This can happen as early as 8:30. Mere steps from where the cruise ships dock in Philipsburg is the extremely popular St. Maarten 12 Metre Challenge, which gives normal folk the thrill of racing in an actual Americas Cup regatta. The cruise dock in St. Maarten is called the A.C. Wathey Pier. For a slightly different vibe, and the opportunity to cook your own food on lava stones, head to the Palms Grill at the opposite end of the beach. Each airplane came in so low over the sand that it felt as if you could almost reach out and touch them as they rumbled onwards to the tarmac across the road. . Port essentials with port maps, taxi prices, cruise terminal & water taxi info. You cant miss it. The French side is called Saint Martin (St Martin). St Maarten port is one of the fastest-growing Caribbean cruise ports and the leading cruise port in the Eastern Caribbean. Reply Jan 30th, 2010, 03:53 AM # 3 Barbara1 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 686 Likes: 0 Received 0. The restaurants and bars are huddled at opposite ends of Maho Beach, although the entire thing is so small that it only takes about ten minutes to walk from one end to the other. Try and get a seat along the railing! Amenities include a restaurant with outdoor seating and beach lounges with umbrellas. 3. Oyster Pond A community located in the eastern part of the island, overlooking Lucas Bay. You might have already sensed from my description that this beach is not my kind of place. The cruise port was visited by 6,8 million cruise tourists in 2008-2009, 7,9M (2014-2015) and 1,5M (2015-2016). Check out the St Maarten/St Martin boat and snorkeling tours, rel="sponsored nofollow noopener". . Anyone familiar with Villa Oyster Pearl and/or Dawn Beach? Anguilla is endowed with virgin beaches that feature pristine white sandy stretches. 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. Our St. Maarten cruise excursions and island tours allow you to experience all the wonder of the Dutch part of the twin island, complete with water sports, hiking and biking, marine life, and quaint history in the capital of Philipsburg. Whether you are coming for the first time or you have already been, make sure you plan your day ahead to maximize your stay in this amazing port of call. Although the distance between St Maarten cruise port and the Airplane Beach isn't particularly far, there is almost always traffic to contend with. Visit also our cruise guides to St Thomas, San Juan, St Kitts, Antigua, St Lucia,Falmouth, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Grand Cayman, Labadee, Bermuda, Barbadosif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventourbegins_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_10',133,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); 25 Top Shore Excursion Packing List Items, What to Pack for a Cruise Top 50 Cruise Essentials. I will be disembarking a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? . Rodael ingored my email and car booking request made from their website. Ask for specifications at the booth. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? The drive from the cruise port to Maho Beach is about 10 minutes. Dont Miss: Carnival Cruise Port Norfolk Virginia. The waters surrounding St. Maarten make for some great snorkeling adventures. Its just a short walk from the cruise dock to the cruise area where you will find many facilities. Official Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Saint Martin, Official Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information for Sint Maarten, Top of the art penthouse on the beach - 4000 sq. St Maarten / St Martin has for decades been a popular port of call for cruise passengers. The driest months are February and March, while the rainy season lasts from June to November. . The most popular and convenient one is the Great Bay beach. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88390607', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maho beach was washed away by hurricane Irma and all that is left is rock - and the bar at the end of the beach is gone - completely destroyed. The Dutch side draw bridge will open at 9:30 A.M. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-14743129', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise port. Report inappropriate content divedive2 Nashville, Tennessee Level Contributor 277 posts Privacy Statement - However, there are services departing from Sint Maarten and arriving at St. Martin via Anguilla. So, if you are looking for the cheapest way to enjoy the Maho beach, then the local bus is an ideal way. The bus is only $2 per person and will drop you off in the parking lot. It's an easy 20-minute walk into town, but water taxis also make the short trip, leaving from Captain Hodge Pier (signposted at the terminal). You can rent the ATV on your own, or you can book one of the off-road tours that will take you through the rugged terrain of the island and stop at the islands main landmarks. I think this would certainly be less stressful! Cabin Prices. Round-trip transfers are the complete package, taking you to and from the airport. Upon getting off the ship, a hundred meters further, youll spot Harbour Point Village a lively area full of duty-free shops, jewelry stores, market stalls, bars, and a restaurant. Rome2rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. I only know two rental companies located near the cruise port. Sat. For $7, you can get an all day pass for the water taxi that leaves right near where the cruise ships dock. Docking at the island is smooth, courtesy of the large pier that accommodates up to 7 ships. But dont let the facts get in the way of enjoying this enticing cruise destination that goes by the name of Saint-Martin on the northern French side and Sint Maarten on the southern Dutch side. Between 1946 and 1950, it was the base for the airline Compagnie Arienne Antillaise, which flew planes from the island's 500m airstrip (no longer existent.). The French route it is just too much travel time and distance. To be able to handle the world's largest cruise vessels , Port San Juan invested ~USD 8 million in building a 3rd dock. One is Rodael Car Rental and the other one is Coastal Car Rental. 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. There are a few popular snorkeling/scuba diving sites you should check out: Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling, and Beach Tour with Lunch is one of the top-rated shore excursions suitable for cruise ship guests, and the return to the cruise ship is guaranteed. A spot of late afternoon blinding sunshine . You'll need to be at the airport 2 hours prior to departure, arriving later than that may or may not result in your missing your (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? For more information about the latest travel restrictions or port updates, please check: Also find all detailed information about cruise port St. Maarten and what to see and do underneath. It takes approximately 9 min to drive from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay. Resort Beach DayFor guests not wishing to make the trek to the French side of the island, there's su. Philipsburg is located on the Dutch side of the island (Sint Maarten). It boasts an impressive infrastructure that can accommodate a large number of cruise ships simultaneously, including the worlds largest cruise ships. Currently, we are unable to provide domestic travel restriction information for travelling within Saint Martin. Although gutted by the French in the late 1790s, it was rebuilt by the British and today has been fully restored, with its kitchen complex, stables and slave quarters intact. 1 mile from the cruise terminal. This is the most convenient beach for a cruiser not . The fare is 2 to 3 US dollar. . There was indeed white sand and crystal clear water, but Maho Beach is also one of the most-visited beaches in St Maarten, mainly due to the fact that its built directly next to the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport. The distance between St Maarten Airport (SXM) and Port de Galisbay is 3 miles. Airplanes create quite humungous jet blasts when theyre taking off, and so it seems fairly logical that you shouldnt stand too close. Taxis you will see passengers lining up at the pier for taxis, by destination and fare type. Dont forget to subscribe below and get my exclusive SHORE EXCURSION GUIDE FOR FREE!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'adventourbegins_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-leader-2-0'); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. Marigot is the main town and capital in the French Collectivity of Saint Martin. For the latest travel status in Saint Martin, please check government recommendations. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Cruise ships dock at the new cruise port (the AC Wathey Pier & Port Facility) located a 20 minute walk from the downtown area of Philipsburg. rene verdugo urquidez released SU,F's Musings from the Interweb. The Airplane Beach in St Maarten is not what I was expecting. The St Maarten cruise terminal is located in Philipsburg, the Dutch part of the island, around 2.4 km/1.5 milesaway from the city center. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Can anyone please help re how the best way to get there and back, a taxi would be great if anyone can recommend a reputable company I could get in touch with that would be great. Leisure Car rental provides clean and well-maintained vehicles in all categories. I think I'll try and find a flight a'round noon or 1 pm. Before I share with you the best things to do in Philipsburg, I invite you to subscribe below and get my exclusive, insider SHORE EXCURSION GUIDE FOR FREE! St Maarten/Saint Martin off-road island tours are a great way of exploring the island, especially if you look for adrenaline and adventure. Fed and watered, Rachel and I headed onto the beach itself. You did not say what time the ship arrives however once you are in the taxi it is a 30 minute ride +/- depending upon traffic conditions which may or may not add another 15-20 minutes to your ride. This boutique-style property offers stylish rooms with either city of views across the Caribbean sea to the cruise terminal. Take into account that the walk to the water taxi pier can be about a 10 minute walk depending on where your ship is docked. Aside from this fact, the island has lots of sights to offer. distance from st maarten airport to cruise port. There are great sites to visit and memories to make. Id really been expecting a Dutch island. It is right in town at the main boulevard. St Maarten the Eastern Caribbean pearl boasting stunning beaches, lush tropical nature, and kind, friendly residents is an island of diversities! Allow at least 1/2 hour to get to the airport. and that is Christmas week, so it might even take longer. It boasts an impressive infrastructure that can accommodate a couple of cruise ships simultaneously, including the worlds largest cruise ships. Walk from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay. For more information about COVID-19 protocols, please visit www.stmaartenupdates.com. In the height of the season they often open the Dutch side bridge at 9 AM and 9:30 AM which really backs up the traffic. All you have to do is to provide the tour operator with the ship name, arrival, and departure time upon booking a tour. I would recommend a taxi ride from cruise port to Mullet Bay instead of excursion. However, if you fancy more private and secluded beaches, you can charter a boat to the nearby island of Anguilla. Leisure car rental service recently won the WTA awards as the best St. Maarten car rental company for 2020. How to get