Located on the northeast coast of St Maarten is The Orient Bay Beach, the perfect vacation spot. 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. 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. They also have many water sports that are available. Clear waters, beautiful horizon, and the quiet ambiance of the Grand Case Beach makes it a worthwhile destination. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. 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. This place is also less crowded and suitable for families looking for a spot for bonding and activities. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. The Happy bay beach is also known as the best snorkel spot in St Maarten. The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. 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. 1. Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . 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. A 20minutes taxi ride from the cruise pier will get you to the beach. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. 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. Walk around to get the best deals on t-shirts, perfumes, cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, homeware and electronics, all duty-free. September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. 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. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. 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. St. Maarten. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. 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. From this lovely beach, you will also see beautiful mountains against the magnificent blue sky over the sea. 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. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. 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. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. Royal Palm Beach Resort. 2. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. If you're looking for the best time to visit St Maarten, you may find this guide helpful. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. Or try a restaurant that serves local cuisine to taste an array of delicious dishes. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. Little Bay Beach is just right next to Great Bay Beach only separated by the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula. The Philipsburg and Simpson Bay restaurants cater to all tastes. 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. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. You only need to get to the port early. We were family of 5 with late teens, beautiful day off a cruise ship. Moreover, go for snorkeling and explore the underwater world. St. Maarten cruise docks. This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. 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. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. It gives a semiprivate vibe but is not totally secluded, still giving you a public place to stroll and bask in the sun. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. This beach is as relaxing as relaxing gets; it even offers spa services to enhance the experience. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. St. Martin/St. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. Maarten for 20 years, and I'm sharing the best things on the island. The coral reefs offer snorkelers a peek into St. Maarten water inhabitants. You can even take a short taxi ride into Maho to watch the planes take-off and land. Find a Cruise. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. 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. They also have showers and restrooms that are all nearby and available for everyone to use. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. The centuries-old liquor is a part of St. Maartens culture, there are songs and stories dedicated to the Guava Berry. Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. Always give yourself ample time for traffic, and theres always traffic in St.Maarten. The island is also a famous spot for hiking and exploring the enthralling red cliffs scattered all throughout the area. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding. A 15-minute taxi ride will get you to this beach. Here you can dine at French, Thai, and Italian restaurants. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. Both offer relaxing stretches of sandy beach and an array of restaurants and amenities to make your time in St Maarten a memorable one. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in St Maarten, located near Princess Juliana Airport. 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. Where on French side? The swell is never too high thanks to its coral reefs. Clothing is optional because it is secluded and located by the French St. Martin border. You can take a tour of the nature reserve nearby as you explore the majestic beauty of the place. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. Front Street in Philipsburg. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. Here are the best things to do while in Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port! 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. In Phillipsburg, one of the best things to do is shopping on Front Street or Back Street or hang out in Wathey Square. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. The extended stretch of fine white sand is great, and the swaying palm trees offer respite from the harsh sun. Bicycles / scooters. The beach which starts at the end of Princess Juliana Airport Runway attracts airplane fanatics, thrill seekers and even photographers. Get sandblasted by the jets as the plane fly by. St. Martin/St. Discover 9 Top Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love + 5 More For Kids! 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. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. This is a very nice beach, with soft sand, and gorgeous turquoise water. 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. Things To Bring On A Cruise: 19 Cheap & Really Useful Cruise Items, 17 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas Your Kids Will Absolutely Love. Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. Once we got the the beach there are people there trying to rent you lounge chairs. A guide, complimentary refreshments and round-trip transportation from the . Saba is known for hiking and other ecotourism activities. Anse Marcel is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. Be sure to pack some goggles or eye protective gear with you because when the larger planes take off from the airport, watch out for sand sprays on the shore may occur. There are street bars, rum shacks serving ice-cold beer, and restaurants serving delicious food. Known to be a part of the Natural Reserve of Saint-Martin, this island is a famous snorkeling spot. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Maarten . Hotels near Princ. But they mainly represent low-end casual in one group and high-end seafood and steak in the other. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. Another beach that is well loved by both locals and visitors to the island is Mullet Bay Beach. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. 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. Maarten beaches. The John Craane cruise terminal is a large open-air mall where visitors can shop, dine and head for their paid shore excursions. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. We had a lovely day off the ship relaxing on the beach which wasn't busy at all even with 2 ships in. Indigo Bay Beach is famous because of its quality attributes, making it popular with tourists. My favorite is the guava berry colada. There are villas located on the mountainous side, fun tours to try, and sightseeing activities on this island. St Maarten port is one of the fastest-growing Caribbean cruise ports and the leading cruise port in the Eastern Caribbean. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . Get a waterproof case to protect your phone right here. Explore different ways to experience this place. In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever. You can get to this beach via a taxi or a bus. With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho Beach. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. Great Bay and Orient Bay are the best St Maarten beaches near the cruise port. The ride is only 10 minutes long. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. This makes it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Holland House Beach Hotel. 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. But dont take our word for it see for yourself. Is there anything near the cruise port? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Another beach that's one of the best beaches to visit during a cruise is one you can walk to from the cruise port, right? Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. The short runway forces planes to fly low over the 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. 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 street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. Whether youre looking for a nice day out on the beach, or a day filled with fun things to do, this place is definitely enjoyable. Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. before joining cruise ship. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? Otherwise, walk the boardwalk, and pick a spot on the beach and relax for the day, swim, drink, or tan. What makes a good cruise port arguably is a combination of: The St. Maarten cruise port at Philipsburg has all of the above in a pleasant mix. Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. Frequented by tourists from far and wide, this beach is an amazing destination for all ages. 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 crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. They also give you free Wi-Fi so dont forget to ask for the Wi-Fi code, especially for your social media buffs. 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. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. We took a water taxi to this beach. Visitors will find plenty of taxis at the docks ready to take them there. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. The sea was crystal clear light blue and the sand v clean and there was a lovely breeze. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. They dont tell you how much the braids cost till the end and this lady wanted $65 for some braids she put in my sons hair but my daughters cost $25. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. Cruise Tips. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. Get a lounge chair and umbrella going for about $7, kick back and relax. 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. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. from the cruise ship pier shopping area to the center of Great Bay beach ($7 for unlimited tri 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Two beach chairs and an umbrella go for $20. Take a water taxi to the island and enjoy the amazing beaches and scenery. The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. But it is one of the most convenient beaches in the Caribbean for cruise port visitors because it is within walking distance of the docks. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. 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. The beach is about 1/3 mile long. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. The eateries are a hive of energy with an exciting atmosphere as many businesses, and VIP parties are held here. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. 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. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. Its wide shoreline makes it a perfect spot for beach picnics and playing games on the shore. Find the right beach for you for spending your day in port. The island only has one major road. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. 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. The water is calm, no waves. Little bay beach is located adjacent to Little Divi Resort. We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. Orient Bay Beach is the most popular beach in St Martin, so expect there to be a crowd. You can also take a stroll to the nearby market for the local cuisine. Grand Case Beach. With its nice horizon, outstanding view, and superb restaurants to trythe Oyster pond is one of the prettiest beaches in St Maarten. Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. News. It consists of a small stretch of white sandy beach located next to the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. Additionally, there is a clothing optional area on this beach. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. Forums. And that brings up The roads are narrow and winding. Magens Bay has an entry fee of $5 for adults and children 13 and older. Your email address will not be published. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! 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. You can access this beach by walking. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. 17 Best Beaches in St. Maarten Top Public Beach Spots! It's perfect for a lazy beach day. Little Bay rests at the base of Fort . Visit Orient Bay village, within walking distance of the 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. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. 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. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. Juliana Airport (SXM) Hotels near Esperance Airport (SFG) Hotels near Wallblake Airport (AXA) Tours; Add a . It creates a very magical experience. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. Are you looking for a unique experience by the beach thats accessible and convenient? If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Some of the ladies started harassing a guy because he said no to a massage for his wife. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. The Second Lady kept saying how awful my daughters hair looked and that it wasnt professional. 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. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. Even better, this white-sand, two-mile beach is right in front of Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side of the island. Rates include all on-property. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. This area is family-friendly. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. 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. Indigo Beach Bay offers a variety of activities. As such there is little vegetation. Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists.
Teams We Couldn't Start Video Your Computer's Pretty Busy,
Pesticide Resistance Is Quizlet,
Affirm Analyst Interview,
Articles B