Cruise portsCrew membersDestinationsBlogAbout me, ContactPrivacy policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimer, We use cookies to improve your experience. Having worked in the cruise industry for over 7 years as Concierge and Shore excursions staff (Rivages du Monde, Viking River Cruises, Royal Caribbean International), Ive gained priceless, inside knowledge about the ports of call and have become a shore excursions expert. My name is Katarina and welcome to my cruise & travel blog! February 18. With more than 30 unique beaches to choose from, the island offers no shortage of places to kick back and relax with your toes in the sand and a cold drink in hand. The organized boat tours normally take you to the islands best snorkeling sites and off-the-beaten-path places of incredible beauty. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-14735143', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flight depending upon many conditions at the airport. No, there is no direct ferry from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay. Rental Car this can be a great way to see the island, especially if you have more than a group of 3 people. Explore St Maarten/St Martin sightseeing tours and activities. More 1 hour Free Cancellation From $9.00 Shared Departure Transfer: Hotel to St Maarten Airport 86 The cruise port is located on the French side of the island. Cookie Policy - There is no route to take to avoid the draw bridge. . St Maarten the Eastern Caribbean pearl boasting stunning beaches, lush tropical nature, and kind, friendly residents is an island of diversities! The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. The French route it is just too much travel time and distance. Sometimes ships drop anchor in the bay in front of Philipsburg and tender people to shore. A spot of late afternoon blinding sunshine . 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. The bus is only $2 per person and will drop you off in the parking lot. . How to get from St Maarten cruise port to Maho Beach in one day. For more information about COVID-19 protocols, please visit www.stmaartenupdates.com. Absolutely not. Once you get there, youll spot a small roundabout with plenty of taxi vehicles waiting for the cruise passengers to take them to Philipsburg city center or elsewhere. Airport: St Maartens airport is called St Maartens Princess Juliana International Airport. 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. Book a shared arrival transfer from Princess Juliana International Airport to your hotel, and enjoy a stress-free start to your trip in St Maarten, or St Martin. Cruise tourists contribute around 7,1% to Puerto Rico's economy. Rodael ingored my email and car booking request made from their website. My favorite is the guava berry colada. Posted Wednesday at 09:11 PM. 1 mile from the cruise terminal. The cheapest way to get from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay is to ferry which costs $20-$50 and takes 1h 10m. The fastest way to get from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay is to ferry. . 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. Many, many thanks for all the expert help! The most popular and convenient one is the Great Bay beach. The Seabourn Pride docks at 8 am but now I'm thinking of simply flying to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The most famous of all the beaches on the island is Maho Bay Beach thanks to its proximity to the airport. The road distance is 5 miles. Related Post:Best Snorkel Locations in the Caribbean. 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. 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. 2. The cruise ships often dock on the Dutch side near Philipsburg. Id really been expecting a Dutch island. ', 'Should I book online before I travel? Philipsburg: Awarded Cruise Harbor. The roads were not meant to carry current traffic volumes, resulting slow driving times. From the deck of your ship you will be able to see this pier (longer pier with red rooftop). Taxis you will see passengers lining up at the pier for taxis, by destination and fare type. Anyone familiar with Villa Oyster Pearl and/or Dawn Beach? Welcome to the St. Maarten cruise port guide. Your email address will not be published. St. Martin is one of the best shopping ports of the Caribbean. It's a simple, cost-effective option and transport is by comfortable bus. . To get around the island you will need a vehicle and luckily transport is readily available at the end of the short pier. See All St Martin / St Maarten Conversations, Please recommend an all inclusive 5* adult only resort. 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. Visit the Loterie farm, St. Maarten zoo, the Butterfly farm or be blown away at one of the worlds most dangerous airports for example. Just visited Dec 26th - was told by multiple people that 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. 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. . You are free to walk, but you can also take the water taxi or a regular taxi. Its the best place to enjoy a perfect beach day. 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. 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. $45/Adult. There are plenty of busses that run between Philipsburg and Marigot. Hi, the 27th is on a Saturday ---your docking time WILL BE KEY. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 1h 10m. Do Not Sell My Personal Information -, Fodor's may use your email address to send you relevant information on site updates, account changes, and offers. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. Taking this option will cost $20-$50 and takes 1h 10m. Whether you book a shore excursion with the cruise line, a third party vendor, or a local tour operator, there are numerous locations in the area to spot a variety of marine life. The French call this part of the island Saint Martin and they call their main city Marigot. However US dollar are widely accepted. This island also has a beach lined with loungers and umbrellas to relax after your snorkeling trek. At its Great Bay is the Port of St. Maarten, a main gateway for experiencing the few blocks of historic city nearby. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88299383', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise ships have that as an excursion it's the sunset beach bar . If you want to take a glimpse of the whole island, you should definitely join a sightseeing tour that covers both St Maarten and St Martin highlights.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'adventourbegins_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); You can either take a taxi/car and explore on your own, or you can join one of the sightseeing tours organized by your cruise line or independent tour operators. Cancun cruise port schedule 2023-2024-2025, map, address, ship terminals, hotels, tours, shore excursions. The Dutch call their part of the island Sint Maarten and its capital is Philipsburg. Amongst many others, ships of Carnival Cruises, MSC Cruises, P&O, Royal Caribbean, TUI and Windstar have the island in their itineraries. Dont Miss: Carnival Cruise Terminal Mobile Al. See map above to see the exact location. Allow at least 1/2 hour to get to the airport. and that is Christmas week, so it might even take longer. St Maartens cruise port is in the capital city- Philipsburg which has space for a whole load of cruise ships to dock at once. There is also an internet cafe at the cruise terminal. 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. From the beach in Philipsburg you can see the ships in the distance. The walk is 100-200 meters long , and in case you have difficulty in walking, there is a small trolley that can take you there for free. This was a key date for the cruise tourism. 9. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Great value shore excursions, prices lower than the cruise lines. See here for more information. Rotary Lookout Point A beautiful viewpoint is part of the French Nature Reserve offering scenic views of the east coast of Saint Martin and Lucas Bay. For the latest travel status in Saint Martin, please check government recommendations. (At the end nearest the car park is also, FYI, a public bathroom. 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 ? Old Street in Philipsburg | Photo: Vacation St. Maarten/Facebook, How to Indulge At the Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port | Celebrity Cruises, Symphony of the Seas | Our first Royal Caribbean Cruise | Port Day St. Maarten, St Maarten Cruise Terminal Philipsburg Cruise Ship Port St Martin, How Much Are Drinks On Viking River Cruises, Where Are Norwegian Cruise Ships Registered, Where Do Viking River Cruises Dock In Amsterdam, Can You See The Northern Lights On An Alaskan Cruise, Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive, What Is The Best Month To Take An Alaskan Cruise, Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Puerto Rico, Cruise Lines Departing From Mobile Alabama. Shopping: at the cruise terminal or in townTransportation: 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. At its Great Bay is the Port of St. Maarten, a main gateway for experiencing the few blocks of historic city nearby. Large dock and cruise terminal available: 1 mile from Philipsburg Tender dock available right in town. Families with kids are welcome at Sonestas sister hotel, the Maho Beach Resort & Casino, located on the same property. To start with, you will enjoy docking at St. Maarten as tendering is not necessary. In the 17th century, both the Dutch and the French colonized St. Maarten. Good to know, ya know.). There is a reef extending off the coast affording shallow, calm water and an abundance of fish. The public ferry leaves from the port of Marigot on St. Martin (the French side of the island), while SXM Airport is on St. Maarten (the Dutch side). 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 Dutch side draw bridge will open at 9:30 A.M. After you have bought your ticket you will receive a paper bracelet as proof of payment and you proceed to the pier. The crowds of people waiting for planes to land took up almost the entire middle of the beach closest to the runway. Thank you for reading and Happy Cruising! Use of this website constitutes acceptance of our. Make sure to take some home with you. Currency: The official currency in St Maarten is the Antillean Guilder and the Euro depending on which side you are on. It occupies the northern part of the island, and the capital is Marigot, a charming town known for its vibrant markets and beautiful beaches, dominated by Fort St. Louis, the 18th-century military fort offering amazing panoramic views of the island.var cid='2861769772';var pid='ca-pub-7965674744033396';var slotId='div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-medrectangle-3-0';var ffid=2;var alS=2021%1000;var container=document.getElementById(slotId);container.style.width='100%';var ins=document.createElement('ins');ins.id=slotId+'-asloaded';ins.className='adsbygoogle ezasloaded';ins.dataset.adClient=pid;ins.dataset.adChannel=cid;if(ffid==2){ins.dataset.fullWidthResponsive='true';} Amenities include a restaurant with outdoor seating and beach lounges with umbrellas. The fare is 2 to 3 US dollar. Thats right, the end of the runway sits along the edge of the water and landing planes swoop down directly overhead. 