Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters. Great Bay Beach is also situated near car rentals, restaurants, bars and cafes and is a fantastic beach for swimming. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Villas at Simpson Bay Beach Resort and Marina, Little Bay Beach, Octavius L. Richardson Rd, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. 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. 370 reviews. Beforehand, youll see two small duty free stores on both sides of historically central St Martin of Tours church on the boardwalk. The beach has rental chairs and umbrellas available for rent for the day. It is reasonably private and not crowded, giving you ample time for relaxation and sunbathing. St. Maarten cruise docks. This beachs convenience makes it a hot spot for many tourists who are looking to relax and have some fun. You can access this beach by walking. Happy Cruising!! With its mesmerizing blue waters, sunny beaches, and lively nightlifeSt Maarten in the Caribbean islands is lauded as a prime vacation spot, especially for those who are in need of travel inspiration. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. You could choose to bring your umbrellas and mat for picnics and sunbathing, and you could save some money while still enjoying this beachs amenities. Heres a list of a few more suggestion in Phillipsburg: Top 6 Car Rentals in St. Maarten Cruise Port. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. They also have many water sports that are available. 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. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. Right around the corner was the bar which was basically a guy pouring mixed drinks and coolers with beer, soda and waters. More restaurants are in the packed resort areas. Easily one of our favorite destinations among the best beaches in St Maarten, Baie Rouge offers long extensive shores and pristine cool waters. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. It. Drivers are sometimes aggressive when fighting through traffic. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. more. Time to ged inspired by these 13 stunning St. Maarten beaches you can experience during a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean. The calm waters on this beach justify its spot as the best beach for swimming in St Maarten. Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. Great Bay Beach Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. The uncrowded shore of Grand Case Beach, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, will lure you in with its clear turquoise seas and long, expansive coastline. Get a waterproof case to protect your phone right here. It gives a semiprivate vibe but is not totally secluded, still giving you a public place to stroll and bask in the sun. The beach is certainly grand in Sint Maarten, and within steps from the port (unlike Cayman). 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. The islands rugged coastline features 37 beaches all around. 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. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. 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. It has BUS at the beginning of the license plate and the destination sign in the window. We didn't find anywhere to snorkel that had anything to see. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. Find the right beach for you for spending your day in port. Is your upcoming Caribbean cruise docking in St Maarten? An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. 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. A nice day trip is a jaunt from the Philipsburg cruise port over to Marigot, capital of the French side, or Grand Case. The chairs and umbrellas are $5 each. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? Maho Beach Arguably the most popular beach that travelers on cruises to St. Maarten visit is Maho Beach, which is known for having the area's longest stretch of hotels and resorts. As such there is little vegetation. News. But dont take our word for it see for yourself. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. They also give you free Wi-Fi so dont forget to ask for the Wi-Fi code, especially for your social media buffs. 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. St. Martin is named as the French side and St. Maarten is named as the Dutch side. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. Located at the northern portions of St Maarten, Tintamarre Island is a secluded paradise unlike anywhere else. Then it climbs to a high point for the rest of the year. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. The sand is indeed white, waves are crystal clear, and gives you a fun experience with the planes in the sky. The island has a small number of narrow winding roads, so car rentals even for a day are quite commonso common that traffic jams are frequent. They should eat and drink at Emilio's, Come y Calla, Freedom Fighters Ital Shack, and Sunset Caf. Your email address will not be published. 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. Eat at one of many wonderful restaurants on the beach offering fantastic cuisine and refreshing drinks. View of cruise ship and stores. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. The place is fabulous. Grand Case Beach. Maho Beach is usually a favorite of visitors to the island and it is a tiny beach. Best for Crown Bay Cruisers: Emerald Beach (Lindbergh Bay Beach) Why go: Home to the Emerald Beach Resort, Lindbergh Bay has all the things you want in a beach, while being located close. 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. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. 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. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht Nature lovers have additional reasons to love this beach, owing to the fact that its located near the Oyster pond marina. Little Bay beach is located West of the capital (Philipsburg) making the beach a little less busy and less crowded. Shops, cafes, car rentals and restaurants are located nearby. 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. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. There are hundreds of duty free stores and the discounts are great. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. A smaller number of restaurants are on the French side in Marigot and Grand Case. 