best beach in st maarten near cruise port30 Mar best beach in st maarten near cruise port
Kim Sha is a popular starting point for dive and excursion boats. While it is useful to consider a rental car, bus or taxi, it is wise to avoid renting a bicycle or scooter. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. This is something extraordinary to write home about. It features clear, calm crystalline waters with soft white sand and sprawling palm trees. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach. 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. Known to be a part of the Natural Reserve of Saint-Martin, this island is a famous snorkeling spot. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. 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. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. Didnt swim, but its safe, I was told. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. 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 requires steering with your bodymovements, if you have 2 people riding you must lean in unison. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. As a result, it often draws large crowds. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Commodore Suites, Divi Beach, Little Bay RdSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. 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. Swim shoes may come in handy when walking by the shore, and there may be small rocks you may encounter when walking in the waters. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. Philipsburg is big enough and developed enough to spend most of the day on foot. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Great Bay Beach is also situated near car rentals, restaurants, bars and cafes and is a fantastic beach for swimming. Check out the video below from In The Loop Travel that shares the walk from the cruise terminal to Great 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Great Bay Beach, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. Roatan, Honduras. Do the taxis going from the St. Maarten cruise port to great bay beach dock at a pier or beach? Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. It creates a very magical experience. There is also a small souvenir flea market nearby, just keep walking straight in pass Back Street, its hard to miss. It is about seven miles north of the Philipsburg cruise port. Beach chairs, umbrellas and jet-skis are available for a fee. Arrived on cruise ship having read the reviews and took the $7 water taxi as advised. 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). It has become a popular destination for people ready to enjoy the sun rise and set while relaxing with a cocktail. Its the perfect beach spot if you want a quiet place to go without the touristy vibe. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. 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. Happy Cruising!! One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. Alicia's Inn. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. A cruise visitor who is thinking about a car rental might do so for visits to the less-populated French side of the island, especially the quaint city of Marigot. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. Great Bay and Orient Bay are the best St Maarten beaches near the cruise port. 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. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. Another beach that is well loved by both locals and visitors to the island is Mullet Bay Beach. Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. The island has virtually no stop signs or stop lights. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. The beach is great for swimming but at times can be rough so definitely one has to be cautious with children. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. This brief video explains the best and worst times to visit St. Maarten. From this lovely beach, you will also see beautiful mountains against the magnificent blue sky over the sea. And that brings up If you prefer to walk its about 20 minutes. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . If you are after a more local atmosphere and better bargains, try Back Street. Little Bay has perfect calm crystal clear waters resultant from the protection offered by the peninsula. 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. Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. Get a waterproof case to protect your phone right here. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. Children under 13 are free. Find the right beach for you for spending your day in port. 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. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. From there, cruise visitors can walk, take a water taxi or a taxi cab to Great Bay Beach. It gives a semiprivate vibe but is not totally secluded, still giving you a public place to stroll and bask in the sun. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. But all in all, both sides offer some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean. So get a taxi or car rental if you plan to see more than just the tourism district. more. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. 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. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. Anyone who walks around the Philipsburg waterfront wont find much else to see other than the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants. If walking isnt appealing, there are quite a few transportation options. The swell is never too high thanks to its coral reefs. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 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. I've lived on St. Martin/St. It's perfect for a lazy beach day. 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. Taking a bus is a less expensive option. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. Holland House Beach Hotel. 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 Guava berry Emporium is located on Front Street in Phillipsburg in an old townhouse, you cant miss the big liquor bottle at the entrance. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. before joining cruise ship. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. Then it climbs to a high point for the rest of the year. It offers convenient access and plenty to do right there by the port. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. The short runway forces planes to fly low over the beach. If youre coming with kids who love water activities, you could try out their snorkeling and underwater fun for a lower price than other beaches in St Maarten. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. 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. There is a boat that brings people over and drops them at the dock. Shops and food along the boardwalk. