Is there anything near the cruise port? It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. 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. 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. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. Rates include all on-property. 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). For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. Vans are also available, and prices vary depending on the number of people on board. Holland House Beach Hotel. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. 1. The island has virtually no stop signs or stop lights. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Cruise passengers get from the docks to Philipsburg via walking, taxi or an inexpensive water taxi. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Children under 13 are free. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'stmaartenadventure_com-leader-3','ezslot_8',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-leader-3-0');There are also cabs to take you to different destinations if you prefer to discover the island. Best Caribbean Cruise Destinations and Ports of Call - Thrillist They are Philipsburg on the southern coast and Simpson Bay on the southwest coast because they have the cruise port and the airport. You will be dropped off and picked up at the pier here, you will know you have arrived when you see the map of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin mural on the ground. The waters on this beach are very inviting. We were taken to two cushioned beach chairs one row back from the beach with umbrellas. Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. 1. Kids can play on the sand and enjoy a splash in the calm water. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. Bicycles / scooters. In the morning, the beautiful beach and the clear sand captivates the vacationers to take a dip. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. And that brings up THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten of 2023 (with Prices Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. Clean restrooms are available to visitors. 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 Car rentals. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. 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. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. 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. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Mullet Bay (Sint Maarten) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go 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. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Things To Bring On A Cruise: 19 Cheap & Really Useful Cruise Items, 17 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas Your Kids Will Absolutely Love. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. You can get to this beach via a taxi or a bus. Dont forget to bargain with the vendors. While the Dutch side boasts of the closest beaches to the cruise port, the French side has some of the best. This makes it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. 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. Top 6 Car Rentals in St. Maarten Cruise Port 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. Your email address will not be published. Complete with the softest powdery coasts, turquoise waters, and the freshest breezes of cool air, this island is a breathtaking destination. 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 a must-see stop for any southern or eastern Caribbean cruise and why 2 million cruise visitors come to the port every year. Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. Dawn Beach offers spectacular views of sunrises. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. 30 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise At the far end #27 is Dutch Blonds pancakes and escape rooms; just look for the windmill. This lovely, well-sheltered beach offers crystal-clear calm, warm waters that are perfect for swimming. All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. So get a taxi or car rental if you plan to see more than just the tourism district. Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. The island is also a famous spot for hiking and exploring the enthralling red cliffs scattered all throughout the area. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Head to St. Martin, the French side of St. Maarten, where you'll find a peaceful environment. With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. Maho Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor It gives a semiprivate vibe but is not totally secluded, still giving you a public place to stroll and bask in the sun. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. Get sandblasted by the jets as the plane fly by. Log in. 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. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. Magens Bay has an entry fee of $5 for adults and children 13 and older. 3. The sea was crystal clear light blue and the sand v clean and there was a lovely breeze. You also get the use of their facilities. Say Maho! when the planes fly over your head; its a tradition on the island! Water taxis to Maho Beach from the cruise port is easy to find and cost about $20. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. Authentic name brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci are just some designer brands you will find. Find a Cruise. Want to have that french au naturel ambiance? Luckily, given the islands size, you can visit any beach within the few hours allowed in port. Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters. Grand Case Beach. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. St Maarten/St Martin Beaches Maho Beach - This famous beach is one of the main St Maarten attractions and is located a 25-minute drive (14 km/9 miles) from the cruise ship terminal. 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. Hawkers in front of the cafes will sometimes offer them for free to visitors who buy food and beverages. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. The short runway forces planes to fly low over the beach. 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's perfect for a lazy beach day. A 10-15 percent tip for bus and taxi drivers is common. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? All Inclusive. One of the more famous and controversial attractions is the Maho Bay beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport. 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. St. Maarten Cruise Port and Things to Do for Cruise Travelers. Alicia's Inn. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. From there, cruise visitors can walk, take a water taxi or a taxi cab to Great Bay Beach. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever. 3-Hour Guided Jeep Tour Island Highlights and 1-Hour Relax by Beach, The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour, The Original Eco Tour Full-Day Around the Island of Sint Maarten, Private St Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour, Best Of St Maarten Private Nightlife Tour, Modern Interactive Art MaShin Tour in Philipsburg with Pickup, @Philipsburg: calling all Sunbathers and shoppers. 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. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. Hence, the island of St. Maarten is one of the worlds top cruise port destinations. With its nice horizon, outstanding view, and superb restaurants to trythe Oyster pond is one of the prettiest beaches in St Maarten. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. 