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 street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding. All Rights Reserved. You can get to this beach via a taxi or a bus. As a result, it often draws large crowds. Oyster Pond is perfect if youre looking for a place that exudes tranquility. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty Where you can relax and just enjoy the beauty. If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. Marigot Marigot is the capital of the French collective of the island. Pasanggrahan Royal Guesthouse. I trust that you have found this information useful if your plans are to visit a beach while on a cruise to St Maarten. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. Ships dock at the Dr. AC Wathey Cruise Facility in front of a sprawling outdoor pedestrian mall. 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. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. You can also enjoy the day at Great Bay Beach, Divi Little Bay Beach. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. Its a long stretch of several white sandy beaches nestled at the foot of sapphire colored sand cliffs. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel La Plantation. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. In this post we will explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in St Maarten on a cruise. The beach restaurants are currently closed due to hurricane Irmas damage, but rebuilding is taking place. Few facilities or commercial establishments are available nearby. 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? Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. Fondly known as the Friendly Island, St Maarten is unique in that it is the smallest landmass divided between two nations in the world. 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. 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! What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Orient Bay Beach. 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. Dont forget to bargain with the vendors. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. Carry snacks and drinks though there are vendors on the beach. Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. The Water UFO is definitely good times, with family and friends. Do the taxis going from the St. Maarten cruise port to great bay beach dock at a pier or beach? What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Curacao, What Are The Pros & Cons of Living In Bonaire, Living In Aruba (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In St Eustatius ( Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In St Maarten (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), Living In Saba Island (Pros & Cons Fully Explained), St Maarten Vs St Martin (Which Is Better For A Vacation), St Thomas vs St Maarten ( Which Island Is Better To Visit), Your email address will not be published. St Maarten is Dutch and to the north the French side is called St Martin. Rent a jet ski and take a ride on the water. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. Unfortunately, you may only get a glimpse of this gem of an island, I always recommend a proper vacation for a week or two. 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. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Therefore, depending on the time of year that you visit expect there to be a crowd. A cruise visitor who is thinking about a car rental might do so for visits to the less-populated French side of the island, especially the quaint city of Marigot. Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. They can rent umbrellas and chairs for a reasonable price and a lovely view of the bay. 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. We were there for happy hour from 1pm to 3pm and had 2 cocktails for $10 from the Nazca bar and restaurant. Is there anything near the cruise port? 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. It actually runs parallel to Front Street just one street over, do not miss out on the experience. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. The popular cruise destination in the Eastern Caribbean has two sides and is known for being the smallest landmass to host two nations in one place. 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. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. If I wanted to go to the French side, what is the best/easiest/cheapest way to do so? 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. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Orient Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Cupecoy Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. We recommend booking Great Bay Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. Great food and lots of cold drinks to keep you refreshed while lounging in the sun. Pinel Beach is found in an island lying just a few yards off the east coast of Sint Martin. When the clock hits at the time of sunset, thats where the flashing lights, livid atmosphere, and the nightlife starts. Little Bay Beach is just right next to Great Bay Beach only separated by the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula. Anyone with an interest in good beaches might instead consider a shore excursion to one of the neighboring islands, such as Anguilla, St. Barth or Saba. The Happy bay beach is also known as the best snorkel spot in St Maarten. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. 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. While the Dutch side boasts of the closest beaches to the cruise port, the French side has some of the best. 10 Indulgence by the Sea St. Maarten Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea The Indulgence by the Sea Spa. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. Check these impressive Beach Foot Pads, definitely worth packing for your cruise. 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. Great Bay and Orient Bay are the best St Maarten beaches near the cruise port. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? Great Bay Beach is also a family beach which is kid-friendly so that the whole family can enjoy. If youre on a Caribbean cruise tour, Great Bay Beach is a fun stopover for daytrippers since it is located at the peak of Philipsburg. Its like a 3 min ride. 