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. We visited Secrets Resort in Saint Martin a week ago. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? As such there is little vegetation. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. 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 beach is certainly grand in Sint Maarten, and within steps from the port (unlike Cayman). Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. International brands such as Little Switzerland and Diamond International are easily accessible. 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. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. 2. Beach 3 Snorkeling 4 St. Maartan Airport Tour 5 Catamaran Tour 6 4x4 Adventure 7 Dolphin Encounter 8 Butterfly Farm 9 Scuba Diving 10 Horseback Riding 11 ATV 12 Kayaking 13 Bicycle Tour 14. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. St. Martin is one of the best shopping ports of the Caribbean. This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. Little Bay Beach is just right next to Great Bay Beach only separated by the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula. We've found the most popular sights, attractions and shore excursions for a truly amazing day. 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! The island only has one major road. This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Why We Recommend This Beach All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. Cupecoy is a half hour west of the port and requires a taxi or rental car to get there. 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. 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 Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. You have detailed explanations in my Maho Beach review. Known to be near the Great Bay, you could make a side trip here to experience this beachs greatness. Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. 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) Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. Required fields are marked *. Therefore, depending on the time of year that you visit expect there to be a crowd. Is there anything near the cruise port? Walk around to get the best deals on t-shirts, perfumes, cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, homeware and electronics, all duty-free. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? Mullet Bay has beautiful white sand with calm waters and amazing views and landscape. The coral reefs offer snorkelers a peek into St. Maarten water inhabitants. This hidden gem is seldom crowded because its tricky to find. Orient Bay is a fairly quick drive by taxi, rental car or excursion bus from Philipsburg. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Princess Heights Luxury Condo Hotel. 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. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? Re: Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten 5 years ago Save Hi Maria, The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. 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. 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. 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 There are many places to shop around and search for deals. Where on French side? 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 has two breathtaking beaches. Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. 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What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. These cliffs are eroded to create perfect small coves that create small secluded romantic beaches on their own. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. St. Martin/St. New restaurant Oleos had good food and amazing view. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. It is a definite try if youre on a trip to the Caribbean. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. Hence, the island of St. Maarten is one of the worlds top cruise port destinations. Charged 30 dollars(should have haggled) for two sunbeds and an umbrella plus 6 free beers! Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. But once found, its truly worthwhile. Again, look for signs point the way. Taxis, which also are usually SUVs, have a T at the beginning of the license plate. Additionally, there is a clothing optional area on this beach. Are you looking for a unique experience by the beach thats accessible and convenient? The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. For tourists who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, this is the place to be. The sunset in Cupecoy Beach is astounding, and we suggest you spend it at the bar while waiting for the vibrant ambiance at night. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. You can also enjoy the day at Great Bay Beach, Divi Little Bay Beach. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. Running parallel to the boardwalk is Front Street, which has most of the shops in the city. The roads are narrow and winding. 285 reviews. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. 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. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. The calm waters on this beach justify its spot as the best beach for swimming in St Maarten. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. Very energetic walkers can hike 2.5 miles to the other side of the bay to Little Bay Beach and the small ruins of Fort Amsterdam. Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. Didnt feel too crowded and it was a great beach for kids to play and swim. 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. Or try a restaurant that serves local cuisine to taste an array of delicious dishes. We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. 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. Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills. Most people visit the beach to see the Jumbo jets that fly over it at very close proximities when landing or taking off from the airport right next door. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. 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. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. With its nice horizon, outstanding view, and superb restaurants to trythe Oyster pond is one of the prettiest beaches in St Maarten. Located at the northern portions of St Maarten, Tintamarre Island is a secluded paradise unlike anywhere else. Its not easy elsewhere to find washrooms for public use, except at restaurants by the beach. The beach has rental chairs and umbrellas available for rent for the day. I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. It is often moderate from January through July. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. This beach is perfect for surfing and windsurfing.
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