Recommended Hotel Nearby: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. The islands rugged coastline features 37 beaches all around. This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. Located on the northeast coast of St Maarten is The Orient Bay Beach, the perfect vacation spot. Do the taxis going from the St. Maarten cruise port to great bay beach dock at a pier or beach? 17 Best Beaches in St Maarten (2023) Top Beach Spots! Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg of 2023 (with Prices Friars Bay beach is a hidden gem amongst the best beach spots in St Maarten. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. Some of the beds were very worn one or two broken so check that your bed is ok before sitting down. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. Ships dock at the Dr. AC Wathey Cruise Facility in front of a sprawling outdoor pedestrian mall. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. The Water UFO is definitely good times, with family and friends. 285 reviews. The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. A cruise visitor who is thinking about a car rental might do so for visits to the less-populated French side of the island, especially the quaint city of Marigot. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. Rates include all on-property. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. If you walk it's a 15-20 min walk cruise port-beach or vv. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. The place is fabulous. $$ - $$$ Caribbean Cajun & Creole Pub, Neighborhoods Points of Interest & Landmarks. Happy Cruising!! Shore Excursions & Cruise Tours: 2023 Reviews & Ratings - Cruise Critic 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. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. more. We had a lovely day off the ship relaxing on the beach which wasn't busy at all even with 2 ships in. Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. Where,s a nice beach on st martin calm waters, warm waters, for seven adults sandy beach no frills just drink and relax, swim . Daughter thought they were the best she has had this holiday. The island is also a famous spot for hiking and exploring the enthralling red cliffs scattered all throughout the area. 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. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. They also give you free Wi-Fi so dont forget to ask for the Wi-Fi code, especially for your social media buffs. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. Walk around to get the best deals on t-shirts, perfumes, cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, homeware and electronics, all duty-free. The ride is only 10 minutes long. Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. The water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. Known to be near the Great Bay, you could make a side trip here to experience this beachs greatness. Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. St. Maarten Cruise: Best Cruises to St. Maarten - Celebrity Cruises 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. The Happy bay beach is also known as the best snorkel spot in St Maarten. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. 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. A guide, complimentary refreshments and round-trip transportation from the . Hawkers in front of the cafes will sometimes offer them for free to visitors who buy food and beverages. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. 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. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Reviews. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. The Guava berry Emporium is located on Front Street in Phillipsburg in an old townhouse, you cant miss the big liquor bottle at the entrance. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. Little Bay has perfect calm crystal clear waters resultant from the protection offered by the peninsula. When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. Its arguably famously known as the bikini beach as it entertains many lively parties and holds huge crowds of party people. While the Dutch side boasts of the closest beaches to the cruise port, the French side has some of the best. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. We were family of 5 with late teens, beautiful day off a cruise ship. Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. Say Maho! when the planes fly over your head; its a tradition on the island! Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten - Tripadvisor The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Wathey Square is where the boat taxis operate from. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. THE 5 BEST Philipsburg Cruise Port Hotels 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Clear waters, beautiful beach, and powdery sandy shoreswhat more could you ask for in Divi Beach? 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. Mullet Bay (Sint Maarten) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go I've lived on St. Martin/St. Riselle Celestina for Insider. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. It requires steering with your bodymovements, if you have 2 people riding you must lean in unison. St. Maarten Beaches + Things to do near St. Maarten cruise port :: st The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. The sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? Maarten . Carry snacks and drinks though there are vendors on the beach. Check it out and enjoy your Caribbean adventure to the fullest! Easily one of our favorite destinations among the best beaches in St Maarten, Baie Rouge offers long extensive shores and pristine cool waters. The Philipsburg boardwalk lies between the beach and the shopping district of the city. Clothing is optional because it is secluded and located by the French St. Martin border. Top 10 St. Maarten Excursions Catamaran ($1599.99) Sonesta Day Pass ($88.99) Speedboat & Snorkel ($124.99) Highlights & Beach ($55.99) Sightseeing ($44.99) Attraction Park ($138.99) ATV HIghlight and Beach ($99.99) Beach Bum Combo ($44.99) Full Day Sailing ($134.99) Sky Explorer and Dutchman ($98.99) St. Maarten Cruise Excursions Reviews 4.8/5 Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. St. Thomas/St. John Beach Guide - Cruise Critic These cliffs are eroded to create perfect small coves that create small secluded romantic beaches on their own. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten (with Prices It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. St. Maarten cruise port - Top rated port guide for cruise ship passengers Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. Water Shoes might be good for a day on the beach when snorkeling, get yours here. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. Orient Bay Beach is the most popular beach in St Martin, so expect there to be a crowd. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. Saba is known for hiking and other ecotourism activities. The island only has one major road. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. Roatan, Honduras. All Rights Reserved. They have Jet-Skis rentals and water sports equipment rentals. Taxis, which also are usually SUVs, have a T at the beginning of the license plate. 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. Kim Sha is a popular starting point for dive and excursion boats. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. Authentic name brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci are just some designer brands you will find. Martin. Charged 30 dollars(should have haggled) for two sunbeds and an umbrella plus 6 free beers! Little Bay rests at the base of Fort . Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. It takes one about 25 minutes to get to the beach. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in St Maarten, located near Princess Juliana Airport. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. Maarten beaches. Unfortunately, you may only get a glimpse of this gem of an island, I always recommend a proper vacation for a week or two. Known to be a favorite spot among celebrities, this outstanding beach showcases a plethora of restaurants, hotels, and shops by the oceanfront, making it convenient for the tourists to go souvenir shopping. Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty 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. Great for: Beach time, diving, snorkeling, water sports. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. The beach strip has enough to offer during the day, though, and stores galore towards Achter Straatan enduring shopping destination! Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! But all in all, both sides offer some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? 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. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. 10 Best Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Martin Children under 13 are free. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. 29 Best St. Maarten Excursions | 93,000+ Verified Reviews 2. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Plantation. If you are after a more local atmosphere and better bargains, try Back Street. The beach itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. Magens Bay has an entry fee of $5 for adults and children 13 and older. The waters on this beach are very inviting. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. Browse the shops for souvenirs and gorgeous beach wear. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. The eateries are a hive of energy with an exciting atmosphere as many businesses, and VIP parties are held here. The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. The popular cruise destination in the Eastern Caribbean has two sides and is known for being the smallest landmass to host two nations in one place. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. 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. It is a definite try if youre on a trip to the Caribbean. Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Its not easy elsewhere to find washrooms for public use, except at restaurants by the beach. Pinel Beach is found in an island lying just a few yards off the east coast of Sint Martin. 1. Get a lounge chair and umbrella going for about $7, kick back and relax. We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. Its the perfect beach spot if you want a quiet place to go without the touristy vibe. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Are Really Worth Your Time? St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. The coral reefs offer snorkelers a peek into St. Maarten water inhabitants. 2022. Show Prices. Fondly known as Airplane beach, as planes usually have to approach the landing at an altitude of less than 100 feet. I finally had to ask her to stop because my daughter was about to cry. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. Beaches In St Maarten Near Cruise Port (The Ultimate Guide), Living In The Caribbean (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Even better, this white-sand, two-mile beach is right in front of Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side of the island. We paid $50 for 2 I believe. This is the most affordable option. It lies right in from of the city of Philipsburg. There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. 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. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. 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. Travel to Maho beach and watch jumbo jets fly overhead to land at the nearby airport. Quite packed thoughClose by the cruise port, just a quick $7 water taxi over to here. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? 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. Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. New restaurant Oleos had good food and amazing view. Rent a jet ski and take a ride on the water. 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're looking for the best time to visit St Maarten, you may find this guide helpful. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! 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. It's perfect for a lazy beach day. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. water warm and lovely, beach clean. Where on French side? 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. The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht It is quite a bit more quiet these days. Enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and keep an eye on the time, time flies when youre having fun. 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. Some jet skis nearby filling up with fuel every 10 minutes which smelt terriblenot very safety conscious either as they were floating about in the water while filling up. Show Prices. Mullet Bay has beautiful white sand with calm waters and amazing views and landscape. This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. A 20minutes taxi ride from the cruise pier will get you to the beach. The casino hours are 10am to 4am daily. 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). After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. Very convenient. This is the beach for you. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Orient Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Cupecoy Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. Maho Beach Arguably the most popular beach that travelers on cruises to St. Maarten visit is Maho Beach, which is known for having the area's longest stretch of hotels and resorts. As such there is little vegetation. The beach is about 1/3 mile long. Note that it is clothing optional. Is your upcoming Caribbean cruise docking in St Maarten?