Your email address will not be published. As such there is little vegetation. Your email address will not be published. We really need to evaluate our plan for St. Maarten. There are a few nudist resorts here, and part of the beach is clothing optional. It's about a $50-$60 for the round trip but it all depends on how many passengers. It is about five miles or less than 20 minutes away. Get forecasts each morning for every major island. The beach itself has suffered significant erosion due to the jet blast. . . Does anyone know how long the drive to Maho Beach in St. Maarten is from the cruise port? Fondly known as Airplane beach, as planes usually have to approach the landing at an altitude of less than 100 feet. Know that the waves are strong here too. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. It is larger than Maho beach and it a good option for beginner snorkeling as you can see fishes near the shoreline. Soon the sun is shining and we head to the beach for some photos. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. As said, the travel time from the boat to Maho is "about 20 minutes without traffic", BUT there rarely is no traffic. definitely take a taxi. Pay attention to the signs, pals! We could not have asked for more it was a perfect trip. Maarten. Easy to do.:). That's where you will find the $2 bus. 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. Our cruise came in late in the day and Shore Excursioneer worked with our schedule to arrange a late excursion. Just no perzonality. 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.. and that would be the easiest way to get there and back without a hassle. Powered by Invision Community, We took the bus to Maho. So if you if you are considering a cruise for your next Caribbean vacation, check out How To Cruise For Less. Powered by Invision Community. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Clive Bass was the worst guide ever. Taxis are readily available at the cruise port, and at Maho. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Also, on the return, be aware that there is a drawbridge that could add some time (don't want to miss the ship.) See the famous plane spotting at Maho Beach! We found an amazing French bakery, and the guide provided plenty of drinks all day, so we had a lovely culinary experience instead. Again, look for signs point the way. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We want to watch the planes land at Maho Beach. When your ship docks at St.Maarten cruise port, you will get a vehicle just for your group. Step 3: Taxi From Cruz Bay To Trunk Bay: $6. Having sat in many a hot sticky vehicle on other Caribbean islands like the Dominican Republic or Antigua, I was expecting an uncomfortable journey, but considering the length of time we spent sat inside a vehicle that morning, it was surprisingly ok. Alternatively you can catch a water taxi from inside the cruise port, which is slightly more expensive. This island is an extremely popular stopping point for cruise ships, and whenever we ported here there were at least three other ships parked up at the same time, although none of them were anywhere near full capacity. Orient Bay, which is located on the French side of the island, is arguably the islands most famous and popular beach. There is a large Westin resort located on this beach. Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho Beach. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Located about 20 minutes by taxi from the cruise terminal, this white sand beach is surrounded by lush green landscape. We had the best time. He deserves a raise! Easy to reach customer service if needed", "I always book with ShoreExcursioneer. RUM PUNCH WAS THE BEST!!! 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!!! If you weren't going to tip then maybe pretend you aren't from the US so they thought you had a different tradition. where could we get a bus from the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Please advise in advance if any guests have collapsible wheelchairs or walkers so transportation can be arranged. St Maartens cruise port is in the capital city- Philipsburg which has space for a whole load of cruise ships to dock at once. Air-conditioned, fully licensed, and insured transportation, Round-trip transportation from your cruise ship terminal, Bilingual certified local excursion guides, narrated, Complimentary refreshments - 1 (water, soft drinks, beer, and Guavaberry liqueur), Return to cruise port (with optional drop-off in Philipsburg or Marigot, downtown is about a 15-minute walk back to the pier or 4 minutes by water taxi, p/p $7.00usd cost is not included), Drivers and guides are trained in first aid. It will cost around $6 per person. Good to know, ya know.). I don't want to worry this time. Timing things to avoid cruise ship crowds 7:31 am. The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. It's the next one over from Front Street, which is the one with all the jewelry stores. CONTACT US. . Ride in an air-conditioned van to Maho Beach on the Dutch side of this Caribbean island and Lucas Bay on the French side. Rick, our driver and guide, was very informative and had a good sense of humour, pointing out places of interest and explaining the history behind them as well as the history of the island. We are going to be there next month and are planing on doing the bus thing too. Ask a question. 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. This was worth the money. Our T.I.E representative will pick you up at your hotel reception. This tour was a perfect way to spend the day and see the sights of the whole island! Make sure you take a camera. . When the owners of the boats collected on their insurance, they just left the boats were they were on moved on. 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. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. Weather conditions or equipment failure prevents the operator to run the excursion. Marie Wegener - DSDS-Gewinnerin 2018 . Currency and use of debit cards on the Dutch side? The island of six, our family of six would stay a week at. Once you arrive, you'll have 2 hours to spend as you see fit. We didn't get any history of the island. Thank you SOOOOO much for the great information. There are several shops selling watches, jewelery, perfume and electronic gadgets nearby. Therefore, be sure to gauge return time to the ship properly as there can be traffic jams on afternoons from this beach back to the port. Members; 2 January 9, 2013; Tampa, FL #1 Share; Numerous restaurants line the boardwalk; many more restaurants plus plenty of shopping lie only one block over on Philipsburgs popular Front Street. The water taxi stand at the cruise port is just a quick walk north of the docks. I can provide a contact for taxi if you like that costs 15. Nap time, in style. Alternatively, you can take a public transportation which costs USD $2.50 to go and USD$2.50 to return. We passed Princess Juliana International Airport and arrive at Maho Beach. The resort is located about 25 minutes from your cruise port. Maho beach was fun , because of the Airplane traffic and the over experience. Walk pass taxi's to the circle with the sign "Hope To see You Soon Again". There are many great videos of aircraft landings on youtube. I was picked up on time by a comfortable tour bus. This will be our first time in St. Martin/Marteen. . Maho is amazing. Other options are to take a city bus to a really big mall nearby. You can be just as close to the planes at most airports as you are to the planes at Maho if you are out in the water. He was very informative about the island and really made the bus ride fun. 19952023, The Independent Traveler, Inc. Can you take a water taxi to Maho Beach from cruise port? It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. This is why I booked this excursion. The only one that works for cruise ship passengers however departs from Red Hook, St. Thomas. American Airlines Aircraft landing over Maho Beach Experience a breathtaking time of low landing airplanes, Maho Beach is unusually close to the threshold of a runway, and is directly under the flight path, resulting in aircraft on their final approach . Around The Caribbean is a resource for persons who want to learn more about the Caribbean islands. Visit the villages of Grand Case and Marigot before . Anyone with an interest in diving might consider either Little Bay or Kim Sha beaches. I will say that you need to be on the beach to get the "airplane" experience. 261 likes, 12 comments - Paul and Carole Love to Travel (@paulandcarole) on Instagram: "We were up at 0630 to see the sail in to St Maarten and we are so glad we did . It often gets ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean. -do a google search for Sint Maarten taxis to get a bunch of their websites. Following pick-up from the cruise port at Philipsburg, transfer to Orient Beach to discover the longest beach in St. Maarten. This is the most affordable option. Would you advise against it? The pathway along the green wire fence with the car park on your right, leads to the EDC bus parking area. The big planes (not inter island commuter ones) start arriving around noon. Take advantage of water sports facilities (own expense) such as jet skis, sailboats, paragliding and kids activities. - are taxis readily available at the cruise port, or do I need a reservation, or call when we get there? St. Maarten has constructed a wonderful new cruise terminal. From there, cruise visitors can walk, take a water taxi or a taxi cab to Great Bay Beach. It's a nice combo. Ride in an air-conditioned van to Maho Beach on the Dutch side of this Caribbean island and Lucas Bay on the French side. At the end closest to the beach, screens displayed the timings of the next planes to land on the landing strip to the right. Driver (Deuce) shared a lot of interesting information along the way. I had 6 port stops on this cruise, and this was by far the worst of the tours we took. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. I learned a great deal. Should be $3 for a taxi (each way) per person or $4 for the Water Taxi ($6 round trip). All in all it was a fabulous day! It does not get deep for quite a while so kids can safely enjoy the waves. 