 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. Or try a restaurant that serves local cuisine to taste an array of delicious dishes. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only, The Villas at Simpson Bay Beach Resort and Marina, Atrium Beach Resort and Spa St Maarten a Ramada by Wyndham, Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa, Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA. Kim Sha is a popular starting point for dive and excursion boats. 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. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. The Philipsburg and Simpson Bay restaurants cater to all tastes. Where on French side? Two beach chairs and an umbrella go for $20. Walk along the beach on the boardwalk to find shops, food and drink or grab a chair and umbrella (usually for a fee) and take a dip in the bay. We've found the most popular sights, attractions and shore excursions for a truly amazing day. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. With its nice horizon, outstanding view, and superb restaurants to trythe Oyster pond is one of the prettiest beaches in St Maarten. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. from the cruise ship pier shopping area to the center of Great Bay beach ($7 for unlimited tri 93% of travelers recommend this experience. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. These beaches are unique and vary in features courtesy of the Caribbean and Atlantic sea that border the island on either side. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. 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. As a famous tourist island, this place is accessible and will give you the well-deserved vacation you need. Juliana Airport (SXM) Hotels near Esperance Airport (SFG) Hotels near Wallblake Airport (AXA) Tours; Add a . It takes one about 25 minutes to get to the beach. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. On foot. St. Martin is one of the best shopping ports of the Caribbean. 3. Taxi rates are set according to more than 20 zones around the island. The water is warm with a pleasant surf. I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. Having your towels on your beach loungers will reserve them for the day. 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. 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. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. You have detailed explanations in my Maho Beach review. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. Find a Cruise. 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). Sea Palace Resort. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island.
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