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. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Logo Store; Find Your Roll Call; Meet & Mingle; Guidelines; Community Help Center; . All Rights Reserved. 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We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. With so many things to do and see in St. Maarten, you may need to come back and spend a weeks holiday to really enjoy the rest of the island. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. How to Walk to Great Bay Beach in St Maarten - YouTube Walk around to get the best deals on t-shirts, perfumes, cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, homeware and electronics, all duty-free. If you walk it's a 15-20 min walk cruise port-beach or vv. Daughter thought they were the best she has had this holiday. This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. The clear crystal waters offer the perfect chance to snorkel, especially on the rockier shores. It did shelve quite quickly. Here you can dine at French, Thai, and Italian restaurants. As a result, it is hugely popular with visitors taking photos and videos. 3. Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. Browse the shops for souvenirs and gorgeous beach wear. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. Both offer relaxing stretches of sandy beach and an array of restaurants and amenities to make your time in St Maarten a memorable one. The Water UFO is definitely good times, with family and friends. 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. 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. The John Craane cruise terminal is a large open-air mall where visitors can shop, dine and head for their paid shore excursions. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. On foot. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? 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. Kids can play on the sand and enjoy a splash in the calm water. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. Why We Recommend This Beach Rent a jet ski and take a ride on the water. Always give yourself ample time for traffic, and theres always traffic in St.Maarten. 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. 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. Royal Palm Beach Resort. It gives a semiprivate vibe but is not totally secluded, still giving you a public place to stroll and bask in the sun. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. It is a definite try if youre on a trip to the Caribbean. from the cruise ship pier shopping area to the center of Great Bay beach ($7 for unlimited tri 93% of travelers recommend this experience. The waves may get too high on windy days; take note of this. 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. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. 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. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. But dont take our word for it see for yourself. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. #3 Best Value of 7 Philipsburg Cruise Port Hotels. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district. Hotels near Philipsburg Cruise Port Terminal in St Maarten As a famous tourist island, this place is accessible and will give you the well-deserved vacation you need. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. Discover 9 Top Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love + 5 More For Kids! Head to St. Martin, the French side of St. Maarten, where you'll find a peaceful environment. St Martin Beaches - St. Martin/St. Maarten - Cruise Critic Community Beach chairs, umbrellas and jet-skis are available for a fee. We were approached by multiple people right as we got off the water taxi and decided to pay $30 for two beach chairs, free wi-fi and five free drinks. Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Commodore Suites, Divi Beach, Little Bay RdSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. St. Barth is frequented by the rich and famous. Day Passes at Caribbean Resorts | Cruise Critic Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. But all in all, both sides offer some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean. 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. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. Authentic name brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci are just some designer brands you will find. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. There are hundreds of duty free stores and the discounts are great. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. Most people visit the beach to see the Jumbo jets that fly over it at very close proximities when landing or taking off from the airport right next door. 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. Cruise passengers get from the docks to Philipsburg via walking, taxi or an inexpensive water taxi. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. Grand Case Beach. Best Caribbean Cruise Destinations and Ports of Call - Thrillist Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. 30 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise Holland House Beach Hotel. Our Cousin is a very active- independent young man that is in a wheelchair- I think it's going to be fine, but wanted to check? Things To Bring On A Cruise: 19 Cheap & Really Useful Cruise Items, 17 Awesome Travel Gift Ideas Your Kids Will Absolutely Love. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. You can access this beach by walking. You can also enjoy the day at Great Bay Beach, Divi Little Bay Beach. 370 reviews. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. Had an enjoyable walk along the beach and a very good day. more. We took a water taxi to this beach. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent.
