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if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',113,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_13',113,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0_1');.mobile-leaderboard-1-multi-113{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}If youre into water sports, this is a one of a kind attraction in the Caribbean, great fun! It's a nice swimming beach with gentle surf, but there are also jet ski rentals and a pier you can sit on to enjoy the view of cruise ships and sailboats. Beach nice enough, sea was lovely but quite a drop as the current changed..safe enough though. How to Get from St Maarten Airport to Hotel? The uncrowded shore of Grand Case Beach, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, will lure you in with its clear turquoise seas and long, expansive coastline. The island is also a famous spot for hiking and exploring the enthralling red cliffs scattered all throughout the area. #2 Best Value of 7 Cruise Port Hotels in Philipsburg. Which St Maarten Beaches Near Cruise Port Should I Visit? Usual beach, bars, restaurants, shops. It is located in the heart of the downtown capital Philipsburg and is about 3km from the cruise port. A 15-minute taxi ride will get you to this beach. Ships dock at the Dr. AC Wathey Cruise Facility in front of a sprawling outdoor pedestrian mall. 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. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. Just a short walk away you can enjoy some duty-free shopping, great food, and delicious cocktails. Visitors will find plenty of taxis at the docks ready to take them there. The water taxi ride costs about $4 per person. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available to rent. Authentic name brands like Armani, Versace, Gucci are just some designer brands you will find. We were approached by multiple people right as we got off the water taxi and decided to pay $30 for two beach chairs, free wi-fi and five free drinks. An exclusive shore excursion to Orient Bay costs about $70 per person. Cupecoy Beach is located on the southwestern tip of the island and is the last beach on the way to the French side. Get sandblasted by the jets as the plane fly by. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! The only problem was the ladies that would walk up and down the beach selling stuffed animals, massages , and hair braiding. If you have a cruise vacation coming up in the Eastern Caribbean it might be worth finding out more about these stunning St.Martin/St. Feel free to browse our website for more content on St Maarten, the Dutch Caribbean and rest of the Caribbean by using the search bar located at the top of this page. View of cruise ship and stores. - Best is subjective as some prefer a cab, while others favour a Jinty Rainfall is a different matter. You can also enjoy the day at Great Bay Beach, Divi Little Bay Beach. I myself have been frequenting the island since 1995 and still love watching the planes from Maho. St Maarten has 37 different sandy beaches that you could choose from, all equipped with their own vibe and quirks. See all 9 Great Bay Beach tours on Tripadvisor, See all Great Bay Beach experiences on Tripadvisor, Luxury Beachfront 2 Bedroom Condo In The Heart Of Philipsburg/Great Bay, View all hotels near Great Bay Beach on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Great Bay Beach on Tripadvisor, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Philipsburg, Amsterdam Cheese and Liquor Store: Tickets & Tours, The Rusty Parrot - Sint Maarten Pirate Experience: Tickets & Tours, Healing Hands of Crystal: Tickets & Tours, Philipsburg Marketplace: Tickets & Tours, Evening Dinner Nile Cruise in Cairo with Private Transport, Amalfi Coast Small group Tour by Boat from Sorrento, Shared Ferry Shuttle from St. Maarten to Anguilla, Rhythm Of Rum Tour & Rum Tasting Saint Lucia, Grand Staircase Escalante UT-12 Self-Driving Tour, 2 Day Argentinian and Brazilian Iguazu Falls, Premium Hanbok Experience in Hanboknam Gyeongbok Palace Branch, Orange County Premier Dinner Cruise from Newport Beach, Airport transportation between San Juan and Rio Grande. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holland House Beach Hotel, Also See:Best Beaches: BaliBarbados Beaches, Kim Sha Beach, Simpson BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. We visited Secrets Resort in Saint Martin a week ago. