. Ride in an air-conditioned van to Maho Beach on the Dutch side of this Caribbean island and Lucas Bay on the French side. American Airlines Aircraft landing over Maho Beach Posted November 19, 2022. St Maarten is a beautiful island and we saw some spectacular panoramic views. I had the pleasure of going on this tour last week (July 5, 2016) while on my cruise vacation with RCCL. The journey is way too long to walk it, and costs around $15-20 per person depending on how many are in the car. The island of six, our family of six would stay a week at. We really need to evaluate our plan for St. Maarten. How to get from St Maarten cruise port to Maho Beach in one day. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-84538118', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise port. 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. This excursion is excellent for someone who wants beach time and to see the planes on Maho Beach. . Tripadvisor | Maho/ Sunset Beach Blast leveret af Bernards Tours | St The journey is way too long to walk it, and costs around $15-20 per person depending on how many are in the car. We found our tour driver who introduced himself as Duce. I could have spent more time in this area. We got dropped off at a bar where they rented chairs for $5. From my perspective the beach is just fine. - easiest taxi company to make a reservation with? . If you like sun, go up the narrow ladder to the top deck. 5 1/2 hr tour covering both Dutch & French highlights of the island. We love to swim there after the cruisers are gone! This is a popular spot to catch great views of Simpson Bay. The resort is located about 25 minutes from your cruise port. Sorry I can't remember the guides name. Best way to get to Maho Beach from Port - Cruise Critic Loved the beaches. That's it, eleven of us. Your local operator has your booking noted. driving to spain through france covid; food truck commissary lancaster, ca; 355 taper tip graphite iron shafts. Taxi service is readily available at the cruise pier; taxi fare is approximately $20 each way. I don't want to miss the boat! Refreshments. Lucius was a wonderful guide. Our T.I.E representative will pick you up at your hotel reception. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. Find Transport to Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa, Grand Case - Rome2rio To compare to the bus -- about what is the price of a taxi -- there are 8 in our group so not sure they have taxi-vans ??? Thanks again! Where do you catch a cab or the bus? Finally we decided on a spot at the very far end, clear of the runway but close enough that we could make a run for it if we desperately wanted to be under the pathway of a jumbo jet. . St Maarten Shore Excursion: Orient and Maho Beach Half-Day Tour 349 5 hours Free Cancellation From $40.00 Half Day Snorkeling and Beach Tour/Excursion 11 3 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation From $89.00 St. Maarten Maho Beach Tour 3 6 hours Free Cancellation From $40.00 Bernard's Tours Maho Beach Blast 13 4 hours Free Cancellation From $25.00 St Maarten Cruise Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions No. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No, it is not necessary to take along your passport or driver's license unless noted by your cruise line or listed in the Restrictions or Notes tab for the excursion. 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. 1. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! By the time we got to Maho Beach, it was standing room only, but we knew it was going to be a busy day on the island before we booked. Cancellations that do not comply with the above may not be subject to refund. Return is the same (just show up at the stand next to the maho beach bars and hop in another . Alternatively, you can take a public transportation which costs USD $2.50 to go and USD$2.50 to return. Tom is getting sicker, and Im out of Mucinex. Our first stop is the Oyster Bay Resort, a beautiful turquoise painted resort around what use to be a bay full of oysters. Taxi Ride to Maho Beach St. Maarten : r/Cruise - Reddit Maarten. Basically, you have 4 options: Private taxi Group van leaving from the cruise port Renting a car Catching the bus/public van from Phillipsburg straight to Maho Beach For the first two options, I don't even need to explain to them because they are very easy.but also expensive. Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation! By We rented a jet ski and had a great time on it. Back on the van, more rum punch, and were off to the Dutch side again. $ 25.00 per Child (3-12) L ooking for a sensational day at the beach? LOOOOONG Trip Report: St Maarten, St Lucia, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba Take a taxi or the Water Taxi to downtown Philipsburg. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. At the end closest to the beach, screens displayed the timings of the next planes to land on the landing strip to the right. Travelers recommend Sunset Beach Bar for the best views. He told us about the history of the area, he was very nice and provided us with beverages the whole time!!! Taxis - you will see passengers lining up at the pier for taxis, by destination and fare type. Ride in an air-conditioned van to Maho Beach on the Dutch side of this Caribbean island and Lucas Bay on the French side. Duce tells us that when hurricane Irma did a dead-on hit of the island, so many boats, homes and resorts were damaged. My husband and I went on this excursion March 28th, 2018. 1111 west Road SXM 8007 St. Maarten. Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews. We said no thanks but they wouldn't even let us sit on a towel in the area, so we just walked around. 