Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. 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. A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. The popular cruise destination in the Eastern Caribbean has two sides and is known for being the smallest landmass to host two nations in one place. The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. Dont miss out on visiting the different souvenir shops where you could snag some trinkets and memorabilia to remember your Caribbean Trip here in Great Bay Beach. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. While it is useful to consider a rental car, bus or taxi, it is wise to avoid renting a bicycle or scooter. They also have showers and restrooms that are all nearby and available for everyone to use. Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. With its mesmerizing blue waters, sunny beaches, and lively nightlifeSt Maarten in the Caribbean islands is lauded as a prime vacation spot, especially for those who are in need of travel inspiration. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Are Really Worth Your Time? This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Wathey Square is where the boat taxis operate from. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. Things To Bring On A Cruise: 19 Cheap & Really Useful Cruise Items, 17 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas Your Kids Will Absolutely Love. You have detailed explanations in my Maho Beach review. Happy Cruising!! Its located near Maho beach, and though you can see the airplanes flying above, they are usually far away and therefore less noisy. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. Its named after a defeated captain who went after Saba and ran aground on the very same beach. Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. Rates quoted by the St. Maarten Taxi Association are $10 per person each way for two passengers and $9 per person for three to five passengers. This beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. Again, look for signs point the way. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. Little Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. Maarten for 20 years, and I'm sharing the best things on the island. Oyster Pond is perfect if youre looking for a place that exudes tranquility. 1. 3. 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. Rates include all on-property. There are hundreds of duty free stores and the discounts are great. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. 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 about 30 minutes from the cruise port via taxi along Airport road. They dont tell you how much the braids cost till the end and this lady wanted $65 for some braids she put in my sons hair but my daughters cost $25. 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. These cliffs are eroded to create perfect small coves that create small secluded romantic beaches on their own. There are no full restrooms but there is a port-a-potty available and usually there is a crowd on weekends. You can take a tour of the nature reserve nearby as you explore the majestic beauty of the place. Grab a beach chair and umbrella and enjoy your day in port at this lovely beach. Car rentals. Great Bay Beach is also a family beach which is kid-friendly so that the whole family can enjoy. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. But once found, its truly worthwhile. Note that it is clothing optional. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hence, the island of St. Maarten is one of the worlds top cruise port destinations. 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. Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters. Holland House Beach Hotel. The beach restaurants are currently closed due to hurricane Irmas damage, but rebuilding is taking place. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. Orient Bay is a fairly quick drive by taxi, rental car or excursion bus from Philipsburg. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. Peaceful and serene. St. Maarten. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Having your towels on your beach loungers will reserve them for the day. We visited Secrets Resort in Saint Martin a week ago. Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. 285 reviews. A 10-15 percent tip for bus and taxi drivers is common. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. You can also enjoy the day at Great Bay Beach, Divi Little Bay Beach. Great Bay Beach is also situated near car rentals, restaurants, bars and cafes and is a fantastic beach for swimming. What is there to do near the cruise port? Best way to get to French Recommended Hotel Nearby: Princess Heights Luxury Condo Hotel. St. Martin/St. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. St. Maarten Beaches Near the Cruise Port - Caribeez It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. What Attractions Are At Orient Bay Beach? What part of the beach is the best to spend few hrs, coming via cruise plan to walk or take taxi. Find a Cruise. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. Some of the beds were very worn one or two broken so check that your bed is ok before sitting down. Took a water taxi from cruise port area $7 per person round trip. If walking isnt appealing, there are quite a few transportation options. Little Bay Beach is just right next to Great Bay Beach only separated by the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula. The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. Related:15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise. You can take off and walk the boardwalk and sightsee or just relax and work on your tan. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Maarten; Cruise Critic Community. 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. News. 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. Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. It is larger than Maho beach and it a good option for beginner snorkeling as you can see fishes near the shoreline. 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. 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. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. Maho Beach is usually a favorite of visitors to the island and it is a tiny beach. All Inclusive. Bicycles / scooters. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. It is about seven miles north of the Philipsburg cruise port. This was our second visit. Anyone who walks around the Philipsburg waterfront wont find much else to see other than the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants. Whether youre looking for a nice day out on the beach, or a day filled with fun things to do, this place is definitely enjoyable. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! It is generally not as interesting as the nightlife around Maho and Mullet Bay, a characteristic feature of the Dutch side, long after the U.S. military built the Princess Juliana airstrip by 1947 and development ensued in the 1960-70s. We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. Pinel Beach is found in an island lying just a few yards off the east coast of Sint Martin. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. Water taxis to Maho Beach from the cruise port is easy to find and cost about $20. 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. Get a waterproof case to protect your phone right here. Daughter thought they were the best she has had this holiday. This is something extraordinary to write home about. Tourists should visit Rainforest Adventures, Seaside Nature Park, and Tintamarre island. Is your upcoming Caribbean cruise docking in St Maarten? 94% of travelers recommend this experience. The ride is only 10 minutes long. Top 10 St. Maarten Excursions Catamaran ($1599.99) Sonesta Day Pass ($88.99) Speedboat & Snorkel ($124.99) Highlights & Beach ($55.99) Sightseeing ($44.99) Attraction Park ($138.99) ATV HIghlight and Beach ($99.99) Beach Bum Combo ($44.99) Full Day Sailing ($134.99) Sky Explorer and Dutchman ($98.99) St. Maarten Cruise Excursions Reviews 4.8/5 Located at the northern portions of St Maarten, Tintamarre Island is a secluded paradise unlike anywhere else. It takes one about 25 minutes to get to the beach. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. Grand Case Beach. The island has virtually no stop signs or stop lights. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. St. Maarten cruise docks. Always give yourself ample time for traffic, and theres always traffic in St.Maarten. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. Re: Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten 5 years ago Save Hi Maria, The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. Its like a 3 min ride. All Rights Reserved. Have in mind last taxis back to cruise port depart around 5.30-6 PM, so if your ship departs late in the evening there's no point spending 7$ pp. Where they serve fresh fish and lobsters for lunch among others. This place is also less crowded and suitable for families looking for a spot for bonding and activities. 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. Browse the shops for souvenirs and gorgeous beach wear. Dont forget to bargain with the vendors. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. The clear crystal waters offer the perfect chance to snorkel, especially on the rockier shores.

Pierce County Breaking News Today, Carne Asada Burrito Albertos Nutrition Facts, Antioch University Los Angeles Notable Alumni, Articles B