The cruise port was visited by 6,8 million cruise tourists in 2008-2009, 7,9M (2014-2015) and 1,5M (2015-2016). 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. Walk three fourths of a mile, ride in a land taxi or take a quick water taxi to the tourist district. I had a great day watching the planes on Maho Beach, but will I be going back there in a hurry, pals? Underneath you will find your transportation options: The water taxi is a very popular way to go to the city centre of Philipsburg. A scenic half-hour taxi ride from port is Marigot, the main town on the French side. For the latest travel status in Saint Martin, please check government recommendations. As part of the islands COVID-19 response, all travelers to the island by air must complete a mandatory electronic health authorization application or they will not be able to board their flight. The French side draw bridge will open at 8:15 A.M. Hopefully you will already have been at the airport one hour before the Dutch side bridge opens. Dont be alarmed, however, as you will rarely dock with 6 other ships. - to help you get the most out of your next trip. Its about a half-hour walk to get from the Philipsburg pier to the center of town. No, there is not a beach within walking distance of the St. Maarten cruise port. The journey should only take about 20 minutes, but we spent almost double that crawling along in a long line of cars. Philipsburg: Awarded Cruise Harbor. One price will do you for the day and youll get a great view of the harbor. rene verdugo urquidez released SU,F's Musings from the Interweb. Alow more time to return as traffic tends to back-up coming into Phillipsburg. It takes approximately 1h 10m to get from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay, including transfers. You might also catch a glimpse of sea turtles and stingrays during your snorkeling adventure. The rusting cannons of Fort Amsterdam guard the many cruise ships that make a port of call in St. Maarten. That was very silly of me. Heres a list of a few more suggestion in Phillipsburg: Dont Miss: Cruise Lines Departing From Mobile Alabama. Alternatively, there are water taxis available from the cruise terminal for only USD$7 round trip. 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. Dont Miss: Carnival Cruise Port Norfolk Virginia. The most famous of all the beaches on the island is Maho Bay Beach thanks to its proximity to the airport. Barcelona airport from cruise ship in 3 hours ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88437021', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mullet Bay. We advice you to book in advance. . Water Taxi a great way to get to downtown Philipsburg for a low cost. However, you can take the ferry to Anguilla then take the ferry to St. Martin. The bus is only $2 per person and will drop you off in the parking lot. The Guava berry Emporium is located on Front Street in Phillipsburg in an old townhouse, you cant miss the big liquor bottle at the entrance. It is also an option to walk from the cruise terminal to Philipsburg city center, but take in mind it will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes. After you have bought your ticket you will receive a paper bracelet as proof of payment and you proceed to the pier. Want more tales from the Caribbean? Cruise ships dock at A.C. Wathey Pier, in Dutch St. Maarten. Hi, the 27th is on a Saturday ---your docking time WILL BE KEY. For the latest travel status, we recommend checking the official page for Saint Martin. #ihavethisthing. Of course, if youd prefer to snorkel right off the beach in St. Maarten, you can do that too. Over time, the Dutch and French found ways to maintain their island colonies, respecting each others cultures and heritage. Is visa required for Canadian PR card holders ? Rome2rio makes travelling from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay easy. Taxis you will see passengers lining up at the pier for taxis, by destination and fare type. Even more encouraging news arrived a couple of weeks later when five cruise ships visited St Martin on Christmas and Boxing Day Marella and Independence of the Seas , Grandeur of the Seas, Azamara Quest and Jewel of the Seas . It features a large pool, restaurants and large picnic-play grounds. Both beach bars on the beach are up and running for some time. But eventually the tide came in so close that there was nothing else for it but to pack up and move on. Both the Dutch (Sint Maarten) and French (Saint Martin) sides are beautiful and offer various sights and activities. Coastal has some no-so-good reviews and that worries me. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 1h 10m. Source: Viator.com, Captain Bob Speed Boat, Snorkeling, and Beach Tour with Lunch, St Maarten/Saint Martin off-road island tours are. