Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. This Beach is a hidden gem found behind Divi resorts and makes for a perfect escape from the crowds. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. Didnt swim, but its safe, I was told. Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. Recommended Hotel Nearby: El Zafiro Boutique Hotel. Get a waterproof case to protect your phone right here. 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. $$ - $$$ Caribbean Cajun & Creole Pub, Neighborhoods Points of Interest & Landmarks. They are Philipsburg on the southern coast and Simpson Bay on the southwest coast because they have the cruise port and the airport. Get sandblasted by the jets as the plane fly by. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. 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. The waters on this beach are very inviting. Otherwise, walk the boardwalk, and pick a spot on the beach and relax for the day, swim, drink, or tan. Cruise Tips. The beach itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. 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. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. As a result, it is hugely popular with visitors taking photos and videos. 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. They also have many water sports that are available. 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. This place is also less crowded and suitable for families looking for a spot for bonding and activities. You can access this beach by walking. Water taxis to Maho Beach from the cruise port is easy to find and cost about $20. The place is fabulous. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. The Second Lady kept saying how awful my daughters hair looked and that it wasnt professional. 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. Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. Discover 9 Top Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love + 5 More For Kids! The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. St Maarten is Dutch and to the north the French side is called St Martin. Its named after a defeated captain who went after Saba and ran aground on the very same beach. View of cruise ship and stores. 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. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. The Philipsburg and Simpson Bay restaurants cater to all tastes. Where Is The Cruise Port In St Maarten - CruiseInfoClub.com 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. Guana Bay Beach is on the route to Philipsburg, making it easy for day tourists to take a detour and have fun at this little beach. Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling, Beach Tour Including Lunch in St. Maarten (From $139.00) Half Day Snorkeling and Beach Tour/Excursion (From $89.00) Private Sailboat Charter in St Maarten; Anguilla and Prickly Pear Cays day trip (From $160.00) 3 Island Adventure with stop at Tintamarre to swim with Turtles (From $146.00) Now, its a silent part of the busy beach leading to the cruise ship terminal, where tour operators await with open-air trucks to carry passengers to activities (USD cash accepted). With its nice horizon, outstanding view, and superb restaurants to trythe Oyster pond is one of the prettiest beaches in St Maarten. 2. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. Again, look for signs point the way. 17 Best Beaches in St Maarten (2023) Top Beach Spots! Each offers truly unique characteristics and there's a . Rates are $8-10 per person one way. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. Saba is known for hiking and other ecotourism activities. It is reasonably private and not crowded, giving you ample time for relaxation and sunbathing. Wathey Square is where the boat taxis operate from. Two beach chairs and an umbrella go for $20. 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. Make sure to take some home with you. Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. Are you looking for a unique experience by the beach thats accessible and convenient? Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Heres a list of a few more suggestion in Phillipsburg: Top 6 Car Rentals in St. Maarten Cruise Port. Rent a jet ski and take a ride on the water. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. The Happy bay beach is also known as the best snorkel spot in St Maarten. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Commodore Suites, Divi Beach, Little Bay RdSint Maarten, NLD 1744. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_13',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0_1');.mobile-leaderboard-1-multi-113{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}If youre into water sports, this is a one of a kind attraction in the Caribbean, great fun! Youll still see some damage even along the boardwalk of Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg. This was our second visit. The sea was crystal clear light blue and the sand v clean and there was a lovely breeze. St. Maarten Cruise Port and Things to Do for Cruise Travelers. 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. Took a water taxi from cruise port area $7 per person round trip. before joining cruise ship. 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. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. Taxi rates are set according to more than 20 zones around the island. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. 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. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. Indigo Bay Beach is famous because of its quality attributes, making it popular with tourists. International brands such as Little Switzerland and Diamond International are easily accessible. 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. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. All Inclusive. 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). Great Bay Beach (Philipsburg) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Grand Case Beach. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. 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. Shopping and Dining | Attractions | Getting Around | Beaches | Weather. 15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience, 15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise, Photos Reveal Progress at Carnival Cruise Lines New Port, Cunard Line Unveils Historical Photo ExhibitionFrom Past 100 Years, Royal Caribbean Cuts Back on Housekeeping Service, Fourth Carnival Cruise Ship Will Be Based Out of Galveston, Texas. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. 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. 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). Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten - Tripadvisor Taking a bus is a less expensive option. 