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. I've taken taxis on the island many times, but never from the cruise port. I got bored and went into the casino where he parked and won his tip. They dock and stay for few hours so you can watch planes or swim to the beach. Please arrive with a printed copy of your eticket or digital copy if applicable. I trust that you have found this information useful if your plans are to visit a beach while on a cruise to St Maarten. Take a taxi or the Water Taxi to downtown Philipsburg. 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. Therefore, depending on the time of year that you visit expect there to be a crowd. !as they posed for group photos. In case you have trouble finding it, knowledgeable island staff will help you out and direct you to the station. For the most part, we stayed out of the crowds but still appreciated the landings at an angle. . This tour had its pros & cons. Posted November 19, 2022. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. Mayo Beach has to be experienced although very busy. Please keep in mind that due to traffic, the return taxi ride can take twice as long. From my perspective the beach is just fine. Mullet Bay looks the closest but I have heard it is easier to get a return taxi to the cruise port from Maho. Allnecessary details will be printed on your Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket. The beach is great for swimming but at times can be rough so definitely one has to be cautious with children. The airplanes make their approach directly above the beach. Buses usually have a sign that says Maho beach and it takes approximately 20 minutes from the cruise port. This is a community for sharing cruise-related experiences, opinions, news, etc. Our content provides helpful and meaningful tips to individuals who want to relocate or travel to the region. One of the most exhilarating tours in St. Maarten. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-84536725', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane land - great but the beach itself is eh. Visitors who take a 20-minute hike from Cole Bay Hill will reach Cove Bay, located between Cole Bay and Little Bay. ", St. Maarten, Lesser Antilles (St. Martin). Van was comfortable and clean. 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. . Our first stop is the Oyster Bay Resort, a beautiful turquoise painted resort around what use to be a bay full of oysters. 1111 west Road SXM 8007 St. Maarten. . 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 drove around the entire island with stops at various lookup points, with stops on Orient Beach and Maho Beach. If the cost of a taxi is not prohibitive, and you want to stay mainly at Maho, I would go that route. Not sure if they are operating after Irma. Our tour guide was fun, informative and friendly. I would look behind the Court House for a sign labeled Bus Halte. 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. . Another beach that is well loved by both locals and visitors to the island is Mullet Bay Beach. Everyone should experience Maho Beach. How Much is the Ferry from Nassau to Paradise Island. We have considered renting a car as well. Maho Beach. Budget-minded walkers will go less than one mile or about 10 to 12 minutes to reach the beginning of the beach. The chairs and umbrellas were great. It is a lot of fun to watch the planes. You can negotiate a good price I think. 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 waves made Orient Beach fun. Advanced warning about Orientthere is a nude side! Perfect combination of relaxing beach and excitement from the Pla. That's it, eleven of us. . Note that the beaches are not wheelchair accessible due to the sand. Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. Watching the planes land over our heads at the beach. . The tours was amazing. Things To Do Fun Fact: St. Maarten has the unique position of having a beachside capital. About 4 hours 30 min. Id like to have spent more time with him, just looking into his blue eyes made me think he could cure Toms cold! . I cant answer the rest as Ive only done land trips, but cash is king. 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. Below is the Bus Stop at the final destination (Maho Beach) and then the Bus sign 'on the other side' of the road for the return transportation: Finally, some more visuals on our visit to Maho Beach using the local bus (December 2011): Photos: Bus ride from Downtown Philipsburg to Maho Beach (Thursday 12.29.2011), Photos: Maho Beach - seeing the aircrafts landing in St. Maarten (Thursday 12.29.2011). The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. . How long is the bus ride vs. taking a taxi to Maho/Mullet? We were there on a day with six ships in port, so everywhere was extremely crowded. Maho Beach was amazing, not only was watching the planes cool but the water on the beach was crystal clear and gorgeous! It is Americanized enough that it is anticipated. Both little and big planes land about every fifteen minutes, which was really fun. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. Maho Beach is def a must see at least once while visiting the island but know it's a very busy beach and hard to really get a good spot to relax. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experiences start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded. VISIT ST. MAARTEN / ST. MARTIN OUR ADDRESS. Maho Beach is usually a favorite of visitors to the island and it is a tiny beach. Any advice about St. Maarten beaches starts with three of themGreat Bay Beach, Orient Beach and Maho Beach. $2 per person. If your plan is to get to Maho to watch the planes, then the BEST approach would be to catch a taxi from the dispatch area at the Cruise Facility. I have heard that there is a bus that you could catch from Back St. in Philipsburg. There are a few shops in the new cruise terminal. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Waters are clear and mainly calm most of the times. Should be the same price on the return. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. The Orient beach was gorgeous! Thanks! Today, its a bay of abandon boats. Orient Beach was not as grand as we were hoping. Bring along sun protection, swimsuit, change of clothes, towel, camera, and cash for souvenirs, drinks, snacks, shopping, etc. There are multiple steps down into the boat. It is popular with hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. . Kind of like never standing at the back end of a horse. Families as well as solo guests would enjoy this tour! Alternatively, you may use. We always suggest you depart the resort at least 2 hours prior to your ship's scheduled departure time. The French capital Marigot is very impressive, Very good tour, good tour guide -Douce, nice clean van. Can you take a water taxi to Maho Beach from cruise port? . You didn't ask, but I would only go to Maho beach if I really wanted to see airplanes. We did try the bus this past Decembert while cruising Celebrity over Christmas. We had a group of 6 and everyone enjoyed it. MAHO BEACH is a beautiful beach on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, in the country of Sint Maarten. On the French part (Saint Martin) is Marigot. Our bus driver and tour guide Eddie Miller was outstanding as he was informative and hilarious. Refunds may be subject to a service charge fee as determined by the payment processor, please refer to Terms and Conditions for more information. Late afternoon traffic can be a complete gridlock going thru Simpson Bay. That was cool. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners! Also note that the local bus is actually a VAN with a sign for destination placed in the front window (similar van to most of the 'taxi"): Once you reach the Back Street in Downtown (Philipsburg), if you see a van like the one above, you can also simply wave and the driver will stop and pick you up. Take the train from Newark to Philadelphia. I am visiting via cruise ship and will be taking a taxi to AUC medical school for a tour. Our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Thank you for a great day. He answered questions as well as sharing what he planned to discuss. By Staying Focused, January 14, 2018 in St. Martin/St. I had the pleasure of going on this tour last week (July 5, 2016) while on my cruise vacation with RCCL. Would anyone happen to know if Maho is walking distance from AUC? Alternatively, you can take a 20 minute stroll to Great Bay Beach. 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. Beach Bum Combo to Maho and Orient Beach. 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. The bus must have been designed for school kids because it was very cramped. I'm definitely not sure that's what I want to do. Once you have your ticket, you'll be shown to the ferry to board. Although the distance between St Maarten cruise port and the Airplane Beach isnt particularly far, there is almost always traffic to contend with. Call 1 721 580 7594 for further assistance. We said no thanks but they wouldn't even let us sit on a towel in the area, so we just walked around. . 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. I always do my own thing on islands and have agreat time. I would do this trip again without a moments hesitation. Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. More rum punch and we were back on our way through Simpson Bay. You want to cancel at any time, for any reason, before or after your arrival. Water taxis to Maho Beach from the cruise port is easy to find and cost about $20. Shore Excursioneer 2023. . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The trip was worth more than what we were charged. 