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. Read the full cruise port guide here. The zip line course at this farm dubbed the extreme fly zone shouldnt be missed. the trip from the dock to the airport usually takes closer to 30 minutes and often much more when the traffic is bad. And even if it happens, the island has plenty of attractions which helps spread out the masses. No need to worry. Leisure Car rental provides clean and well-maintained vehicles in all categories. In the sea, people swam and jumped in the swell whilst waiting for the next plane to land. One is Rodael Car Rental and the other one is Coastal Car Rental. Leave the piers and head to the right, where theres a row of taxis waiting to leave. ins.style.display='block';ins.style.minWidth=container.attributes.ezaw.value+'px';ins.style.width='100%';ins.style.height=container.attributes.ezah.value+'px';container.appendChild(ins);(adsbygoogle=window.adsbygoogle||[]).push({});window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'stat_source_id',44);window.ezoSTPixelAdd(slotId,'adsensetype',1);var lo=new MutationObserver(window.ezaslEvent);lo.observe(document.getElementById(slotId+'-asloaded'),{attributes:true}); Despite the occasional conflicts they had in history, French and Dutch nations have lived together on this tiny piece of land for over three centuries. St. Martin is one of the best shopping ports of the Caribbean. If you are planning to go to the beach than youll find that most beach beds nowadays come with wi-fi access. So, if you are looking for the cheapest way to enjoy the Maho beach, then the local bus is an ideal way. For travel planning advice, please refer to our Rome2rio Coronavirus information page . Ask for specifications at the booth. The fare is 2 to 3 US dollar. Re: St Martin airport beach to cruise port. . Distance to Cruise Port: 5.8 miles Distance from Airport: 8 minutes. Coastal has some no-so-good reviews and that worries me. For more packing tips, check out my article. 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. Hungry and thirsty when we arrived, we sat on the covered decking of the Sunset Beach Bar (check out their live webcam of the planes landing if youre curious), and ordered fries and drinks. A boat transfer only takes 30 minutes to get to the island. And best of all the taxi charges are standardized by the government. St Maartens cruise port is in the capital city- Philipsburg which has space for a whole load of cruise ships to dock at once. Great Bay Beach, a long boardwalk and shopping on Front Street run side by side. You can either take the watertaxi right to the center of this street or walk from the cruise terminal which will take you about 20 to 30 minutes. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Our St. Maarten cruise excursions and island tours allow you to experience all the wonder of the Dutch part of the twin island, complete with water sports, hiking and biking, marine life, and quaint history in the capital of Philipsburg. It boasts an impressive infrastructure that can accommodate a large number of cruise ships simultaneously, including the worlds largest cruise ships. There's no physical border or customs checkpoint between the two sides. At St. Martins cruise terminal you will find international and local shops, tourist information, cafes and restaurants and a (water)taxi service.The cruise dock is about 1,5 km or 1 mile from the city centre of Philipsburg. Distance: 4 km Duration: 1h 10m What companies run services between St Maarten Airport (SXM), Sint Maarten and Marigot, Saint Martin? Airplanes create quite humungous jet blasts when theyre taking off, and so it seems fairly logical that you shouldnt stand too close. Cruise tourists contribute around 7,1% to Puerto Rico's economy. It's famous because if you're there at the right time, and if you've got the right spot on the beach, planes will fly . The buses depart at back street (one of the 2 main streets in Philipsburg). It takes about 20 minutes if the roads are clear. See map above to see the exact location. The centuries-old liquor is a part of St. Maartens culture, there are songs and stories dedicated to the Guava Berry. 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. This is where you catch the watertaxi to the centre of Philipsburg. However, you must leave the airport (which requires going through immigration) and take a cab to get to the ferry port . This post was sponsored by the island of Sint Maarten, Recommended Reading: Can You See The Northern Lights On An Alaskan Cruise. Oyster Pond A community located in the eastern part of the island, overlooking Lucas Bay. After Hurricane Irma in 2017, St. Maarten suffered significant damage that its still working to recover from. Whether you are coming for the first time or you have already been, make sure you plan your day ahead to maximize your stay in this amazing port of call. Other popular beaches are not within walking distance, but if you are willing to take a taxi we can recommend Dawn beach, Mullet Bay Beach or Orient Beach. I would recommend a taxi ride from cruise port to Mullet Bay instead of excursion. Why You Should Use Public Transportation to Maho Beach from the Cruise Port Resort Beach Day. Read more about your options in the full Philipsburg, St. Maarten cruise port guide. !as they posed for group photos. 3. And time recommended for the drive? All you have to do is to provide the tour operator with the ship name, arrival, and departure time upon booking a tour. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. Regardless of your choice, you should include the places below on your sightseeing list: Insider tip: If you are booking a tour, make sure its organized in small groups, cruise ship friendly, and guarantees your return to the ship! ', 'How much should I expect to pay? Do you have a special shop, museum, attraction or tour you would like to share? Sorry, that would be a .2-acre island governed by Norway and Sweden. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-14761279', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flights to San Juan. Taxi fare from the cruise pier in Phillipsburg to Orient beach is about $30 + tip each way. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-14741495', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');cruise personel and they will make sure you make your connection at the airport. You did not say what time the ship arrives however once you are in the taxi it is a 30 minute ride +/- depending upon traffic conditions which may or may not add another 15-20 minutes to your ride. Photo courtesy of Rene Cicero.St Maarten cruise terminal. Best Philipsburg, St. Maarten excursions. The liquor is a rare combination of aged rum, sugar cane, and wild guava berries found in the central part of the island. Marigot is the main town and capital in the French Collectivity of Saint Martin. Because of this vibrant but peaceful history the island shows two beautiful and diverse faces and personalities. Enjoy The Beaches. 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. Rome2rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. As previously mentioned, Mullet Bay was fantastic. Currently, we are unable to provide travel restriction information for leaving Sint Maarten. A church in the vicinity contains a stone fascia with open-air side walls and a ceiling, which is the form of a hull of a ship. The port is a popular cruise-ship stop. In the 17th century, both the Dutch and the French colonized St. Maarten. See here for more information. Cruise Terminal to Airport (Philipsburg, St Maarten) ? Its the best place to enjoy a perfect beach day. La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin rel="sponsored nofollow noopener"if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventourbegins_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-leader-1-0'); If you want to have an adrenaline-packed day filled with water activities and island exploration, you should go for one of the numerous boat tours offered by your cruise line and independent tour operators. 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 . Thank you for reading and Happy Cruising! You can rent the ATV on your own, or you can book one of the off-road tours that will take you through the rugged terrain of the island and stop at the islands main landmarks. The St. Maarten cruise terminal does not provide free wi-fi, but youll find that wifi is often included with a purchase at one of the cafes and restaurants at the cruise terminal. Find all the transport options for your trip from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay right here. Get FREE email communications from Fodor's Travel, covering must-see travel destinations, expert trip planning advice, and travel inspiration to fuel your passion. The French side draw bridge will open at 8:15 A.M. Hopefully you will already have been at the airport one hour before the Dutch side bridge opens. Whenever a plane appeared, twinkling in the distance of the now completely vivid blue sky, the throngs would gather tighter together, all vying for the best spot. See St Maarten cruise port on Google mapsif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'adventourbegins_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-medrectangle-4-0');St Maarten cruise port (on the left) and Philipsburg (on the right). The first beach you will come across on the island is Great Bay beach which is readily accessible from the boardwalk. However, there are services departing from Sint Maarten and arriving at St. Martin via Anguilla. The information provided by this website is subject to change and therefore information can be inaccurate. Sint Maarten has several COVID-19 testing centers on the island and many of the hotels and resorts have sample collection services for getting tested upon your return home. Thats right, the end of the runway sits along the edge of the water and landing planes swoop down directly overhead. This is where you want to take a large group of friends or family for a fun hangout. (But its still pretty fun to be in the sea when a plane comes in to land.). Alternatively, you can take the drive to Port de Galisbay. Posted January 17, 2011. The Guava berry Emporium is the spot to taste and sample this locally made liquor. It makes for a cool picture, but for those looking to relax in solitude, this isnt the beach for you. It is narrow, generally extremely crowded (especially when there are lots of cruise ships in port), and there are plenty of tacky bars offering neon-coloured cocktails, beers, and baskets of fries and chicken wings. . Snorkel Gear and Scuba Diving Equipment Tips by a Pro! Aside from the great climate Sint Maarten is known for its shopping! Tour guides usually wait for cruise ship passengers here, but make sure you come on time because this area can be extremely busy, and might be challenging to find your tour meeting place.google.com/maps/. The processing time for the application takes about 12 hours to process, so make sure you do it a day or two before your flight to ensure its approved in time. more, St Martin / St Maarten Destination Experts. On Monday, December 4, 2017, Viking Sea was the first cruise ship to call at the island of St Maarten since the passing of hurricane Irma earlier in September that same year. 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. To start with, you will enjoy docking at St. Maarten as tendering is not necessary. Kids 3 and under are free and it is cheaper than taking a cab if you wish to go downtown for shopping. To get around the island you will need a vehicle and luckily transport is readily available at the end of the short pier. Getting a taxi, rented vehicle or any other means of transportation is easy in St. Maarten. Absolutely not. Go beyond Paris, the Alps, the Loire chateaux and the French Riviera. Holland House Beach Hotel is one of the nearest hotels from the St Maarten cruise port, located right on Great Bay Beach promenade in downtown Philipsburg. It is right in town at the main boulevard. 