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. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty It did shelve quite quickly. Had an enjoyable walk along the beach and a very good day. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. We did end up getting some of our kids hair braided by two different people. Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. It creates a very magical experience. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. 10 Best Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Martin 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. The short runway forces planes to fly low over the beach. Cruise visitors will arrive at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities just outside of Philipsburg on Great Bay. 15 Best Beaches in St. Maarten | Celebrity Cruises A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Therefore, depending on the time of year that you visit expect there to be a crowd. 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. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. This is the beach for you. Mullet Bay (Sint Maarten) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go There are hundreds of duty free stores and the discounts are great. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. St Maarten Shore Excursion: Orient and Maho Beach Half-Day Tour 36 Bus Tours from $40.00 per adult St Maarten Shore Excursion: Maho Beach and Orient Bay Sightseeing 23 Recommended Bus Tours from $35.00 per adult Calypso Tour 56 Recommended Bus Tours from $47.00 per adult Maho Beach Extreme Jet Blast 1 Bus Tours from $35.00 per adult Want to have that french au naturel ambiance? Beach nice enough, sea was lovely but quite a drop as the current changed..safe enough though. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in 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. Kids can play on the sand and enjoy a splash in the calm water. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. St. Martin/St. Its not easy elsewhere to find washrooms for public use, except at restaurants by the beach. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. Peaceful and serene. Show Prices. We didn't find anywhere to snorkel that had anything to see. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. Front Street in Philipsburg. Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. It is very close to the cruise terminal and you can get there either by water taxi for $7 with a return ticket or pay $5 for a one way. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. The calm waters on this beach justify its spot as the best beach for swimming in St Maarten. St. Martin/St. As a famous tourist island, this place is accessible and will give you the well-deserved vacation you need. 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 A nice day trip is a jaunt from the Philipsburg cruise port over to Marigot, capital of the French side, or Grand Case. 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. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. This beach is as relaxing as relaxing gets; it even offers spa services to enhance the experience. Great Bay Beach is also situated near car rentals, restaurants, bars and cafes and is a fantastic beach for swimming. The ENTIRE beach however is public and all the amenities of the resort are available to the public. Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. Where they want to go often includes Philipsburg itself. Or try a restaurant that serves local cuisine to taste an array of delicious dishes. But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. The powdery soft sand and coconut trees backdrop give it a magical atmosphere. Competent swimmers should try this beach and swim out to the arch and enjoy the other hidden beach found at the base of the cliff. 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. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. There are few chain restaurants. The beach which starts at the end of Princess Juliana Airport Runway attracts airplane fanatics, thrill seekers and even photographers. The chairs and umbrellas are $5 each. 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. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. 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. Friars Bay beach is a hidden gem amongst the best beach spots in St Maarten. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. Royal Palm Beach Resort. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. Taxis. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Playa Orient Bay. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! It lies right in from of the city of Philipsburg. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. Some of the ladies started harassing a guy because he said no to a massage for his wife. 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. Cruise passengers get from the docks to Philipsburg via walking, taxi or an inexpensive water taxi. Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. 2. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Princess Heights Luxury Condo Hotel. The roads are narrow and winding. Anyone who walks around the Philipsburg waterfront wont find much else to see other than the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants. Guana Bay Beach, located on the southeast coast of the island, offers great views of St. Barthelemy and is used for wind and kite surfing. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'stmaartenadventure_com-leader-3','ezslot_8',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-leader-3-0');There are also cabs to take you to different destinations if you prefer to discover the island. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. It is larger than Maho beach and it a good option for beginner snorkeling as you can see fishes near the shoreline. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. Maarten . Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. . Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. St. Barth is frequented by the rich and famous. The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. 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. It often gets ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean. Check it out and enjoy your Caribbean adventure to the fullest! THE 5 BEST Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg - Tripadvisor 13 Stunning St. Maarten Beaches You Should Experience - Cruise Hive 29 Best St. Maarten Excursions | 93,000+ Verified Reviews There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. 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. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. 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. Where you can relax and just enjoy the beauty. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher.