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. Great care must be exercised as persons have died in the past due to the effects of the jet blast. Friars Bay beach is a hidden gem amongst the best beach spots in St Maarten. After youve gone hiking, a replenishing meal is a definite try in the famous beachside restaurants in Friars bay. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. 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) The Guava berry Emporium is the spot to taste and sample this locally made liquor. Log in. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. The roads are narrow and winding. 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. 10 Indulgence by the Sea St. Maarten Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea The Indulgence by the Sea Spa. The only problem was the ladies that would walk up and down the beach selling stuffed animals, massages , and hair braiding. Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. You can rent two chairs and umbrellas for $20 and relax the day away. The beach itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? Great Bay beach is a lovely beach to sit and relax while soaking up the sun or enjoying the view of the ocean. 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. As such there is little vegetation. This is the beach for you. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. 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. 2. Pinel has two breathtaking beaches. It features clear, calm crystalline waters with soft white sand and sprawling palm trees. What is the best beach to go to from Cruise Ship - St Martin / St St. Martin is named as the French side and St. Maarten is named as the Dutch side. We were taken to two cushioned beach chairs one row back from the beach with umbrellas. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. There is a large Westin resort located on this beach. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. Here you can dine at French, Thai, and Italian restaurants. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Are Really Worth Your Time? The walk is about 10 minutes, goes three fourths of a mile and is not difficult on a warm day. We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. before joining cruise ship. 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? 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. We didn't find anywhere to snorkel that had anything to see. Burgeaux Beach, located in the southwest heart of St Maarten, is the spot for surfers. It offers convenient access and plenty to do right there by the port. 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. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. 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. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. Galion Beach is very popular with families and adrenaline junkies. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. Dont forget to bargain with the vendors. 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. For $7 you can get a water taxi round trip from the cruise port. Water taxis to Maho Beach from the cruise port is easy to find and cost about $20. When the clock hits at the time of sunset, thats where the flashing lights, livid atmosphere, and the nightlife starts. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Baie Rouge is what youll expect what a Caribbean beach would look like. A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. This area is family-friendly. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. In Phillipsburg, one of the best things to do is shopping on Front Street or Back Street or hang out in Wathey Square. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. Explore different ways to experience this place. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. One of the more interesting beaches on St. Maarten is Cupecoy because of its white sand, sandstone cliffs and small caves along the shore. The Philipsburg and Simpson Bay restaurants cater to all tastes. 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. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. As a former crew member for Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line I can continue my passion by sharing my experiences with readers. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. Why We Recommend This Beach - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty Cruise Tips. Alicia's Inn. This hidden gem is seldom crowded because its tricky to find. As a result, it often draws large crowds. How to Walk to Great Bay Beach in St Maarten - YouTube Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. Deals. Clear waters, beautiful beach, and powdery sandy shoreswhat more could you ask for in Divi Beach? With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. One beach faces Saint Martin and is a perfect stretch of sandbar with shallow, calm waters perfect for families with kids. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. 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. Clothing is optional because it is secluded and located by the French St. Martin border. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. 10 Best Attractions near the Cruise Port in St. Maarten/St. Martin Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. All Inclusive. Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. 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. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. The water is warm with a pleasant surf. What is there to do near the cruise port? Best way to get to French This mile-long stretch of soft, white-sandy beach runs parallel to a long promenade stretching its entire length. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. With close to 45 miles of beautiful coastline, you'll find some amazing beaches near St Maarten cruise port.