One of the most exhilarating tours in St. Maarten. and that would be the easiest way to get there and back without a hassle. On the French part (Saint Martin) is Marigot. 5 1/2 hr tour covering both Dutch & French highlights of the island. The ferry charges $4 for one-way and $8 round-trip. Taxi service is readily available at the cruise pier; taxi fare is approximately $20 each way. These taxis are more like minivans, and its likely that youll share a ride with other passengers or crew in order to fill up the vehicle. They advertise that they do exactly what you are asking for. Find Transport to Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa, Grand Case - Rome2rio For the most part, we stayed out of the crowds but still appreciated the landings at an angle. One Day Itinerary in Philipsburg St Maarten - Calculated Traveller Magazine 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. There are a few nudist resorts here, and part of the beach is clothing optional. Thanks so much. This excursion is excellent for someone who wants beach time and to see the planes on Maho Beach. Meet your local guide at the cruise port in Philipsburg and climb aboard your comfortable van for a half-day exploration of St Maarten. We passed Princess Juliana International Airport and arrive at Maho Beach. House of religious articles The snorkeling is mediocre--whoever says it's "great", they probably haven't been to really great snorkeling sites. The sky might have been blue by then, but the sea was ragingly choppy and the tide swept me off my feet several times before I could even think about getting further out into the water. I searched first but didnt find anything specifically on this. The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. 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. As a result, it is hugely popular with visitors taking photos and videos. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. Does anyone know how long the drive to Maho Beach in St. Maarten is from the cruise port? We have considered renting a car as well. If your only goal is to see a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Experience the highlights of St Maarten on this 5-hour shore excursion leaving from the cruise port. It's about a half hour drive and there are plenty taxi's at the port and Maho Beach to get you back and forth. And yet there really is just a simple wire fence separating the road from the runway. Or walk into Philipsburg and catch a local bus heading to Maho Beach. If you weren't going to tip then maybe pretend you aren't from the US so they thought you had a different tradition. We had a small group with a family my kids loved. Maho Beach was amazing, not only was watching the planes cool but the water on the beach was crystal clear and gorgeous! ST MAARTEN AIRPORT SXM | St. Maarten / St. Martin Since 1648, St Maarten it is divided 60 / 40 between France (northern part, 53 km2 / 20 mi2) and Holland (southern part, 34 km2 / 13 mi2). One price ($7) will do you for the day and you'll get a great view of the harbor. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information. But eventually the tide came in so close that there was nothing else for it but to pack up and move on. MAHO BEACH - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor American Airlines Aircraft landing over Maho Beach Guests will have a combo day at both Orient Beach and Maho Beach! I had the pleasure of going on this tour last week (July 5, 2016) while on my cruise vacation with RCCL. I'm guessing the challenge is to find your driver in the crowd and to then get through the self made traffic jam. Special Event: Q&A with Rudi Schreiner, President, Co-Founder & Co-Owner - AmaWaterways River Cruises, Q&A with Avoya Travel: Learn How to Turn Your Passion into Success by Becoming an Independent Travel Advisor. I t was out in front of Sunset Bar and Grill. Also, on the return, be aware that there is a drawbridge that could add some time (don't want to miss the ship.) Another One Day Trip Report with Pictures Apr 26, 2023. Powered by Invision Community. Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. This taxi is sort of like an open safari truck you'd take over in Africa really. Clive was a good driver and guide, but he spoke fairly softly and it was hard to hear him from the back seat of the van. Supposedly they provide a hot dog type lunch. It is Americanized enough that it is anticipated. . . Travel by water taxi is about 5 minutes and via taxi (car) about 8 minutes via Walter A Nisbeth Road. Good tour, covering the whole island of St Maarten, both Dutch and French sides. From $ 40.00. 5 1/2 hr tour covering both Dutch & French highlights of the island. Taxi would return you to the Cruise Facility. Beach Bum Combo to Maho and Orient Beach. I understand that a lot of the mess I see was caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Aburkhard7, November 19, 2022 in St. Martin/St. It often gets ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean. Know that the waves are strong here too. . The waves are too strong here for snorkeling, so eventually we got bored and went elsewhere. Have lunch at the Sunset Beach Bar and Grill!! Would anyone happen to know if Maho is walking distance from AUC? Thanks very much for all the helpful tips. We disembarked around 9am, and walked around the little shops in the secure area of the port. 10 due to the short runway length of 2,180 metres (7,152 ft ) resulting in aircraft on their final approach flying over the beach at minimal altitude. In case you have trouble finding it, knowledgeable island staff will help you out and direct you to the station. This will be our first time in St. Martin/Marteen. Ride in an air-conditioned van to Maho Beach on the Dutch side of this Caribbean island and Lucas Bay on the French side. Mayo Beach has to be experienced although very busy. Any tours of the island for those spending a day? The pick up and return to the dock was timely and easy. Couples sat with suitcases drank their last cocktails in paradise before they headed off to the airport, and groups of friends whod just arrived were already on their fourth or fifth cocktail as music pounded from the speakers. It is narrow, generally extremely crowded (especially when there are lots of cruise ships in port), and there are plenty of tacky bars offering neon-coloured cocktails, beers, and baskets of fries and chicken wings. . THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How Is the Transportation in Sint Maarten? . There is a large Westin resort located on this beach. This is your ticket to the beach and back; the taxi will drop you in the car park close to Maho Beach, and taxi vans regularly take passengers back from the exact same spot. I had a great day watching the planes on Maho Beach, but will I be going back there in a hurry, pals? you can check the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Spring videre til hovedindholdet. All in all it was a fabulous day! Call us on 305 6473141 or 1 721 5540202. . Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Orient Beach was not as grand as we were hoping. Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos. Waters are clear and mainly calm most of the times. The taxi drivers wouldn't take us until we had more people in the taxi van so we waited FOREVER until a few people who also wanted to go to 7 Mile Beach came along. Maarten. For the St. Maarten Beach Bum Combo to Orient and Maho Beaches,we issue full refund for your deposit or full payment to us if: Looking for a sensational day at the beach? Other options are to take a city bus to a really big mall nearby. There were a few small boat tours which started near the cruise terminal and anchored (their is no pier there to dock) for a couple of hours and serveda snack. Is parking an issue at Maho Beach? :), You convinced me not to rent a car. I always do my own thing on islands and have agreat time. With a car you loose rime renting, navigating to an unfamiliar area , and parking at Maho can be a royal PIA. taxi at the port 10:12 am. The tours was amazing. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. 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. Stop: 4 hours. Tell the driver Maho Beach and you pay when you get off. - easiest taxi company to make a reservation with? Maho Beach, St. Martin | Cruise Stories You'll get back on the return bus on the other side of the street from where you got off. Following pick-up from the cruise port at Philipsburg, transfer to Orient Beach to discover the longest beach in St. Maarten. Going on a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Once was enough for me, and there are plenty more peaceful beaches on the island which are way more up my street. Your email address will not be published. As a result, it often draws large crowds. The only reason I gave it 2 stars is because they sent another driver (although they blamed me for being late- which was not the case). We had a great time and with a great driver - unique local history, lots of laughs, and 2 fun beaches to be at! Harold Jack look out point, located on Cole Bay Hill, is a 10 minute drive from the cruise terminal. Soon the sun is shining and we head to the beach for some photos. Thanks! Experience the highlights of St Maarten on this 5-hour shore excursion leaving from the cruise port. Taxis - you will see passengers lining up at the pier for taxis, by destination and fare type. That was cool. English-speaking certified driver and guide! He was very informative about the island and really made the bus ride fun. Visit the villages of Grand Case and Marigot before being returned on-time for your cruise ship's departure. The crowds of people waiting for planes to land took up almost the entire middle of the beach closest to the runway. Orient Beach the water is very clear and you can purchase 2 chairs for about $10, a welcome drink and wifi. . Ask a question. Bonaire, but at this point I just wanted to have something solid that I didn't have to worry about, so I booked a water taxi through the cruise line. Fondly known as Airplane beach, as planes usually have to approach the landing at an altitude of less than 100 feet. It is 86 dripping degrees, a slight drizzle just letting up as we ran down the gangway. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. This tour was a perfect way to spend the day and see the sights of the whole island! There will be plenty. We did try the bus this past Decembert while cruising Celebrity over Christmas. The bus will drop you in Philipsburg, without an option to continue to the Cruise Facility, another $3 pp by taxi or your return ticket (wristband) on the Water Taxi. It is about five miles or less than 20 minutes away. Its wide shoreline makes it a perfect spot for beach picnics and playing games on the shore. 