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. 17 Best Beaches in St. Maarten Top Public Beach Spots! St Maarten port is one of the fastest-growing Caribbean cruise ports and the leading cruise port in the Eastern Caribbean. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. My favorite is the guava berry colada. It is larger than Maho beach and it a good option for beginner snorkeling as you can see fishes near the shoreline. 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 Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. 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. All Rights Reserved. These beaches are unique and vary in features courtesy of the Caribbean and Atlantic sea that border the island on either side. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. 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. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Unfortunately, you may only get a glimpse of this gem of an island, I always recommend a proper vacation for a week or two. 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. Its like a 3 min ride. This lovely, well-sheltered beach offers crystal-clear calm, warm waters that are perfect for swimming. Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. All Inclusive Hotels in Sint Maarten; Near Airports. St. Martin is one of the best shopping ports of the Caribbean. The fact that its semi-secluded makes it a good spot for relaxation. There are few chain restaurants. Note that it is clothing optional. It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Other St. Maarten attractions include the Mont Vernon Plantation and the Butterfly Farm. Baie Rouge or the RedBay beach is a gorgeous beach on the French side named so because of its pink sands. The water is calm, no waves. One of the more famous and controversial attractions is the Maho Bay beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Playa Orient Bay. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It is often moderate from January through July. 10 Indulgence by the Sea St. Maarten Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea The Indulgence by the Sea Spa. 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. Royal Palm Beach Resort. A five-hour shore excursion with transportation to Orient Bay and Maho Beach will start at $40 per person. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. 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. If you have a cruise vacation coming up in the Eastern Caribbean it might be worth finding out more about these stunning St.Martin/St. However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Peaceful and serene. St. Barth is frequented by the rich and famous. Or try a restaurant that serves local cuisine to taste an array of delicious dishes. Required fields are marked *. Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. Didnt swim, but its safe, I was told. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. Known to be near the Great Bay, you could make a side trip here to experience this beachs greatness. On foot. 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. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. Why We Recommend This Beach 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. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. Forums. Alicia's Inn. Clothing is optional because it is secluded and located by the French St. Martin border. 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. St. Martin is named as the French side and St. Maarten is named as the Dutch side. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. Where they serve fresh fish and lobsters for lunch among others. Views remarkable. Beach chairs, umbrellas and jet-skis are available for a fee. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. You can also enjoy the day at Great Bay Beach, Divi Little Bay Beach. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. Anyone wanting a break from Great Bay Beach can stroll along the Boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and shops. 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. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. The waters on this beach are very inviting. Is your upcoming Caribbean cruise docking in St Maarten? A 10-15 percent tip for bus and taxi drivers is common. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Plantation. 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. Water taxis dock at the pier which is right on the beach - not in the very central part, but 3 min walk from it. Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. Friars Bay beach is a hidden gem amongst the best beach spots in St Maarten. Once we got the the beach there are people there trying to rent you lounge chairs. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. Its named after a defeated captain who went after Saba and ran aground on the very same beach. International brands such as Little Switzerland and Diamond International are easily accessible. Anse Marcel is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. 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. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. 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. 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. Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. It is reasonably private and not crowded, giving you ample time for relaxation and sunbathing. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. We paid $50 for 2 I believe. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. Get a lounge chair and umbrella going for about $7, kick back and relax. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. 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. 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. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. Rainfall is a different matter. But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. An invisible boundary divides the 37 km island into two countries. Some of the ladies started harassing a guy because he said no to a massage for his wife. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . New restaurant Oleos had good food and amazing view. From the comfort of your lounge chair under the sun . The beach restaurants are currently closed due to hurricane Irmas damage, but rebuilding is taking place. You can take off and walk the boardwalk and sightsee or just relax and work on your tan. The beach is great for swimming but at times can be rough so definitely one has to be cautious with children. Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. There are no full restrooms but there is a port-a-potty available and usually there is a crowd on weekends. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. The Happy bay beach is also known as the best snorkel spot in St Maarten. 1. 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. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. Philipsburg is big enough and developed enough to spend most of the day on foot. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. This hidden gem is seldom crowded because its tricky to find. 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. This is something extraordinary to write home about. 