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent and local foods can be found at Rosies Snack Bar. Kim Sha beach is the place to be for party-goers who want the time of their life. News. They also have many water sports that are available. The centuries-old liquor is a part of St. Maartens culture, there are songs and stories dedicated to the Guava Berry. Here are the best things to do while in Philipsburg, St. Maarten Cruise Port! The island has gorgeous powdery sand beaches, charming. From the comfort of your lounge chair under the sun . Drop off at the resort and walk in between the buildings to get to the beach behind it. The place is fabulous. If you're wondering how to get from St. Maarten Airport to your hotel, I highly recommend pre-booking a private car transfer. It is often moderate from January through July. All Inclusive. If you are going to be traveling to Maho beach its best to pack up and head back to the port latest 3:30 pm if your ships leaving at 5 pm. It takes approximately 5 minutes by water taxi and 8 minutes by car to arrive at this location. Walk along the beach on the boardwalk to find shops, food and drink or grab a chair and umbrella (usually for a fee) and take a dip in the bay. The price for an entire day is $7 per person at the time of this writing. The islands rugged coastline features 37 beaches all around. The main St. Maarten cruise port is Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities at Philipsburg. This St. Martin beach is a bit far, about 45 minutes and 15 miles from the port but the entry and exit areas are easy and accessible. However, kindly note that this one is the furthest on this list from the cruise port. We took a water taxi to this beach. Simpson Bay Beach is a long half-moon of white sand located by a fishing village. water warm and lovely, beach clean. Find a Cruise. They also give you free Wi-Fi so dont forget to ask for the Wi-Fi code, especially for your social media buffs. The waters on this beach are very inviting. The lush vegetation that surrounds the beach also adds to its charm. All Inclusive Hotels in Sint Maarten; Near Airports. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This area is family-friendly. Its not easy elsewhere to find washrooms for public use, except at restaurants by the beach. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Visitors should know in advance that restaurants and food stands are a bit expensive, so it pays to bring food along on the visit. Royal Palm Beach Resort. But it is one of the most convenient beaches in the Caribbean for cruise port visitors because it is within walking distance of the docks. Orient Beach and the town of Marigot are two popular attractions on the French side of the island. Anguilla is the most popular of the three and only 10 miles off the St. Maarten coast. Sint Maarten Beach Hotels; Sint Maarten Green Hotels; Sint Maarten Business Hotels; By Hotel Class. Its turquoise blue waters hit the shorelines and leave a gushing atmosphere at its wake. 1. What restaurants are near Great Bay Beach? Little Bay, located near Fort Amsterdam and Philipsburg, is a beach dive location with calm waters and rock beach breaks. Great Bay Beach Great Bay Beach is the closest beach to the cruise terminal in St Maarten. They can walk a hundred more feet to reach many more restaurants and the ports extensive shopping district, most of which falls along the lengthy Front Street. Very energetic walkers can hike 2.5 miles to the other side of the bay to Little Bay Beach and the small ruins of Fort Amsterdam. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Divi Little Bay Beach Resort. Rent a jet ski and take a ride on the water. Very pretty mountains around the bay and it's great to watch the ships come and go. Is this beach wheelchair friendly? The major cruise ships will dock in Philipsburg located on the Dutch side. The overhead plane landing makes it one of the most popular beaches in St Maarten. You can take off and walk the boardwalk and sightsee or just relax and work on your tan. Alternatively, you can take a public transportation which costs USD $2.50 to go and USD$2.50 to return. Directly a few blocks inland from the duty free store, past the courthouse, the yellow and blue RBC bank building with automated teller machine is always open to tourists in need of cash for excursions / tipping. The street is a long walk but not too challenging for anyone who is somewhat fit. Little Bay has perfect calm crystal clear waters resultant from the protection offered by the peninsula. before joining cruise ship. