It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. St. Maarten Beaches Near the Cruise Port - Caribeez Recommended Hotel Nearby: Atrium Beach Resort and Spa St Maarten a Ramada by Wyndham, Also See:Beaches in BermudaBest Beaches in JamaicaPhuket Beaches, Guana Bay, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. The coral reefs offer snorkelers a peek into St. Maarten water inhabitants. I trust that you have found this information useful if your plans are to visit a beach while on a cruise to 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. Best things to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port: The Ultimate Guide Shore Excursions & Cruise Tours: 2023 Reviews & Ratings - Cruise Critic Youll still see some damage even along the boardwalk of Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. Frequented by tourists from far and wide, this beach is an amazing destination for all ages. We had a lovely day off the ship relaxing on the beach which wasn't busy at all even with 2 ships in. 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. This Beach is a hidden gem found behind Divi resorts and makes for a perfect escape from the crowds. Just a short walk away you can enjoy some duty-free shopping, great food, and delicious cocktails. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. You can rent two chairs and umbrellas for $20 and relax the day away. Martin. Other St. Maarten attractions include the Mont Vernon Plantation and the Butterfly Farm. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. Do the taxis going from the St. Maarten cruise port to great bay beach dock at a pier or beach? The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. St. Maarten cruise docks. 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. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. Mullet Bay has beautiful white sand with calm waters and amazing views and landscape. One of the more famous and controversial attractions is the Maho Bay beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport. niNice beach, water clean and lovely. Easily one of our favorite destinations among the best beaches in St Maarten, Baie Rouge offers long extensive shores and pristine cool waters. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. Alternatively, you can take a public transportation which costs USD $2.50 to go and USD$2.50 to return. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'stmaartenadventure_com-box-3','ezslot_2',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-box-3-0');When youre on a Caribbean cruise, most likely you will end up stopping in Sint Maarten, the cruise capital of the Caribbean. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. 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! Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? 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. They have Jet-Skis rentals and water sports equipment rentals. From this lovely beach, you will also see beautiful mountains against the magnificent blue sky over the sea. Moreover, go for snorkeling and explore the underwater world. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. There is also a small souvenir flea market nearby, just keep walking straight in pass Back Street, its hard to miss. 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. Reviews. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. The fact that its semi-secluded makes it a good spot for relaxation. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. The Philipsburg and Simpson Bay restaurants cater to all tastes. It lies right in from of the city of Philipsburg. We didn't find anywhere to snorkel that had anything to see. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. But all in all, both sides offer some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean. Maho Beach is a 30-40 minute drive to reach, and it requires a shore excursion or taxi to get there. 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. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. 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. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. 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. News. 17 Best Beaches in St. Maarten Top Public Beach Spots! Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. Its the perfect beach spot if you want a quiet place to go without the touristy vibe. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only. Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. We've found the most popular sights, attractions and shore excursions for a truly amazing day. This is a very nice beach, with soft sand, and gorgeous turquoise water. Its wide shoreline makes it a perfect spot for beach picnics and playing games on the shore. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. 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. Roatan, Honduras. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. It takes one about 25 minutes to get to the beach. Take a swim in the clear blue sea. Carry snacks and drinks though there are vendors on the beach. Hotels near Princ. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. If you are after a more local atmosphere and better bargains, try Back Street. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. Luckily, given the islands size, you can visit any beach within the few hours allowed in port. A 10-15 percent tip for bus and taxi drivers is common. 285 reviews. 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. Known to be a part of the Natural Reserve of Saint-Martin, this island is a famous snorkeling spot. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. 2. Find a Cruise. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . 15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience, 15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise, Photos Reveal Progress at Carnival Cruise Lines New Port, Cunard Line Unveils Historical Photo ExhibitionFrom Past 100 Years, Royal Caribbean Cuts Back on Housekeeping Service, Fourth Carnival Cruise Ship Will Be Based Out of Galveston, Texas. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[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. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. We were taken to two cushioned beach chairs one row back from the beach with umbrellas. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. Its like a 3 min ride. They also give you free Wi-Fi so dont forget to ask for the Wi-Fi code, especially for your social media buffs. View of cruise ship and stores. 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 A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? We were there for happy hour from 1pm to 3pm and had 2 cocktails for $10 from the Nazca bar and restaurant. Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? coveneiet water taxi. Things To Bring On A Cruise: 19 Cheap & Really Useful Cruise Items, 17 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas Your Kids Will Absolutely Love. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten of 2023 (with Prices He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. Magens Bay has an entry fee of $5 for adults and children 13 and older. It consists of a small stretch of white sandy beach located next to the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach. 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.