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). Taxi's are plentiful weather you catch it by the pier or in town. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111088226', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise lines shore excursion to Maho Beach was canceled, and we still want to go. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. With accessible and cost-effective pricing, the St Maarten water taxi is the perfect choice for travelers seeking a convenient and scenic way to navigate the island. Additionally, there is a clothing optional area on this beach. Flight times are all displayed on the Sunset Beach Bar that is located right on the Maho Beach where all the planes take off and land. Watching the planes land over our heads at the beach. WE HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME! . St Maarten is a beautiful island and we saw some spectacular panoramic views. What are the ins and outs of taking a taxi? Cruise Ports That Are Closest to the Beach | ShermansTravel Step 3: Taxi From Cruz Bay To Trunk Bay: $6. Marigot is picturesque along with a market to get souvenirs. Thank You:). . Your ship arrives into port late and you cannot make it in time to the meeting location. Saw your question and wondered if you found where to take a bus to Maho? With a car you loose rime renting, navigating to an unfamiliar area , and parking at Maho can be a royal PIA. From my perspective the beach is just fine. If you're searching for something unique or adventurous, search again. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. 00 1 (721) 522-8585. After a day at the beach the shuttle will let those who wish off in town and take the rest back to the cruise ship dock. Vote. Currency and use of debit cards on the Dutch side? This spot is a unique beach in St. Maarten, where travelers flock to experience the thrilling rush of airplanes flying extremely close overhead. I don't know if they are back in business - so many (probably a vast majority) of the boats on the island were wrecked or washed ashore. I had previously had an image of a fairly peaceful wide open white sandy paradise with crystal clear water, palm trees, and every now and again, an airplane zooming low overhead. Look for a bus with a 'Maho' or 'Mullet Bay' or 'M'Bay' sign in the window. Go to the taxi stand right at the end of the port, 6 person shared group taxi cost around $10 per person last time I was there. Sun, sea, and fun at 2 of the most popular beaches! There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. . St Maarten Cruise Port to Maho Beach A Day Trip to the Airplane Beach weather its renting a car, motorcycle, finding a private tour, scuba diving, snorkeling. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. . I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. The tide was in so close that there wasnt a lot of free sand space at all- although Im told theres not a drastic difference between high and low tide at Maho. The airport has one of the shortest runways in the Caribbean. Round-trip transportation from your St. Maarten cruise ship terminal! They dock and stay for few hours so you can watch planes or swim to the beach. Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. Visit the villages of Grand Case and Marigot before . Orient beach was filled with seaweeds so maybe it was a bad time of the year for that, didnt get in the water because of the seaweed, the water was very rough.. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. St. Maarten Beaches Near the Cruise Port - Caribeez.com Porto corner-shrine Maho is amazing. Put your round-trip return ticket somewhere where it won't get blow away. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. . Have a great time at Maho. As they were taking us over, they mentioned that you could walk about 10 minutes to this point on the beach that was marked with an orange marker, and then drift snorkel back to the drop off point. Posted November 19, 2022. Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. $ 25.00 per Child (3-12) L ooking for a sensational day at the beach? Phillipsburg to Maho Beach - 5 ways to travel via train, bus - Rome2rio There are no full restrooms but there is a port-a-potty available and usually there is a crowd on weekends. The Maho Beach was great for the planes but intimidating to swim at this time of year. The only reason I didn't rate it one is because the bus driver did a good job (other than putting us on wrong bus). Water taxi/tour to Maho beach? You should be able to walk it in 20. It's about a half hour drive and there are plenty taxi's at the port and Maho Beach to get you back and forth. It is easy to spend the day going back and forth between the beach and shopping or dining. We regularly stay at The Towers at Mullet Bat, adjacent to AUC, and will often walk over to Maho in the morning to grab a newspaper and perhaps a pastry. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. . This is why I booked this excursion. Airplanes create quite humungous jet blasts when theyre taking off, and so it seems fairly logical that you shouldnt stand too close. Please arrive with a printed copy of your eticket or digital copy if applicable. A good trip and great value. 6 of us in total on this tour. . :), Thank you!