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. At the far end #27 is Dutch Blonds pancakes and escape rooms; just look for the windmill. 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 Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Orient Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Cupecoy Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. Want to have that french au naturel ambiance? But traffic outside of the Boardwalk and Front Street is often heavy. We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. St. Maarten Beaches Near the Cruise Port - Caribeez Its not easy elsewhere to find washrooms for public use, except at restaurants by the beach. Now, its a silent part of the busy beach leading to the cruise ship terminal, where tour operators await with open-air trucks to carry passengers to activities (USD cash accepted). Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. Whether you prefer to be laid back or power shop, St, Maarten is the island for you and your family to enjoy it all. Saba is known for hiking and other ecotourism activities. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. 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. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour 206 Recommended Bus Tours from $450.00 $382.25 per group (up to 10) Ultimate Eco and Sightseeing Tour 33 Recommended Power Boats from $95.00 per adult Sunset Champagne Cruise in St. Maarten 18 Recommended Sailing from $50.26 per adult Private St Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour 7 Adventure Tours from Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. Tourists should visit Rainforest Adventures, Seaside Nature Park, and Tintamarre island. 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. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. You can either take the watertaxi right to the center of this street or walk from the cruise terminal which will take you about 20 to 30 minutes. Juliana Airport (SXM) Hotels near Esperance Airport (SFG) Hotels near Wallblake Airport (AXA) Tours; Add a . Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. Water Shoes might be good for a day on the beach when snorkeling, get yours here. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! When the clock hits at the time of sunset, thats where the flashing lights, livid atmosphere, and the nightlife starts. St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever. Galion Beach is very popular with families and adrenaline junkies. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. 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. The casino hours are 10am to 4am daily. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. The nearby amenities and close proximity to the ship make it a very popular choice for cruise guests. There are a number of bars that offer drinks and lounge chairs at the beach. Clear waters, beautiful beach, and powdery sandy shoreswhat more could you ask for in Divi Beach? Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? Anyone wanting a break from Great Bay Beach can stroll along the Boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and shops. This was our second visit. We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. Explore different ways to experience this place. Time to ged inspired by these 13 stunning St. Maarten beaches you can experience during a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Villas at Simpson Bay Beach Resort and Marina, Little Bay Beach, Octavius L. Richardson Rd, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. New restaurant Oleos had good food and amazing view. But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. Here are the best things to do while in Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port! If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. Great Bay Beach is also a family beach which is kid-friendly so that the whole family can enjoy. Quite packed thoughClose by the cruise port, just a quick $7 water taxi over to here. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. 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. Unfortunately, you may only get a glimpse of this gem of an island, I always recommend a proper vacation for a week or two. They prob stop and ask about every 5 mins so it does get annoying. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. Anyone who walks around the Philipsburg waterfront wont find much else to see other than the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. We were approached by multiple people right as we got off the water taxi and decided to pay $30 for two beach chairs, free wi-fi and five free drinks. Hotels near Princ. Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. Maho Beach is famous because it is located so close to the airport that landing planes will swoop so close over the heads of beachgoers that some of them get knocked off their feet. You can also walk from the port which takes 15-20 minutes. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Cruise passengers get from the docks to Philipsburg via walking, taxi or an inexpensive water taxi. All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. 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 should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. The beach is about 1/3 mile long. St. Martin is named as the French side and St. Maarten is named as the Dutch side. Re: Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten 5 years ago Save Hi Maria, The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. Fine sandy beach alongside a boardwalk. INDULGENCE BY THE SEA Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea LITTLE BAY BEACH ST. MAARTEN TREASURE SEEKER Photo courtesy of Treasure Seeker WATHEY SQUARE Photo courtesy of Vacation St. Maarten WATER UFO ST. MAARTEN Photo courtesy of Water UFO SUNSET BAR AND GRILL Maho Beach is usually a favorite of visitors to the island and it is a tiny beach. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Great Bay Beach, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Best Family Beaches in St. Maarten for an Outstanding Time The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. View of cruise ship and stores. 285 reviews. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. The sand is indeed white, waves are crystal clear, and gives you a fun experience with the planes in the sky. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. Even better, this white-sand, two-mile beach is right in front of Philipsburg, capital of the Dutch side of the island. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding. St. Martin is one of the best shopping ports of the Caribbean. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. In Phillipsburg, one of the best things to do is shopping on Front Street or Back Street or hang out in Wathey Square. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! Mullet Bay has beautiful white sand with calm waters and amazing views and landscape. 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. 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. 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. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. They also have many water sports that are available. Authentic name brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci are just some designer brands you will find. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. You can take a tour of the nature reserve nearby as you explore the majestic beauty of the place. The only problem was the ladies that would walk up and down the beach selling stuffed animals, massages , and hair braiding. I think you can also walk around to the beach instead of the water taxi. Note that it is clothing optional. Calm and clear azure waters with an excellent view of the Ocean is what greets you at Grand Case Beach. This lovely, well-sheltered beach offers crystal-clear calm, warm waters that are perfect for swimming. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. These beaches are unique and vary in features courtesy of the Caribbean and Atlantic sea that border the island on either side. This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. Travel to Maho beach and watch jumbo jets fly overhead to land at the nearby airport. Shopping in St. Maarten: Where to Go & What to Buy - Celebrity Current If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. The waters on this beach are very inviting. The ride is only 10 minutes long. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. 3. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. We were there for happy hour from 1pm to 3pm and had 2 cocktails for $10 from the Nazca bar and restaurant. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. This is a very nice beach, with soft sand, and gorgeous turquoise water. 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 not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. As a former crew member for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line I can continue my passion by sharing my experiences with readers. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. 1. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. From the small pebbles found on the shore to its magnificent coastlines, you are bound to fall in love with the beach as you take a long stroll. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. 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. Maarten is one of the most popular destinations for eastern and southern Caribbean cruises, so cruise visitors need to know that Great Bay Beach is one of the best beaches near the cruise port. Best Caribbean Cruise Destinations and Ports of Call - Thrillist But once found, its truly worthwhile. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. Baie Rouge or the RedBay beach is a gorgeous beach on the French side named so because of its pink sands. more. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. 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. In this post we will explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in St Maarten on a cruise. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Arrived on cruise ship having read the reviews and took the $7 water taxi as advised. We visited Secrets Resort in Saint Martin a week ago. Complete with the softest powdery coasts, turquoise waters, and the freshest breezes of cool air, this island is a breathtaking destination.