best beach in st maarten near cruise port best beach in st maarten near cruise port

This is the most affordable option. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. Calm and clear azure waters with an excellent view of the Ocean is what greets you at Grand Case Beach. Why We Recommend This Beach 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. Re: Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten 5 years ago Save Hi Maria, The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. Its like a 3 min ride. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_13',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0_1');.mobile-leaderboard-1-multi-113{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}If youre into water sports, this is a one of a kind attraction in the Caribbean, great fun! Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. Unfortunately, you may only get a glimpse of this gem of an island, I always recommend a proper vacation for a week or two. International brands such as Little Switzerland and Diamond International are easily accessible. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? If walking isnt appealing, there are quite a few transportation options. Cupecoy is a half hour west of the port and requires a taxi or rental car to get there. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. Happy Cruising!! View of cruise ship and stores. We were family of 5 with late teens, beautiful day off a cruise ship. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. Always give yourself ample time for traffic, and theres always traffic in St.Maarten. Its wide shoreline makes it a perfect spot for beach picnics and playing games on the shore. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Playa Orient Bay. Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. 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. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. Both offer relaxing stretches of sandy beach and an array of restaurants and amenities to make your time in St Maarten a memorable one. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Plantation. 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). Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . Time to ged inspired by these 13 stunning St. Maarten beaches you can experience during a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean. 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. Show Prices. Tourists should visit Rainforest Adventures, Seaside Nature Park, and Tintamarre island. St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. It's a nice swimming beach with gentle surf, but there are also jet ski rentals and a pier you can sit on to enjoy the view of cruise ships and sailboats. In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. The beach restaurants are currently closed due to hurricane Irmas damage, but rebuilding is taking place. Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. 10 Indulgence by the Sea St. Maarten Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea The Indulgence by the Sea Spa. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. 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. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. But all in all, both sides offer some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Great Bay Beach, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. 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. Food and drinks All this fun with family can make you hungry. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. Best for Crown Bay Cruisers: Emerald Beach (Lindbergh Bay Beach) Why go: Home to the Emerald Beach Resort, Lindbergh Bay has all the things you want in a beach, while being located close. A 20minutes taxi ride from the cruise pier will get you to the beach. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. Mullet Bay Mullet Bay Beach Sint Maarten, NLD 1744 Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. Having your towels on your beach loungers will reserve them for the day. Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. Nature lovers have additional reasons to love this beach, owing to the fact that its located near the Oyster pond marina. The beach itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 370 reviews. The ENTIRE beach however is public and all the amenities of the resort are available to the public. Log in. Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. Great Bay Beach is also situated near car rentals, restaurants, bars and cafes and is a fantastic beach for swimming. 285 reviews. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. 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. Cruise passengers get from the docks to Philipsburg via walking, taxi or an inexpensive water taxi. The beach strip has enough to offer during the day, though, and stores galore towards Achter Straatan enduring shopping destination! Cruise visitors will arrive at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities just outside of Philipsburg on Great Bay. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. 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. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. This beach is perfect for surfing and windsurfing. Browse the shops for souvenirs and gorgeous beach wear. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. 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. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Martin. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. With close to 45 miles of beautiful coastline, you'll find some amazing beaches near St Maarten cruise port. This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Luckily, given the islands size, you can visit any beach within the few hours allowed in port. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-box-4','ezslot_3',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-box-4-0');There are many beach bars located in Maho such as Sunset Beach Bar, Driftwood Boat Bar, and the new Sandbar Beach Bar. We had a lovely day off the ship relaxing on the beach which wasn't busy at all even with 2 ships in. This brief video explains the best and worst times to visit St. Maarten. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. Where on French side? Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. Again, look for signs point the way. Heres a list of a few more suggestion in Phillipsburg: Top 6 Car Rentals in St. Maarten Cruise Port. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. My favorite is the guava berry colada. #3 Best Value of 7 Philipsburg Cruise Port Hotels. Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. 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. 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. It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. The island is also a famous spot for hiking and exploring the enthralling red cliffs scattered all throughout the area. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. Philipsburg is big enough and developed enough to spend most of the day on foot. 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! I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. 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. 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. 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. 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. We've found the most popular sights, attractions and shore excursions for a truly amazing day. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. This beach is about 30 minutes from the cruise port via taxi along Airport road. Kids can play on the sand and enjoy a splash in the calm water. 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. 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. 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. It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa. There is a large Westin resort located on this beach. 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. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. 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. But they mainly represent low-end casual in one group and high-end seafood and steak in the other. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. Oyster Pond is perfect if youre looking for a place that exudes tranquility. Its arguably famously known as the bikini beach as it entertains many lively parties and holds huge crowds of party people. 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. Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. There is a boat that brings people over and drops them at the dock. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. Forums. The beach has rental chairs and umbrellas available for rent for the day. 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. Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. There are villas located on the mountainous side, fun tours to try, and sightseeing activities on this island. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. We rented chairs with wonderful service from Jimmy from the love boat restaurant and beach service , chair rental and service right on the beach with food and reasonably priced drinks were exceptional.. could not have asked for a more pleasant day til, Convenient swimming with shopping and restaurants. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. Fondly known as the Friendly Island, St Maarten is unique in that it is the smallest landmass divided between two nations in the world. In Phillipsburg, one of the best things to do is shopping on Front Street or Back Street or hang out in Wathey Square. Are you looking for a unique experience by the beach thats accessible and convenient? Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. The roads are narrow and winding. 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. These cliffs are eroded to create perfect small coves that create small secluded romantic beaches on their own. It's perfect for a lazy beach day. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. Maarten for 20 years, and I'm sharing the best things on the island. The sea was crystal clear light blue and the sand v clean and there was a lovely breeze. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. Wathey Square is where the boat taxis operate from. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. If this is something you would like to see and enjoy, then, by all means, visit Maho beach for this once in a lifetime experience. 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. 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. We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. Then travelled back on water taxi (very good ride!) Water taxis dock at the pier which is right on the beach - not in the very central part, but 3 min walk from it. A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Commodore Suites, Divi Beach, Little Bay RdSint Maarten, NLD 1744. You can even take a short taxi ride into Maho to watch the planes take-off and land. What part of the beach is the best to spend few hrs, coming via cruise plan to walk or take taxi. Check out the list below for the top recommended Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Take a swim in the clear blue sea. 2022. 285 reviews. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. Then it climbs to a high point for the rest of the year. It is generally not as interesting as the nightlife around Maho and Mullet Bay, a characteristic feature of the Dutch side, long after the U.S. military built the Princess Juliana airstrip by 1947 and development ensued in the 1960-70s. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. Great food and lots of cold drinks to keep you refreshed while lounging in the sun. Deals. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in St Maarten, located near Princess Juliana Airport. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. There are few chain restaurants. Holland House Beach Hotel. Sint Maarten Beach Hotels; Sint Maarten Green Hotels; Sint Maarten Business Hotels; By Hotel Class. Little Bay rests at the base of Fort . Rainfall is a different matter. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. It gives a semiprivate vibe but is not totally secluded, still giving you a public place to stroll and bask in the sun. With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. The nearby amenities and close proximity to the ship make it a very popular choice for cruise guests. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. As a result, it often draws large crowds. Taxi rates are set according to more than 20 zones around the island. The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour 206 Recommended Bus Tours from $450.00 $382.25 per group (up to 10) Ultimate Eco and Sightseeing Tour 33 Recommended Power Boats from $95.00 per adult Sunset Champagne Cruise in St. Maarten 18 Recommended Sailing from $50.26 per adult Private St Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour 7 Adventure Tours from Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Views remarkable. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. Located at the northern portions of St Maarten, Tintamarre Island is a secluded paradise unlike anywhere else. This lovely, well-sheltered beach offers crystal-clear calm, warm waters that are perfect for swimming. Had an enjoyable walk along the beach and a very good day. Two beach chairs and an umbrella go for $20. Rates include all on-property. Hotels near Princ. You could choose to bring your umbrellas and mat for picnics and sunbathing, and you could save some money while still enjoying this beachs amenities. Riselle Celestina for Insider. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. Known to be a part of the Natural Reserve of Saint-Martin, this island is a famous snorkeling spot. They have Jet-Skis rentals and water sports equipment rentals. Two beach bars are located at either end of this beach being Sunset bar and grill and Driftwood boat bar respectively. 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. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The sand is indeed white, waves are crystal clear, and gives you a fun experience with the planes in the sky. Little Bay has perfect calm crystal clear waters resultant from the protection offered by the peninsula. It has beautiful white sand beaches and is reachable by ferry or excursion boat from Simpson Bay and Marigot. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. Related:15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. In this post we will explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in St Maarten on a cruise. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. Didnt feel too crowded and it was a great beach for kids to play and swim. 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. Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters.