best beach in st maarten near cruise port
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 can access this beach by walking. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. What makes a good cruise port arguably is a combination of: The St. Maarten cruise port at Philipsburg has all of the above in a pleasant mix. I trust that you have found this information useful if your plans are to visit a beach while on a cruise to St Maarten. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. The centuries-old liquor is a part of St. Maartens culture, there are songs and stories dedicated to the Guava Berry. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native 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! Shops and food along the boardwalk. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. You can also walk from the port which takes 15-20 minutes. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. Luckily, given the islands size, you can visit any beach within the few hours allowed in port. The beach restaurants are currently closed due to hurricane Irmas damage, but rebuilding is taking place. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. Outside of Philipsburg, two of the most famous attractions on the island are beaches. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. 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. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. On foot. The island has virtually no stop signs or stop lights. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Great Bay Beach, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. If youre looking for a particular piece of jewelry Im sure you can find it here no doubt. Water taxis dock at the pier which is right on the beach - not in the very central part, but 3 min walk from it. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. This is something extraordinary to write home about. 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. Required fields are marked *. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. Say Maho! when the planes fly over your head; its a tradition on the island! Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. However, kindly note that this one is the furthest on this list from the cruise port. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. It has beautiful white sand beaches and is reachable by ferry or excursion boat from Simpson Bay and Marigot. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. We didn't find anywhere to snorkel that had anything to see. Its wide shoreline makes it a perfect spot for beach picnics and playing games on the shore. Maho Beach is usually a favorite of visitors to the island and it is a tiny beach. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. Anse Marcel is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. The island only has one major road. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. Its like a 3 min ride. Rent a jet ski and take a ride on the water. Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. A snorkeling excursion there costs about $75 per person including transportation. You can access this beach by walking. The coral reefs offer snorkelers a peek into St. Maarten water inhabitants. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau This mile-long stretch of soft, white-sandy beach runs parallel to a long promenade stretching its entire length. Explore different ways to experience this place. Maho Beach is famous because it is located so close to the airport that landing planes will swoop so close over the heads of beachgoers that some of them get knocked off their feet. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. What Attractions Are At Orient Bay Beach? Expect to pay anywhere between $7 and $35 to get to a zone. This beach is about 30 minutes from the cruise port via taxi along Airport road. It's a nice swimming beach with gentle surf, but there are also jet ski rentals and a pier you can sit on to enjoy the view of cruise ships and sailboats. Front Street in Philipsburg. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'stmaartenadventure_com-box-3','ezslot_2',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-box-3-0');When youre on a Caribbean cruise, most likely you will end up stopping in Sint Maarten, the cruise capital of the Caribbean. This hidden gem is seldom crowded because its tricky to find. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. The water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. It features clear, calm crystalline waters with soft white sand and sprawling palm trees. Great Bay Beach Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. The beach strip has enough to offer during the day, though, and stores galore towards Achter Straatan enduring shopping destination! 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. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. Even better, this white-sand, two-mile beach is right in front of Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side of the island. In this post we will explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in St Maarten on a cruise. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Marigot Marigot is the capital of the French collective of the island. Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. Take a swim in the clear blue sea. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . Orient Bay Beach is the most popular beach in St Martin, so expect there to be a crowd. Arrived on cruise ship having read the reviews and took the $7 water taxi as advised. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. There is a large Westin resort located on this beach. Dawn Beach offers spectacular views of sunrises. Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. 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. At the far end #27 is Dutch Blonds pancakes and escape rooms; just look for the windmill. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. Fondly known as the Friendly Island, St Maarten is unique in that it is the smallest landmass divided between two nations in the world. The sunset in Cupecoy Beach is astounding, and we suggest you spend it at the bar while waiting for the vibrant ambiance at night. Show Prices. Kids can play on the sand and enjoy a splash in the calm water. 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. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. Sint Maarten Beach Hotels; Sint Maarten Green Hotels; Sint Maarten Business Hotels; By Hotel Class. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. There are villas located on the mountainous side, fun tours to try, and sightseeing activities on this island. 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. 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. 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. Maarten for 20 years, and I'm sharing the best things on the island. Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. One of the more interesting beaches on St. Maarten is Cupecoy because of its white sand, sandstone cliffs and small caves along the shore. St. Barth is frequented by the rich and famous. If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. The powdery soft sand and coconut trees backdrop give it a magical atmosphere. Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. Check out the list below for the top recommended Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Princess Heights Luxury Condo Hotel. Great beach. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. Swim shoes may come in handy when walking by the shore, and there may be small rocks you may encounter when walking in the waters. All Rights Reserved. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Fine sandy beach alongside a boardwalk. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. We did end up getting some of our kids hair braided by two different people. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. St Maarten is Dutch and to the north the French side is called St Martin. Alicia's Inn. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only. Taxis. Things To Bring On A Cruise: 19 Cheap & Really Useful Cruise Items, 17 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas Your Kids Will Absolutely Love. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. But it is one of the most convenient beaches in the Caribbean for cruise port visitors because it is within walking distance of the docks. The sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. Sit, relax, and work on your tan, sipping on cocktails, or you can enjoy some water sports such as jet-skiing, snorkeling, and much more. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. Clear waters, beautiful horizon, and the quiet ambiance of the Grand Case Beach makes it a worthwhile destination. And that brings up It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. Therefore, depending on the time of year that you visit expect there to be a crowd. You only need to get to the port early. 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. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. Hawkers in front of the cafes will sometimes offer them for free to visitors who buy food and beverages. Great for: Beach time, diving, snorkeling, water sports. A smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. Re: Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten 5 years ago Save Hi Maria, The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. We were taken to two cushioned beach chairs one row back from the beach with umbrellas. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. If you prefer to walk its about 20 minutes. One of the more famous and controversial attractions is the Maho Bay beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport. Maho Beach is a 30-40 minute drive to reach, and it requires a shore excursion or taxi to get there. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Indigo Bay Beach is famous because of its quality attributes, making it popular with tourists. St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. Taxi rates are set according to more than 20 zones around the island. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. When the clock hits at the time of sunset, thats where the flashing lights, livid atmosphere, and the nightlife starts. 2022. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. Clothing is optional because it is secluded and located by the French St. Martin border. 3. It takes one about 25 minutes to get to the beach. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters. It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Travel to Maho beach and watch jumbo jets fly overhead to land at the nearby airport. Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. 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. We've found the most popular sights, attractions and shore excursions for a truly amazing day. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in St Maarten, located near Princess Juliana Airport. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. Additionally, there is a nearby fishing village by the beach, giving a tranquil vibe that is different from the vibrant nightlife of other beaches in St Maarten. I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. Cruise Tips. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. Mullet Bay Mullet Bay Beach Sint Maarten, NLD 1744 Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. News. Beach bumming is the main activity here, but you can also try the locals favorite guava berry rum Coladas served at the little bars nearby. Head to St. Martin, the French side of St. Maarten, where you'll find a peaceful environment. The beach which starts at the end of Princess Juliana Airport Runway attracts airplane fanatics, thrill seekers and even photographers. Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. Then it climbs to a high point for the rest of the year. If youre coming with kids who love water activities, you could try out their snorkeling and underwater fun for a lower price than other beaches in St Maarten. Maarten . Great Bay beach is a lovely beach to sit and relax while soaking up the sun or enjoying the view of the ocean. Car rentals. 285 reviews. 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. 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. Check it out and enjoy your Caribbean adventure to the fullest! September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. 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. The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. It is larger than Maho beach and it a good option for beginner snorkeling as you can see fishes near the shoreline. 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). I know you will love visiting this Caribbean island as much as I do. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. Anyone wanting a break from Great Bay Beach can stroll along the Boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and shops. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. 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. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. In Phillipsburg, one of the best things to do is shopping on Front Street or Back Street or hang out in Wathey Square. This brief video explains the best and worst times to visit St. Maarten. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. The nearby amenities and close proximity to the ship make it a very popular choice for cruise guests. You can either take the watertaxi right to the center of this street or walk from the cruise terminal which will take you about 20 to 30 minutes. 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. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For tourists who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, this is the place to be. Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. 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. It is about seven miles north of the Philipsburg cruise port. Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. Indigo Beach Bay offers a variety of activities. Had an enjoyable walk along the beach and a very good day. Saba is known for hiking and other ecotourism activities. But they mainly represent low-end casual in one group and high-end seafood and steak in the other. Its a long stretch of several white sandy beaches nestled at the foot of sapphire colored sand cliffs. 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. Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. St Maarten is loved by tourists and visitors to the island for its bustling night life, diverse dining options and its exciting duty free shopping experience. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. 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. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. From the comfort of your lounge chair under the sun . The casino hours are 10am to 4am daily. Location You can find them at Airport Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten Star Lite Car Rentals Star Lite Car Rentals are a local rental service provider in Cruise Port of St, Maarten. 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. Where they want to go often includes Philipsburg itself. Little bay beach is located adjacent to Little Divi Resort. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. Worth it even if you take just a dip. We walked from the port to the beach area around 20 mins and walked along the beach front stopping in and out of shops on routewe must have been offered sunbeds by at least 10 different people..most were polite enough when you said no but most were quite persistent and it was pretty irritating one after the other continuously. Views remarkable. 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. A guide, complimentary refreshments and round-trip transportation from the . Cruise visitors will arrive at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities just outside of Philipsburg on Great Bay. Tourists should visit Rainforest Adventures, Seaside Nature Park, and Tintamarre island. Visitors will find plenty of taxis at the docks ready to take them there. Where they serve fresh fish and lobsters for lunch among others. Cupecoy is a half hour west of the port and requires a taxi or rental car to get there. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. 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. 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. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. 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 2. Didnt feel too crowded and it was a great beach for kids to play and swim. But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? Browse the shops for souvenirs and gorgeous beach wear. Ships dock at the Dr. AC Wathey Cruise Facility in front of a sprawling outdoor pedestrian mall. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. 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. Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. Riselle Celestina for Insider. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. The beach is great for swimming but at times can be rough so definitely one has to be cautious with children. The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. The ENTIRE beach however is public and all the amenities of the resort are available to the public. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty Directly a few blocks inland from the duty free store, past the courthouse, the yellow and blue RBC bank building with automated teller machine is always open to tourists in need of cash for excursions / tipping.