370 reviews. One of the more interesting beaches on St. Maarten is Cupecoy because of its white sand, sandstone cliffs and small caves along the shore. Some of the ladies started harassing a guy because he said no to a massage for his wife. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. It has BUS at the beginning of the license plate and the destination sign in the window. You can also walk from the port which takes 15-20 minutes. If you are planning an upcoming cruise for St Maarten or the rest of the Caribbean, I have an awesome product recommendation that can save you money. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. International brands such as Little Switzerland and Diamond International are easily accessible. Where they serve fresh fish and lobsters for lunch among others. This is the beach for you. St. Maarten Cruise: Best Cruises to St. Maarten - Celebrity Cruises Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? From this lovely beach, you will also see beautiful mountains against the magnificent blue sky over the sea. An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. The roads are narrow and winding. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. Why We Recommend This Beach Anyone who walks around the Philipsburg waterfront wont find much else to see other than the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants. Some of the beds were very worn one or two broken so check that your bed is ok before sitting down. An invisible boundary divides the 37 km island into two countries. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. There are hundreds of duty free stores and the discounts are great. 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. It is reasonably private and not crowded, giving you ample time for relaxation and sunbathing. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. It lies right in from of the city of Philipsburg. Feel free to browse our website for more content on St Maarten, the Dutch Caribbean and rest of the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho Beach. 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. The Guava berry Emporium is the spot to taste and sample this locally made liquor. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. A guide, complimentary refreshments and round-trip transportation from the . Didnt feel too crowded and it was a great beach for kids to play and swim. We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. A 15-minute taxi ride will get you to this beach. Browse the shops for souvenirs and gorgeous beach wear. The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. Discover 9 Top Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love + 5 More For Kids! Easily one of our favorite destinations among the best beaches in St Maarten, Baie Rouge offers long extensive shores and pristine cool waters. Quite packed thoughClose by the cruise port, just a quick $7 water taxi over to here. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Orient Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Cupecoy Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. The water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. 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. View of cruise ship and stores. The powdery soft sand and coconut trees backdrop give it a magical atmosphere. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. Its not difficult to spend a day exploring this fantastic beach, be sure to pack some energy and appetite when trying out the local cuisine. 15 Best Beaches in St. Maarten | Celebrity Cruises 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. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. Other St. Maarten attractions include the Mont Vernon Plantation and the Butterfly Farm. 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. Two beach bars are located at either end of this beach being Sunset bar and grill and Driftwood boat bar respectively. 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. Martin. Little Bay Beach. St Maarten port is one of the fastest-growing Caribbean cruise ports and the leading cruise port in the Eastern Caribbean. Galion Beach is very popular with families and adrenaline junkies. The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. A five-hour shore excursion with transportation to Orient Bay and Maho Beach will start at $40 per person. This cruise port is huge, handling over 20,000 people at a time and up to 6 ships at once. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. There are few chain restaurants. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. St. Maarten Beaches Near the Cruise Port - Caribeez Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. The chairs and umbrellas are $5 each. Visit Orient Bay village, within walking distance of the beach. Beach nice enough, sea was lovely but quite a drop as the current changed..safe enough though. 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. For the vacationers who are early birds, they get to have a glimpse of a spectacular sunset, so be sure to set your alarms early. With its mesmerizing blue waters, sunny beaches, and lively nightlifeSt Maarten in the Caribbean islands is lauded as a prime vacation spot, especially for those who are in need of travel inspiration. Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. St Maarten Shore Excursion: Orient, Maho Beach Half-Day Tour 2023 - Viator There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. The place is fabulous. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. Philipsburg Cruise Port in Sint Maarten. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. But they mainly represent low-end casual in one group and high-end seafood and steak in the other. As a result, it is hugely popular with visitors taking photos and videos. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. The beach which starts at the end of Princess Juliana Airport Runway attracts airplane fanatics, thrill seekers and even photographers. Kim Sha is a popular starting point for dive and excursion boats. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'stmaartenadventure_com-box-3','ezslot_2',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-box-3-0');When youre on a Caribbean cruise, most likely you will end up stopping in Sint Maarten, the cruise capital of the Caribbean. Where,s a nice beach on st martin calm waters, warm waters, for seven adults sandy beach no frills just drink and relax, swim . Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. THE 5 BEST Philipsburg Cruise Port Hotels 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor coveneiet water taxi. Great food and lots of cold drinks to keep you refreshed while lounging in the sun. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. As a result, it often draws large crowds. They also give you free Wi-Fi so dont forget to ask for the Wi-Fi code, especially for your social media buffs. The John Craane cruise terminal is a large open-air mall where visitors can shop, dine and head for their paid shore excursions. Shore Excursions & Cruise Tours: 2023 Reviews & Ratings - Cruise Critic Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. St. Maarten Beaches + Things to do near St. Maarten cruise port :: st 29 Best St. Maarten Excursions | 93,000+ Verified Reviews Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. The right portion is where families and children would bond through a number of recreational activities, and the left-most area is the adult division of the beach meant for nude sunbathing. Walk around to get the best deals on t-shirts, perfumes, cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, homeware and electronics, all duty-free.