Roatan, Honduras. What Attractions Are At Orient Bay Beach? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only. Worth it even if you take just a dip. We walked from the port to the beach area around 20 mins and walked along the beach front stopping in and out of shops on routewe must have been offered sunbeds by at least 10 different people..most were polite enough when you said no but most were quite persistent and it was pretty irritating one after the other continuously. Where on French side? The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. The place is fabulous. Though it's not nearly as . The nearby amenities and close proximity to the ship make it a very popular choice for cruise guests. The St Maarten cruise terminal is located in Philipsburg, the Dutch part of the island, around 1.5 mi away from the city center.It boasts an impressive infrastructure that can accommodate a large number of cruise ships simultaneously, including the worlds largest cruise ships. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. Say Maho! when the planes fly over your head; its a tradition on the island! 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. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! Clear waters, beautiful horizon, and the quiet ambiance of the Grand Case Beach makes it a worthwhile destination. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. 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. 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. 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 beach is located on the French Side called St Martin and is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the cruise port. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. And that brings up Two beach bars are located at either end of this beach being Sunset bar and grill and Driftwood boat bar respectively. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. Where,s a nice beach on st martin calm waters, warm waters, for seven adults sandy beach no frills just drink and relax, swim . Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. The walk is about 10 minutes, goes three fourths of a mile and is not difficult on a warm day. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? Its arguably famously known as the bikini beach as it entertains many lively parties and holds huge crowds of party people. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. They also have showers and restrooms that are all nearby and available for everyone to use. But they mainly represent low-end casual in one group and high-end seafood and steak in the other. 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. An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. 285 reviews. Its named after a defeated captain who went after Saba and ran aground on the very same beach. Make sure to take some home with you. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. 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. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. Expect to pay anywhere between $7 and $35 to get to a zone. This beach presents a serene environment for laying back and just busking. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. Car rentals. Are you looking for a unique experience by the beach thats accessible and convenient? We didn't find anywhere to snorkel that had anything to see. 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. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. 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. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. While it is useful to consider a rental car, bus or taxi, it is wise to avoid renting a bicycle or scooter. The water is calm, no waves. Anse Marcel is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. One beach faces Saint Martin and is a perfect stretch of sandbar with shallow, calm waters perfect for families with kids. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. The overhead plane landing makes it one of the most popular beaches in St Maarten. 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. Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. Cruise visitors will arrive at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities just outside of Philipsburg on Great Bay. This is the beach for you. Clean restrooms are available to visitors. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. However, if you are looking for a quieter beach, then this isnt that beach, and you should probably try Mullet beach found nearby. Youll still see some damage even along the boardwalk of Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg. Its a long stretch of several white sandy beaches nestled at the foot of sapphire colored sand cliffs. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. 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. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. The island is also a famous spot for hiking and exploring the enthralling red cliffs scattered all throughout the area. 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 Theres so many places to check out you can get dizzy with a choice. They prob stop and ask about every 5 mins so it does get annoying. Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. It. Taxis, which also are usually SUVs, have a T at the beginning of the license plate. This is the most affordable option. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. Where they want to go often includes Philipsburg itself. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. Anyone wanting a break from Great Bay Beach can stroll along the Boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and shops. If you walk it's a 15-20 min walk cruise port-beach or vv. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . 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. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. Royal Palm Beach Resort. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. As such many individuals are fascinated with plane spotting 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. Its located near Maho beach, and though you can see the airplanes flying above, they are usually far away and therefore less noisy. Daughter thought they were the best she has had this holiday. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! Water taxis dock at the pier which is right on the beach - not in the very central part, but 3 min walk from it. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. They also have many water sports that are available. You can rent two chairs and umbrellas for $20 and relax the day away. This is a very nice beach, with soft sand, and gorgeous turquoise water. The sunset seen from Cupecoy is majestic, with views of Saba in the distance. Taxis. 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. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. Do the taxis going from the St. Maarten cruise port to great bay beach dock at a pier or beach? 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 water is warm with a pleasant surf. Calm and clear azure waters with an excellent view of the Ocean is what greets you at Grand Case Beach. Taking a bus is a less expensive option. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. more. Didnt swim, but its safe, I was told. Beach nice enough, sea was lovely but quite a drop as the current changed..safe enough though. One of the more famous and controversial attractions is the Maho Bay beach next to Princess Juliana International Airport. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. The John Craane cruise terminal is a large open-air mall where visitors can shop, dine and head for their paid shore excursions. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Great Bay Beach, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Orient Bay is a fairly quick drive by taxi, rental car or excursion bus from Philipsburg. 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. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. 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. Known to be a part of the Natural Reserve of Saint-Martin, this island is a famous snorkeling spot. A smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-box-4','ezslot_3',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-box-4-0');There are many beach bars located in Maho such as Sunset Beach Bar, Driftwood Boat Bar, and the new Sandbar Beach Bar. Oyster Pond is perfect if youre looking for a place that exudes tranquility. The swell is never too high thanks to its coral reefs. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. As a result, it often draws large crowds. Travel to Maho beach and watch jumbo jets fly overhead to land at the nearby airport. There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. Both offer relaxing stretches of sandy beach and an array of restaurants and amenities to make your time in St Maarten a memorable one. Feel free to browse our website for more content on St Maarten, the Dutch Caribbean and rest of the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. They have Jet-Skis rentals and water sports equipment rentals. So, go there early to get a good spot on the beach. 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. Magens Bay has an entry fee of $5 for adults and children 13 and older. Another beach that's one of the best beaches to visit during a cruise is one you can walk to from the cruise port, right? The centuries-old liquor is a part of St. Maartens culture, there are songs and stories dedicated to the Guava Berry. Sint Maarten Beach Hotels; Sint Maarten Green Hotels; Sint Maarten Business Hotels; By Hotel Class. While the Dutch side boasts of the closest beaches to the cruise port, the French side has some of the best. Check out the list below for the top recommended Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Outside of Philipsburg, two of the most famous attractions on the island are beaches. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. They are Philipsburg on the southern coast and Simpson Bay on the southwest coast because they have the cruise port and the airport. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. Taxi rates are set according to more than 20 zones around the island. Located on the northeast coast of St Maarten is The Orient Bay Beach, the perfect vacation spot. 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. St. Maarten. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. If you prefer to walk its about 20 minutes. This beach is about 30 minutes from the cruise port via taxi along Airport road. It requires steering with your bodymovements, if you have 2 people riding you must lean in unison. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. The ride is only 10 minutes long. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. 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. 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). A 20minutes taxi ride from the cruise pier will get you to the beach. Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. This mile-long stretch of soft, white-sandy beach runs parallel to a long promenade stretching its entire length. Deals. The fact that its semi-secluded makes it a good spot for relaxation. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. Moreover, go for snorkeling and explore the underwater world. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. With its nice horizon, outstanding view, and superb restaurants to trythe Oyster pond is one of the prettiest beaches in St Maarten. Therefore, be sure to gauge return time to the ship properly as there can be traffic jams on afternoons from this beach back to the port. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. The calm waters on this beach justify its spot as the best beach for swimming in St Maarten. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? 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. 2. #3 Best Value of 7 Philipsburg Cruise Port Hotels. Its the perfect beach spot if you want a quiet place to go without the touristy vibe. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. In Phillipsburg, one of the best things to do is shopping on Front Street or Back Street or hang out in Wathey Square. Marigot Marigot is the capital of the French collective of the island. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa. The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. 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. Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. There are hundreds of duty free stores and the discounts are great. We visited Secrets Resort in Saint Martin a week ago. Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. The sunset of this destination is one of the most beautiful ones weve ever seen. 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. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. Easily one of our favorite destinations among the best beaches in St Maarten, Baie Rouge offers long extensive shores and pristine cool waters. Check it out and enjoy your Caribbean adventure to the fullest! The coral reefs offer snorkelers a peek into St. Maarten water inhabitants. If walking isnt appealing, there are quite a few transportation options. 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. Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. Two beach chairs and an umbrella go for $20. This beach is as relaxing as relaxing gets; it even offers spa services to enhance the experience. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. Cruise Tips. Have a sizzling barbeque with family and friends. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. 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 St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. The ENTIRE beach however is public and all the amenities of the resort are available to the public. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. St Maarten is loved by tourists and visitors to the island for its bustling night life, diverse dining options and its exciting duty free shopping experience. Little Bay is located about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port. When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. Juliana Airport (SXM) Hotels near Esperance Airport (SFG) Hotels near Wallblake Airport (AXA) Tours; Add a . Great Bay Beach Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Tripadvisor gives a Travelers Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. Didnt feel too crowded and it was a great beach for kids to play and swim. These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! Otherwise, walk the boardwalk, and pick a spot on the beach and relax for the day, swim, drink, or tan. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. The roads are narrow and winding. Just a short walk away you can enjoy some duty-free shopping, great food, and delicious cocktails. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty The main appeal is the convenient Great Bay Beach, the long boardwalk that runs parallel to it and the shops and restaurants that line the boardwalk. 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. The Water UFO is definitely good times, with family and friends. I absolutely love cruising with my favorite ports of call being in the Caribbean. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. Get a lounge chair and umbrella going for about $7, kick back and relax. You can even take a short taxi ride into Maho to watch the planes take-off and land. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Running parallel to the boardwalk is Front Street, which has most of the shops in the city. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . There is also a small souvenir flea market nearby, just keep walking straight in pass Back Street, its hard to miss. 3. You have detailed explanations in my Maho Beach review. 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. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Playa Orient Bay. Great Bay beach is a lovely beach to sit and relax while soaking up the sun or enjoying the view of the ocean. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. But dont take our word for it see for yourself. Frequented by tourists from far and wide, this beach is an amazing destination for all ages. We were family of 5 with late teens, beautiful day off a cruise ship. Indigo Beach Bay offers a variety of activities. 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! "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Again, look for signs point the way. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. The clear crystal waters offer the perfect chance to snorkel, especially on the rockier shores. Children under 13 are free. Enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and keep an eye on the time, time flies when youre having fun. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. 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. Its wide shoreline makes it a perfect spot for beach picnics and playing games on the shore. 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.

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