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. We were there twenty minutes early and saw no guides. Next to the Sunset Beach Bar is Sandbar, a colourful new eatery which offers just about every kind of food you could wish for, from sushi and burgers to tacos and smores. weather its renting a car, motorcycle, finding a private tour, scuba diving, snorkeling. Pic Paradis (Peak Paradise) Tours & Tickets, Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Spots in St. Maarten, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort Tours & Tickets. A good trip and great value. We hurried up the pier, past the diamond and liquor shops out to the street. A security guard happened to ask us if we needed help and gave us new directions, otherwise we would have missed our tour. . And the area directly in the path to the runway was naturally where people gravitated towards; everyone needs the money shot of themselves with an airplane zooming low behind. You could also take a taxi or rent a car. 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. A 5-hour guided tour through the Dutch and French parts of St Maarten, Cross over to the French side of the island and explore Lucas Bay, Receive free beer, water and soda during the entire tour, Includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal, Covered by Viators worry-free policy: guaranteed on-time return to your ship, You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup, Saint Martin, 79 Juancho Yrausquin Blvd, Sint Maarten, Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, No heart problems or other serious medical conditions, This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers. We had a good but slightly expensive meal at the Rainbow restaurant with fantastic views. We had to do the fence grab on a big jets take off, unbelievable. 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. The first stop was Orient Beach and it was beautiful. How to get from St Maarten cruise port to Maho Beach in one day. Follow the sidewalk for about 10 minutes and you'll end up in Philipsburg. 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. The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. Tom is getting sicker, and Im out of Mucinex. Experience the highlights of St Maarten on this 5-hour shore excursion leaving from the cruise port. Look for a bus with a 'Maho' or 'Mullet Bay' or 'M'Bay' sign in the window. or take a land taxi into town. Want more tales from the Caribbean? Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. The trip also included beer, pop, water, and rum punch. Thanks very much for all the helpful tips. From town a water taxi makes a quick journey back to the ship for a small fee. Probably not. . The beaches are lovely and you can get a real eyeful at Orient Beach. . Going on a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Taxis may not be waiting on your return, but your friendly local Maho beach bar (I would highly recommend Guy's) should be able to call one for you. Do I need to take my passport with me on the St. Maarten Beach Bum Combo to Orient and Maho Beaches to show with my Electronic Shore Excursion Ticket? The water was much cleaner but still rough and crowded. No accessible public transportation to get around island - Accessible public buses are not common in the Caribbean, and St. Maarten is no exception. That is all that I know. Maarten Followers Staying Focused 134 December 28, 2014 #1 Posted January 14, 2018 I'm was told about a. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. 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. 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. 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. A five-hour shore excursion with transportation to Orient Bay and Maho Beach will start at $40 per person. 1. This was a nice tour around the island and a great way to get familiar with the island. As a result, it is hugely popular with visitors taking photos and videos. Lucius was a wonderful guide. The high rocks block most of the wind, so its a good choice when the Caribbean trade winds are strong that day. Actually, (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We had a great time and with a great driver - unique local history, lots of laughs, and 2 fun beaches to be at! (There are 6 cruise ships docked in St. Maarten today.) Drenched, full of sand, I was laughing as Tom helped me back up. Seemed to have a platform that looked like a dock. 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. Is parking an issue at Maho Beach? And use your heads! In the sea, people swam and jumped in the swell whilst waiting for the next plane to land. Especially considering all the cheese shops wed passed en route in the taxi. Recommended Posts. The tour was very informative, Clive was a great tour guide. These are near the cruise port terminal for ease of access on the island. How to: Ferry To St. John from Cruise Ship Docks (St. Thomas) Direction: St. Thomas to St. John # 1: Choose a Departure Time There are two ferry routes that connect St. Thomas and St. John. more, St Martin / St Maarten Destination Experts. Small bills so no one has to worry about change. Its longer and broader than Great Bay Beach. Announcing Our 2023 Cruisers' Choice Award Winners!
Westminster Coroner's Court Listings,
7 Little Johnstons Allegations 2021,
13819568d2d5150cae87b2f93 How To Help Muscle Relax After Breast Augmentation,
Raydon Airfield Preservation Society,
Chrisley Knows Best Cast,
Articles W