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. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. What's the best way to see Great Bay Beach? 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. Located at the northern portions of St Maarten, Tintamarre Island is a secluded paradise unlike anywhere else. Are you looking for a unique experience by the beach thats accessible and convenient? There are many places to shop around and search for deals. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. $$ - $$$ Caribbean Cajun & Creole Pub, Neighborhoods Points of Interest & Landmarks. You can access this beach by walking. 2022. 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. Arrived on cruise ship having read the reviews and took the $7 water taxi as advised. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. 2. Where on French side? There are a number of bars that offer drinks and lounge chairs at the beach. Here are the best things to do while in Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port! Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. You can access this beach by walking. Little Bay Beach. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. International brands such as Little Switzerland and Diamond International are easily accessible. Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. The chairs and umbrellas are $5 each. 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. Fondly known as the Friendly Island, St Maarten is unique in that it is the smallest landmass divided between two nations in the world. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. They have Jet-Skis rentals and water sports equipment rentals. Luckily, given the islands size, you can visit any beach within the few hours allowed in port. There are no full restrooms but there is a port-a-potty available and usually there is a crowd on weekends. However, kindly note that this one is the furthest on this list from the cruise port. As a famous tourist island, this place is accessible and will give you the well-deserved vacation you need. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Plantation. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. The beach strip has enough to offer during the day, though, and stores galore towards Achter Straatan enduring shopping destination! This hidden gem is seldom crowded because its tricky to find. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. Required fields are marked *. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. This Beach is a hidden gem found behind Divi resorts and makes for a perfect escape from the crowds. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. A weather forecasting app may help to ensure that your visit to the beach will be exquisite. Great Bay Beach Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. 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. The island only has one major road. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. 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. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht 98% of travelers recommend this experience. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. The beach is great for swimming but at times can be rough so definitely one has to be cautious with children. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. There are few chain restaurants. We were family of 5 with late teens, beautiful day off a cruise ship. You can also walk from the port which takes 15-20 minutes. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. 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. Clear waters, beautiful beach, and powdery sandy shoreswhat more could you ask for in Divi Beach? From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. Things To Bring On A Cruise: 19 Cheap & Really Useful Cruise Items, 17 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas Your Kids Will Absolutely Love. Its located near Maho beach, and though you can see the airplanes flying above, they are usually far away and therefore less noisy. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. Shops and food along the boardwalk. "Everything was great, except check in because there's no place to park immediately until after you check in and pay the fees for the parking lot. An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. Carry snacks and drinks though there are vendors on the beach. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Villas at Simpson Bay Beach Resort and Marina, Little Bay Beach, Octavius L. Richardson Rd, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. 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 located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. Temperatures stay in the low 80s Fahrenheit in the winter and reach the high 80s in the summer. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. There are street bars, rum shacks serving ice-cold beer, and restaurants serving delicious food. This was our second visit. I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. They can rent umbrellas and chairs for a reasonable price and a lovely view of the bay. But traffic outside of the Boardwalk and Front Street is often heavy. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. 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. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? But dont take our word for it see for yourself. 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. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. If youre looking for a particular piece of jewelry Im sure you can find it here no doubt. St. Maarten cruise docks. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. Martin. Clothing is optional because it is secluded and located by the French St. Martin border. There are hundreds of duty free stores and the discounts are great. The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. 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. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. INDULGENCE BY THE SEA Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea LITTLE BAY BEACH ST. MAARTEN TREASURE SEEKER Photo courtesy of Treasure Seeker WATHEY SQUARE Photo courtesy of Vacation St. Maarten WATER UFO ST. MAARTEN Photo courtesy of Water UFO SUNSET BAR AND GRILL 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. The beach has rental chairs and umbrellas available for rent for the day. Great food and lots of cold drinks to keep you refreshed while lounging in the sun. Happy Cruising!! It consists of a small stretch of white sandy beach located next to the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. 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. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. Reviews. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. It lies right in from of the city of Philipsburg. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. Complete with the softest powdery coasts, turquoise waters, and the freshest breezes of cool air, this island is a breathtaking destination. Little Bay Beach is just right next to Great Bay Beach only separated by the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. Taxis. Front Street in Philipsburg. These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and keep an eye on the time, time flies when youre having fun. St Maarten port is one of the fastest-growing Caribbean cruise ports and the leading cruise port in the Eastern Caribbean. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Note that it is clothing optional. 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. We didn't find anywhere to snorkel that had anything to see. So get a taxi or car rental if you plan to see more than just the tourism district. 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. 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. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding. The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. water warm and lovely, beach clean. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. This mile-long stretch of soft, white-sandy beach runs parallel to a long promenade stretching its entire length. Make sure to take some home with you. For tourists who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, this is the place to be. A nice day trip is a jaunt from the Philipsburg cruise port over to Marigot, capital of the French side, or Grand Case. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. Take a swim in the clear blue sea. They also give you free Wi-Fi so dont forget to ask for the Wi-Fi code, especially for your social media buffs. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. 285 reviews. 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. The water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. The Second Lady kept saying how awful my daughters hair looked and that it wasnt professional. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. A 10-15 percent tip for bus and taxi drivers is common. 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. There are so many things to do around the cruise port that you will never be bored but may be pressed for time. 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. You can also take a stroll to the nearby market for the local cuisine. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. It has beautiful white sand beaches and is reachable by ferry or excursion boat from Simpson Bay and Marigot. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. 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. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. Logo Store; Find Your Roll Call; Meet & Mingle; Guidelines; Community Help Center; . Show Prices. The island is also a famous spot for hiking and exploring the enthralling red cliffs scattered all throughout the area. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. 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. Visit Orient Bay village, within walking distance of the beach. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. 1. Beaches In St Maarten Near Cruise Port (The Ultimate Guide), Living In The Caribbean (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). 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. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. 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. Browse the shops for souvenirs and gorgeous beach wear. 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. 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. 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. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. Get a waterproof case to protect your phone right here. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. 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. In the morning, the beautiful beach and the clear sand captivates the vacationers to take a dip. Friars Bay beach is a hidden gem amongst the best beach spots 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. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. 2. Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. But they mainly represent low-end casual in one group and high-end seafood and steak in the other. We were taken to two cushioned beach chairs one row back from the beach with umbrellas. 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. Its the perfect beach spot if you want a quiet place to go without the touristy vibe. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. St. Martin is named as the French side and St. Maarten is named as the Dutch side. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. Little Bay rests at the base of Fort . Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. The sea was crystal clear light blue and the sand v clean and there was a lovely breeze. 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. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. This beach is as relaxing as relaxing gets; it even offers spa services to enhance the experience. Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? Most people visit the beach to see the Jumbo jets that fly over it at very close proximities when landing or taking off from the airport right next door. With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. before joining cruise ship. We did end up getting some of our kids hair braided by two different people. Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. As a result, it often draws large crowds. News. 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. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. Sea Palace Resort. With close to 45 miles of beautiful coastline, you'll find some amazing beaches near St Maarten cruise port. Find a Cruise. Once we got the the beach there are people there trying to rent you lounge chairs. The short runway forces planes to fly low over the beach. Tourists should visit Rainforest Adventures, Seaside Nature Park, and Tintamarre island. 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. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. 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. Kim Sha is a popular starting point for dive and excursion boats. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. The fact that its semi-secluded makes it a good spot for relaxation. Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters. The ride is only 10 minutes long. Otherwise, walk the boardwalk, and pick a spot on the beach and relax for the day, swim, drink, or tan. Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. 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. The sand is indeed white, waves are crystal clear, and gives you a fun experience with the planes in the sky. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. Outside of Philipsburg, two of the most famous attractions on the island are beaches. The nearby amenities and close proximity to the ship make it a very popular choice for cruise guests. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. Nature lovers have additional reasons to love this beach, owing to the fact that its located near the Oyster pond marina. Rainfall is a different matter. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. How To Get From The Cruise Port To Great Bay Beach, What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Great Bay Beach, How To Get From The Cruise Port To Orient Bay Beach. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever. 3-Hour Guided Jeep Tour Island Highlights and 1-Hour Relax by Beach, The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour, The Original Eco Tour Full-Day Around the Island of Sint Maarten, Private St Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour, Best Of St Maarten Private Nightlife Tour, Modern Interactive Art MaShin Tour in Philipsburg with Pickup, @Philipsburg: calling all Sunbathers and shoppers. Until the development of the new cruise terminal, Front Street ranked among one of the best shopping experiences in the Caribbeanalong with Playa Del Carmen, St. Thomas and Old San Juan. Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho Beach. Public bus. St. Martin/St. If walking isnt appealing, there are quite a few transportation options. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Check out the list below for the top recommended Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Additionally, there is a clothing optional area on this beach. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. 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.

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