Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. Cupecoy is a half hour west of the port and requires a taxi or rental car to get there. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht 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. 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. The beach has rental chairs and umbrellas available for rent for the day. But dont take our word for it see for yourself. Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? Dawn Beach offers spectacular views of sunrises. Time to ged inspired by these 13 stunning St. Maarten beaches you can experience during a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean. Related:15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise. It is about seven miles north of the Philipsburg cruise port. One beach faces Saint Martin and is a perfect stretch of sandbar with shallow, calm waters perfect for families with kids. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. Views remarkable. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. There are street bars, rum shacks serving ice-cold beer, and restaurants serving delicious food. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. 10 Indulgence by the Sea St. Maarten Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea The Indulgence by the Sea Spa. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. Take a water taxi to the island and enjoy the amazing beaches and scenery. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. A weather forecasting app may help to ensure that your visit to the beach will be exquisite. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. THE 5 BEST Philipsburg Cruise Port Hotels 2023 (Prices) - Tripadvisor Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. Get sandblasted by the jets as the plane fly by. What is the best beach to go to from Cruise Ship - St Martin / St 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 taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. And that brings up Grab a beach chair and umbrella and enjoy your day in port at this lovely beach. 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. 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 terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. A nice day trip is a jaunt from the Philipsburg cruise port over to Marigot, capital of the French side, or Grand Case. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . Pinel Beach is found in an island lying just a few yards off the east coast of Sint Martin. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. It did shelve quite quickly. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. We had a lovely day off the ship relaxing on the beach which wasn't busy at all even with 2 ships in. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg of 2023 (with Prices Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. Clothing is optional because it is secluded and located by the French St. Martin border. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. 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. 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. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. The sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. 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. Buses usually have a sign that says Maho beach and it takes approximately 20 minutes from the cruise port. Taxis, which also are usually SUVs, have a T at the beginning of the license plate. Maarten beaches. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. Complete with the softest powdery coasts, turquoise waters, and the freshest breezes of cool air, this island is a breathtaking destination. 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. But traffic outside of the Boardwalk and Front Street is often heavy. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. Where on French side? Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. The beach restaurants are currently closed due to hurricane Irmas damage, but rebuilding is taking place. Whether you prefer to be laid back or power shop, St, Maarten is the island for you and your family to enjoy it all. The sea was crystal clear light blue and the sand v clean and there was a lovely breeze. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. Temperatures stay in the low 80s Fahrenheit in the winter and reach the high 80s in the summer. Beach nice enough, sea was lovely but quite a drop as the current changed..safe enough though. This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. 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. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding. It has become a popular destination for people ready to enjoy the sun rise and set while relaxing with a cocktail. 285 reviews. Riselle Celestina for Insider. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. Calm and clear azure waters with an excellent view of the Ocean is what greets you at Grand Case Beach. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. Little Bay rests at the base of Fort . Its arguably famously known as the bikini beach as it entertains many lively parties and holds huge crowds of party people. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. Again, look for signs point the way. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. Fine sandy beach alongside a boardwalk. Rainfall is a different matter. Anyone wanting a break from Great Bay Beach can stroll along the Boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and shops. This beach is about 30 minutes from the cruise port via taxi along Airport road. St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. What part of the beach is the best to spend few hrs, coming via cruise plan to walk or take taxi. This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. 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. Sea Palace Resort. $$ - $$$ Caribbean Cajun & Creole Pub, Neighborhoods Points of Interest & Landmarks. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? We did end up getting some of our kids hair braided by two different people. St. Barth is frequented by the rich and famous. The swell is never too high thanks to its coral reefs. Marigot Marigot is the capital of the French collective of the island. In the morning, the beautiful beach and the clear sand captivates the vacationers to take a dip. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. It is reasonably private and not crowded, giving you ample time for relaxation and sunbathing. Didnt swim, but its safe, I was told. The island only has one major road. The only problem was the ladies that would walk up and down the beach selling stuffed animals, massages , and hair braiding. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. The ride is only 10 minutes long. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty Rates include all on-property. 30 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise 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. Not only will the beach take your breath away but also the view, including the sunsets and docked yachts, produce a postcard memory if you go on a trip in the Oyster Pond. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Find a Cruise. On foot. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. Then it climbs to a high point for the rest of the year. Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. St. Maarten cruise docks. Taxi rates are set according to more than 20 zones around the island. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. If you are after a more local atmosphere and better bargains, try Back Street. Fondly known as the Friendly Island, St Maarten is unique in that it is the smallest landmass divided between two nations in the world. The waters on this beach are very inviting. We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. 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. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. St Maarten port is one of the fastest-growing Caribbean cruise ports and the leading cruise port in the Eastern Caribbean. But once found, its truly worthwhile. Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. They also have many water sports that are available. from the cruise ship pier shopping area to the center of Great Bay beach ($7 for unlimited tri 93% of travelers recommend this experience. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. Some of the ladies started harassing a guy because he said no to a massage for his wife. It's a nice swimming beach with gentle surf, but there are also jet ski rentals and a pier you can sit on to enjoy the view of cruise ships and sailboats. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. 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. The beach is certainly grand in Sint Maarten, and within steps from the port (unlike Cayman). With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. Little Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Is this beach wheelchair friendly? The powdery soft sand and coconut trees backdrop give it a magical atmosphere. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten (with Prices St Maarten is Dutch and to the north the French side is called St Martin. There is also a small souvenir flea market nearby, just keep walking straight in pass Back Street, its hard to miss. The chairs and umbrellas are $5 each. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. St. Maarten. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. 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. Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever. Best Caribbean Cruise Destinations and Ports of Call - Thrillist Orient Bay is a fairly quick drive by taxi, rental car or excursion bus from Philipsburg. Maho Beach is usually a favorite of visitors to the island and it is a tiny beach. Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port - Things to Do! - Gangwaze.com