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. #1. 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. Below is the list of the main Philipsburg attractions: See the list of the best Philipsburg toursif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'adventourbegins_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-banner-1-0'); rel="sponsored nofollow noopener", Check out St Maarten/St Martin beach tours and activities. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Hi! This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Enjoy The Beaches. If youre looking for more of an adventure, there are kayak, paddleboard and even jet ski rentals available at several locations in Philipsburg. I will be disembarking a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? distance from st maarten airport to cruise port more, St Martin / St Maarten Destination Experts. 1h 34m. Its also a very beautiful place to have a wedding at. Taxi fare from the cruise pier in Phillipsburg to Orient beach is about $30 + tip each way. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. . 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!!! Simpson Bay Resort Marina & Spa. The zip line course at this farm dubbed the extreme fly zone shouldnt be missed. The French route it is just too much travel time and distance. Traffic is crazy that time of year. I'll probably just catch a Taxi from the ship. When cruise ships return to the docks of Philipsburg this summer, Sint Maarten is going to be ready. 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. 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. How to get from St Maarten cruise port to Maho Beach in one day. Leave the piers and head to the right, where theres a row of taxis waiting to leave. St Maarten / St Martin has for decades been a popular port of call for cruise passengers. 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. 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. 4. After registering, I can manage my newsletter subscriptions by visiting my Profile Settings page. Nowadays, the island reflects a blend of two cultures and mentalities that learned to live, work, and grow together. It is within sight of the ship, in the city centre and there are lots of facilities. The government regulates taxi fares by zone and number of passengers . St. Maarten's cruise port is within an easy 5 to 10 minute walking distance to Philipsburg. I had a great day watching the planes on Maho Beach, but will I be going back there in a hurry, pals? Last updated: March 1 | Data sourced from: ACAPS, OXFORD. And yet there really is just a simple wire fence separating the road from the runway. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Photo courtesy of Rene Cicero.St Maarten cruise terminal. I only know two rental companies located near the cruise port. Chesterfields located closest to the pier, on the way to Philipsburg has a great view and pub fare, Lazy Lizard Beach Bar & Grill rated as the #1 restaurant in St. Maarten, this casual stop offers burgers, sandwiches, seafood and Johnny Cakes, Dirty Sanchez Crew Bar rated as the #1 bar in St. Maarten, offering fantastic cocktails in a fun atmosphere, Ital Shack super laid back, offers local, organic, vegan fare and fresh juices for a reasonable price, Burger Madness Amazing burgers with all the toppings you could imagine, located right on the beach. Marigot to Grand Case should take 15 minutes, but here as well it can sometimes take longer. The Dutch side is called Sint Maarten (St Maarten) and occupies the southern half of the island. I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails. GOOD LUCK. . It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. The journey should only take about 20 minutes, but we spent almost double that crawling along in a long line of cars. 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. How to Get to Philipsburg From the St. Maarten Cruise Port Cruise ships dock at the AC Wathey Pier & Port Facility around 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) south of Philipsburg center. Getting a taxi, rented vehicle or any other means of transportation is easy in St. Maarten. The Airplane Beach in St Maarten is not what I was expecting. Start your shopping day at Front street in the heart of Philipsburg. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Especially considering all the cheese shops wed passed en route in the taxi. No need to worry. There are 105+ hotels available in Port de Galisbay. http://www.yapta.com/search/results/?id=03735b347bad15f9770ef1e8a196df8c. Limassol Cruise Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions, Mykonos Cruise Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions, Split Cruise Port Guide (Croatia), Things to Do, Shore Excursions, Dubrovnik Cruise Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions, Catania Cruise Port Guide (Sicily), Things to Do, Shore Excursions, The port area and Philipsburg downtown are, The roads in St Maarten are well-developed and clearly marked, so a. Dutch is the official language on the Dutch side, and French on the French side, however, English is widely spoken.