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 Beach is excellent for water sport activities such as snorkeling and many individuals prefer it for swimming and sunbathing than Great Bay Beach. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. Taxi rates are set according to more than 20 zones around the island. They also have showers and restrooms that are all nearby and available for everyone to use. The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. We ended up at the far end with our beach towels on the sand as we were not spending a whole daythat was perfect. Little bay beach is located adjacent to Little Divi Resort. 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. The roads are narrow and winding. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. It consists of a small stretch of white sandy beach located next to the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. Running parallel to the boardwalk is Front Street, which has most of the shops in the city. Logo Store; Find Your Roll Call; Meet & Mingle; Guidelines; Community Help Center; . This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. The swell is never too high thanks to its coral reefs. Why We Recommend This Beach Some jet skis nearby filling up with fuel every 10 minutes which smelt terriblenot very safety conscious either as they were floating about in the water while filling up. Show Prices. Travel to Maho beach and watch jumbo jets fly overhead to land at the nearby airport. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. See all 9 Great Bay Beach tours on Tripadvisor, See all Great Bay Beach experiences on Tripadvisor, Luxury Beachfront 2 Bedroom Condo In The Heart Of Philipsburg/Great Bay, View all hotels near Great Bay Beach on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Great Bay Beach on Tripadvisor, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Philipsburg, Amsterdam Cheese and Liquor Store: Tickets & Tours, The Rusty Parrot - Sint Maarten Pirate Experience: Tickets & Tours, Healing Hands of Crystal: Tickets & Tours, Philipsburg Marketplace: Tickets & Tours, Evening Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo with Private Transport, Amalfi Coast Small group Tour by Boat from Sorrento, Shared Ferry Shuttle from St. Maarten to Anguilla, Rhythm Of Rum Tour & Rum Tasting Saint Lucia, Grand Staircase Escalante UT-12 Self-Driving Tour, 2 Day Argentinian and Brazilian Iguazu Falls, Premium Hanbok Experience in Hanboknam Gyeongbok Palace Branch, Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach, Airport transportation between San Juan and Rio Grande. Rates quoted by the St. Maarten Taxi Association are $10 per person each way for two passengers and $9 per person for three to five passengers. Then travelled back on water taxi (very good ride!) You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. How To Get From The Cruise Port To Great Bay Beach, What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Great Bay Beach, How To Get From The Cruise Port To Orient Bay Beach. 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. Beach chairs, umbrellas and jet-skis are available for a fee. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Didnt swim, but its safe, I was told. Philipsburg Cruise Port in Sint Maarten. Friars Bay beach is a hidden gem amongst the best beach spots in St Maarten. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. The fact that its semi-secluded makes it a good spot for relaxation. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. Enjoy the Caribbean Sea, and keep an eye on the time, time flies when youre having fun. Hotels near Princ. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. Whether you prefer to be laid back or power shop, St, Maarten is the island for you and your family to enjoy it all. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Playa Orient Bay. A guide, complimentary refreshments and round-trip transportation from the . Its arguably famously known as the bikini beach as it entertains many lively parties and holds huge crowds of party people. All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. For tourists who have a heart for adventure, this ones for you. Its named after a defeated captain who went after Saba and ran aground on the very same beach. Taking a bus is a less expensive option. The powdery soft sand and coconut trees backdrop give it a magical atmosphere. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. But once found, its truly worthwhile. The casino hours are 10am to 4am daily. Taxis. St. Martin/St. Pinel has two breathtaking beaches. Always give yourself ample time for traffic, and theres always traffic in St.Maarten. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. 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. These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. Beach nice enough, sea was lovely but quite a drop as the current changed..safe enough though. Maho Beach is a 30-40 minute drive to reach, and it requires a shore excursion or taxi to get there. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. Front Street in Philipsburg. We were family of 5 with late teens, beautiful day off a cruise ship. The sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Here are some of the best activities in St. Maarten. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. There are street bars, rum shacks serving ice-cold beer, and restaurants serving delicious food. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. But among this plethora of sandy dunes and pristine waters, we went ahead and narrowed down a list of the best beaches in St Maarten. The water is calm, no waves. While it is useful to consider a rental car, bus or taxi, it is wise to avoid renting a bicycle or scooter. 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 coral reefs offer snorkelers a peek into St. Maarten water inhabitants. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. The Second Lady kept saying how awful my daughters hair looked and that it wasnt professional. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world. I've lived on St. Martin/St. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. Maarten beaches. Fondly known as Airplane beach, as planes usually have to approach the landing at an altitude of less than 100 feet. You can either take the watertaxi right to the center of this street or walk from the cruise terminal which will take you about 20 to 30 minutes. Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills.