Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. This brief video explains the best and worst times to visit St. Maarten. These cliffs are eroded to create perfect small coves that create small secluded romantic beaches on their own. The swell is never too high thanks to its coral reefs. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. 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. Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. This area is family-friendly. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. 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. This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. A five-hour shore excursion with transportation to Orient Bay and Maho Beach will start at $40 per person. We were family of 5 with late teens, beautiful day off a cruise ship. An island tour that includes quick stops at Orient Beach, Maho Bay, Marigot, Mullet Bay Beach and other attractions will cost about $50 per person. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. Where on French side? The walk is about 10 minutes, goes three fourths of a mile and is not difficult on a warm day. The sunset in Cupecoy Beach is astounding, and we suggest you spend it at the bar while waiting for the vibrant ambiance at night. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? St Maarten port is one of the fastest-growing Caribbean cruise ports and the leading cruise port in the Eastern Caribbean. Pinel Beach is found in an island lying just a few yards off the east coast of Sint Martin. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. 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. When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. 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. Whether you prefer to be laid back or power shop, St, Maarten is the island for you and your family to enjoy it all. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. St. Martin/St. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. St. Maarten cruise docks. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. It has BUS at the beginning of the license plate and the destination sign in the window. Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Dont forget to bargain with the vendors. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Atrium Beach Resort and Spa St Maarten a Ramada by Wyndham, Also See:Beaches in BermudaBest Beaches in JamaicaPhuket Beaches, Guana Bay, PhilipsburgSint 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). With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. A smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. As a result, it often draws large crowds. 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. St. Maarten. Even better, this white-sand, two-mile beach is right in front of Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side of the island. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. The place is fabulous. Are you looking for a unique experience by the beach thats accessible and convenient? CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. 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. Great beach. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. Therefore, be sure to gauge return time to the ship properly as there can be traffic jams on afternoons from this beach back to the port. 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. A nice day trip is a jaunt from the Philipsburg cruise port over to Marigot, capital of the French side, or Grand Case. 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 from the cruise ship pier shopping area to the center of Great Bay beach ($7 for unlimited tri 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Orient Bay Beach is the most popular beach in St Martin, so expect there to be a crowd. Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Sea Palace Resort. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. 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. 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) This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. An invisible boundary divides the 37 km island into two countries. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. Related:15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise. 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. Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only, The Villas at Simpson Bay Beach Resort and Marina, Atrium Beach Resort and Spa St Maarten a Ramada by Wyndham, Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa, Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa, 35 Best Places to Visit in August in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in July in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in June in the USA, 35 Best Places to Visit in May in the USA. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. Taxis. Cruise passengers get from the docks to Philipsburg via walking, taxi or an inexpensive water taxi. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Though it's not nearly as . 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. 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. Forums. This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. 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 sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? From this lovely beach, you will also see beautiful mountains against the magnificent blue sky over the sea. These beaches are unique and vary in features courtesy of the Caribbean and Atlantic sea that border the island on either side. Browse the shops for souvenirs and gorgeous beach wear. Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. Clear waters, beautiful horizon, and the quiet ambiance of the Grand Case Beach makes it a worthwhile destination. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. Walk along the beach on the boardwalk to find shops, food and drink or grab a chair and umbrella (usually for a fee) and take a dip in the bay. Is there anything near the cruise port? It gives a semiprivate vibe but is not totally secluded, still giving you a public place to stroll and bask in the sun. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. Dawn Beach offers spectacular views of sunrises. Temperatures stay in the low 80s Fahrenheit in the winter and reach the high 80s in the summer. Where you can relax and just enjoy the beauty. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. Bicycles / scooters. Our Cousin is a very active- independent young man that is in a wheelchair- I think it's going to be fine, but wanted to check? 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. water warm and lovely, beach clean. Front Street in Philipsburg. Orient Bay is a fairly quick drive by taxi, rental car or excursion bus from Philipsburg. 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. 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. Happy Cruising!! 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 overhead plane landing makes it one of the most popular beaches in St Maarten. Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. Anse Marcel is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. Here are the best things to do while in Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port! He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Cruise visitors will arrive at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities just outside of Philipsburg on Great Bay. You can take a tour of the nature reserve nearby as you explore the majestic beauty of the place. If you walk it's a 15-20 min walk cruise port-beach or vv. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 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. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. Deals. Little Bay Beach is just right next to Great Bay Beach only separated by the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. Otherwise, walk the boardwalk, and pick a spot on the beach and relax for the day, swim, drink, or tan. Great Bay and Orient Bay are the best St Maarten beaches near the cruise port. A snorkeling excursion there costs about $75 per person including transportation. Great Bay Beach is a fun beach and everything you will need will be there------the beach---water sports---bars--restaurants----long & wide and close to the docks and along one of the best shopping streets in the Caribbean. With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. The island is also a famous spot for hiking and exploring the enthralling red cliffs scattered all throughout the area. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. $$ - $$$ Caribbean Cajun & Creole Pub, Neighborhoods Points of Interest & Landmarks. The beach itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. Check out the video below from In The Loop Travel that shares the walk from the cruise terminal to Great Bay Beach. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. 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 St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. Oyster Pond is perfect if youre looking for a place that exudes tranquility. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. 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. Maho Beach is usually a favorite of visitors to the island and it is a tiny beach. 285 reviews. Ships dock at the Dr. AC Wathey Cruise Facility in front of a sprawling outdoor pedestrian mall. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! 98% of travelers recommend this experience. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. 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Frequented by tourists from far and wide, this beach is an amazing destination for all ages. 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. All Rights Reserved. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. A 10-15 percent tip for bus and taxi drivers is common. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. . 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. Explore different ways to experience this place. Roatan, Honduras. Philipsburg Cruise Port in Sint Maarten. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. Sint Maarten Beach Hotels; Sint Maarten Green Hotels; Sint Maarten Business Hotels; By Hotel Class. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. Quite packed thoughClose by the cruise port, just a quick $7 water taxi over to here. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. 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. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. 370 reviews. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding.