Located on Bishop Hill Road in the Belvedere region on your way to Orient Bay Beach is this bird paradise. Since there is so much to see in St. Maarten, a lot of times a tour of the island makes a lot of sense. The sanctuary features many species of colorful parrots. The Heineken boat has open bar. These European style casinos closely resemble those in Las Vegas but with a touch of the Caribbean atmosphere which brings a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere. Many Royal Caribbean cruises that visit the Eastern Caribbean will make a stop in St. Maarten, an island split between The Netherlands and France. Take a hike through the forest and enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings including the neighboring island of Anguilla. However, these reasons arent exhaustive. Therefore, some of the popular attractions you might want to see or activities you may want to engage in might not be available when you visit. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2022. Snorkel gear, sun loungers, lunch, and limited drinks are included, or a bar and grill serves additional items. Temperature averages in the 80s and its hottest from July to September and cold from December to April. However, being that this is a French beach, be ready to encounter naturalists in its optional clothing section. Browse travel snorkel for your cruise vacation by clicking here. The eco-plantation is also home to a ropes course adventure with swinging bridges and zip lines. With your support, we can create more exciting content and share with everyone! Here is where you will shop for all those chic French fashions and unique French souvenirs. And best of all the taxi charges are standardized by the government. St. Maarten is beautiful and any of the beach excursions are well worth the price. Rum is not the only reason to visit this emporium, but also to learn the colonial history of the town. Another way to see this island is on an ATV. You can visit the main beach or take a 5-10minutes hike to the deserted side of the island for more beaches (note they might be clothing optional). On top of that, its home to a variety of plants and animal species including the largest collection of butterflies in the Caribbean. This is a great place to swim or play in the waters even for the young kids. Expert cruise tips and news! European sophistication meets the warm laid-back nature of the Caribbean in the small and beautiful island of St. Maarten.
Where Nick Maley otherwise known as That Yoda Guy, who was one of the creators of Yoda from Star Wars, has created a sci-fi movie memorabilia museum. Enjoy shopping beautiful jewelry, sampling exotic rum drinks made from rare guava berries or hit the Casinos and try your luck. Whether it is kayaking, biking, swimming, or hiking, Tri-Sport knows how to show you the good stuff. Great Bay Beach is a 2 mile long stretch of white sandy beach that is located at the heart of Philipsburg about a 15-20minute walk from the cruise terminal. Grab a beach towel, umbrella or a sun lounger and enjoy a perfect beach day at this place. 5 min walk from port. There is fun for all ages offered by the zip line courses, hikes and boat trips offered here. Recommended! As is common in the Caribbean most taxi drivers double as tour guides, the same is true in St. Maarten.
Pinel Island is one of St. Martins best kept secrets. Commands: !ShakespeareInsult, !fordo, !optout. This excursion (with the SeaTrek helmet dive) costs around $110 and can be booked through St. Maarten Shore Excursions. We posted about the opening of this new zip line shore excursion right here.
Located just a few meters southeast of Orient beach, this beach features crystal-clear, warm, shallow waters that are great even for kids. This four-hour excursion is offered through Royal Caribbean and costs $100 per person, or cruisers can visit Loterie Farm independently. Enjoy the thrill of the challenge as you drive at full speed embracing the beauty of St Maarten. You should definitely carry a camera to capture all this. Here are some of the islands most unique and popular excursions for cruise passengers. Martin is a hub that most cruise lines include on Caribbean itineraries. We guarantee a full refund of your excursion deposit if your ship can not make it into the port of St Thomas, St John Private Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling Excursion, St John & Thomas Sailing Tour : Snorkeling, Beaches and Sailing, St Thomas Catamaran Sail & Snorkel Tour Half Day, 6 Hour Luxury Catamaran Sailing to St Johns for up to 12 passengers, Snorkel in the stunning Virgin Islands National Park in St. John, Continental Breakfast, gourmet hot lunch, beer, sodas and rum drinks included, 2-1/2 hr Guided Kayak and Snorkeling in Lagoon Cas Cay, Kayak and Snorkeling Instruction by knowledgable guides, Includes all snorkeling gear, safety gear, beverage and snack, Sail from St Thomas to St John and surrounding islands for 6 passengers max, Delicious hot lunch lunch with decadent chocolate dessert and open bar, 6 Hour Island Tour with Shopping and Beach Stop, Transportation to/from Cruise ship terminal or Resort, Stops at important St Thomas historical sites for photo ops, St Thomas Luxury Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling for up to 12 passengers, 3 hour Sailing and Snorkeling in St Thomas US Virgin Islands, Continental Breakfast, snacks, beer, sodas and rum drinks included, 1-1/2 hour Jetski Tour of St Thomas Coastline with Snorkeling, Powerful Waverunners for 1 to 2 passengers in small groups and expert guides, Snorkel at Christmas Cover or Lavongo Cay (subject to water conditions on the day of the tour0. 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. Airlines & Airports, Travel Industrys Top Advisors and Suppliers Connect at
If are yet to visit Philipsburg, St. Maarten then you now have reasons why you should. This nature reserve has a variety of lush plants, birds and marine life. In this museum he showcases relics form 54movies he worked on and others from his colleagues. Other than beach bumming, water activities, shopping, and dining, St. Maarten is also a place that inspires. St Maarten Cruise excursions warmly welcomes all Royal Caribbean Harmonyof the Seas Cruise Ship Passengers to Philipsburg, St Maarten. I am a bot and I swapp'd some of thy words with Shakespeare words. 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 flying over the beach at altitudes of less than 100 feet above ground level. Be one with nature, visit the great outdoors of St. Martin and enjoy a truly unique tropical paradise. Though airplane watching at Maho beach is an out of the world experience, it is not something that you want to experience for long. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Orient Bay is widely regarded to be among the best beaches in the Caribbean, and is the perfect setting for a day at the beach. Maho beach by SXM airport is fun, the planes pass a few feet over your head. The trip allows time for snorkeling or taking a break on the beach, and the boat also visits the picturesque areas of Creole Rock and Happy Bay for phenomenal photo opportunities. This lift will take you on a relaxing and scenic ride up the mountain. Take some photos and cringe at the overwhelming feeling of getting sandblasted. One more vote here for Captain Bob. If you choose to explore on your own, then you can take a taxi at the taxi stand at the end of the pier. The part-French, part Dutch-owned island of St. Maarten/St. Drinks at Driftwood Boat Bar on the west end of the beach is cheaper than Sunset bar at the East end. The beach features all necessary amenities for your comfort including sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, clean bathrooms, and restaurants. Cruise travelers will find an array of shore excursion options ranging from relaxing beach breaks and snorkeling to zip line adventures and aerial hover boarding. Orient Bay beach, situated in the north-eastern part of the island, is one of the islands largest and most popular beaches. If you dont find what you are looking for, click on Excursions in the top navigational buttons for a full listing of excursions. We specialize in unique and boutique tours in addition to our best for less excursions, offering excellent value for some of the most popular tours. Leave the touristy spots of St. Martin/Maarten and discover the hidden gems of the island in an off the beaten path adventure. There are water taxis, vehicles, trams, buses and even ATVs at the transport stand. A promenade has been developed along the waterfront and is lined with a vast range of restaurants and bars. Probably too late now, but Philipsburg is fun. We were there in December and just wanted a beach day so skipped the official excursions. We provide firsthand information on each and every excursion we offer and recommend the excursions that work best for you. If you loved blockbuster movies such as Men in Black, The Terminator and more then you will love taking a trip back memory lane at this place. Before long, the instructors will have travelers up on the boards and in the water catching waves. The Sunset Bar and Grill is located at the beach, which offers refreshments between landings. Our itinerary was changed yesterday; they removed St. Kitts and added St. Maarten. That explains the strange photos you might have seen of planes flying at almost an arms length above people on a beach. Most of the snorkeling is done on Simpson Bay found on the Dutch side or Mullet Bay beach adjacent to Maho beach. Then take a ride on the famous sky ride, a chairlift suspended from a flight cable hundreds of feet above the ground. The French capital of Saint-Martin is Marigot, and walking its streets evokes a sense of being in a small French village, rather than an island in the Caribbean. Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to bea useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. The highest point on St. Maarten. Speaking of panoramic views, check out the Flying Dutchman zip line course at the Rockland Estate which is located in historic Emilio Wilson Estate. Whom you can feed with unique cups of seeds while knowledgeable, caring guides tell you more about them. Covering 3060 hectares in the northeast side of the island is St. Martins Nature Reserve. It takes one 10-20 minutes to get to the heart of the colorful town of Philipsburg located 1 mile away from the pier. St Maarten Cruise Excursions recommends excursions for Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas passengers for your visit to St Maarten based on the arrival times, departure time of your the Harmony of the Seas as well as the length of your visit out our Port. For just $1 per adult and free for children and students, St. Maarten museum is a must visit. The emporium also showcases and sells a variety of unique Caribbean spices. Take a tour of the island on top of this powerful bikes, navigating the rugged terrain on dirt paths through the forest areas, and on the rugged coastlines. Though the museum is small its a history buffs paradise, filled with rich island history from as early as 500BC. The Rotary Lookout Point is another secret gem on the island of St. Martin. Get all your handy beach accessories from Amazon before your cruise. However, if you are a more adventurous soul, there is much to see and do in both the Dutch and French side. St Maarten Cruise Excursions offers a variety of options for you to choose from. Lazy around under the clear blue skies and warm weather sipping on cold cocktails. Kindly note that due to the devastating Hurricane Irma that hit the island in September 2017, a lot of the island was damaged and is still recovering. And if you need a break, the best duty-free shopping in Philipsburg is just a stones throw away. This popular destination in the eastern Caribbean is found in the lesser Antilles Archipelago. Nope Harmony is still sailing tomorrow as far as we know. Hi everyone - we are leaving tomorrow for a 7 night cruise on Harmony of the Sea. Enjoy the rich history behind this old plantation estate. Just walk up to the transport booth at the end of the pier and choose from a number of choices availed to you. This is a must-visit island while on the French side of St.Martin.
The butterfly nature reserve hosts over 100 species of butterflies from everywhere in the world. Nearby, visitors can check out the beach that offers several beach bars, restaurants, and small hotels. Frugal travelers, will appreciate the beach side market square with the 'lolos', serving grilled lobster, barbecue food, and local treats. Taxis are readily available at the port area, as well as aroundPhilipsburg and most popular tourist areas. The tour can be done through a boat excursion around the islands coastline with brief stops in major tourist areas. Take a catamaran from Simpson Bay to Anguilla/Shoal Bay or to Prickly Pear. There are at least three restaurants on the island that serve everything from seafood to BBQ and local specials. The beach itself is white sand and has little to no vegetation because of jet blast erosion. These ATV excursions can be booked through most major cruise lines and cost around $100 per day. If you are a nature lover then you wont want to miss the Butterfly Farm at St. Maarten tucked away amidst the mountains on the French side. Prickly Pear is a small uninhabited island west of Anguilla. There are a lot of tours you can take, either on your own, with a private driver or through a group tour. Docking at the island is smooth, courtesy of the large pier that accommodates up to 7 ships. Happy Cruising. Entertainment, How JetBlues Acquisition of Spirit Could Alter Air Travel
Royal Caribbean cruise ships dock on the Dutch side of the island, right outside of the Dutch capital ofPhilipsburg. A boat transfer only takes 30 minutes to get to the island. You can do this by taking a scenic walk on the Philipsburg boardwalk or go sightseeing and window-shopping on the waterfront street a block behind the boardwalk. Spend your day at Great Bay Beach enjoying the shallow calm crystal clear waters. It was a cheap, mellow beach day. Travelers can also descend down a 20-foot ladder with a helmet on their shoulders for an underwater stroll past a helicopter, a sunken submarine, a shipwreck, cannons, and a statue of King Neptune. Maho Beach is a small beach on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island, located adjacent toPrincess Juliana International Airport. We were not scheduled to dock in St., Royal Caribbean announced more changes to its scheduled itineraries due to Hurricane Irma.Adventure of the Seas will, Following the devastation of Hurricane Irma, Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas willbe the first commercial cruise, The hurricanes of 2017 damaged the beach. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Royal Caribbean Blog. Most cruise lines and local tour operators offer a snuba excursion for diving beginners and amateurs, where you are allowed to dive without a tank, but with an air pipe tethered to air tanks on the surface of the water. I didnt go on a scheduled excursion this last time but had a great time walking around the town. The coral reef a few yards from the beach acts as a barrier that protects the pools from rough surf making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, floating or just wading in. Let the rich aroma of Caribbean cuisines guide you to an eatery, and grab a quick bite, before getting on with the rest of the days activities. Airlines & Airports, 19 Hidden Travel Fees to Watch Out for This Summer
Expect to enjoy a mixture of water sports adventures, exploration tours, delicious Caribbean-style French cuisine and a perfect beach day. Besides that, you can also try the famous French cuisine. Besides they depend on your tourism as their number one economic activity which also helps them gain funds to rebuild. St Maarten offers an abundance of excursions and activities to delight cruisers of all ages. This is a fun family bonding adventure that you will absolutely love. The zip line course at this farm dubbed the extreme fly zone shouldnt be missed. So, get to the port early to have the best of the two places. If you are lucky enough to find Nick and his wife, they will pose for photos and autograph any purchases you make at the gift store. Airplanes fly right over your head. Maho beach aligns perfectly with the runway at Princess Julia airport. There are plenty of small islands to explore near St. Maarten and what better way to do so than on a private yacht/catamaran tour around the island. We havent gotten anything from Royal Caribbean besides delaying the boarding time by 1.5 hours. A quick tour of the island with all its highlights is the best way to explore St. Maarten. Harmony is still sailing tomorrow. Just did get back. To get around the island you will need a vehicle and luckily transport is readily available at the end of the short pier. The museum also displays head casts of famous actor/actresses and historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln. It has a beautiful stretch of sand and clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and other water sports. Taking a tour of St. Maarten allows you to get a "taste" of the highlights and maybe set yourself up for something on a future visit. Visitors can learn about conservation efforts at Loterie Farm, a 300-year-old estate located on the slopes of the highest peak on the island's French side. Just dont lose track of time, lest your boat leaves you. On a cruise vacation in the eastern Caribbean, you're likely to spend time in Philipsburg, St.Maarten so let's take a look at some of the best things to do. Do you have a recommendation for somethingto do in St. Maarten? Orient Beach is the most developed, the most popular and the busiest beach on the island andis reputed as much for its natural beauty and setting as it is for being the islands foremost swimsuit optional beach. 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. Most deals include free drinks for chair and umbrella rentals. Grand-Case is well known for its exquisite dining and has the perfect mix of attractions in and around its center.
You can do this via an excursion booked with your cruise line or a DIY tour. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, and one of the big factors will be cost. Graced with a long stretch of white powdery sand beach and crystal clear blue waters, Orient beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Dont be alarmed, however, as you will rarely dock with 6 other ships. The unofficial subreddit to chat about all the WOW moments while sailing with RCCI! You can wander the streets of central Marigot, and discoverold Creole houses, restored in the traditional Saint Martinoise style and often housing luxury boutiques. For just $10 per adult or $5 per kid, you will absolutely enjoy this incredible place. Therefore, plan your trip to coincide with the weather that you prefer to avoid getting disappointed with your trip. The first beach you will come across on the island is Great Bay beach which is readily accessible from the boardwalk. Tintamarre is home to numerous sea turtles and snorkelers may have a chance to see them underwater. You may use your Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Take the mountainside staircase up the steep hill to get to the fort at the top. Here are some popular options for what to do on your day in St. Maarten. St Maarten is uniquely situated in an ideal location that provides access to incredible sea and land Harmonys. Thats all for St. Maarten for now. Lots of fun. The village of Grand Case has retained all its authenticity, particularly in its housing. This drivers/guides will take you on a guided tour around the island starting from the Dutch sidean then to the French side stopping briefly at popular tourist attractions. The island features some of the best beaches in St. Martin. We do not recommend going here until it is rebuilt.Picking the right shore, Royal Caribbean cruises that stop in the island paradise of St. Maarten/St. Our second port stop takes us to St. Maarten, but we will get to that later. All this combined with the varying cultures of its inhabitants makes it the perfect cruise destination in the Antilles. Restaurant was convenient for beers and restroom, although we didnt eat there. Not so much if "we" means with kids, I think only for 12 and up due to ski lift up the hill. March 19, 2015 9:00 PM ET. Learn this islands incredible history at St. Maarten museum on Front Street in Philipsburg. Maho Beach. Marigot is also well known for its duty-free shopping,with a focus on luxury and French fashion. You can actually get popular Tortuga Caribbean Rum Cake and more from Amazon. The beach sure lives up to this praise and doesnt disappoint. Do you guys have any suggestions on what shore excursion to pick? Features & Advice, TravelPulse Podcast: Big Cities, Big Entertainment Helping Travel
We hope you enjoy your visit to the Philipsburg, St Maarten. One such hill just a few yards from Marigots busy center hosts one of St. Martins historical monuments, Fort Louis. From here you get panoramic views of the bay, the town and far away islands. We took the water taxi to the second stop ($7 round trip per person) and walked. Enjoy the picturesque scenery of the vast blue waters, and the lush green countryside as you zoom your way down the mountain. Its a magnificent lookout point at the Coralita site just 10minutes from Orient Bay. They highlight the islands beauty and give you a glimpse into the world below. One of the most popular things to do in St. Maarten is to watch airplanes land at Princess Julia International airport. Please have a look at our Recommended Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas and Itineraries. There are plenty other things to enjoy in this cruise destination including golfing, private yacht trips, culinary tours, and nature explorations. Airlines & Airports, Copyright 2022 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. And even if it happens, the island has plenty of attractions which helps spread out the masses. Horses wade through the sparkling water during the one hour-ride, and just next door is the butterfly farm and Orient Beach two great stops after riding. Just got back, Maho beach. 100 Lighting Way Secaucus, NJ 07094-3626 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000, Last updated: 06:50 AM ET, Tue August 02 2022, La Casa de la Playa, Exclusively Your Way. Travel Agent, NCL Takes Delivery of Norwegian Prima
