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The dive takes 25 to 30 minutes, during which you can see a sunken submarine, helicopter, plane, canons, and more. You can also marvel at the colorful coral reef fish swimming around you. 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. The strong breezes at Orient Beach make it the best beach on the island for kitesurfing, parasailing, and windsurfing. Although many tourists visit the beach, it never feels busy because of its size.
Marigot, St Maarten
Caribbean Cruise Port Sets Single-Day Passenger and Crew Record - Cruise Hive
Caribbean Cruise Port Sets Single-Day Passenger and Crew Record.
Posted: Fri, 20 Jan 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Expert guides help you understand the perfume-making process to create a unique scent. A shore excursion to the Parotte Ville Bird Park lets you enjoy the tranquil surroundings of St. Maarten’s lush tropical landscapes. The sanctuary is home to various exotic birds, including parrots, black-headed caiques, ring-neck parakeets, macaws, and cockatoos. The exhibits include archeological finds, shells, the history of the Arawak people, and other Caribbean artifacts. You’ll also learn about the island’s role in the salt industry and the Great Salt Pond. If you’re a history buff looking for a cultural experience, visit the St. Maarten Museum near the pier at the end of Front Street.
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten
Itinerary Change for World's Largest Cruise Ship for Unusual Reason - Cruise Hive
Itinerary Change for World's Largest Cruise Ship for Unusual Reason.
Posted: Tue, 10 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Simpson Bay is located around 15 km/9 miles (a 30-minute drive) from St Maarten port. It is a protected area featuring rich marine habitat, split between the Dutch and French sides. Cruise ships dock at Harbour Point Village – a lively area full of duty-free shops, jewelry stores, market stalls, bars, and a restaurant. Are you transferring to or from the Cruise Port to Princess Juliana Airport ( SXM )? Taxis available at the cruise port can take you there; the same applies when coming from the airport. Buses depart to and from the airport from Emmaplein, a ten minute walk from the port.
We’re prepared for the future in cruises.
Located at Bobby’s Marina, Philipsburg, this underwater excursion lets you explore beautiful marine life without scuba diving experience. Air pressure in the helmet keeps water at shoulder height, allowing you to breathe normally. Located 20 minutes from the cruise terminal, Orient Beach is a 1.2-mile stretch of white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. The stunning strip of white sandy beach also has plenty of bars, beach clubs, and restaurants. Booking a guided ATV tour is one of the best ways to explore St. Maarten.
Shop in Marigot
These are some of the best things to buy while in St. Maarten during your Caribbean cruise. Unfortunately, according to recent reviews, the beach hasn’t fully recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Irma a few years ago. If you’ve been to St. Maarten before, consider taking a ferry ride or boat trip from St. Maarten to Anguilla.
Construction on Second Chinese-Built Cruise Ship Well Underway
There is an option to rent beach beds and umbrellas from the locals, but if you prefer you can relax in the shade of one of the countless seafront cocktail bars. St Maarten – the Eastern Caribbean pearl boasting stunning beaches, lush tropical nature, and kind, friendly residents – is an island of diversities! It is a small island divided between two countries – France and the Kingdom of Netherlands.
Water taxi / ferry to Captain Hodge Pier / AC Wathey square
There is a car rental facility as well at the St. Martin cruise terminal. The rich cultural past of the Barbados and Bridgetown's cruise port is preserved in an exotic mix of quaint tropical ambiance. The beaches are as stunning as numerous, highlights like Nelson's Dockyard and Shirley Heights shouldn't be missed. The Port of San Juan, in the island of Puerto Rico, has a good number of highlights appealing to cruise passengers with the most diverse interests. After the devastation of Hurricane Irma, both cruise ports in Philipsburg and Marigot were off limits for quite sometime for obvious reasons that can be seen on the photos below.
Simpson Bay Beach is well known for it’s beautiful white sand beach and clear turquoise waters. Mullet Bay beach in St. Maarten is well loved by locals, tourists and cruise passengers who prefer a tranquil and laid-back beach experience. One of the most popular cruise excursions is a visit to St. Maarten’s Maho Beach, sometimes referred to as “airplane beach”.
Home Cruise Ships Port Expenses Hints and Tips
I’ve compiled this guide to St. Maarten for anyone visiting the Caribbean island on a cruise. Additionally, you’ll get helpful tips on getting around the island to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable experience in port. You can choose between a full-day and half-day trip, based on your wishes and personal preferences. The amenities including lounge chair and umbrella rentals are available, as well as beach bars and restaurants.
Right at the pier is an information area with a few souvenir stalls and duty free shops. Here is where you’ll find the famous pink” St. Maarten” sign for a photo op. Maho Beach, located near the Princess Juliana International Airport, is famous for its unique experience of watching planes fly at a very close range overhead as they land. This beach is around 11 km from the cruise port, a journey of about 20 minutes by taxi.
If you’ve always wanted to go horseback riding, there are a few good options in St. Maarten. Lucky Stables at Seaside Nature Park offers a 1 hour trail and beach ride, riding lessons and a private or semi-private ride through the trails. This pretty garden pathway is worth walking through as you’re shopping and sightseeing in the town. The staff will help you to create a scent that suits your personality and unique style.
The 25 minute ferry ride from Marigot will allow you to discover a tranquil paradise. There are other day trips to nearby islands that are available as well. The Guava Berry Liquor is made from the rare guava berry fruit, which is native to the island and known for its rich and distinctive flavor. During the tasting, you’ll have the opportunity to sample different varieties of the liquor, with several fruit flavors. The Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary is a fun, family-friendly attraction. The sanctuary’s knowledgeable staff provide informative talks and feeding sessions, offering insights into the behavior and conservation efforts for these beautiful creatures.
There is another stop farther west right at the pier in front of the Walter Plantz Square. St. Maarten as most other Caribbean destination experiences the tropical monsoon climate where it’s hot throughout the year. Temperature averages in the 80s and it’s hottest from July to September and cold from December to April. Go hiking in Guana Bay where you are guaranteed to be the only ones except your tour guides and goats. Or go mountain biking and experience something new while in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. This is a nice beach for a picnic but please pack everything you need, clean up after yourselves and don’t leave any valuables in your car.
The capital of the island is Philipsburg and its port is one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean. You don’t need a passport when crossing the border from the Dutch to the French side of the island. Before your cruise, you should check entry requirements if you require a visa for St. Maarten. The excursion takes you 20 feet underwater, and safety divers accompany you.
However, there is no border and people can move freely around the island. While in downtown Philipsburg, be sure to walk through the Secret Garden. This free tropical pathway will take you from Front Street to Back Street.

Before beginning your tour of the place, you will go through an information corridor where you will learn about each of the birds from photograph displays. For just $10 per adult or $5 per kid, you will absolutely enjoy this incredible place. The sanctuary also has a herb garden where you can learn a lot about the herbs of the island and a cool small museum showing relics of the past century. If you are a nature lover then you won’t want to miss the Butterfly Farm at St. Maarten tucked away amidst the mountains on the French side.
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