The ride is only 10 minutes long. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. All Inclusive Hotels in Sint Maarten; Near Airports. Ships dock at the Dr. AC Wathey Cruise Facility in front of a sprawling outdoor pedestrian mall. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. View of cruise ship and stores. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. This is the beach for you. Its the perfect beach spot if you want a quiet place to go without the touristy vibe. But dont take our word for it see for yourself. Maarten for 20 years, and I'm sharing the best things on the island. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. It requires steering with your bodymovements, if you have 2 people riding you must lean in unison. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. 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. 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. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. Get a lounge chair and umbrella going for about $7, kick back and relax. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. Known to be near the Great Bay, you could make a side trip here to experience this beachs greatness. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. Browse the shops for souvenirs and gorgeous beach wear. Great Bay Beach is also a family beach which is kid-friendly so that the whole family can enjoy. The overhead plane landing makes it one of the most popular beaches in St Maarten. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. Say Maho! when the planes fly over your head; its a tradition on the island! Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. We had a lovely day off the ship relaxing on the beach which wasn't busy at all even with 2 ships in. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Great Bay Beach: Great Bay Beach, Philipsburg: Address, Great Bay Beach Reviews: 4.5/5. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Commodore Suites, Divi Beach, Little Bay RdSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. Rates quoted by the St. Maarten Taxi Association are $10 per person each way for two passengers and $9 per person for three to five passengers. 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. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. Oyster Pond is perfect if youre looking for a place that exudes tranquility. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. Great beach. 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. I finally had to ask her to stop because my daughter was about to cry. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. 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. Pinel Beach is found in an island lying just a few yards off the east coast of Sint Martin. Then travelled back on water taxi (very good ride!) There is a boat that brings people over and drops them at the dock. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. 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. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? Beach chairs, umbrellas and jet-skis are available for a fee. An invisible boundary divides the 37 km island into two countries. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. Required fields are marked *. You can also walk from the port which takes 15-20 minutes. 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. Friars Bay beach is a hidden gem amongst the best beach spots in St Maarten. Happy Cruising!! A playground is still delightful for toddlers across from shops beside Holland House Hotel, where cruise passengers can purchase the Beach Special ($25 toilets, beach chair and shower with wifi). Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Beach bumming is the main activity here, but you can also try the locals favorite guava berry rum Coladas served at the little bars nearby. Time to ged inspired by these 13 stunning St. Maarten beaches you can experience during a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. Forums. Additionally, there is a clothing optional area on this beach. The walk is about 10 minutes, goes three fourths of a mile and is not difficult on a warm day. This cruise port is huge, handling over 20,000 people at a time and up to 6 ships at once. Great Bay beach is a lovely beach to sit and relax while soaking up the sun or enjoying the view of the ocean. Magens Bay has an entry fee of $5 for adults and children 13 and older. 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. Though it's not nearly as . You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. Fondly known as the Friendly Island, St Maarten is unique in that it is the smallest landmass divided between two nations in the world. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. Little Bay has perfect calm crystal clear waters resultant from the protection offered by the peninsula. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! You can either take the watertaxi right to the center of this street or walk from the cruise terminal which will take you about 20 to 30 minutes. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. Fine sandy beach alongside a boardwalk. Mullet Bay has beautiful white sand with calm waters and amazing views and landscape. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Maho Beach is famous because it is located so close to the airport that landing planes will swoop so close over the heads of beachgoers that some of them get knocked off their feet. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Complete with the softest powdery coasts, turquoise waters, and the freshest breezes of cool air, this island is a breathtaking destination. 2022. Surfing is also one of the best things to do in St Maarten; Mullet bay has northern winds, making it an excellent spot for surfers. This hidden gem is seldom crowded because its tricky to find. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. There is a large Westin resort located on this beach. Youll still see some damage even along the boardwalk of Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. 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. Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Plantation. Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! But once found, its truly worthwhile. We took a water taxi to this beach. 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. Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. Why We Recommend This Beach This beach is as relaxing as relaxing gets; it even offers spa services to enhance the experience. 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. Related:15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. Get sandblasted by the jets as the plane fly by. 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. Orient Bay Beach is the most popular beach in St Martin, so expect there to be a crowd. . This is something extraordinary to write home about. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. If these beaches dont meet your needs, then try any of the 24 remaining beaches you are sure to find what you are looking for. Note that it is clothing optional. Food and drinks All this fun with family can make you hungry. The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. On foot. But traffic outside of the Boardwalk and Front Street is often heavy. New restaurant Oleos had good food and amazing view. Children under 13 are free. coveneiet water taxi. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Here you can dine at French, Thai, and Italian restaurants. St. Barth is frequented by the rich and famous. As such there is little vegetation. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. All Rights Reserved. Visit Orient Bay village, within walking distance of the beach. The beach strip has enough to offer during the day, though, and stores galore towards Achter Straatan enduring shopping destination! 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. Get a waterproof case to protect your phone right here. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. Another beach that is well loved by both locals and visitors to the island is Mullet Bay Beach. 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. St Maarten is Dutch and to the north the French side is called St Martin. It has become a popular destination for people ready to enjoy the sun rise and set while relaxing with a cocktail. Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. Daughter thought they were the best she has had this holiday. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. 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. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. Kim Sha is a popular starting point for dive and excursion boats. 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. 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. From the comfort of your lounge chair under the sun . Juliana Airport (SXM) Hotels near Esperance Airport (SFG) Hotels near Wallblake Airport (AXA) Tours; Add a . 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. 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. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. Whether you prefer to be laid back or power shop, St, Maarten is the island for you and your family to enjoy it all. It often gets ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean. 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. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. It features clear, calm crystalline waters with soft white sand and sprawling palm trees. This place is also less crowded and suitable for families looking for a spot for bonding and activities. 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. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. 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. The roads are narrow and winding. Deals. They also have showers and restrooms that are all nearby and available for everyone to use. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. 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. Great for: Beach time, diving, snorkeling, water sports. Unfortunately, you may only get a glimpse of this gem of an island, I always recommend a proper vacation for a week or two. 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. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! The island only has one major road. The water is calm, no waves. However, if you are looking for a quieter beach, then this isnt that beach, and you should probably try Mullet beach found nearby. Just a short walk away you can enjoy some duty-free shopping, great food, and delicious cocktails. Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. Great Bay and Orient Bay are the best St Maarten beaches near the cruise port. This brief video explains the best and worst times to visit St. Maarten. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. 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. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. Taxi rates are set according to more than 20 zones around the island. 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 best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. There are a number of bars that offer drinks and lounge chairs at the beach. It takes one about 25 minutes to get to the beach. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. We did end up getting some of our kids hair braided by two different people. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. St. Martin/St. 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. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. 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. These cliffs are eroded to create perfect small coves that create small secluded romantic beaches on their own. Two beach chairs and an umbrella go for $20. Walk around to get the best deals on t-shirts, perfumes, cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, homeware and electronics, all duty-free. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. The island has a small number of narrow winding roads, so car rentals even for a day are quite commonso common that traffic jams are frequent. You can rent two chairs and umbrellas for $20 and relax the day away. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty Your email address will not be published. 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. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. Running parallel to the boardwalk is Front Street, which has most of the shops in the city. The Philipsburg and Simpson Bay restaurants cater to all tastes. These beaches are unique and vary in features courtesy of the Caribbean and Atlantic sea that border the island on either side. Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. 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. Location You can find them at Airport Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten Star Lite Car Rentals Star Lite Car Rentals are a local rental service provider in Cruise Port of St, Maarten. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. Two beach bars are located at either end of this beach being Sunset bar and grill and Driftwood boat bar respectively. I've lived on St. Martin/St. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. Beaches In St Maarten Near Cruise Port (The Ultimate Guide), Living In The Caribbean (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). before joining cruise ship. Charged 30 dollars(should have haggled) for two sunbeds and an umbrella plus 6 free beers! Its located near Maho beach, and though you can see the airplanes flying above, they are usually far away and therefore less noisy. Carry snacks and drinks though there are vendors on the beach. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. 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. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. 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. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? Taxis. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Orient Bay Beach is excellent for water sport activities such as snorkeling and many individuals prefer it for swimming and sunbathing than Great Bay Beach. 10 Indulgence by the Sea St. Maarten Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea The Indulgence by the Sea Spa. They prob stop and ask about every 5 mins so it does get annoying. The casino hours are 10am to 4am daily. 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. There are few chain restaurants. Logo Store; Find Your Roll Call; Meet & Mingle; Guidelines; Community Help Center; . Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. A smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only. Check out the list below for the top recommended Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. If walking isnt appealing, there are quite a few transportation options. It is a definite try if youre on a trip to the Caribbean. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district.