The waters on this beach are very inviting. As a result, it is hugely popular with visitors taking photos and videos. It's perfect for a lazy beach day. Beach 3 Snorkeling 4 St. Maartan Airport Tour 5 Catamaran Tour 6 4x4 Adventure 7 Dolphin Encounter 8 Butterfly Farm 9 Scuba Diving 10 Horseback Riding 11 ATV 12 Kayaking 13 Bicycle Tour 14. Carry snacks and drinks though there are vendors on the beach. 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. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. Dawn Beach offers spectacular views of sunrises. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. There are few chain restaurants. It has beautiful white sand beaches and is reachable by ferry or excursion boat from Simpson Bay and Marigot. I've lived on St. Martin/St. The fact that its semi-secluded makes it a good spot for relaxation. Show Prices. $$ - $$$ Caribbean Cajun & Creole Pub, Neighborhoods Points of Interest & Landmarks. Great Bay Beach is also a family beach which is kid-friendly so that the whole family can enjoy. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. Browse the shops for souvenirs and gorgeous beach wear. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. If you prefer to walk its about 20 minutes. 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. 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. Check it out and enjoy your Caribbean adventure to the fullest! 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. Little Bay has perfect calm crystal clear waters resultant from the protection offered by the peninsula. Taxis. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. 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. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. Want to have that french au naturel ambiance? Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. Great beach. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. The ride is only 10 minutes long. The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. 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. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. before joining cruise ship. Logo Store; Find Your Roll Call; Meet & Mingle; Guidelines; Community Help Center; . Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. Easily one of our favorite destinations among the best beaches in St Maarten, Baie Rouge offers long extensive shores and pristine cool waters. . Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. Outside of Philipsburg, two of the most famous attractions on the island are beaches. Roatan, Honduras. 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. The sunset in Cupecoy Beach is astounding, and we suggest you spend it at the bar while waiting for the vibrant ambiance at night. water warm and lovely, beach clean. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. 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. 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. Please note that some of the beaches mentioned were heavily hit by hurricane Irma and are still rebuilding. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. A nice day trip is a jaunt from the Philipsburg cruise port over to Marigot, capital of the French side, or Grand Case. 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). 2. Great Bay Beach, a long boardwalk and shopping on Front Street run side by side. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Great Bay Beach: Great Bay Beach, Philipsburg: Address, Great Bay Beach Reviews: 4.5/5. Walk along the beach on the boardwalk to find shops, food and drink or grab a chair and umbrella (usually for a fee) and take a dip in the bay. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. These beaches are unique and vary in features courtesy of the Caribbean and Atlantic sea that border the island on either side. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. The walk is about 10 minutes, goes three fourths of a mile and is not difficult on a warm day. There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. However, kindly note that this one is the furthest on this list from the cruise port. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. "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. 2. 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. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? You can take a tour of the nature reserve nearby as you explore the majestic beauty of the place. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Commodore Suites, Divi Beach, Little Bay RdSint Maarten, NLD 1744. 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. Its wide shoreline makes it a perfect spot for beach picnics and playing games on the shore. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . And that brings up A guide, complimentary refreshments and round-trip transportation from the . For tourists who have a heart for adventure, this ones for you. niNice beach, water clean and lovely. 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 Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. The water is warm with a pleasant surf. Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. St. Martin/St. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Grand Case Beach. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. 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. Additionally, there is a clothing optional area on this beach. Even better, this white-sand, two-mile beach is right in front of Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side of the island. Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. Directly a few blocks inland from the duty free store, past the courthouse, the yellow and blue RBC bank building with automated teller machine is always open to tourists in need of cash for excursions / tipping. Sint Maarten Beach Hotels; Sint Maarten Green Hotels; Sint Maarten Business Hotels; By Hotel Class. Then it climbs to a high point for the rest of the year. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. If you would rather walk there, its only a 15-minute walk down the boardwalk, and you can enjoy music and some local bars and restaurants along the way. Visit Orient Bay village, within walking distance of the beach. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. 10 Indulgence by the Sea St. Maarten Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea The Indulgence by the Sea Spa. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Beach chairs, umbrellas and jet-skis are available for a fee. Deals. This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. 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Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. Great Bay Beach is also situated near car rentals, restaurants, bars and cafes and is a fantastic beach for swimming. The roads are narrow and winding. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. We paid $50 for 2 I believe. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. It creates a very magical experience. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. 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. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. Moreover, go for snorkeling and explore the underwater world. The chairs and umbrellas are $5 each. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. We had a lovely day off the ship relaxing on the beach which wasn't busy at all even with 2 ships in. Its a long stretch of several white sandy beaches nestled at the foot of sapphire colored sand cliffs. The Philipsburg boardwalk lies between the beach and the shopping district of the city. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Happy Cruising!! Visitors will find plenty of taxis at the docks ready to take them there. Philipsburg Cruise Port in Sint Maarten. St. Martin is one of the best shopping ports of the Caribbean. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. 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. With its nice horizon, outstanding view, and superb restaurants to trythe Oyster pond is one of the prettiest beaches in St Maarten. Anyone who walks around the Philipsburg waterfront wont find much else to see other than the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants. Clear waters, beautiful horizon, and the quiet ambiance of the Grand Case Beach makes it a worthwhile destination. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. The coral reefs offer snorkelers a peek into St. Maarten water inhabitants. While the Dutch side boasts of the closest beaches to the cruise port, the French side has some of the best. 3. The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. Orient Bay Beach is the most popular beach in St Martin, so expect there to be a crowd. Rates include all on-property. Luckily, given the islands size, you can visit any beach within the few hours allowed in port. Take a water taxi to the island and enjoy the amazing beaches and scenery. 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. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. 2022. The top three excursions in St. Maarten are 1) The Flying Dutchman zip-line, 2) a chairlift to the top of sentry hill and 3) racing on a multi-million dollar America's Cup yacht boat. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Great Bay Beach, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? 3-Hour Guided Jeep Tour Island Highlights and 1-Hour Relax by Beach, The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour, The Original Eco Tour Full-Day Around the Island of Sint Maarten, Private St Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour, Best Of St Maarten Private Nightlife Tour, Modern Interactive Art MaShin Tour in Philipsburg with Pickup, @Philipsburg: calling all Sunbathers and shoppers. Where you can relax and just enjoy the beauty. They also have many water sports that are available. It is larger than Maho beach and it a good option for beginner snorkeling as you can see fishes near the shoreline. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. Two beach bars are located at either end of this beach being Sunset bar and grill and Driftwood boat bar respectively. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. Alternatively, you can take a public transportation which costs USD $2.50 to go and USD$2.50 to return. Required fields are marked *. Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. coveneiet water taxi. Then travelled back on water taxi (very good ride!) Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. You could choose to bring your umbrellas and mat for picnics and sunbathing, and you could save some money while still enjoying this beachs amenities. With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. The clear crystal waters offer the perfect chance to snorkel, especially on the rockier shores. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. Additionally, there is a nearby fishing village by the beach, giving a tranquil vibe that is different from the vibrant nightlife of other beaches in St Maarten. A smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. 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.