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. You can also take a stroll to the nearby market for the local cuisine. Beaches In St Maarten Near Cruise Port (The Ultimate Guide), Living In The Caribbean (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). Have in mind last taxis back to cruise port depart around 5.30-6 PM, so if your ship departs late in the evening there's no point spending 7$ pp. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Case Beach Club, Also See:Top Beaches in The CaribbeanBeaches in Aruba, Orient Bay BeachSint Maarten, NLD 1744+31 6 83359253. Make sure to take some home with you. It has BUS at the beginning of the license plate and the destination sign in the window. The extended stretch of fine white sand is great, and the swaying palm trees offer respite from the harsh sun. 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). We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. As a famous tourist island, this place is accessible and will give you the well-deserved vacation you need. 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. Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills. Cruise visitors will arrive at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities just outside of Philipsburg on Great Bay. We took a water taxi to this beach. Your email address will not be published. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. Both offer relaxing stretches of sandy beach and an array of restaurants and amenities to make your time in St Maarten a memorable one. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. 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. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. Additionally, there is a nearby fishing village by the beach, giving a tranquil vibe that is different from the vibrant nightlife of other beaches in St Maarten. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. 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 centuries-old liquor is a part of St. Maartens culture, there are songs and stories dedicated to the Guava Berry. St. Martin/St. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters. 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. Complete with the softest powdery coasts, turquoise waters, and the freshest breezes of cool air, this island is a breathtaking destination. 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. What Attractions Are At Orient Bay Beach? But all in all, both sides offer some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. 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. 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. As a result, it often draws large crowds. Calm and clear azure waters with an excellent view of the Ocean is what greets you at Grand Case Beach. It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. I've lived on St. Martin/St. For tourists who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, this is the place to be. Daughter thought they were the best she has had this holiday. The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Bicycles / scooters. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. A weather forecasting app may help to ensure that your visit to the beach will be exquisite. I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. Temperatures stay in the low 80s Fahrenheit in the winter and reach the high 80s in the summer. In this post we will explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in St Maarten on a cruise. 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. Sit, relax, and work on your tan, sipping on cocktails, or you can enjoy some water sports such as jet-skiing, snorkeling, and much more. This was our second visit. This mile-long stretch of soft, white-sandy beach runs parallel to a long promenade stretching its entire length. Outside of Philipsburg, two of the most famous attractions on the island are beaches. You can access this beach by walking. Grand Case Beach. The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. Visit this beach to enjoy a great beach break on its soft white sands and when you get hungry grab a bite at the nearby restaurants. 285 reviews. Great beach. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. The beach is about 1/3 mile long. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. 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. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. from the cruise ship pier shopping area to the center of Great Bay beach ($7 for unlimited tri 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Little Bay rests at the base of Fort . 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. They have Jet-Skis rentals and water sports equipment rentals. Had an enjoyable walk along the beach and a very good day. The nearby amenities and close proximity to the ship make it a very popular choice for cruise guests. Then travelled back on water taxi (very good ride!) Its located near Maho beach, and though you can see the airplanes flying above, they are usually far away and therefore less noisy. Didnt feel too crowded and it was a great beach for kids to play and swim. But among this plethora of sandy dunes and pristine waters, we went ahead and narrowed down a list of the best beaches in St Maarten. 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. 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. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. Hotels near Princ. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding. 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 Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. There are a number of bars that offer drinks and lounge chairs at the beach. Wathey Square is where the boat taxis operate from. Taxis, which also are usually SUVs, have a T at the beginning of the license plate. Kids can play on the sand and enjoy a splash in the calm water. Things To Bring On A Cruise: 19 Cheap & Really Useful Cruise Items, 17 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas Your Kids Will Absolutely Love. You can take a tour of the nature reserve nearby as you explore the majestic beauty of the place. Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. If you're looking for the best time to visit St Maarten, you may find this guide helpful. All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. . Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in St Maarten, located near Princess Juliana Airport. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Great Bay Beach, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. 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. Show Prices. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. Visitors will find plenty of taxis at the docks ready to take them there. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. The island is also a famous spot for hiking and exploring the enthralling red cliffs scattered all throughout the area. Very convenient. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. 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. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. 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. They also have showers and restrooms that are all nearby and available for everyone to use. Great Bay Beach is a fun beach and everything you will need will be there------the beach---water sports---bars--restaurants----long & wide and close to the docks and along one of the best shopping streets in the Caribbean. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever.