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There are villas located on the mountainous side, fun tours to try, and sightseeing activities on this island. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. It offers convenient access and plenty to do right there by the port. "All of St. Maarten has been hit hard by a hurricane followed by a pandemic. Are You Thinking About Going on a Cruise With Your Family? The residents rely heavily on tourists so I feel like the majority are super friendly and accommodating. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. Magens Bay has an entry fee of $5 for adults and children 13 and older. We had a lovely day off the ship relaxing on the beach which wasn't busy at all even with 2 ships in. Daughter thought they were the best she has had this holiday. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Being on the Caribbean seaside, the beach has the advantage of calmer waters which are good for swimming and just enjoying the beach. Other St. Maarten attractions include the Mont Vernon Plantation and the Butterfly Farm. Clear waters, beautiful horizon, and the quiet ambiance of the Grand Case Beach makes it a worthwhile destination. Beachfront resort located on Simpson Bay in Phillipsburg, St. Maarten. You can even take a short taxi ride into Maho to watch the planes take-off and land. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. 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. Otherwise, walk the boardwalk, and pick a spot on the beach and relax for the day, swim, drink, or tan. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. As a famous tourist island, this place is accessible and will give you the well-deserved vacation you need. St. Maarten. Vans are also available, and prices vary depending on the number of people on board. Seawater averages about three degrees cooler, which makes swimming good at any time. Enjoy swimming in the water or lazing in the sun. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Alicia's Inn. Took a water taxi from cruise port area $7 per person round trip. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. The middle area of the beach is usually where teenagers, couples, and families would go. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. Vacationers will find this place different from other St Maarten beaches because it is divided into smaller shores with surrounding limestone cliffs. There are few chain restaurants. 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. Public bus. Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. Great Bay Beach is one of the closest beaches to the cruise port terminal in Philipsburg. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. 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. 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. Water taxis dock at the pier which is right on the beach - not in the very central part, but 3 min walk from it. Wathey Square is where the boat taxis operate from. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. Additionally, there is a nearby fishing village by the beach, giving a tranquil vibe that is different from the vibrant nightlife of other beaches 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. Grand Case Beach. Kids can play on the sand and enjoy a splash in the calm water. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. The clear crystal waters offer the perfect chance to snorkel, especially on the rockier shores. The sea was crystal clear light blue and the sand v clean and there was a lovely breeze. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. Report inappropriate content sxmlover Cupecoy Bay, St. Level Contributor 13,129 posts 18 reviews 50 helpful votes 9. What's Included: Three types of passes are available: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $90, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $105 and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (full-day pass) for $195. Sint Maarten Beach Hotels; Sint Maarten Green Hotels; Sint Maarten Business Hotels; By Hotel Class. 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. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. Great views of the cruise ships and the marina at one end and at the other end are great views of the mountains. Great Bay Beach, a long boardwalk and shopping on Front Street run side by side. And that brings up It was easy to relax and get the drinks. Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. Time to ged inspired by these 13 stunning St. Maarten beaches you can experience during a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. Its also the perfect spot if youre looking for long and extensive coastal beaches and crystal clear waters. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. Day and night, theres always a lively atmosphere in Kim Sha Beach, St Maarten. Also Read:15 Best Cozumel Beaches You Should Experience. Tourists should visit Rainforest Adventures, Seaside Nature Park, and Tintamarre island. Log in. more. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht Again, look for signs point the way. Say Maho! when the planes fly over your head; its a tradition on the island! This Is What You Need To Plan The Best Cruise With A Baby, How To Plan Awesome Family Cruise Shore Excursions Youll Love. 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? The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. It takes one about 25 minutes to get to the beach. It is a must-see stop for any southern or eastern Caribbean cruise and why 2 million cruise visitors come to the port every year. Maarten . Great food and lots of cold drinks to keep you refreshed while lounging in the sun. It consists of a small stretch of white sandy beach located next to the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. Check it out and enjoy your Caribbean adventure to the fullest! Great Bay Beach is a beautiful beach that stretches 2 miles (3.22 km) long that looks like a postcard from every angle. If you're looking for the best time to visit St Maarten, you may find this guide helpful. Where they want to go often includes Philipsburg itself. Marigot in French SXM was vibrant, by then, with Palm Sunday parades that gave way to the Carnival in 1970. Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. Reviews. 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. We were there for happy hour from 1pm to 3pm and had 2 cocktails for $10 from the Nazca bar and restaurant. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The St. Martin French restaurants in Marigot are smaller and more casual. It also has the massive cruise terminal nearby. Then travelled back on water taxi (very good ride!) Very busy day when we went and so lots of sunbeds-a bit crowded together. If this is something you would like to see and enjoy, then, by all means, visit Maho beach for this once in a lifetime experience. Re: Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten 5 years ago Save Hi Maria, The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. Find a Cruise. Take a swim in the clear blue sea. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Oyster Bay Beach Resort, Great Bay Beach, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. A taxi ride to this beach costs approximately $16 a trip. This Beach is a hidden gem found behind Divi resorts and makes for a perfect escape from the crowds. Orient and Maho are the most popular shore excursion beaches, but Great Bay is free and a short walk away. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? 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. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Marys Boon Beach Plantation Resort & Spa. Its also a very active beach offering waters sports such as snorkeling, boat rides, volleyball, and all other common water sports. Enjoy a nice blood warming match of volley ball. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. Walk along the beach on the boardwalk to find shops, food and drink or grab a chair and umbrella (usually for a fee) and take a dip in the bay. Once we got the the beach there are people there trying to rent you lounge chairs. This lovely, well-sheltered beach offers crystal-clear calm, warm waters that are perfect for swimming. Take a water taxi to the island and enjoy the amazing beaches and scenery. niNice beach, water clean and lovely. Expect to pay anywhere between $7 and $35 to get to a zone. St. Barth is frequented by the rich and famous. Complete with the softest powdery coasts, turquoise waters, and the freshest breezes of cool air, this island is a breathtaking destination. 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. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. It is located right at the heart of Philipsburg. September and November historically have the highest rainfall and are the riskiest months to go there. Had an enjoyable walk along the beach and a very good day. 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. 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. 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. 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. The Water UFO is definitely good times, with family and friends. Now, its a silent part of the busy beach leading to the cruise ship terminal, where tour operators await with open-air trucks to carry passengers to activities (USD cash accepted). This was our second visit. A weather forecasting app may help to ensure that your visit to the beach will be exquisite. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Boasting a fantastic marine life and youd get a glimpse of it if you opt to try snorkeling. 3. The water is warm with a pleasant surf. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. At the far end #27 is Dutch Blonds pancakes and escape rooms; just look for the windmill. We did end up getting some of our kids hair braided by two different people. Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. Nature lovers have additional reasons to love this beach, owing to the fact that its located near the Oyster pond marina. 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. So get a taxi or car rental if you plan to see more than just the tourism district. Little Bay Beach is known for its long stretch of white sand, calm waters, and excellent snorkeling activities. 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. The top three excursions in St. Maarten are 1) The Flying Dutchman zip-line, 2) a chairlift to the top of sentry hill and 3) racing on a multi-million dollar America's Cup yacht boat. Take a chance at the slot machines and bingo games. St.Barths is only 30 minutes away from this beach, and we suggest you take a side trip there to complete your ultimate Caribbean vacation. For tourists who want a quiet and relaxing vacation, this is the place to be. Want to have that french au naturel ambiance? Having your towels on your beach loungers will reserve them for the day. 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. water warm and lovely, beach clean. 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. 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. I trust that you have found this information useful if your plans are to visit a beach while on a cruise to St Maarten. 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. Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only. We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox. Great Bay and Orient Bay are the best St Maarten beaches near the cruise port. INDULGENCE BY THE SEA Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea LITTLE BAY BEACH ST. MAARTEN TREASURE SEEKER Photo courtesy of Treasure Seeker WATHEY SQUARE Photo courtesy of Vacation St. Maarten WATER UFO ST. MAARTEN Photo courtesy of Water UFO SUNSET BAR AND GRILL This cruise port is huge, handling over 20,000 people at a time and up to 6 ships at once. Great Bay Beach is a cheap and easy option for your beach day in St. Maarten. 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. St. Martin/St. The ENTIRE beach however is public and all the amenities of the resort are available to the public. Beaches In St Maarten Near Cruise Port (The Ultimate Guide), Living In The Caribbean (Pros & Cons Fully Explained). 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. Rent a jet ski and take a ride on the water. Additionally, there is a clothing optional area on this beach. This brief video explains the best and worst times to visit St. Maarten. Its like a 3 min ride. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty From the comfort of your lounge chair under the sun . You also get the use of their facilities. It has restaurants and bars, where you can get a bite or a drink from. Mullet Bay is ideal for travellers who are looking for a lowkey beach with a relaxing ambiance. 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 All Inclusive. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Orient Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Cupecoy Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. 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. Its surrounded by perfect vistas of the ocean and lush hills. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? Didnt feel too crowded and it was a great beach for kids to play and swim. Riselle Celestina for Insider. Anyone wanting a break from Great Bay Beach can stroll along the Boardwalk, which is lined with restaurants and shops. This mile-long stretch of soft, white-sandy beach runs parallel to a long promenade stretching its entire length. Heres a list of a few more suggestion in Phillipsburg: Top 6 Car Rentals in St. Maarten Cruise Port. Water sports are also an option for the group who looks for day thrills. St. Maarten cruise docks. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. The Second Lady kept saying how awful my daughters hair looked and that it wasnt professional. Juliana Airport (SXM) Hotels near Esperance Airport (SFG) Hotels near Wallblake Airport (AXA) Tours; Add a . The chairs and umbrellas are $5 each. Orient is a community beach where people mingle, lay in the sand, watch the sunset and the adjacent hills. 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. Is there anything near the cruise port? It is quite a bit more quiet these days. Authentic name brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci are just some designer brands you will find. Fine sandy beach alongside a boardwalk. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. The casino hours are 10am to 4am daily. Cupecoy is a half hour west of the port and requires a taxi or rental car to get there. We didn't find anywhere to snorkel that had anything to see. 94% of travelers recommend this experience. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. 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. If these beaches dont meet your needs, then try any of the 24 remaining beaches you are sure to find what you are looking for. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Maho Beach is one of the most famous beaches in St Maarten, located near Princess Juliana Airport. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. 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. Head to St. Martin, the French side of St. Maarten, where you'll find a peaceful environment. St. Martin is one of the best shopping ports of the Caribbean. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. The beach is 18 minutes or five miles from the Havensight cruise docks. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. 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. Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. What Attractions Are At Orient Bay Beach? Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. All Rights Reserved. With close to 45 miles of beautiful coastline, you'll find some amazing beaches near St Maarten cruise port. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. 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. 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. 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. The beach which starts at the end of Princess Juliana Airport Runway attracts airplane fanatics, thrill seekers and even photographers. This beach offers chairs and umbrellas by the shore, which is perfect when youre in the mood to get a tan and bask out in the sun! The island only has one major road. This is the place to chill out, hang out with your friends while sipping a Pina Colada by the sand bar. If youre feeling adventurous, you could go for a hike in Happy Bay, a local and tourist favourite. Saba is known for hiking and other ecotourism activities. Clean restrooms are available to visitors. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. Asked for Miguel after reading recomendations but he wasn't around so headed off to quiet end with wider beach and Sweet Andy looked after us. The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Atrium Beach Resort and Spa St Maarten a Ramada by Wyndham, Also See:Beaches in BermudaBest Beaches in JamaicaPhuket Beaches, Guana Bay, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. It is often moderate from January through July. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. The centuries-old liquor is a part of St. Maartens culture, there are songs and stories dedicated to the Guava Berry. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Princess Heights Luxury Condo Hotel. The Philipsburg boardwalk lies between the beach and the shopping district of the city. Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. Great Bay Beach is also a family beach which is kid-friendly so that the whole family can enjoy. Where you can relax and just enjoy the beauty. Snorkeling, swimming, and jet skiing are the reigning favorite things to do on Maho Beach. Clear waters, beautiful beach, and powdery sandy shoreswhat more could you ask for in Divi Beach? Just west of Philipsburg, this beach also pulls in its share of tourists, although it's a little less busy than Great Bay Beach. Other than the makeup of the countrys population, St. Maarten is also popular for its beaches. Scott S. Bateman is a professional journalist who has traveled widely throughout the Caribbean and the Americas. Great Bay beach is a lovely beach to sit and relax while soaking up the sun or enjoying the view of the ocean. It is a definite try if youre on a trip to the Caribbean. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa, Indigo Bay Beach, Indigo Bay Dr, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. Therefore, depending on the time of year that you visit expect there to be a crowd. Marigot Marigot is the capital of the French collective of the island. Jet ski, paraglide or sail at Orient Beach, then grab a snack at one of the many bars and restaurants there. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. Its named after a defeated captain who went after Saba and ran aground on the very same beach. Sit, relax, and work on your tan, sipping on cocktails, or you can enjoy some water sports such as jet-skiing, snorkeling, and much more. With palm trees leaning in, Do some hammock napping with your family. This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. As a result, it often draws large crowds. Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho 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). Beach chairs, umbrellas and jet-skis are available for a fee. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. The Philipsburg and Simpson Bay restaurants cater to all tastes. 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. Located on the French side, the beach is only 30 minutes away. We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. 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. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Once youre there you will be approached by vendors selling chairs and umbrella packages on the beach that include beer and Wi-Fi.