from St Maarten cruise port to Maho Beach in one day. You are free to walk, but you can also take the water taxi or a regular taxi. is a turnaround day for vacationers and the airport will be busy. Birds eye view of the real-life rainbow fish , Number 15 This is where you catch the watertaxi to the centre of Philipsburg. Re: St Martin airport beach to cruise port. There are several options for eating and drinking at Maho Beach, and when we arrived the bars and restaurants were packed full of mostly American tourists who had been sheltering from the rain. Tour buses and a taxi rank are located nearby; to get there, you need to turn right and keep walking to the exit of the terminal area until you reach a small building housing a tourist information desk. There might be two extremes in St. Maarten hair-raising ziplines and sleepy sunset cruises but there is so much more to the island, which really grew on me during my short stay and now ranks as my favourite Caribbean destination. A boat transfer only takes 30 minutes to get to the island. See details and book. Anyone have a suggestion as to an airline flying to San Juan? What a rush to grind a winch and trim a sail as official crew members of the same Stars & Stripes catamaran that carried Dennis Conner and his crew to victory in the Americas Cup. However, you can take the ferry to Anguilla then take the ferry to St. Martin. Theres two more on the Dutch side you should visit, if you have the time, and at least 5 more on the French side. The most popular resorts in this area are Coralita Beach, Oyster Bay, and Dawn Beach. The Dr Wathey Pier, on a walking distance from Philipsburg, is a strategic hub for cruise vessels in the middle of the Caribbean. It is located in the Caribbean Sea, about 3km from the island of Saint Martin, and is administered as part of the French overseas collectivity of Saint Martin. 9. Is visa required for Canadian PR card holders ? A-OO A-OO A-OO!! Plenty of crew from our ship had decided to visit that day as well, and we passed about thirty galley guys and their supervisor yelling GALLEY GALLEY GALLEY!!! . Cupecoy Beach and Mullet Bay Beach are some popular choices among others. . There are plenty of beachside chair and umbrella rental services for a relaxing day watching the turquoise waters of the bay lap against the sand. Absolutely not. Both beach bars on the beach are up and running for some time. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88391878', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maho beach every day. Shopping: at the cruise terminal or in town Transportation: Taxis at the cruise terminal Watertaxi available to get you from the cruise terminal to town Beach: Great Bay Beach is the main beach in town. Sorry, that would be a .2-acre island governed by Norway and Sweden. It does have a european attitude so there will be a number of topless bathers. See map above to see the exact location. Get around town by utilizing either the Philipsburg Ferry Terminal down the street, or a modest bus line whose only downfall is waiting on a lax schedule. Rome2rio makes travelling from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay easy. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 1h 10m. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. The northern part, measures 52 km2 / 20 m2, is French. However, of course, this is when there are most cruise liners docking and so more people. Sign up here. Aside from the great climate Sint Maarten is known for its shopping! To the original poster,I didn't mention the "bridge" on the "longer route" because it's daily opening is not a given as the boat traffic @ Sandy Ground is far less than the bridge on the shorter route (Simpson Bay) as I've gone through there days on end and it never opened.And chances are it will not open 12/27 IF you take that route.IF it does, the time open will be very short as compared to Simpson bay. Enjoy The Beaches. The buses depart at back street (one of the 2 main streets in Philipsburg). After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. See St Maarten cruise port on Google maps, Check out St Maarten rent-a-car deals and offers, See the list of the best Philipsburg tours, 3. The Amsterdam of the Caribbean Popular landmarks include the island heritage of Saint Maarten Museum, home to views of traditional Arawak artifacts ranging from poetry to photography, attached the nearby Guavaberry Emporium offers views of the islands famed tradition of alcohol making. However, you must leave the airport (which requires going through immigration) and take a cab to get to the ferry port . For the latest Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel status within Saint Martin, please check government recommendations. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this. Tour buses and taxi rank are located nearby to get there, you need to turn right and keep walking to the exit of the terminal area until you reach a small building housing a tourist information desk. The island has a tropical, warm climate all year round. Hungry and thirsty when we arrived, we sat on the covered decking of the Sunset Beach Bar (check out their live webcam of the planes landing if youre curious), and ordered fries and drinks. Its capital is Philipsburg a major commercial hub and a cruise port that can accommodate a large number of cruise ships of all sizes due to its great infrastructure and port facilities. Marigot to Grand Case should take 15 minutes, but here as well it can sometimes take longer. Find the tender platform right in the city centre of Philipsburg. Great value shore excursions, prices lower than the cruise lines. See All St Martin / St Maarten Conversations, Please recommend an all inclusive 5* adult only resort. To get around the island you will need a vehicle and luckily transport is readily available at the end of the short pier.