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. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Please keep in mind that due to traffic, the return taxi ride can take twice as long. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. resort gates. Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port Reviews - Page 206 This is clearly a popular holiday destination, whether for people travelling only to Sint Maarten, or cruise passengers and crew like me and my pal Rachel; but I was still surprised by how Americanised the whole place felt. The journey should only take about 20 minutes, but we spent almost double that crawling along in a long line of cars. Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted. You didn't ask, but I would only go to Maho beach if I really wanted to see airplanes. That's where you will find the $2 bus. Easy to do.:). Probably not. Grand Case Beach Club or La Playa Orient Bay? Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. definitely take a taxi. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Other options are to take a city bus to a really big mall nearby. MAHO BEACH - 2023 All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Another beach that is well loved by both locals and visitors to the island is Mullet Bay Beach. Today, its a bay of abandon boats. The pick up and return to the dock was timely and easy. Learn about the culture and history of the island from your guide while enjoying complimentary beer, water and soda. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. However, kindly note that this one is the furthest on this list from the cruise port. I got bored and went into the casino where he parked and won his tip. Take the ferry from Sint Maarten to Anguilla Take the ferry from Anguilla to St. Martin Take a shuttle bus from St. Martin to Saint Martin Airport 2h 20m 1 alternative option Drive Drive from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Secrets St. Martin Resort & Spa, Grand Case 19 min Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between This is important to remember when you have to get back to the boat. Anmeldelse. 6 of us in total on this tour. Meet your local guide at the cruise port in Philipsburg and climb aboard your comfortable van for a half-day exploration of St Maarten. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. The water taxi picked us up right at the pier, and it was a quick 25-30-minute ride to the small island, and we arrived at 2pm. The best beach near the St. Maarten cruise port is just a quick walk or taxi ride away. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. Watching the planes land over our heads at the beach. Your email address will not be published. Persons born and living on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten) carry Netherlands Antilles passports, while the French side (Saint-Martin), issues French passports and conducts its business in a more European manner. The only construction I see on the island is the resort hotel being built next to the Casino on Maho Beach. Maarten. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111102503', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise ship, talk to any of the many taxi drivers there and arrange for the cost of taking you to Maho, and taking you back. If you want to try to save a few bucks, then the bus is an option. You might have already sensed from my description that this beach is not my kind of place. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. Re: Taxi - cruise port to Maho Beach 1 year ago Save Following pick-up from the cruise port at Philipsburg, transfer to Orient Beach to discover the longest beach in St. 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? The pathway along the green wire fence with the car park on your right, leads to the EDC bus parking area. St Maartens cruise port is in the capital city- Philipsburg which has space for a whole load of cruise ships to dock at once. 2 beaches in one day enhanced the trip! Id really been expecting a Dutch island. The big planes (not inter island commuter ones) start arriving around noon. This spot is a unique beach in St. Maarten, where travelers flock to experience the thrilling rush of airplanes flying extremely close overhead. Orient Bay is a fairly quick drive by taxi, rental car or excursion bus from Philipsburg. The very handsome french pharmacist asks about his symptoms and gives me a box of liquid packets. Actually it's a great beach from swimming most of the time. :), Thank you! . -Some can take credit cards, but assume cash (USD) will be needed unless pre-arranged. Houses just abandoned? That first driver was pleasant and very knowledgeable but we weren't with him for long. Our bus driver and tour guide Eddie Miller was outstanding as he was informative and hilarious. Thanks! $18 total to zip the two of you to Maho, or less if there are other people to share the ride. I was a little too close to the water, however, and got completely drenched by an incoming wave. One Day Itinerary in Philipsburg St Maarten - Calculated Traveller Magazine The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. $2 for a bus is music to my ears. Here, we walk around a flea market as Im looking for a pharmacy. Would anyone happen to know if Maho is walking distance from AUC? Its just not a good idea. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. Divided in 1648, French St. Martin and Dutch St. Maarten coexist peacefully with no border crossing or customs procedures. In case you have trouble finding it, knowledgeable island staff will help you out and direct you to the station. Pic Paradis is located between Grand Case and Marigot on the French side. Please arrive with a printed copy of your eticket or digital copy if applicable. