best beach in st maarten near cruise port best beach in st maarten near cruise port

The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. 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. 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. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Juliana Airport (SXM) Hotels near Esperance Airport (SFG) Hotels near Wallblake Airport (AXA) Tours; Add a . Little Bay Beach is just right next to Great Bay Beach only separated by the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If you are looking for a beach away from the hustle of the capital city with a Caribbean feel, then Orient Bay Beach is an amazing option to consider. Located at the northern portions of St Maarten, Tintamarre Island is a secluded paradise unlike anywhere else. This area is family-friendly. 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. 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. Where,s a nice beach on st martin calm waters, warm waters, for seven adults sandy beach no frills just drink and relax, swim . Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. 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. Fondly known as Airplane beach, as planes usually have to approach the landing at an altitude of less than 100 feet. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. Explore different ways to experience this place. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. water warm and lovely, beach clean. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. Unfortunately, you may only get a glimpse of this gem of an island, I always recommend a proper vacation for a week or two. The island has virtually no stop signs or stop lights. There are street bars, rum shacks serving ice-cold beer, and restaurants serving delicious food. Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. International brands such as Little Switzerland and Diamond International are easily accessible. 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. 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. St. Martin/St. Do the taxis going from the St. Maarten cruise port to great bay beach dock at a pier or beach? TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. As such there is little vegetation. 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. 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. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! 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. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. 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 The ENTIRE beach however is public and all the amenities of the resort are available to the public. 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. As a result, it is hugely popular with visitors taking photos and videos. Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. Some of the beds were very worn one or two broken so check that your bed is ok before sitting down. Or try a restaurant that serves local cuisine to taste an array of delicious dishes. 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. Time to ged inspired by these 13 stunning St. Maarten beaches you can experience during a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean. Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. 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. Martin. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Competent swimmers should try this beach and swim out to the arch and enjoy the other hidden beach found at the base of the cliff. If youre looking for a particular piece of jewelry Im sure you can find it here no doubt. Marigot Marigot is the capital of the French collective of the island. 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. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. The centuries-old liquor is a part of St. Maartens culture, there are songs and stories dedicated to the Guava Berry. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. However, if you are looking for a quieter beach, then this isnt that beach, and you should probably try Mullet beach found nearby. The waters on this beach are very inviting. Whether you prefer to be laid back or power shop, St, Maarten is the island for you and your family to enjoy it all. All Inclusive Hotels in Sint Maarten; Near Airports. As a result, it often draws large crowds. Log in. Your email address will not be published. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . 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. They have Jet-Skis rentals and water sports equipment rentals. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. You have detailed explanations in my Maho Beach review. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. Just a short walk away you can enjoy some duty-free shopping, great food, and delicious cocktails. Additionally, there is a clothing optional area on this beach. What's Included: Three types of passes are available: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $90, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $105 and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (full-day pass) for $195. The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Heres a list of a few more suggestion in Phillipsburg: Top 6 Car Rentals in St. Maarten Cruise Port. The eateries are a hive of energy with an exciting atmosphere as many businesses, and VIP parties are held here. Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. Anyone who walks around the Philipsburg waterfront wont find much else to see other than the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants. The casino hours are 10am to 4am daily. 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. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. The beach is great for swimming but at times can be rough so definitely one has to be cautious with children. St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. Hotels near Princ. Known to be near the Great Bay, you could make a side trip here to experience this beachs greatness. The water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. There is also a small souvenir flea market nearby, just keep walking straight in pass Back Street, its hard to miss. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . Hence, the island of St. Maarten is one of the worlds top cruise port destinations. 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. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? The Guava berry Emporium is the spot to taste and sample this locally made liquor. Make sure to take some home with you. Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. Great Bay Beach is also a family beach which is kid-friendly so that the whole family can enjoy. Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? Alternatively, you can take a public transportation which costs USD $2.50 to go and USD$2.50 to return. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. There are few chain restaurants. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. For tourists who have a heart for adventure, this ones for you. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. 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. An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. Indigo Beach Bay offers a variety of activities. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. Visit Orient Bay village, within walking distance of the beach. View of cruise ship and stores. Royal Palm Beach Resort. The sea was crystal clear light blue and the sand v clean and there was a lovely breeze. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. This beach is perfect for surfing and windsurfing. All Rights Reserved. These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? An island tour that includes quick stops at Orient Beach, Maho Bay, Marigot, Mullet Bay Beach and other attractions will cost about $50 per person. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. But once found, its truly worthwhile. In the morning, the beautiful beach and the clear sand captivates the vacationers to take a dip. We were there for happy hour from 1pm to 3pm and had 2 cocktails for $10 from the Nazca bar and restaurant. Check out the video below from In The Loop Travel that shares the walk from the cruise terminal to Great Bay Beach. 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! Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. 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. 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. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. 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. Outside of Philipsburg, two of the most famous attractions on the island are beaches. The beach is certainly grand in Sint Maarten, and within steps from the port (unlike Cayman). A five-hour shore excursion with transportation to Orient Bay and Maho Beach will start at $40 per person. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. Great for: Beach time, diving, snorkeling, water sports. 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. I finally had to ask her to stop because my daughter was about to cry. We were taken to two cushioned beach chairs one row back from the beach with umbrellas. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. A guide, complimentary refreshments and round-trip transportation from the . The sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Princess Heights Luxury Condo Hotel. We paid $50 for 2 I believe. This place is also less crowded and suitable for families looking for a spot for bonding and activities. The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. 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. The Water UFO is definitely good times, with family and friends. Saba is known for hiking and other ecotourism activities. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. If youre on a Caribbean cruise tour, Great Bay Beach is a fun stopover for daytrippers since it is located at the peak of Philipsburg. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. In Phillipsburg, one of the best things to do is shopping on Front Street or Back Street or hang out in Wathey Square. Cruise passengers get from the docks to Philipsburg via walking, taxi or an inexpensive water taxi. Again, look for signs point the way. Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. The roads are narrow and winding. Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. If you prefer to walk its about 20 minutes. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. The sunset in Cupecoy Beach is astounding, and we suggest you spend it at the bar while waiting for the vibrant ambiance at night. . If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? 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Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. One beach faces Saint Martin and is a perfect stretch of sandbar with shallow, calm waters perfect for families with kids. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. Show Prices. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. You can access this beach by walking. Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. This St. Martin beach is a bit far, about 45 minutes and 15 miles from the port but the entry and exit areas are easy and accessible. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Get a waterproof case to protect your phone right here. 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. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. Rates include all on-property. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. The sand is indeed white, waves are crystal clear, and gives you a fun experience with the planes in the sky. 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. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. 1. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. 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. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. What's the best way to see Great Bay Beach? Quite packed thoughClose by the cruise port, just a quick $7 water taxi over to here. Clothing is optional because it is secluded and located by the French St. Martin border. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. Sea Palace Resort. They are Philipsburg on the southern coast and Simpson Bay on the southwest coast because they have the cruise port and the airport. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? It was easy to relax and get the drinks. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. Located on the northeast coast of St Maarten is The Orient Bay Beach, the perfect vacation spot. 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) Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. Here are the best things to do while in Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port! Its named after a defeated captain who went after Saba and ran aground on the very same beach. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. 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. Grand Case Beach. I know you will love visiting this Caribbean island as much as I do. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. Some of the ladies started harassing a guy because he said no to a massage for his wife. 370 reviews. Charged 30 dollars(should have haggled) for two sunbeds and an umbrella plus 6 free beers! Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. 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. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. It is larger than Maho beach and it a good option for beginner snorkeling as you can see fishes near the shoreline. Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. Front Street in Philipsburg. But among this plethora of sandy dunes and pristine waters, we went ahead and narrowed down a list of the best beaches in St Maarten. Great Bay beach is a lovely beach to sit and relax while soaking up the sun or enjoying the view of the ocean. Are you looking for a unique experience by the beach thats accessible and convenient? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can access this beach by walking. Where you can relax and just enjoy the beauty. more. Food and drinks All this fun with family can make you hungry. Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. 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. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. There is a boat that brings people over and drops them at the dock. The overhead plane landing makes it one of the most popular beaches in St Maarten. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. The islands rugged coastline features 37 beaches all around. It takes one about 25 minutes to get to the beach. The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Villas at Simpson Bay Beach Resort and Marina, Little Bay Beach, Octavius L. Richardson Rd, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. 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. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. 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. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. 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. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. The walk is about 10 minutes, goes three fourths of a mile and is not difficult on a warm day. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. 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.