best beach in st maarten near cruise port

Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. This mile-long stretch of soft, white-sandy beach runs parallel to a long promenade stretching its entire length. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. This is the beach for you. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. Wathey Square is where the boat taxis operate from. St. Martin is named as the French side and St. Maarten is named as the Dutch side. Children under 13 are free. We suggest checking in to the lovely villas by the cliff, and youll surely enjoy your time with a majestic view of the blue waters. Take a water taxi to the island and enjoy the amazing beaches and scenery. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. 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. Quite packed thoughClose by the cruise port, just a quick $7 water taxi over to here. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. It has BUS at the beginning of the license plate and the destination sign in the window. One of the more famous and controversial attractions is the Maho Bay beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport. The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? Just a short walk away you can enjoy some duty-free shopping, great food, and delicious cocktails. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. Youll still see some damage even along the boardwalk of Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg. 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Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. We took a water taxi to this beach. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. At the far end #27 is Dutch Blonds pancakes and escape rooms; just look for the windmill. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. All Inclusive. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. They also have many water sports that are available. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! Where they serve fresh fish and lobsters for lunch among others. As such there is little vegetation. Some of the beds were very worn one or two broken so check that your bed is ok before sitting down. Expect to pay anywhere between $7 and $35 to get to a zone. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. Cruise passengers get from the docks to Philipsburg via walking, taxi or an inexpensive water taxi. Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. 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. Took a water taxi from cruise port area $7 per person round trip. 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. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. You can take off and walk the boardwalk and sightsee or just relax and work on your tan. Daughter thought they were the best she has had this holiday. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. We didn't find anywhere to snorkel that had anything to see. An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. The casino hours are 10am to 4am daily. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Want to have that french au naturel ambiance? Clean restrooms are available to visitors. This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. Having your towels on your beach loungers will reserve them for the day. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Water Shoes might be good for a day on the beach when snorkeling, get yours here. $$ - $$$ Caribbean Cajun & Creole Pub, Neighborhoods Points of Interest & Landmarks. 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 Taxi rates are set according to more than 20 zones around the island. St. Maarten. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. You have detailed explanations in my Maho Beach review. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Case Beach Club, Also See:Top Beaches in The CaribbeanBeaches in Aruba, Orient Bay BeachSint Maarten, NLD 1744+31 6 83359253. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. Views remarkable. Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters. A 10-15 percent tip for bus and taxi drivers is common. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. 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. 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. 370 reviews. The sand is indeed white, waves are crystal clear, and gives you a fun experience with the planes in the sky. The island has virtually no stop signs or stop lights. niNice beach, water clean and lovely. Complete with the softest powdery coasts, turquoise waters, and the freshest breezes of cool air, this island is a breathtaking destination. Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Dawn Beach offers spectacular views of sunrises. Taxis. There is also a small souvenir flea market nearby, just keep walking straight in pass Back Street, its hard to miss. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. 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) Maarten . In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever. Another beach that is well loved by both locals and visitors to the island is Mullet Bay Beach. Didnt feel too crowded and it was a great beach for kids to play and swim. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. We were there for happy hour from 1pm to 3pm and had 2 cocktails for $10 from the Nazca bar and restaurant. Known to be a part of the Natural Reserve of Saint-Martin, this island is a famous snorkeling spot. Great food and lots of cold drinks to keep you refreshed while lounging in the sun. 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. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. But dont take our word for it see for yourself. However, if you are looking for a quieter beach, then this isnt that beach, and you should probably try Mullet beach found nearby. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. Visitors will find plenty of taxis at the docks ready to take them there. 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. The place is fabulous. The beach which starts at the end of Princess Juliana Airport Runway attracts airplane fanatics, thrill seekers and even photographers. Known to be near the Great Bay, you could make a side trip here to experience this beachs greatness. There are few chain restaurants. Log in. Reviews. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. Explore different ways to experience this place. They can rent umbrellas and chairs for a reasonable price and a lovely view of the bay. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. While it is useful to consider a rental car, bus or taxi, it is wise to avoid renting a bicycle or scooter. Sint Maarten Beach Hotels; Sint Maarten Green Hotels; Sint Maarten Business Hotels; By Hotel Class. It features clear, calm crystalline waters with soft white sand and sprawling palm trees. 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. St Maarten is Dutch and to the north the French side is called St Martin. Head to St. Martin, the French side of St. Maarten, where you'll find a peaceful environment. 3. 1. Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. Where you can relax and just enjoy the beauty. The Water UFO is definitely good times, with family and friends. It did shelve quite quickly. St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht Is there anything near the cruise port? 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Deals. What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Curacao, What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Bonaire, Living In Aruba (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In St Eustatius ( Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In St Maarten (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In Saba Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), St Maarten Vs St Martin (Which Is Better For A Vacation), St Thomas vs St Maarten ( Which Island Is Better To Visit), Your email address will not be published. Great Bay Beach is also situated near car rentals, restaurants, bars and cafes and is a fantastic beach for swimming. Marigot Marigot is the capital of the French collective of the island. There are a number of bars that offer drinks and lounge chairs at the beach. 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. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. St. Martin/St. If you are after a more local atmosphere and better bargains, try Back Street. Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. The only problem was the ladies that would walk up and down the beach selling stuffed animals, massages , and hair braiding. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Princess Heights Luxury Condo Hotel. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. 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. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. 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. Some of the ladies started harassing a guy because he said no to a massage for his wife. 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. 285 reviews. There are no full restrooms but there is a port-a-potty available and usually there is a crowd on weekends. Travel to Maho beach and watch jumbo jets fly overhead to land at the nearby airport. Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. A playground is still delightful for toddlers across from shops beside Holland House Hotel, where cruise passengers can purchase the Beach Special ($25 toilets, beach chair and shower with wifi). This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and keep an eye on the time, time flies when youre having fun. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Your email address will not be published. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. New restaurant Oleos had good food and amazing view. Little Bay rests at the base of Fort . 2022. Do the taxis going from the St. Maarten cruise port to great bay beach dock at a pier or beach? You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. 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. It has beautiful white sand beaches and is reachable by ferry or excursion boat from Simpson Bay and Marigot. 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. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. 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. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho Beach. Great Bay Beachs location is ideal if you want to enjoy the beach as well as take advantage of the excellent duty free opportunities available on the island. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. . Didnt swim, but its safe, I was told. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. The nearby amenities and close proximity to the ship make it a very popular choice for cruise guests. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. It is about seven miles north of the Philipsburg cruise port. Anse Marcel is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. 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. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. The Philipsburg boardwalk lies between the beach and the shopping district of the city. This makes it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. 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. 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. Little Bay Beach. You can also walk from the port which takes 15-20 minutes. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. If you have a cruise vacation coming up in the Eastern Caribbean it might be worth finding out more about these stunning St.Martin/St. The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. They prob stop and ask about every 5 mins so it does get annoying. The Guava berry Emporium is the spot to taste and sample this locally made liquor. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Front Street is famous for its duty-free shopping. Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. 2. Grand Case Beach. Shops and food along the boardwalk. 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. Mullet Bay has beautiful white sand with calm waters and amazing views and landscape. Indigo Bay Beach is famous because of its quality attributes, making it popular with tourists. 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. This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. The water is warm with a pleasant surf. Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? It is often moderate from January through July. Anyone wanting a break from Great Bay Beach can stroll along the Boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and shops. This beach offers chairs and umbrellas by the shore, which is perfect when youre in the mood to get a tan and bask out in the sun! The Great Bay Beach is a well-maintained destination complete with white sandy dunes and clear waters, which is why its among our top picks when it comes to the different nice beaches in St Maarten. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. Show Prices. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. The centuries-old liquor is a part of St. Maartens culture, there are songs and stories dedicated to the Guava Berry. In the morning, the beautiful beach and the clear sand captivates the vacationers to take a dip. The beach is about 1/3 mile long. 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. 15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience, 15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise, Photos Reveal Progress at Carnival Cruise Lines New Port, Cunard Line Unveils Historical Photo ExhibitionFrom Past 100 Years, Royal Caribbean Cuts Back on Housekeeping Service, Fourth Carnival Cruise Ship Will Be Based Out of Galveston, Texas. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Villas at Simpson Bay Beach Resort and Marina, Little Bay Beach, Octavius L. Richardson Rd, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Though it's not nearly as . 2022 Scott S. Bateman. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. 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. Galion Beach is very popular with families and adrenaline junkies. It is reasonably private and not crowded, giving you ample time for relaxation and sunbathing. Alicia's Inn. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. Other St. Maarten attractions include the Mont Vernon Plantation and the Butterfly Farm. Magens Bay has an entry fee of $5 for adults and children 13 and older. 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. Again, look for signs point the way. 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. This Beach is a hidden gem found behind Divi resorts and makes for a perfect escape from the crowds. Ships dock at the Dr. AC Wathey Cruise Facility in front of a sprawling outdoor pedestrian mall. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. 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. 1. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. 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 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. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. But all in all, both sides offer some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean. Its the perfect beach spot if you want a quiet place to go without the touristy vibe. 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. 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 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. Mullet Bay may get too busy on the weekends, so we suggest that you visit during the weekdays to maximize your relaxation by the beach. Two beach chairs and an umbrella go for $20. 1. 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. Baie Rouge or the RedBay beach is a gorgeous beach on the French side named so because of its pink sands. Public bus. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. The water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. St. Maarten cruise docks. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? Its located near Maho beach, and though you can see the airplanes flying above, they are usually far away and therefore less noisy. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. The ride is only 10 minutes long. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. This is a very nice beach, with soft sand, and gorgeous turquoise water. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. It requires steering with your bodymovements, if you have 2 people riding you must lean in unison. Forums. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? Food and drinks All this fun with family can make you hungry.