The taxis charge one fixed price and the trick here is to go in a large group of at least 8 people to lower the cost per head. Or go mountain biking and experience something new while in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. Artists in St. Martin have been inspired by the islands beauty to create some of the most stunning pieces of art you will ever see. Destination & Tourism, How US Airlines Rank for In-Flight Experience
Lots of guys meet the taxi and will offer to rent you chairs at their section of beach. It has soft white beaches, great hiking opportunities, and plenty of snorkeling. Island Marketing Ltd offers tours and excursions for almost every budget and individual need. There are many snorkeling and diving spots around St. Martin which have clear warm waters that allow light to sip through making them perfect for this activity. It is located on Orient Bay and is accessible by boat from the Cul de Sac. There are picnic areas at this shoreline so you have plenty to do on this secret gem courtesy of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten. There are also a number of cultural hot spots to check out, including the St. Maarten Museum, Courthouse and Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation. Perhaps the best way to experience the beautiful Seaside Nature Park is on horseback along a five-mile beach. Spend the day at a Tiki hut on a floating snorkeling platform in a secluded cove over a marine park. Dont just play in the cruise ships casino, mix things up in Phillipsburg. Grab a tube and hold on as you slide through the forest careening and bending at every curve to get to the bottom. The biodiversity represented on this side of the island is simply amazing. Once done at the Dutch side celebrate visiting two countries within just minutes as you cross the border over to the French side. A visit to Marigot is a great choice for guests looking to do a bit of shopping, or enjoy French food while in town. Besides shopping and eating, the next best thing to do while on the French side is to hike up the green hills in its background. June to December is the rainy season on the island, and this is also the Hurricane season. The airport is nestled between a mountain on one end and a beach on the other. Showing artifacts and curved items from the Arawaks and old photographs and important memorabilia of the colonial governments of the island. Most rental companies provide a safety briefing, map of the island, and useful information on places to see (Orient Beach is a popular gathering point and is also home to a naturalist beach). We then can provide you with options on how to avoid the busy excursions when this is appropriate. Marigot is full of wonderful shopping and dining choices, along with easy access to the the water. Taking Luxury Travel to the Next Level
Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below! At the bay, the waters are shallow and the clearest you will ever see. St. Maarten as most other Caribbean destination experiences the tropical monsoon climate where its hot throughout the year. This five-hour trip is offered through Shoretrips.com and costs around $105 per person. Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Getting a taxi, rented vehicle or any other means of transportation is easy in St. Maarten. While still on the French side, visit the most popular beach on St. Maarten, Orient beach. The beach itself is a wide swath of pristine white sandy beach. Go enjoy swimming, snorkeling and exploring. There are a number of snorkeling combination excursions in St. Maarten, but to spend the most time in the water, the trip to Pinel Island and Tintamarre is an excellent option. This pretty place has awesome snorkeling and its a nice island getaway with a picturesque tropical aura. You will get to do a lot of sightseeing so have your cameras ready to capture those perfect shots of the beauty and wonder of the place. To help you plan your trip there, here is a list of things to do on a port day in St. Maarten: To start with, you will enjoy docking at St. Maarten as tendering is not necessary. This is the most convenient beach for a cruiser not wanting to wander far from the cruise terminal as its located just a short distance from the cruise port. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. Press J to jump to the feed. Theyve catered the boardwalk to tourists. Only be ready to part with a small fortune when all is done. Sorry that your cruise got cancelled though ! That beach is Maho beach in St. Martin, make sure to stop by here before the end of your trip.
We've done a lot of different things in St. Maarten over the years and never had a bad time, but that was definitely one of our best port days there. The best time to visit is early in the morning when young butterflies emerge from their cocoons.
Also Read:13 Stunning St. Maarten Beaches You Should Experience.