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. With close to 45 miles of beautiful coastline, you'll find some amazing beaches near St Maarten cruise port. What Attractions Are At Orient Bay Beach? This beach offers a lively atmosphere that is perfect for beachgoers. Located in Philipsburg this shopping mecca is popular for jewelry shops. Another beach that's one of the best beaches to visit during a cruise is one you can walk to from the cruise port, right? Dawn Beach offers spectacular views of sunrises. Now, its a silent part of the busy beach leading to the cruise ship terminal, where tour operators await with open-air trucks to carry passengers to activities (USD cash accepted). Do you need to book in advance to visit Great Bay Beach? A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. At the time of this writing, getting to Marigot is $18 and Orient Beach is $20. Dont forget to bargain with the vendors. CRUISE HIVE LTD 2008-2023. Visit Orient Bay village, within walking distance of the beach. Probably the most crowded beach during the cruise season is Maho Beach watching the planes land and take off, never gets old. Note that the beach is on the French side and therefore clothing is optional. Rates include all on-property. If you've only got six hours: Dive or snorkel the second-largest coral reef in the world. Due to traffic congestion on afternoons, remember to give yourself sufficient time to return to the ship. Is your upcoming Caribbean cruise docking in St Maarten? We suggest checking in to the lovely villas by the cliff, and youll surely enjoy your time with a majestic view of the blue waters. INDULGENCE BY THE SEA Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea LITTLE BAY BEACH ST. MAARTEN TREASURE SEEKER Photo courtesy of Treasure Seeker WATHEY SQUARE Photo courtesy of Vacation St. Maarten WATER UFO ST. MAARTEN Photo courtesy of Water UFO SUNSET BAR AND GRILL A St. Maarten cruise has great appeal simply because the island has one of the best cruise ports in the entire Caribbean. Located on the northeast coast of St Maarten is The Orient Bay Beach, the perfect vacation spot. 285 reviews. Check out the video below from In The Loop Travel that shares the walk from the cruise terminal to Great Bay Beach. You can get to this beach via a taxi or a bus. Visit the beach and enjoy the long crescent-shaped spread of soft white sandy beach. At least when you get hungry, you are within easy reach of a restaurant, or you can go back to the ship for lunch. It is located on the French side and is about a 20-minute ride from the port. Grand Case Beach. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'stmaartenadventure_com-box-4','ezslot_3',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-box-4-0');There are many beach bars located in Maho such as Sunset Beach Bar, Driftwood Boat Bar, and the new Sandbar Beach Bar. The Great Bay Beach is a well-maintained destination complete with white sandy dunes and clear waters, which is why its among our top picks when it comes to the different nice beaches in St Maarten. The top three excursions in St. Maarten are 1) The Flying Dutchman zip-line, 2) a chairlift to the top of sentry hill and 3) racing on a multi-million dollar America's Cup yacht boat. If tanning or water sports are not your thing, then you can take a walk around and enjoy the many restaurants, bars, and shops located in the area. Central town beaches usually aren't great, but that's not the case here. "Everything was great, except check in because there's no place to park immediately until after you check in and pay the fees for the parking lot. The crystal-clear waters beckon to beach bummers, and once you are in you might not get out till its time to head back. While the other is a rocky beach that faces the other side and is exposed to the rough side of nature but bears beautiful rock formations. A St. Maarten bus is often an SUV. Read on for further details about St Maartens beautiful beaches with contributions from a native of the island. With its beautiful calm waters and sandy shores, it truly is one of the top beaches in St Maarten. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Maho Beach All Inclusive Resort Casino & Spa. Food and drinks All this fun with family can make you hungry. The Philipsburg boardwalk lies between the beach and the shopping district of the city. Be sure to pack some goggles or eye protective gear with you because when the larger planes take off from the airport, watch out for sand sprays on the shore may occur. At the far end #27 is Dutch Blonds pancakes and escape rooms; just look for the windmill. Sint Maarten as called by the Dutch and St. Martin by the French, is a 37 sq mile island that features all the charm of the Caribbean. The beach is seven miles west of the cruise port by Simpson Bay, which has a cluster of hotels, resorts and restaurants. There are a number of bars that offer drinks and lounge chairs at the beach. We had a lovely day off the ship relaxing on the beach which wasn't busy at all even with 2 ships in. Cars are available for self-driving or getting a driver instead. These Are The Cruise Accessories Youll Absolutely Love! Otherwise, look for signs at the mall pointing toward the $5 water taxi. Taxi rates are set according to more than 20 zones around the island. Two beach bars are located at either end of this beach being Sunset bar and grill and Driftwood boat bar respectively. There are many places to shop around and search for deals. Another beach that is well loved by both locals and visitors to the island is Mullet Bay Beach. All sun protection wear can be found on Amazon by clicking here. Its worth noting that shopping on Front Street has declined in recent years because much of it has moved to the John Craane cruise terminal. 