This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. They have Jet-Skis rentals and water sports equipment rentals. Its not easy elsewhere to find washrooms for public use, except at restaurants by the beach. Philipsburg is big enough and developed enough to spend most of the day on foot. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. There were multiple ships in port so you could probably negotiate a better deal on a less busy day. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. Had an enjoyable walk along the beach and a very good day. 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. Otherwise, walk the boardwalk, and pick a spot on the beach and relax for the day, swim, drink, or tan. Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. They prob stop and ask about every 5 mins so it does get annoying. This was our second visit. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. Anse Marcel is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. 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. Rainfall is a different matter. 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. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world due to its location near the runway of the Princess Juliana Airport. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. They guarantee a low waiting time of 10 minutes or less. St. Maarten. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. Rates include all on-property. Baie Rouge or the RedBay beach is a gorgeous beach on the French side named so because of its pink sands. Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. You can also take a stroll to the nearby market for the local cuisine. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-banner-1','ezslot_11',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-banner-1-0');Visit Little Bay Beach if youre looking for a beach thats close to the cruise port, about 7-minute cab ride. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. The Dawn Beach is a picturesque vacation spot which can be located at the south of St the Maarten border. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. In this post we will explore the top 5 beaches to visit if you are in St Maarten on a cruise. Bring your full gear or opt to rent for snorkeling to ensure that youll catch the breathtaking views underwater in Dawn Beach. Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! As such there is little vegetation. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. However, if you are looking for a quieter beach, then this isnt that beach, and you should probably try Mullet beach found nearby. The beach is not far, and an affordable taxi ride takes you there. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. If walking isnt appealing, there are quite a few transportation options. Maarten beaches. The Second Lady kept saying how awful my daughters hair looked and that it wasnt professional. This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. Located at the northwestern coast of St Maarten, it is a great surfing stop for beginners due to its gentle waves. 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. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. You can take a tour of the nature reserve nearby as you explore the majestic beauty of the place. Fine sandy beach alongside a boardwalk. 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 Dont forget to bargain with the vendors. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? The roads are narrow and winding. What's the best way to see Great Bay Beach? Or try a restaurant that serves local cuisine to taste an array of delicious dishes. Driving around parts of the Dutch side, especially around Simpson Bay, adds some risk of traffic jams and late returns to the ship. New restaurant Oleos had good food and amazing view. Alicia's Inn. From water sports, swimming, sunbathingyoull never run out of things to do. Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. We suggest checking in to the lovely villas by the cliff, and youll surely enjoy your time with a majestic view of the blue waters. St. Martin/St. There are villas located on the mountainous side, fun tours to try, and sightseeing activities on this island. 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. We took a water taxi to this beach. 285 reviews. 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. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. This hidden gem is seldom crowded because its tricky to find. You also get the use of their facilities. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Taxis. 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. Visitors will find plenty of taxis at the docks ready to take them there. A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. You have 3$ pp (one way) mini vans outside the cruise port to the beach. Where they serve fresh fish and lobsters for lunch among others. 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. Took a water taxi from cruise port area $7 per person round trip. Public bus. The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. At the far end #27 is Dutch Blonds pancakes and escape rooms; just look for the windmill. Charged 30 dollars(should have haggled) for two sunbeds and an umbrella plus 6 free beers! Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. Oyster Pond is perfect if youre looking for a place that exudes tranquility. They also have many water sports that are available. Visit this beach to enjoy a great beach break on its soft white sands and when you get hungry grab a bite at the nearby restaurants. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. It has BUS at the beginning of the license plate and the destination sign in the window. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Royal Palm Beach Resort. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. The ENTIRE beach however is public and all the amenities of the resort are available to the public. This place is also less crowded and suitable for families looking for a spot for bonding and activities. There are street bars, rum shacks serving ice-cold beer, and restaurants serving delicious food. The beach restaurants are currently closed due to hurricane Irmas damage, but rebuilding is taking place. Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. Sea Palace Resort. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. Clear waters, beautiful beach, and powdery sandy shoreswhat more could you ask for in Divi Beach? 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. If you prefer to walk its about 20 minutes. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. Take a water taxi to the island and enjoy the amazing beaches and scenery. Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. Here you can dine at French, Thai, and Italian restaurants. You could visit the Rouge et Noir casino near the end of the beach strip. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. 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? Arrived on cruise ship having read the reviews and took the $7 water taxi as advised. There are few chain restaurants. Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. Get sandblasted by the jets as the plane fly by. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. As a result, it is hugely popular with visitors taking photos and videos. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. This is something extraordinary to write home about. Once we got the the beach there are people there trying to rent you lounge chairs. However, this laid-back Caribbean destination is also host to some amazing shopping, where you can unearth authentic souvenirs and gifts. There you have it, 13 of the best beaches in Saint Martin. You only need to get to the port early. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Known to be a favorite spot among celebrities, this outstanding beach showcases a plethora of restaurants, hotels, and shops by the oceanfront, making it convenient for the tourists to go souvenir shopping. In this spot, the beach and scenery look like a total postcard moment, a terrific place that will give you the best vacation ever. It often gets ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean. Dont be surprised to see a beach goer who wears nothing at all. Copyright Family Destinations Guide 2023. 2022. A nice day trip is a jaunt from the Philipsburg cruise port over to Marigot, capital of the French side, or Grand Case. 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. The beach has rental chairs and umbrellas available for rent for the day. From the comfort of your lounge chair under the sun . Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. TThings to do near the St. Maarten Cruise Port. Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. They can walk a hundred more feet to reach many more restaurants and the ports extensive shopping district, most of which falls along the lengthy Front Street. Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. Great Bay Beach Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. The beach also features great restaurants like the Rainbow caf, popular for freshly caught fish dishes and cocktails. I trust that you have found this information useful if your plans are to visit a beach while on a cruise to St Maarten. 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. 3. The Philipsburg and Simpson Bay restaurants cater to all tastes. water warm and lovely, beach clean. Renting a car is usually much cheaper and it's what we would do. If tanning or water sports are not your thing, then you can take a walk around and enjoy the many restaurants, bars, and shops located in the area. Orient Bay is the most popular beach in St. Martin. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. The John Craane cruise terminal is a large open-air mall where visitors can shop, dine and head for their paid shore excursions. 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. A 10-15 percent tip for bus and taxi drivers is common. Some include Orient Bay, Red bay and Anse Marcel. 4-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; 3-stars Hotels in Sint Maarten; . Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. Mullet Bay Mullet Bay Beach Sint Maarten, NLD 1744 Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. A certified PADI dive shop is located at the center of the beach. You can take a taxi which charges about $6 per person to the beach. One of the best beaches in St. Maarten is Mullet Bay Beach. When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Great Bay Beach isnt the best beach in the Caribbean or even the best beach on St. Maarten. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa. If you get bored and want to try a different scene, you can visit Happy Bay beach which is just a short distance away. Mullet Bay may get too busy on the weekends, so we suggest that you visit during the weekdays to maximize your relaxation by the beach. 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. On foot. Family Destinations Guide is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. View of cruise ship and stores. 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. An invisible boundary divides the 37 km island into two countries. coveneiet water taxi. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. A weather forecasting app may help to ensure that your visit to the beach will be exquisite. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. If you walk it's a 15-20 min walk cruise port-beach or vv. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. It has beautiful white sand beaches and is reachable by ferry or excursion boat from Simpson Bay and Marigot. 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! if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_4',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');Front Street is famous for its duty-free shopping. It gives a semiprivate vibe but is not totally secluded, still giving you a public place to stroll and bask in the sun. The island only has one major road. Say Maho! when the planes fly over your head; its a tradition on the island! Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. And that brings up 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. Maarten for 20 years, and I'm sharing the best things on the island. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. 2. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. Here are 10 attractions near the cruise port to make planning easier for passengers. 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. The Best of St Maarten Private Sightseeing Tour 206 Recommended Bus Tours from $450.00 $382.25 per group (up to 10) Ultimate Eco and Sightseeing Tour 33 Recommended Power Boats from $95.00 per adult Sunset Champagne Cruise in St. Maarten 18 Recommended Sailing from $50.26 per adult Private St Maarten Island Sightseeing Tour 7 Adventure Tours from 2 sun beds, umbrella and table for $30. Great for: Beach time, diving, snorkeling, water sports. One of the more interesting beaches on St. Maarten is Cupecoy because of its white sand, sandstone cliffs and small caves along the shore. 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. Before we get started, youre going to need to check all these beach accessories. Check it out and enjoy your Caribbean adventure to the fullest! Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht It is quite a bit more quiet these days. But traffic outside of the Boardwalk and Front Street is often heavy. Cheap property set in the centre of the city, walking distance from beach. before joining cruise ship. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. A guide, complimentary refreshments and round-trip transportation from the . Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. We did end up getting some of our kids hair braided by two different people. Gizmos bar located on the beach has AMAZING . There is a large Westin resort located on this beach. Kids can play on the sand and enjoy a splash in the calm water. St Maarten/St Martin Beaches Maho Beach - This famous beach is one of the main St Maarten attractions and is located a 25-minute drive (14 km/9 miles) from the cruise ship terminal. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. Very energetic walkers can hike 2.5 miles to the other side of the bay to Little Bay Beach and the small ruins of Fort Amsterdam. Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. The beach itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. Show Prices. This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. Clean restrooms are available to visitors. St. Martin/St. There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. It has been quite a few years since I've been to St. Maarten. You have detailed explanations in my Maho Beach review. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. Great beach. Since 1648, Philipsburg has been a site of settlement or port of call for travellers as well as slave ships past (see Lizzy Wade for Science 9 Mar 2015). Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho Beach. This cruise port is huge, handling over 20,000 people at a time and up to 6 ships at once. Maarten . Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Tourists should visit Rainforest Adventures, Seaside Nature Park, and Tintamarre island. 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. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Note that it is clothing optional. Its a beautiful beach with a great variety of fish in its ecosystem, and we suggest trying out the snorkeling activities for fun! A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. Water taxis to Maho Beach from the cruise port is easy to find and cost about $20. Just a short walk away you can enjoy some duty-free shopping, great food, and delicious cocktails. 1 mile away from Friars Bay Beach is a walking trail that takes you right into the heart of the open beach and the black rock formation. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. Little Bay Beach is just right next to Great Bay Beach only separated by the Fort Amsterdam Peninsula. Its perfect for a lazy beach day. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. The sunset is also breathtaking, like on most beaches in St Maarten. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. . It did shelve quite quickly. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. Find a Cruise. A snorkeling excursion there costs about $75 per person including transportation. 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. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. 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. Martin. They also give you free Wi-Fi so dont forget to ask for the Wi-Fi code, especially for your social media buffs. Fondly known as the Friendly Island, St Maarten is unique in that it is the smallest landmass divided between two nations in the world. Travel to Maho beach and watch jumbo jets fly overhead to land at the nearby airport. The idyllic island of St. Maarten is well known for its stunning white-sand beaches, impossibly aquamarine waters, and incredible culinary scene. Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. 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. Explore different ways to experience this place. Where they want to go often includes Philipsburg itself. Though it's not nearly as . The waters on this beach are very inviting. Maho Beach is a 30-40 minute drive to reach, and it requires a shore excursion or taxi to get there. 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. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Walk around to get the best deals on t-shirts, perfumes, cigarettes/cigars, alcohol, homeware and electronics, all duty-free. Guana Bay Beach, located on the southeast coast of the island, offers great views of St. Barthelemy and is used for wind and kite surfing. Find the right beach for you for spending your day in port. 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. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. The water is calm, no waves. Pay a visit to the Maho Bay Beach which is situated right behind the Princess Juliana International Airport. Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. It features clear, calm crystalline waters with soft white sand and sprawling palm trees. 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. 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 no full restrooms but there is a port-a-potty available and usually there is a crowd on weekends. Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Playa Orient Bay. With its nice horizon, outstanding view, and superb restaurants to trythe Oyster pond is one of the prettiest beaches in St Maarten.