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It’s also the best place for divers wanting to dive at Creole Rock. If you want to spend the perfect beach day away from crowds, head northwest to Grand Case Beach. You can enjoy sunbathing in peace, taking a dip in the warm, calm, turquoise sea, or enjoying a cocktail from one of the many bars or restaurants. Though Little Bay Beach is relatively secluded, it is still easily accessible from the cruise port in St. Maarten.
Or Immerse Yourself in St. Maarten/St. Martin's Nature in Other Ways
The tour is guided and includes 30-min narrated bus ride across island's Dutch side. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. They are Philipsburg on the southern coast and Simpson Bay on the southwest coast because they have the cruise port and the airport. The city of Philipsburg itself is one of the best attractions on the island because of its appealing and well-developed tourism district.
St. Maarten Shore Excursions (Sightseeing & Activities)
The beach is well known for it’s clear waters (more clear than on the Dutch side). Cruise ships dock in the capital city of Philipsburg, Sint Maarten on the South side of the island. However, the island is a relatively small at only 34 square miles. Cruisers can also experience the French culture of St. Martin, on the South side of the island.
Shop-til-you-drop in Sint Maarten
You can take a short taxi ride or hike down to the beach from Fort Amsterdam. After the hour-long horseback ride, you cool off on one of St. Maarten’s spectacular beaches. In some cases, you can swim on horseback in the warm, calm waters in the secluded bays around the island.
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Water taxi / ferry to Walter Plantz Square pier
The boardwalk promenade in Philipsburg runs parallel to the beach and is lined with cafes, bars, and restaurants. You can also rent lounge chairs, umbrellas, jet skis, paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and kayaks. It’s one of the best beaches on the island if you don’t want to travel far from the cruise ship. Taking a water taxi from the cruise terminal to Captain Hodge Wharf is a fun and popular way to reach downtown. The Water Plantz Square is the last stop for the water taxi and is located at the far end of the boardwalk.
How much time should I spend in Sint Maarten?
When tourism on the island started to boom, the Creole houses on the main street were converted into restaurants, stores, art galleries, and boutique hotels. You will also find a beach with calm waters, making it a great kid-friendly option. Plus, many of the dining options are located right on the water, so you do not have to sacrifice delicious food for breathtaking ocean views. St Maarten is the only country in the world with a beachside capital, and this beach stretches along its full length. Like Philipsburg itself, Great Bay Beach is only a five to ten minute walk from the cruise port. No other cruise port along your itinerary will provide a beach so close, so you might as well want to grasp this opportunity!
St. Maarten Cruise Port Terminal Information
There is another stop farther west right at the pier in front of the Walter Plantz Square. As the largest casino in St. Maarten, the Casino Royale offers 400 slot machines, Bingo, 22 gaming tables, and 21,000 spare feet of gaming fun. A museum tour takes about an hour, and from all accounts, Maley himself is usually present and always welcoming. It’s also important to note that the “Plage Naturiste” section of the beach is clothing-optional.
On your way to Philipsburg city center, visit this amazing store where you can taste and purchase delicious cheese and other food and drinks. The store offers a great choice of cheeses at very reasonable prices, as well as a wide selection of wines to pair with. Immediately upon coming ashore, passengers are welcomed to the Harbour Point Village to the sound of steel pans. Built in Philipsburg’s charming old architectural style, the Village contains duty-free outlets, souvenir shops and market stalls as well as bars and a restaurant.
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Orient Beach, which lies north of Philipsburg in the French district, is the most popular and well-known beach on the island. An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. The St. Maarten cruise port at Philipsburg has all of the above in a pleasant mix. It is a must-see stop for any southern or eastern Caribbean cruise. It attracts 2 million cruise visitors who come to the port every year, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization.
And best of all the taxi charges are standardized by the government. Just walk up to the transport booth at the end of the pier and choose from a number of choices availed to you. The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming European-style towns and green rolling hills in its backdrop. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. If walking isn’t appealing, there are quite a few transportation options.
For just $1 per adult and free for children and students, St. Maarten museum is a must visit. The coral reef a few yards from the beach acts as a barrier that protects the pools from rough surf making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, floating or just wading in. At the bay, the waters are shallow and the clearest you will ever see. This is a great place to swim or play in the waters even for the young kids.
As an avid traveler, I thought Maho Bay’s landing path over the beach wouldn’t draw me in, but I was so wrong. The number of photos and videos on my phone prove that I was ga-ga just like every other tourist in Sint Maarten. Anguilla, a British territory, is just a 25-minute boat ride away, and for a full day-trip, consider dreamy Saba, a 1.5-hour ferry journey (each way). Plan to spend at least a long weekend, or better yet book five days. Besides unwinding on pristine beaches with amazing snorkeling, Sint Maarten is a hit with shopaholics.
Exiting the Village, you’ll find pick-up and drop-off points for tours and excursions. Taxis, water taxis, and buses are waiting to take cruise passengers anywhere on the island. Most of St. Maarten’s tourist destinations are only 20 to 30 minutes by taxi, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the popular Caribbean island on your cruise day. St. Maarten (Sint Maarten or Saint Martin) is a popular destination for cruise ships in the eastern Caribbean. The island has beautiful beaches, excellent, duty-free shopping, fun shore excursions, and vibrant culture. The popular cruise port is a hub of activity, with various amenities and services available for cruise passengers spending a day in port.
