The Philipsburg and Simpson Bay restaurants cater to all tastes. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. coveneiet water taxi. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. If youre looking for a particular piece of jewelry Im sure you can find it here no doubt. A nice day trip is a jaunt from the Philipsburg cruise port over to Marigot, capital of the French side, or Grand Case. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. 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. The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. niNice beach, water clean and lovely. 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. Here are the best things to do while in Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port! Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. Its the perfect beach spot if you want a quiet place to go without the touristy vibe. And that brings up Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. 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. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. 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. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. However, kindly note that this one is the furthest on this list from the cruise port. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. St. Maarten cruise docks. Therefore, be sure to gauge return time to the ship properly as there can be traffic jams on afternoons from this beach back to the port. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. This area is family-friendly. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. I trust that you have found this information useful if your plans are to visit a beach while on a cruise to St Maarten. Fine sandy beach alongside a boardwalk. For tourists who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, this is the place to be. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. It has become a popular destination for people ready to enjoy the sun rise and set while relaxing with a cocktail. If tanning or water sports are not your thing, then you can take a walk around and enjoy the many restaurants, bars, and shops located in the area. While the other is a rocky beach that faces the other side and is exposed to the rough side of nature but bears beautiful rock formations. I know you will love visiting this Caribbean island as much as I do. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. Great Bay Beach is also situated near car rentals, restaurants, bars and cafes and is a fantastic beach for swimming. Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? 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. What part of the beach is the best to spend few hrs, coming via cruise plan to walk or take taxi. At the far end #27 is Dutch Blonds pancakes and escape rooms; just look for the windmill. The beach has rental chairs and umbrellas available for rent for the day. There are street bars, rum shacks serving ice-cold beer, and restaurants serving delicious food. Sint Maarten Beach Hotels; Sint Maarten Green Hotels; Sint Maarten Business Hotels; By Hotel Class. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Orient Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Cupecoy Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. The chairs and umbrellas are $5 each. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. These beaches are unique and vary in features courtesy of the Caribbean and Atlantic sea that border the island on either side. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. Peaceful and serene. So get a taxi or car rental if you plan to see more than just the tourism district. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Playa Orient Bay. Heres a list of a few more suggestion in Phillipsburg: Top 6 Car Rentals in St. Maarten Cruise Port. Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . Charged 30 dollars(should have haggled) for two sunbeds and an umbrella plus 6 free beers! The fact that its semi-secluded makes it a good spot for relaxation. If you walk it's a 15-20 min walk cruise port-beach or vv. Grand Case Beach. The coral reefs offer snorkelers a peek into St. Maarten water inhabitants. 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. The uncrowded shore of Grand Case Beach, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, will lure you in with its clear turquoise seas and long, expansive coastline. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. 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. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and keep an eye on the time, time flies when youre having fun. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. 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) Front Street in Philipsburg. The calm waters on this beach justify its spot as the best beach for swimming in St Maarten. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. The beach itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. . 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. Authentic name brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci are just some designer brands you will find. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. 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. For tourists who have a heart for adventure, this ones for you. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Martin. The ride is only 10 minutes long. One beach faces Saint Martin and is a perfect stretch of sandbar with shallow, calm waters perfect for families with kids. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Plantation. Hence, the island of St. Maarten is one of the worlds top cruise port destinations. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. 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. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. International brands such as Little Switzerland and Diamond International are easily accessible. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. Royal Palm Beach Resort. 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. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. Note that it is clothing optional. Vans are also available, and prices vary depending on the number of people on board. As such there is little vegetation. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. They have Jet-Skis rentals and water sports equipment rentals. The only problem was the ladies that would walk up and down the beach selling stuffed animals, massages , and hair braiding. 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. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. St. Martin is named as the French side and St. Maarten is named as the Dutch side. Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. 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. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. But dont take our word for it see for yourself. 1. Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. 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. Alicia's Inn. 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 smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. 1. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. Little Bay has perfect calm crystal clear waters resultant from the protection offered by the peninsula. See all 9 Great Bay Beach tours on Tripadvisor, See all Great Bay Beach experiences on Tripadvisor, Luxury Beachfront 2 Bedroom Condo In The Heart Of Philipsburg/Great Bay, View all hotels near Great Bay Beach on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Great Bay Beach on Tripadvisor, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Philipsburg, Amsterdam Cheese and Liquor Store: Tickets & Tours, The Rusty Parrot - Sint Maarten Pirate Experience: Tickets & Tours, Healing Hands of Crystal: Tickets & Tours, Philipsburg Marketplace: Tickets & Tours, Evening Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo with Private Transport, Amalfi Coast Small group Tour by Boat from Sorrento, Shared Ferry Shuttle from St. Maarten to Anguilla, Rhythm Of Rum Tour & Rum Tasting Saint Lucia, Grand Staircase Escalante UT-12 Self-Driving Tour, 2 Day Argentinian and Brazilian Iguazu Falls, Premium Hanbok Experience in Hanboknam Gyeongbok Palace Branch, Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach, Airport transportation between San Juan and Rio Grande. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. We paid $50 for 2 I believe. It consists of a small stretch of white sandy beach located next to the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. It is larger than Maho beach and it a good option for beginner snorkeling as you can see fishes near the shoreline. Oyster Pond is perfect if youre looking for a place that exudes tranquility. We visited Secrets Resort in Saint Martin a week ago. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. Are you looking for a unique experience by the beach thats accessible and convenient? We did end up getting some of our kids hair braided by two different people. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. 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. Great Bay and Orient Bay are the best St Maarten beaches near the cruise port. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Grab a beach chair and umbrella and enjoy your day in port at this lovely beach. It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. All Inclusive Hotels in Sint Maarten; Near Airports. Great Bay Beach, a long boardwalk and shopping on Front Street run side by side. You can access this beach by walking. 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. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. Great beach. Pinel has two breathtaking beaches. 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. When the clock hits at the time of sunset, thats where the flashing lights, livid atmosphere, and the nightlife starts. Here you can dine at French, Thai, and Italian restaurants. Two beach bars are located at either end of this beach being Sunset bar and grill and Driftwood boat bar respectively. Show Prices. Its not easy elsewhere to find washrooms for public use, except at restaurants by the beach. This is a very nice beach, with soft sand, and gorgeous turquoise water. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? The overhead plane landing makes it one of the most popular beaches in St Maarten. Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. Philipsburg Cruise Port in Sint Maarten. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. Having your towels on your beach loungers will reserve them for the day. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. One of the more famous and controversial attractions is the Maho Bay beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport. That aspect alone would make you want to visit this spot, and it also makes Burgeaux beach one of the best beach destinations on the island. St. Martin is one of the best shopping ports of the Caribbean. 3. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa. 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. 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. It often gets ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean. From there, cruise visitors can walk, take a water taxi or a taxi cab to Great Bay Beach. They prob stop and ask about every 5 mins so it does get annoying. Check out the list below for the top recommended Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. We were there for happy hour from 1pm to 3pm and had 2 cocktails for $10 from the Nazca bar and restaurant. Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. It has BUS at the beginning of the license plate and the destination sign in the window. There is a boat that brings people over and drops them at the dock. Little Bay Beach. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. This is the beach for you. Clean restrooms are available to visitors. Dawn Beach offers spectacular views of sunrises. There are no full restrooms but there is a port-a-potty available and usually there is a crowd on weekends. The sunset in Cupecoy Beach is astounding, and we suggest you spend it at the bar while waiting for the vibrant ambiance at night. They can walk a hundred more feet to reach many more restaurants and the ports extensive shopping district, most of which falls along the lengthy Front Street. An island tour that includes quick stops at Orient Beach, Maho Bay, Marigot, Mullet Bay Beach and other attractions will cost about $50 per person. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. 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. Where they want to go often includes Philipsburg itself. Hotels near Princ. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. The beach is certainly grand in Sint Maarten, and within steps from the port (unlike Cayman). Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. It's perfect for a lazy beach day. 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. 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! Little bay beach is located adjacent to Little Divi Resort. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. Where,s a nice beach on st martin calm waters, warm waters, for seven adults sandy beach no frills just drink and relax, swim . Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. There is a large Westin resort located on this beach. 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. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. There are villas located on the mountainous side, fun tours to try, and sightseeing activities on this island. St. Maarten. The short runway forces planes to fly low over the beach. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. The island has virtually no stop signs or stop lights. 370 reviews. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. Take a water taxi to the island and enjoy the amazing beaches and scenery. The nearby amenities and close proximity to the ship make it a very popular choice for cruise guests. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. 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 water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. Since 1648, Philipsburg has been a site of settlement or port of call for travellers as well as slave ships past (see Lizzy Wade for Science 9 Mar 2015). 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. Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho Beach. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. 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. What Attractions Are At Orient Bay Beach? A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. Deals. We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. The waters on this beach are very inviting. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. It is often moderate from January through July. Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. 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. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. Get a waterproof case to protect your phone right here. It is a definite try if youre on a trip to the Caribbean. There is also a small souvenir flea market nearby, just keep walking straight in pass Back Street, its hard to miss. Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. I've lived on St. Martin/St. 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. Youll still see some damage even along the boardwalk of Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Things To Bring On A Cruise: 19 Cheap & Really Useful Cruise Items, 17 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas Your Kids Will Absolutely Love. Hawkers in front of the cafes will sometimes offer them for free to visitors who buy food and beverages. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. 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. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. 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. Its like a 3 min ride. Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do.