285 reviews. Getting To Maho Beach From The Cruise Port - Fastest Way! If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. The ride is only 10 minutes long. Anyone visiting St. Maarten by cruise ship or to stay at the resorts should consider Orient Bay Beach as another one worth visiting. I finally had to ask her to stop because my daughter was about to cry. Do the taxis going from the St. Maarten cruise port to great bay beach dock at a pier or beach? Snorkeling and diving equipment are available for rent as well as jet skis. You can rent two chairs and umbrellas for $20 and relax the day away. 10 Indulgence by the Sea St. Maarten Photo courtesy of Indulgence by the Sea The Indulgence by the Sea Spa. Here, you could try the local cuisine and fill your appetite with the delicious food in the numerous restaurants available in the place. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. Fondly known as Airplane beach, as planes usually have to approach the landing at an altitude of less than 100 feet. Several beaches receive far fewer crowds than Orient or Great Bay and are worth seeing for people with extra time available. The best restaurants on the island are mainly concentrated in two areas. As such there is little vegetation. Friars Bay beach is a hidden gem amongst the best beach spots in St Maarten. Maho Beach is a bucket list item for most tourists visiting St. Martin. When you get hungry, visit the popular Chez Raymond for grilled foods and drinks. This beach is very popular with the locals during the weekends, but its also very tranquil and uncrowded during the weekdays. The water is calm, no waves. St Maarten/St Martin Beaches Maho Beach - This famous beach is one of the main St Maarten attractions and is located a 25-minute drive (14 km/9 miles) from the cruise ship terminal. Grand Case Beach. Forums. The island only has one major road. It was easy to relax and get the drinks. Some of the beds were very worn one or two broken so check that your bed is ok before sitting down. But they mainly represent low-end casual in one group and high-end seafood and steak in the other. What's Included: Three types of passes are available: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for $90, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. for $105 and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. (full-day pass) for $195. Great Bay Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Orient Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau, Cupecoy Beach; St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. Little Bay Beach. This course provides detail tips and techniques on how to save money while cruising onboard, onshore as well as the importance of insurance. The locals are also friendly and charming to the tourists, making Divi Beach a warm place to stay at. Enjoy an exciting experience with this unique water ride. This beach is also an excellent spot for snorkeling through the astounding coral reefs and bodies of water. A cab to the beach costs about $9 per person while a bus costs $2 per person. Bars, restaurants, shops and other tourist shops spill out of front street along the promenade. Boutique hotel situated on Great Bay Beach in downtown Philipsburg. It is quite a bit more quiet these days. It takes just a 20-minute stroll to get there, and the beach area and boardwalk. From the small pebbles found on the shore to its magnificent coastlines, you are bound to fall in love with the beach as you take a long stroll. The beach restaurants are currently closed due to hurricane Irmas damage, but rebuilding is taking place. Then one thing to include in your list of things to do is to visit one of the islands finest beaches. And that brings up Get a waterproof case to protect your phone right here. The island has virtually no stop signs or stop lights. The following are some of our articles which we believe may be suitable for you. Hence, the island of St. Maarten is one of the worlds top cruise port destinations. Having your towels on your beach loungers will reserve them for the day. Peaceful and serene. . There are several beach bars such as Waikiki Beach, Kakao, Perch Bar & Grill, Bikini Beach and Kontiki Beach in this area. St Maarten has one major road and it is not uncommon for there to be huge traffic congestion especially on afternoons. Thats where Europeans set up shop and schooling for local children over a century ago. This beach is found on the Dutch side of the island towards the southwestern ends. Show Prices. Burgeaux Beach, just beyond Simpson Bay, offers a cove and is a favorite of shell collectors and surfers. The terminal has useful signs that point people to where they want to go. 17 Best Beaches in St. Maarten Top Public Beach Spots! Mullet Bay has beautiful white sand with calm waters and amazing views and landscape. That aspect alone would make you want to visit this spot, and it also makes Burgeaux beach one of the best beach destinations on the island. While the Dutch side boasts of the closest beaches to the cruise port, the French side has some of the best. However, the good news is that the beaches are there and your favorite restaurants and resorts are hard at work rebuilding. Where,s a nice beach on st martin calm waters, warm waters, for seven adults sandy beach no frills just drink and relax, swim . Sunscreen can be expensive on the cruise ship, get yours here. Some excursion operators quote prices as low as $15 per person for a transfer from the cruise port to Maho Beach. 2022 Scott S. Bateman. Worth it even if you take just a dip. We walked from the port to the beach area around 20 mins and walked along the beach front stopping in and out of shops on routewe must have been offered sunbeds by at least 10 different people..most were polite enough when you said no but most were quite persistent and it was pretty irritating one after the other continuously. Riselle Celestina for Insider. The destruction and lack of money from tourism has resulted in most of the island being in some state of disrepair. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. This beach is about 30 minutes from the cruise port via taxi along Airport road. The walk is about 10 minutes, goes three fourths of a mile and is not difficult on a warm day. In the morning, the beautiful beach and the clear sand captivates the vacationers to take a dip. Surfing is also one of the best things to do in St Maarten; Mullet bay has northern winds, making it an excellent spot for surfers. Clothing is optional because it is secluded and located by the French St. Martin border. Buses usually have a sign that says Maho beach and it takes approximately 20 minutes from the cruise port. He is the author of four books about cruising in the Caribbean, Alaska and Mexican Riviera. The Second Lady kept saying how awful my daughters hair looked and that it wasnt professional. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta Ocean Point Resort- All Inclusive Adults Only. If you are planning an upcoming cruise for St Maarten or the rest of the Caribbean, I have an awesome product recommendation that can save you money. Undoubtedly, the most beautiful beach of St Maarten. One of the more interesting beaches on St. Maarten is Cupecoy because of its white sand, sandstone cliffs and small caves along the shore. Find the right beach for you for spending your day in port. This is an active beach with water sports ranging from kayaking to paddle boarding. Dont miss out on visiting the different souvenir shops where you could snag some trinkets and memorabilia to remember your Caribbean Trip here in Great Bay Beach. Its like a 3 min ride. Re: Cruise Port to Maho Beach, St Maarten 5 years ago Save Hi Maria, The drive is about 20 minutes without traffic. I have recently completed an informative course by cruise specialist, Emma Cruises which you should check out titled How To Cruise For Less. Guana Bay Beach is on the route to Philipsburg, making it easy for day tourists to take a detour and have fun at this little beach. This beach is public, and you only need to rent chairs and umbrellas if you so wish. It's perfect for a lazy beach day. Dont miss out on the golden opportunity to explore the aquatic beauty underneath the surface. It takes about 20 minutes to arrive at this location. Remember especially if you are traveling via taxi or bus to give yourself ample time to get to your cruise ship. 96% of travelers recommend this experience. Some jet skis nearby filling up with fuel every 10 minutes which smelt terriblenot very safety conscious either as they were floating about in the water while filling up. Had an enjoyable walk along the beach and a very good day. With all that said remember to carry good water shoes, lots of sunscreen, your bathing suit and enjoy your cruise vacation. Related:15 Things to Do in Philipsburg, St. Maarten During a Cruise. They called him cheap and and wouldnt leave him alone. The French side shows more signs of wear (being hit hard by the 2017 hurricane) compared to Philipsburg. Anyone with an interest in good beaches might instead consider a shore excursion to one of the neighboring islands, such as Anguilla, St. Barth or Saba. From the great restaurants to the funky music, you cant afford to not love this beach. Sit on the pier with a great view of the cruise ships that have docked in the port. The fact that its semi-secluded makes it a good spot for relaxation. We paid $50 for 2 I believe. Recommended Hotel Nearby: Esmeralda Resort, Burgeaux Beach, Burgeaux BaySint Maarten, NLD 1744. more. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'stmaartenadventure_com-leader-3','ezslot_8',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-stmaartenadventure_com-leader-3-0');There are also cabs to take you to different destinations if you prefer to discover the island. Grand case beach is a clean, tourist-friendly beach that you are bound to enjoy. Travel to Maho beach and watch jumbo jets fly overhead to land at the nearby airport. This white sandy beach is a sight to behold. Excited about sunrise and sunsets? Calm and clear azure waters with an excellent view of the Ocean is what greets you at Grand Case Beach. Took a water taxi from cruise port area $7 per person round trip. Show Prices. Fondly known as the Friendly Island, St Maarten is unique in that it is the smallest landmass divided between two nations in the world. We left our cruise ship and headed for the water taxis -7 dollars return to the beach and back. Cruise visitors will arrive at Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities just outside of Philipsburg on Great Bay. Then it climbs to a high point for the rest of the year. Top Excursions in St. Maarten The Flying Dutchman Zip-Line Chairlift to Sentry Hill Racing on a Yacht But all in all, both sides offer some of the greatest beaches in the Caribbean. How To Get From The Cruise Port To Great Bay Beach, What Costs Are Involved In Visiting Great Bay Beach, How To Get From The Cruise Port To Orient Bay Beach. While your ship is in St Maarten's port, swim and lounge at Orient Beach and Maho Beach on this half-day shore excursion. Anyone who walks around the Philipsburg waterfront wont find much else to see other than the beach, boardwalk, shops and restaurants. Walking to this beach from the cruise pier is easy and possible, and there is always the option of a water taxi. Rates are $8-10 per person one way. You can see the location on the St. Maarten map below. They are Philipsburg on the southern coast and Simpson Bay on the southwest coast because they have the cruise port and the airport. Some beach visitors get so close that the blast from the jet engines knock them over. Outside of Philipsburg, two of the most famous attractions on the island are beaches. It has beautiful white sand beaches and is reachable by ferry or excursion boat from Simpson Bay and Marigot. Clean restrooms are available to visitors. Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten: Find 2106 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Cruise Port Hotels in Sint Maarten on Tripadvisor. The Philipsburg St. Maarten cruise port has three major attractions: the massive John Craane cruise terminal, the nearby city and Great Bay Beach right beside it. Maho Beach Arguably the most popular beach that travelers on cruises to St. Maarten visit is Maho Beach, which is known for having the area's longest stretch of hotels and resorts. An island tour that includes quick stops at Orient Beach, Maho Bay, Marigot, Mullet Bay Beach and other attractions will cost about $50 per person. Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Villas at Simpson Bay Beach Resort and Marina, Little Bay Beach, Octavius L. Richardson Rd, PhilipsburgSint Maarten, NLD 1744. Great Bay Beach is also situated near car rentals, restaurants, bars and cafes and is a fantastic beach for swimming. 1 mile away from Friars Bay Beach is a walking trail that takes you right into the heart of the open beach and the black rock formation. It often gets ranked as one of the best in the Caribbean. Its wide shoreline makes it a perfect spot for beach picnics and playing games on the shore. But be aware that some people have been hurt by the jet blasts. You have detailed explanations in my Maho Beach review. 2017 Scott S. Bateman. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for rent. Maho Beach is also known as the airplane beach and is the most famous and favorite spot for locals and tourists. If these beaches dont meet your needs, then try any of the 24 remaining beaches you are sure to find what you are looking for.