2. A snorkeling excursion there costs about $75 per person including transportation. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. Asked for Miguel after reading recomendations but he wasn't around so headed off to quiet end with wider beach and Sweet Andy looked after us. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. Friars Bay beach is a hidden gem amongst the best beach spots in St Maarten. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. You can take a tour of the nature reserve nearby as you explore the majestic beauty of the place. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-banner-1-0');Visit Little Bay Beach if youre looking for a beach thats close to the cruise port, about 7-minute cab ride. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. St. Thomas Beaches Near the Cruise Port - Caribeez.com This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. The beach is certainly grand in Sint Maarten, and within steps from the port (unlike Cayman). Philipsburg Cruise Port in Sint Maarten. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. 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. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. Visit Orient Bay village, within walking distance of the beach. The beach has rental chairs and umbrellas available for rent for the day. I trust that you have found this information useful if your plans are to visit a beach while on a cruise to St Maarten. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. Baie Rouge or the RedBay beach is a gorgeous beach on the French side named so because of its pink sands. Very convenient. Maarten . Royal Palm Beach Resort. Children under 13 are free. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. 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. As such there is little vegetation. 10 Best Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Martin Find a Cruise. Then travelled back on water taxi (very good ride!) Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. Log in. 17 Best Beaches in St. Maarten Top Public Beach Spots! This is the beach for you. However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. 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. What makes a good cruise port arguably is a combination of: The St. Maarten cruise port at Philipsburg has all of the above in a pleasant mix. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. View of cruise ship and stores. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Great Bay Beach: Great Bay Beach, Philipsburg: Address, Great Bay Beach Reviews: 4.5/5. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. Wathey Square is where the boat taxis operate from. It has become a popular destination for people ready to enjoy the sun rise and set while relaxing with a cocktail. 3. Once we got the the beach there are people there trying to rent you lounge chairs. Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Things To Bring On A Cruise: 19 Cheap & Really Useful Cruise Items, 17 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas Your Kids Will Absolutely Love. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten of 2023 (with Prices 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. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. Great Bay and Orient Bay are the best St Maarten beaches near the cruise port. Therefore, depending on the time of year that you visit expect there to be a crowd. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. Required fields are marked *. There are villas located on the mountainous side, fun tours to try, and sightseeing activities on this island. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Commodore Suites, Divi Beach, Little Bay RdSint Maarten, NLD 1744. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. News. We've found the most popular sights, attractions and shore excursions for a truly amazing day. 1 mile away from Friars Bay Beach is a walking trail that takes you right into the heart of the open beach and the black rock formation. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Princess Heights Luxury Condo Hotel. Location You can find them at Airport Rd, Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten Star Lite Car Rentals Star Lite Car Rentals are a local rental service provider in Cruise Port of St, Maarten. Marigot Marigot is the capital of the French collective of the island. Its located on the northeastern coast of the French side. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. What is there to do near the cruise port? Best way to get to French Its like a 3 min ride. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. They also have showers and restrooms that are all nearby and available for everyone to use. Daughter thought they were the best she has had this holiday. Where you can relax and just enjoy the beauty. 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. Related:15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. You can also walk from the port which takes 15-20 minutes. A guide, complimentary refreshments and round-trip transportation from the . Recommended Hotel Nearby: Grand Case Beach Club, Also See:Top Beaches in The CaribbeanBeaches in Aruba, Orient Bay BeachSint Maarten, NLD 1744+31 6 83359253. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. Martin. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. This mile-long stretch of soft, white-sandy beach runs parallel to a long promenade stretching its entire length. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. Mullet Bay has beautiful white sand with calm waters and amazing views and landscape. 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. Beach bumming is the main activity here, but you can also try the locals favorite guava berry rum Coladas served at the little bars nearby. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? 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. Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa. Great beach. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. This hidden gem is seldom crowded because its tricky to find. The Great Bay Beach is a well-maintained destination complete with white sandy dunes and clear waters, which is why its among our top picks when it comes to the different nice beaches in St Maarten. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. Find the right beach for you for spending your day in port. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. 285 reviews. Grab a beach chair and umbrella and enjoy your day in port at this lovely beach. 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. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. 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. What is the best beach to go to from Cruise Ship - St Martin / St The Water UFO is definitely good times, with family and friends. Great Bay Beachs location is ideal if you want to enjoy the beach as well as take advantage of the excellent duty free opportunities available on the island. All Inclusive. Until the development of the new cruise terminal, Front Street ranked among one of the best shopping experiences in the Caribbeanalong with Playa Del Carmen, St. Thomas and Old San Juan. There is also a small souvenir flea market nearby, just keep walking straight in pass Back Street, its hard to miss. Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. It consists of a small stretch of white sandy beach located next to the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. 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. 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. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. 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. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. Your email address will not be published. Rent a jet ski and take a ride on the water. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. Directly a few blocks inland from the duty free store, past the courthouse, the yellow and blue RBC bank building with automated teller machine is always open to tourists in need of cash for excursions / tipping. There are no full restrooms but there is a port-a-potty available and usually there is a crowd on weekends. We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Little Bay Beach is just right next to Great Bay Beach only separated by the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula. 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 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. Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Expect to pay anywhere between $7 and $35 to get to a zone. The islands rugged coastline features 37 beaches all around. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. You can access this beach by walking. Why We Recommend This Beach All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. Saba is known for hiking and other ecotourism activities. St. Maarten cruise port - Top rated port guide for cruise ship passengers We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. coveneiet water taxi. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. 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.