best beach in st maarten near cruise port

Maho Beach is usually a favorite of visitors to the island and it is a tiny beach. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. Just a short walk away you can enjoy some duty-free shopping, great food, and delicious cocktails. 17 Best Beaches in St. Maarten Top Public Beach Spots! Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. The swell is never too high thanks to its coral reefs. Water taxis to Maho Beach from the cruise port is easy to find and cost about $20. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Ships dock at the Dr. AC Wathey Cruise Facility in front of a sprawling outdoor pedestrian mall. Check out the video below from In The Loop Travel that shares the walk from the cruise terminal to Great Bay Beach. Great beach. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht 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. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. One of the more interesting beaches on St. Maarten is Cupecoy because of its white sand, sandstone cliffs and small caves along the shore. Its arguably famously known as the bikini beach as it entertains many lively parties and holds huge crowds of party people. Visit Orient Bay village, within walking distance of the beach. The centuries-old liquor is a part of St. Maartens culture, there are songs and stories dedicated to the Guava Berry. A nice day trip is a jaunt from the Philipsburg cruise port over to Marigot, capital of the French side, or Grand Case. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty All Inclusive. 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. Shore Excursions & Cruise Tours: 2023 Reviews & Ratings - Cruise Critic Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. There are so many things to do around the cruise port that you will never be bored but may be pressed for time. Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. 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. 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. Best Caribbean Cruise Destinations and Ports of Call - Thrillist 97% of travelers recommend this experience. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. The clear crystal waters offer the perfect chance to snorkel, especially on the rockier shores. A playground is still delightful for toddlers across from shops beside Holland House Hotel, where cruise passengers can purchase the Beach Special ($25 toilets, beach chair and shower with wifi). Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. The place is fabulous. This is the beach for you. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Princess Heights Luxury Condo Hotel. 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. 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. 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. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. 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. In the morning, the beautiful beach and the clear sand captivates the vacationers to take a dip. 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. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. "Everything was great, except check in because there's no place to park immediately until after you check in and pay the fees for the parking lot. St Martin Beaches - St. Martin/St. Maarten - Cruise Critic Community If these beaches dont meet your needs, then try any of the 24 remaining beaches you are sure to find what you are looking for. If you walk it's a 15-20 min walk cruise port-beach or vv. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg - Tripadvisor Hawkers in front of the cafes will sometimes offer them for free to visitors who buy food and beverages. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. Taxis. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. 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. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. An invisible boundary divides the 37 km island into two countries. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Commodore Suites, Divi Beach, Little Bay RdSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Playa Orient Bay. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. St. Maarten Cruise Port: Tips, Excursions and Weather - Caribeez Nature lovers have additional reasons to love this beach, owing to the fact that its located near the Oyster pond marina. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. With its nice horizon, outstanding view, and superb restaurants to trythe Oyster pond is one of the prettiest beaches in St Maarten. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. Here you can dine at French, Thai, and Italian restaurants. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Hotels near Philipsburg Cruise Port Terminal in St Maarten 2. 17 Best Beaches in St Maarten (2023) Top Beach Spots! A smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. You will be dropped off and picked up at the pier here, you will know you have arrived when you see the map of Sint Maarten/Saint Martin mural on the ground. Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. 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. 15 Best Beaches in St. Maarten | Celebrity Cruises Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. The John Craane cruise terminal is a large open-air mall where visitors can shop, dine and head for their paid shore excursions. Bicycles / scooters. Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. A 10-15 percent tip for bus and taxi drivers is common. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. $$ - $$$ Caribbean Cajun & Creole Pub, Neighborhoods Points of Interest & Landmarks. 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. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-banner-1-0');Visit Little Bay Beach if youre looking for a beach thats close to the cruise port, about 7-minute cab ride. 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. All Rights Reserved. News. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. Great Bay beach is a lovely beach to sit and relax while soaking up the sun or enjoying the view of the ocean. These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! 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. Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. 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. Kim Sha is a popular starting point for dive and excursion boats. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. You have detailed explanations in my Maho Beach review. 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. Easily one of our favorite destinations among the best beaches in St Maarten, Baie Rouge offers long extensive shores and pristine cool waters. . Complete with the softest powdery coasts, turquoise waters, and the freshest breezes of cool air, this island is a breathtaking destination. 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. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. We were taken to two cushioned beach chairs one row back from the beach with umbrellas. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. It takes one about 25 minutes to get to the beach. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . Then travelled back on water taxi (very good ride!) It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. Authentic name brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci are just some designer brands you will find. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg of 2023 (with Prices Located at the northern portions of St Maarten, Tintamarre Island is a secluded paradise unlike anywhere else. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . There is a boat that brings people over and drops them at the dock. The island is also a famous spot for hiking and exploring the enthralling red cliffs scattered all throughout the area. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. Deals. Two beach bars are located at either end of this beach being Sunset bar and grill and Driftwood boat bar respectively. Little Bay has perfect calm crystal clear waters resultant from the protection offered by the peninsula. Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port - Things to Do! - Gangwaze.com Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! Alicia's Inn. I know you will love visiting this Caribbean island as much as I do. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. Its not difficult to spend a day exploring this fantastic beach, be sure to pack some energy and appetite when trying out the local cuisine. Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Front Street is famous for its duty-free shopping. St. Martin/St. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. This is the most affordable option. As such there is little vegetation. Known to be a part of the Natural Reserve of Saint-Martin, this island is a famous snorkeling spot. St. Maarten Cruise: Best Cruises to St. Maarten - Celebrity Cruises Sea Palace Resort. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Why We Recommend This Beach