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. St. Maarten has steadily grown in popularity as a tourism destination in recent years. and note the bridge openings. Topless sunbathing is common on the far side of Orient Beach, and beyond Pedros restaurant, currently being rebuilt, is a nudist colony. What are the times for the water taxi from the cruise port to and from. Since travel rules and restrictions can change, make sure you double check whats required before you head to the airport! Good to know, ya know.). The island has no human occupants, but has been inhabited in the past. Wouldn't y. distance from st maarten airport to cruise port The Amsterdam of the Caribbean Visit the Loterie farm, St. Maarten zoo, the Butterfly farm or be blown away at one of the worlds most dangerous airports for example. Some (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Port essentials with port maps, taxi prices, cruise terminal & water taxi info. There is a large taxi stand at the cruise terminal in St. Maarten. In the height of the season they often open the Dutch side bridge at 9 AM and 9:30 AM which really backs up the traffic. The only thing that separates the beach from the runway is a narrow tarmac road and a wire fence, on which signs are tacked, warning people to stay back because of blasts from the jets. Instead, try off the beaten path gems like Happy Bay Beach or nearby Friars Bay Beach. Starting in 2007, they made a lasting impression with their customers. Its just not a good idea. This is the most convenient beach for a cruiser not . St. Martin is great for any tourist! 9. 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. Amongst many others, ships of Carnival Cruises, MSC Cruises, P&O, Royal Caribbean, TUI and Windstar have the island in their itineraries. The walk is 100-200 meters long (depending on the location of your cruise ships dock), and in case you have difficulty in walking, there is a small trolley that can take you there for free. This opportunity alone makes any St. Maarten shore excursion and trip incredibly fulfilling. 3. Is Marigot worth visiting? You can read more in our cookie notice more information I agree. . Dont forget to subscribe below and get my exclusive SHORE EXCURSION GUIDE FOR FREE!if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,600],'adventourbegins_com-leader-2','ezslot_11',134,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-adventourbegins_com-leader-2-0'); This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. Sunset Beach is a great bar. Theres plenty of shopping just nearby. I want emails from Fodor's Travel with travel information and promotions. Currently, we are unable to provide domestic travel restriction information for travelling within Saint Martin. 2023 Copyright by Cruise Crocodile. Shopping: at the cruise terminal or in town Transportation: Taxis at the cruise terminal Watertaxi available to get you from the cruise terminal to town Beach: Great Bay Beach is the main beach in town. One is Rodael Car Rental and the other one is Coastal Car Rental. For something more sober-minded, walk through historic landmarks like The Salt Pickers, located along the north end of the citys famed Great Salt Pond and doubling as a tranquil prelude to the relaxed ambiance of Pond Island. Wallblake House is a heritage plantation house and museum annex in The Valley, Anguilla in the northeastern Caribbean. 1h 34m. There is no route to take to avoid the draw bridge. Creole Rock, Tintamarre Island, and Pinel Island are some top choices off the coast of St. Maarten. . You can access this beach by walking. Find all the transport options for your trip from St Maarten Airport (SXM) to Port de Galisbay right here. . A round trip costs 7 US dollars. Rodael ingored my email and car booking request made from their website. 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. Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between. Along the south shore of Saint-Martin Island, the city of Philipsburg is an oasis of the Caribbean and a major connector for the neighboring island of Anguilla. The roads were not meant to carry current traffic volumes, resulting slow driving times. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Absolutely not. Philipsburg is located on the Dutch side of the island (Sint Maarten). If youre looking for more of an adventure, there are kayak, paddleboard and even jet ski rentals available at several locations in Philipsburg. AA has (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? . The rusting cannons of Fort Amsterdam guard the many cruise ships that make a port of call in St. Maarten. Rome2rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Private Two Islands Tour. Can anyone please help re how the best way to get there and back, a taxi would be great if anyone can recommend a reputable company I could get in touch with that would be great. Birds eye view of the real-life rainbow fish , Number 15 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. It is within sight of the ship, in the city centre and there are lots of facilities. Taxi rates are fixed and based on how many people are in the taxi.Beneath are the taxi prices (starting at the cruise terminal) for 2 passengers, each additional passenger is US$5:to Philipsburg: $8to Pelican: $15to Marigot: $18to Airport: $20to Orient Bay: $22A sightseeing taxis tour for 2 passengers for 3 hours will cost you $90 dollars and $25 extra for each additional person. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-88391878', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Maho beach every day. There are great sites to visit and memories to make.

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