Having your towels on your beach loungers will reserve them for the day. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. The eateries are a hive of energy with an exciting atmosphere as many businesses, and VIP parties are held here. Rent a jet ski and take a ride on the water. With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. Known to be a favorite spot among celebrities, this outstanding beach showcases a plethora of restaurants, hotels, and shops by the oceanfront, making it convenient for the tourists to go souvenir shopping. What's Included: Three types of passes are available: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $90, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $105 and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (full-day pass) for $195. Sint Maarten as called by the Dutch and St. Martin by the French, is a 37 sq mile island that features all the charm of the Caribbean. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. Great Bay Beach is a fun beach and everything you will need will be there------the beach---water sports---bars--restaurants----long & wide and close to the docks and along one of the best shopping streets in the Caribbean. Best Family Beaches in St. Maarten for an Outstanding Time Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Commodore Suites, Divi Beach, Little Bay RdSint Maarten, NLD 1744. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. This cruise port is huge, handling over 20,000 people at a time and up to 6 ships at once. St. Maarten cruise docks. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. If this is something you would like to see and enjoy, then, by all means, visit Maho beach for this once in a lifetime experience. I trust that you have found this information useful if your plans are to visit a beach while on a cruise to St Maarten. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. 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. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. Kayaking is also available on this island where you get to paddle across the entirety of the waters, a must-try activity for all ages. You can access this beach by walking. Time to ged inspired by these 13 stunning St. Maarten beaches you can experience during a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean. It is larger than Maho beach and it a good option for beginner snorkeling as you can see fishes near the shoreline. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. In the morning, the beautiful beach and the clear sand captivates the vacationers to take a dip. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. 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. 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. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. If you are looking for a beach away from the hustle of the capital city with a Caribbean feel, then Orient Bay Beach is an amazing option to consider. The Philipsburg and Simpson Bay restaurants cater to all tastes. Quite packed thoughClose by the cruise port, just a quick $7 water taxi over to here. They are Philipsburg on the southern coast and Simpson Bay on the southwest coast because they have the cruise port and the airport. 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. 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. One beach faces Saint Martin and is a perfect stretch of sandbar with shallow, calm waters perfect for families with kids. However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. With close to 45 miles of beautiful coastline, you'll find some amazing beaches near St Maarten cruise port. This brief video explains the best and worst times to visit St. Maarten. You can get to this beach via a taxi or a bus. St. Maartens average weather consists of warm temperatures year round that average in the mid 80s Fahrenheit. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. Anyone wanting a break from Great Bay Beach can stroll along the Boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and shops. There are no full restrooms but there is a port-a-potty available and usually there is a crowd on weekends. 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. Great beach. Anse Marcel is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. 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. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. Galion Beach is very popular with families and adrenaline junkies. Mullet Bay has beautiful white sand with calm waters and amazing views and landscape. Clear waters, beautiful horizon, and the quiet ambiance of the Grand Case Beach makes it a worthwhile destination. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. We took a water taxi to this beach. Surfing is also one of the best things to do in St Maarten; Mullet bay has northern winds, making it an excellent spot for surfers. Car rentals. Beaches In St Maarten Near Cruise Port (The Ultimate Guide), Living In The Caribbean (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). If you're looking for the best time to visit St Maarten, you may find this guide helpful. It's perfect for a lazy beach day. The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten (with Prices Shopping in St. Maarten: Where to Go & What to Buy - Celebrity Current This place is also less crowded and suitable for families looking for a spot for bonding and activities. Take a swim in the clear blue sea. The nearby amenities and close proximity to the ship make it a very popular choice for cruise guests. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Are Really Worth Your Time? Deals. 15 Best Beaches in St. Maarten | Celebrity Cruises Cupecoy is a half hour west of the port and requires a taxi or rental car to get there. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten - Tripadvisor Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Orient Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Cupecoy Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. We visited Secrets Resort in Saint Martin a week ago. St Maarten Shore Excursion: Orient, Maho Beach Half-Day Tour 2023 - Viator 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. This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. It has beautiful white sand beaches and is reachable by ferry or excursion boat from Simpson Bay and Marigot. Where they want to go often includes Philipsburg itself. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. Where you can relax and just enjoy the beauty. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. Where on French side? As a result, it often draws large crowds. 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. 