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When you get off the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Email cisco2.godet@gmail. Soon the sun is shining and we head to the beach for some photos. weather its renting a car, motorcycle, finding a private tour, scuba diving, snorkeling. I searched first but didnt find anything specifically on this. RUM PUNCH WAS THE BEST!!! 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. Put your round-trip return ticket somewhere where it won't get blow away. (But its still pretty fun to be in the sea when a plane comes in to land.). The water taxis depart and arrive every 5-10 minutes. BTW, for what it is worth, the beach is just fine. more, St Martin / St Maarten Destination Experts. My family and friends who have seen my pictures do not think they are real. We did try the bus this past Decembert while cruising Celebrity over Christmas. St.Martin - St.Maarten Taxi Tours I've taken taxis on the island many times, but never from the cruise port. Make sure you take a camera. That's where the planes come in right over the beach! I would not do the bus if you have limited time available. I REALLY appreciate it. . We were on the fence about it but I'm convinced a taxi is the way to go. The city is dirty, messy, hot & humid, and this is January. It is larger than Maho beach and it a good option for beginner snorkeling as you can see fishes near the shoreline. Staying Focused, January 14, 2018 in St. Martin/St. I'm definitely not sure that's what I want to do. :), You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Water taxis to Maho Beach from the cruise port is easy to find and cost about $20. The snorkeling is mediocre--whoever says it's "great", they probably haven't been to really great snorkeling sites. Along the way, enjoy complimentary beer, soda and water, and listen to your guide detail the rich culture and history of this divided Caribbean Island. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. 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.. An Inexpensive, Easy, and Relaxing Port Day at Great Bay Beach in St Taxis are readily available at the cruise port, and at Maho. St Maarten is Dutch and to the north the French side is called St Martin. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. Both little and big planes land about every fifteen minutes, which was really fun. Are you sure that it's what you want to do? Water taxi/tour to Maho beach? - Cruise Critic Community It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. We had a great time and with a great driver - unique local history, lots of laughs, and 2 fun beaches to be at! . CONTACT US. Second, our guide must have been filling in since it was so busy, because although he was very nice, he sometimes was kind of guessing throughout the day. St Maarten is loved by tourists and visitors to the island for its bustling night life, diverse dining options and its exciting duty free shopping experience. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. I signed up for Maho Beach, Orient Beach, and Marigot. If guests wish to stay downtown and return to the ship on their own it is about a 15-minute walk or 4-minute water taxi ride. http://dandataxiservice.com/. 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. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. It is able to dock seven cruise ships at one time. Families as well as solo guests would enjoy this tour! Thanks very much for all the helpful tips. | 0 comments What Is the Best Currency For St MaartenLiving In The Caribbean (Pros & Cons Fully Explained) You may also likeLeave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Perfect combination of relaxing beach and excitement from the Pla. This will be our first time in St. Martin/Marteen. Take a look at the end of my posting over in this earlier thread. 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. We disembarked around 9am, and walked around the little shops in the secure area of the port. Followers 0. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. Best Things to Do in St. Maarten on a Cruise (2021) This area Id return to, the beach, the hotels, and many restaurants offer lots to do. Water Taxi - a great way to get to downtown Philipsburg for a low cost. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! The Caribe's helped too! One of the most exhilarating tours in St. Maarten: The Maho + Orient Beach Bum Lifestyle, offers four and a half hours of sun, sea and absolute fun on two of the most popular beaches on the island! English-speaking certified driver and guide! The water taxi can bring you to a stop that gets to to other water taxi routes. We want to watch the planes land at Maho Beach. Great Bay Beach is also situated near car rentals, restaurants, bars and cafes and is a fantastic beach for swimming. TOUR GUIDE WAS AMAZING, BEACHES WERE BEAUTIFUL!!! Very reliable. I believe the tour is called "Airport Adventure SXM", https://www.greatbayferry.com/adventure-excursions. We are going to be there next month and are planing on doing the bus thing too. Maarten. Does anyone know how long the drive to Maho Beach in St. Maarten is from the cruise port? Still plenty of evidence of devastation caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Philipsburg Sint Maarten Netherlands Antilles Cruise Port - WHATSINPORT.COM . For visitors by car, it is recommended to park in Bobby's Marina towards the Cruise Port, or at the Pondfill Boulevard. Fondly known as Airplane beach, as planes usually have to approach the landing at an altitude of less than 100 feet. We would love to go back and do this again. Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experiences start time will not be accepted. When we arrived there, I was told they left about 1 hour prior. The best time to go is in the early afternoon when the larger jumbo jets land. 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. Also, is it difficult to catch a cab back in the afternoon? It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. The ferry charges $4 for one-way and $8 round-trip. By Aburkhard7, November 19, 2022 in St. Martin/St. Note that the beaches are not wheelchair accessible due to the sand. - how long by taxi from cruise port to Maho Beach? With a car you loose rime renting, navigating to an unfamiliar area , and parking at Maho can be a royal PIA. Gio was a great guide, starting off the tour with some rum punch. House of religious articles :), I know it's been awhile, but thank you for the excellent directions for taking the bus and the options getting to the bus stop. . Thank You:). We had a wonderful time of this excursion. Ask a question. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. You will be able to leave a comment after signing in, Copyright 19952023 The Independent Traveler, Inc. Our tour guide was fun, informative and friendly. 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. I did not take a taxi, I rented a car however as taxi fees are high. 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. Port Philipsburg (locode ANPHI) is the country's principal port and largest city, with population around 2,000. I need some help for deciding between Maho, Mullet or Orient???? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. When we left the ship that morning the sky was overcast and there was drizzle all around; but the weather in the Caribbean can change in a matter of minutes. The island was discovered by the Europeans in the . Just do your research before you go and plan it out. Water taxi/tour to Maho beach? The waves made Orient Beach fun. Or see if the cruise line has an excursion going to Maho. I was told via email they would wait for me to disembark. VISIT ST. MAARTEN / ST. MARTIN OUR ADDRESS. Leave the piers and head to the right, where there's a row of taxis waiting to leave. That was very silly of me. The beach itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. Call us on 305 6473141 or 1 721 5540202. . Vote. I'm was told about a boat that picks you up near the port and goes to somewhere very near Maho beach. If you want an easy day seeing both beaches, we would recommend this tour because we found no other like it. It will cost around $6 per person. Its wide shoreline makes it a perfect spot for beach picnics and playing games on the shore. In 2017 a woman from New Zealand was killed when she was thrown backwards by a jet blast from a Caribbean Airlines flight which was taking off. you can check the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We've done a lot of ship based excursions but this was the best. Hawkers in front of the cafes will sometimes offer them for free to visitors who buy food and beverages. Visit the villages of Grand Case and Marigot before being returned on-time for your cruise ship's departure. Sonesta Maho Beach Resort - St. Maarten | Resort for a Day Required fields are marked *Comment *Name * Email * Website Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. -Yes tip in Sint Maarten. As a result, it is hugely popular with visitors taking photos and videos. For photos and video go to TheHolloWAYtoTravel.com, Tour itself was excellent but started nearly an hour late waiting for customers from other ships There isn't a whole lot to see where the water taxi drops you off by the port, but the other water taxi from there will give you a great tour of homes of the rich and famous. Anyone who walks around the Philipsburg waterfront won't find much else to see other than the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants. 1.5 hr stop at a beach, ample time for a swim. Beach Bum Combo to Maho and Orient Beach. :), You convinced me not to rent a car. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. 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). Once you have your ticket, you'll be shown to the ferry to board. We drive through Phillipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side of the island. The water, though, is nice, fairly calm, and enjoyable for swimming. The bus must have been designed for school kids because it was very cramped. The water was much cleaner but still rough and crowded. Actually, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The beach isnt very wide, and today its completely full. Is it close to the pier? After having breakfast on the ship, walk outside the pier area past the St Maarten port sign on the right towards the walkway on the left that says "Water Taxi." Currency and use of debit cards on the Dutch side? 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). 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. A five-hour shore excursion with transportation to Orient Bay and Maho Beach will start at $40 per person. BTW, for what it is worth, the beach is just fine. . $341 - $620. There will be a bus by shortly, though there is no schedule as they are independent operators. Have lunch at the Sunset Beach Bar and Grill!! You will have approximately 2 hours at each beach. Our entire family seemed to get an endless supply of pop, water and beer on this tour. The planes land directly over the beach, and in the afternoon you get to see the big planes land. Rates quoted by the St. Maarten Taxi Association are $10 per person each way for two passengers and $9 per person for three to five passengers. 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. They dock and stay for few hours so you can watch planes or swim to the beach.