We took a water taxi to this beach. 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. As a result, it often draws large crowds. Once we got the the beach there are people there trying to rent you lounge chairs. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. This beach is perfect for surfing and windsurfing. 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. This beach offers chairs and umbrellas by the shore, which is perfect when youre in the mood to get a tan and bask out in the sun! You also get the use of their facilities. Arrived on cruise ship having read the reviews and took the $7 water taxi as advised. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. One beach faces Saint Martin and is a perfect stretch of sandbar with shallow, calm waters perfect for families with kids. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Be sure to pack some goggles or eye protective gear with you because when the larger planes take off from the airport, watch out for sand sprays on the shore may occur. The sea was crystal clear light blue and the sand v clean and there was a lovely breeze. We paid $50 for 2 I believe. St.Barths is only 30 minutes away from this beach, and we suggest you take a side trip there to complete your ultimate Caribbean vacation. If you prefer to walk its about 20 minutes. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The John Craane cruise terminal is a large open-air mall where visitors can shop, dine and head for their paid shore excursions. You can take off and walk the boardwalk and sightsee or just relax and work on your tan. Peaceful and serene. But they mainly represent low-end casual in one group and high-end seafood and steak in the other. It is reasonably private and not crowded, giving you ample time for relaxation and sunbathing. 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 sand is indeed white, waves are crystal clear, and gives you a fun experience with the planes in the sky. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. Then it climbs to a high point for the rest of the year. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. When the clock hits at the time of sunset, thats where the flashing lights, livid atmosphere, and the nightlife starts. Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. These beaches are unique and vary in features courtesy of the Caribbean and Atlantic sea that border the island on either side. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Cupecoy is a half hour west of the port and requires a taxi or rental car to get there. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. Great food and lots of cold drinks to keep you refreshed while lounging in the sun. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. It is larger than Maho beach and it a good option for beginner snorkeling as you can see fishes near the shoreline. A guide, complimentary refreshments and round-trip transportation from the . Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills. A weather forecasting app may help to ensure that your visit to the beach will be exquisite. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. Running parallel to the boardwalk is Front Street, which has most of the shops in the city. Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. There is a boat that brings people over and drops them at the dock. Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? A smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. Dawn Beach offers spectacular views of sunrises. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. This St. Martin beach is a bit far, about 45 minutes and 15 miles from the port but the entry and exit areas are easy and accessible. They also have showers and restrooms that are all nearby and available for everyone to use. For tourists who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, this is the place to be. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. 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. If you're looking for the best time to visit St Maarten, you may find this guide helpful. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Villas at Simpson Bay Beach Resort and Marina, Little Bay Beach, Octavius L. Richardson Rd, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. You can access this beach by walking. Nature lovers have additional reasons to love this beach, owing to the fact that its located near the Oyster pond marina. Magens Bay has an entry fee of $5 for adults and children 13 and older. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. Indigo Bay Beach is famous because of its quality attributes, making it popular with tourists. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. Indigo Beach Bay offers a variety of activities. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. Here you can dine at French, Thai, and Italian restaurants. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. My favorite is the guava berry colada. 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. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. Hawkers in front of the cafes will sometimes offer them for free to visitors who buy food and beverages. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. Clean restrooms are available to visitors. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. 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. Its worth noting that shopping on Front Street has declined in recent years because much of it has moved to the John Craane cruise terminal. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. What part of the beach is the best to spend few hrs, coming via cruise plan to walk or take taxi. The extended stretch of fine white sand is great, and the swaying palm trees offer respite from the harsh sun. You only need to get to the port early. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. Marigot Marigot is the capital of the French collective of the island. Show Prices. 1. 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. The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. In this post we will explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in St Maarten on a cruise. Worth it even if you take just a dip. We walked from the port to the beach area around 20 mins and walked along the beach front stopping in and out of shops on routewe must have been offered sunbeds by at least 10 different people..most were polite enough when you said no but most were quite persistent and it was pretty irritating one after the other continuously. The coral reefs offer snorkelers a peek into St. Maarten water inhabitants. 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. more. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. The ride is only 10 minutes long. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. 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. It lies right in from of the city of Philipsburg. 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. St. Maarten cruise docks. 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). An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. All Rights Reserved. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. Dont forget to bargain with the vendors. 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. That aspect alone would make you want to visit this spot, and it also makes Burgeaux beach one of the best beach destinations on the island. Great Bay and Orient Bay are the best St Maarten beaches near the cruise port. 1. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. Cruise visitors will arrive at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities just outside of Philipsburg on Great Bay. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'stmaartenadventure_com-box-3','ezslot_2',101,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-box-3-0');When youre on a Caribbean cruise, most likely you will end up stopping in Sint Maarten, the cruise capital of the Caribbean. St Maarten port is one of the fastest-growing Caribbean cruise ports and the leading cruise port in the Eastern Caribbean. Great Bay Beach Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. 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. 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. Two beach chairs and an umbrella go for $20. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. The walk is about 10 minutes, goes three fourths of a mile and is not difficult on a warm day. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. Martin. St. Martin/St. Located on the northeast coast of St Maarten is The Orient Bay Beach, the perfect vacation spot. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. Here are the best things to do while in Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port! 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. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. Again, look for signs point the way. This destination is also known to be the safest beach for kids since the water is calm and aquatic activities are relatively available in the area. Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. 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. The St Maarten cruise terminal is located in Philipsburg, the Dutch part of the island, around 1.5 mi away from the city center.It boasts an impressive infrastructure that can accommodate a large number of cruise ships simultaneously, including the worlds largest cruise ships. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. Walk around to get the best deals on t-shirts, perfumes, cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, homeware and electronics, all duty-free. Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho Beach. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Anyone with an interest in good beaches might instead consider a shore excursion to one of the neighboring islands, such as Anguilla, St. Barth or Saba. The beach which starts at the end of Princess Juliana Airport Runway attracts airplane fanatics, thrill seekers and even photographers. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. The roads are narrow and winding. There are few chain restaurants. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. Get a lounge chair and umbrella going for about $7, kick back and relax. You can get to this beach via a taxi or a bus. It is often moderate from January through July. Great for: Beach time, diving, snorkeling, water sports. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. Visit this beach to enjoy a great beach break on its soft white sands and when you get hungry grab a bite at the nearby restaurants. The Philipsburg and Simpson Bay restaurants cater to all tastes. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. A 20minutes taxi ride from the cruise pier will get you to the beach. If walking isnt appealing, there are quite a few transportation options. 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. Riselle Celestina for Insider. 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. Its arguably famously known as the bikini beach as it entertains many lively parties and holds huge crowds of party people. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. 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.