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). St. Maarten cruise port - Top rated port guide for cruise ship passengers 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. St. Maarten Cruise: Best Cruises to St. Maarten - Celebrity Cruises Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. Indigo Beach Bay offers a variety of activities. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. All Inclusive Hotels in Sint Maarten; Near Airports. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. The water taxi takes you to a dock right at the public beach. Kim Sha is a popular starting point for dive and excursion boats. What is the best beach to go to from Cruise Ship - St Martin / St Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. These beaches are unique and vary in features courtesy of the Caribbean and Atlantic sea that border the island on either side. The extended stretch of fine white sand is great, and the swaying palm trees offer respite from the harsh sun. Mullet Bay may get too busy on the weekends, so we suggest that you visit during the weekdays to maximize your relaxation by the beach. 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. The beach has rental chairs and umbrellas available for rent for the day. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Frequented by tourists from far and wide, this beach is an amazing destination for all ages. 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. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. Known to be a part of the Natural Reserve of Saint-Martin, this island is a famous snorkeling spot. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. This lovely, well-sheltered beach offers crystal-clear calm, warm waters that are perfect for swimming. Then travelled back on water taxi (very good ride!) When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. The swell is never too high thanks to its coral reefs. This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. 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. 1. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. But it is one of the most convenient beaches in the Caribbean for cruise port visitors because it is within walking distance of the docks. Mullet Bay Mullet Bay Beach Sint Maarten, NLD 1744 Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting in this area. If you prefer to walk its about 20 minutes. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. Find the right beach for you for spending your day in port. One of the more famous and controversial attractions is the Maho Bay beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport. We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. Clear waters, beautiful beach, and powdery sandy shoreswhat more could you ask for in Divi Beach? St Maarten is loved by tourists and visitors to the island for its bustling night life, diverse dining options and its exciting duty free shopping experience. Kids can play on the sand and enjoy a splash in the calm water. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. Complete with the softest powdery coasts, turquoise waters, and the freshest breezes of cool air, this island is a breathtaking destination. Pinel has two breathtaking beaches. One of the more interesting beaches on St. Maarten is Cupecoy because of its white sand, sandstone cliffs and small caves along the shore. 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. 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. 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. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. Since 1648, Philipsburg has been a site of settlement or port of call for travellers as well as slave ships past (see Lizzy Wade for Science 9 Mar 2015). St Martin Beaches - St. Martin/St. Maarten - Cruise Critic Community Enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and keep an eye on the time, time flies when youre having fun. We were there for happy hour from 1pm to 3pm and had 2 cocktails for $10 from the Nazca bar and restaurant. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. 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. 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. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. When the clock hits at the time of sunset, thats where the flashing lights, livid atmosphere, and the nightlife starts. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. Its wide shoreline makes it a perfect spot for beach picnics and playing games on the shore. It is a must-see stop for any southern or eastern Caribbean cruise and why 2 million cruise visitors come to the port every year. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. Therefore, depending on the time of year that you visit expect there to be a crowd. Didnt feel too crowded and it was a great beach for kids to play and swim. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. Taking a bus is a less expensive option. Then it climbs to a high point for the rest of the year. Taxis, which also are usually SUVs, have a T at the beginning of the license plate. THE 5 BEST Sint Maarten Cruise Port Hotels - Mar 2023 (with Prices There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. Taxis. Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. Maho Beach is a 30-40 minute drive to reach, and it requires a shore excursion or taxi to get there. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Note that it is clothing optional. 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. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. Nature lovers have additional reasons to love this beach, owing to the fact that its located near the Oyster pond marina. If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I finally had to ask her to stop because my daughter was about to cry. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? 2. The beach is certainly grand in Sint Maarten, and within steps from the port (unlike Cayman). We were taken to two cushioned beach chairs one row back from the beach with umbrellas. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Or try a restaurant that serves local cuisine to taste an array of delicious dishes. There is a boat that brings people over and drops them at the dock. Located at the northern portions of St Maarten, Tintamarre Island is a secluded paradise unlike anywhere else. Little Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Day Passes at Caribbean Resorts | Cruise Critic The Guava berry Emporium is located on Front Street in Phillipsburg in an old townhouse, you cant miss the big liquor bottle at the entrance. 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. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht