Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. Its arguably famously known as the bikini beach as it entertains many lively parties and holds huge crowds of party people. 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. Or try a restaurant that serves local cuisine to taste an array of delicious dishes. You can access this beach by walking. Best things to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port: The Ultimate Guide Find the right beach for you for spending your day in port. This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in St Maarten, located near Princess Juliana Airport. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau 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. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! Its not difficult to spend a day exploring this fantastic beach, be sure to pack some energy and appetite when trying out the local cuisine. St Maarten Shore Excursion: Orient, Maho Beach Half-Day Tour 2023 - Viator The calm waters on this beach justify its spot as the best beach for swimming in St Maarten. We paid $50 for 2 I believe. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. St. Maarten Cruise Port and Things to Do for Cruise Travelers. 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. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. 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). The centuries-old liquor is a part of St. Maartens culture, there are songs and stories dedicated to the Guava Berry. Again, look for signs point the way. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. However, kindly note that this one is the furthest on this list from the cruise port. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. #3 Best Value of 7 Philipsburg Cruise Port Hotels. 1. 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. Daughter thought they were the best she has had this holiday. Clear waters, beautiful beach, and powdery sandy shoreswhat more could you ask for in Divi Beach? Authentic name brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci are just some designer brands you will find. This is the most affordable option. What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. Shore Excursions & Cruise Tours: 2023 Reviews & Ratings - Cruise Critic The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. 2. Little Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go 5 Best Beaches In St. Maarten For Snorkeling Note that it is clothing optional. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. Hence, the island of St. Maarten is one of the worlds top cruise port destinations. If youre coming with kids who love water activities, you could try out their snorkeling and underwater fun for a lower price than other beaches in St Maarten. You can also enjoy the day at Great Bay Beach, Divi Little Bay Beach. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. 30 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise St. Maarten cruise port - Top rated port guide for cruise ship passengers The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. 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. The fact that its semi-secluded makes it a good spot for relaxation. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. Having your towels on your beach loungers will reserve them for the day. Is there anything near the cruise port? Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. The coral reefs offer snorkelers a peek into St. Maarten water inhabitants. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! But dont take our word for it see for yourself. 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. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. Required fields are marked *. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. I know you will love visiting this Caribbean island as much as I do. The island is also a famous spot for hiking and exploring the enthralling red cliffs scattered all throughout the area. Where on French side? Head to St. Martin, the French side of St. Maarten, where you'll find a peaceful environment. Calm and clear azure waters with an excellent view of the Ocean is what greets you at Grand Case Beach. A snorkeling excursion there costs about $75 per person including transportation. Beaches In St Maarten Near Cruise Port (The Ultimate Guide) Log in. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. The right portion is where families and children would bond through a number of recreational activities, and the left-most area is the adult division of the beach meant for nude sunbathing. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. Very convenient. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. 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. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. This lovely, well-sheltered beach offers crystal-clear calm, warm waters that are perfect for swimming. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. This hidden gem is seldom crowded because its tricky to find. We rented chairs with wonderful service from Jimmy from the love boat restaurant and beach service , chair rental and service right on the beach with food and reasonably priced drinks were exceptional.. could not have asked for a more pleasant day til, Convenient swimming with shopping and restaurants. Little bay beach is located adjacent to Little Divi Resort. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Though it's not nearly as . Maarten for 20 years, and I'm sharing the best things on the island. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. Fondly known as Airplane beach, as planes usually have to approach the landing at an altitude of less than 100 feet. 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. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. Galion Beach is very popular with families and adrenaline junkies. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. Little Bay has perfect calm crystal clear waters resultant from the protection offered by the peninsula. 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. from the cruise ship pier shopping area to the center of Great Bay beach ($7 for unlimited tri 93% of travelers recommend this experience. It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. Beach nice enough, sea was lovely but quite a drop as the current changed..safe enough though. 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. 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. The beach is great for swimming but at times can be rough so definitely one has to be cautious with children. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . Why We Recommend This Beach Cruise Tips. Time to ged inspired by these 13 stunning St. Maarten beaches you can experience during a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean. Other St. Maarten attractions include the Mont Vernon Plantation and the Butterfly Farm. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. 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. 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. Take a water taxi to the island and enjoy the amazing beaches and scenery. 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. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20.