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Peruse the colorful Guavaberry Emporium, the country’s national liqueur. The centuries-old rum is made from a berry growing wild in the center of the island which, despite its name, doesn’t taste like guava, instead it has a woodsy, bittersweet flavor. Drink the famed liqueur neat, like the locals do, or use it to create cocktails. If you’re hankering for New Orleans fare, head to NOLA, a Bayou Bistro in Simpson Bay. And with French Saint Martin just across the border, fine French cuisine is at your doorstep in Cupecoy Bay at the Rendez Vous Lounge. There are 37 beaches on Sint Maarten from secluded hideaways like Indigo Bay or the lively Maho Beach.
Philipsburg, St Maarten
The Parotte Ville Bird Sanctuary in St. Maarten is a hidden gem that thrills visitors of all ages. The bird sanctuary houses a diverse array of colorful and exotic bird species from around the world. Fort Amsterdam, a historical fortress on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, was originally built in 1631. The fort’s well-preserved walls and artifacts offer fascinating insights into the island’s colonial past. The remnants of the fort offer a glimpse into St. Martin’s past as a strategic stronghold.
Local Cuisine
Take your adventure to the next level with a diving experience to see Caribbean reef sharks and nurse sharks. Most shark species around the island are found in the Man of War Shoal Marine Park. Book a diving excursion through Ocean Explores to get closer to Caribbean marine life.
Flying Dutchman Zipline
Visit the St. Thomas Synagogue, the second-oldest of its kind in the western hemisphere and a symbol of the area’s diverse religious history. The exciting port of Philipsburg lies on the Dutch side of the shared island of St. Maarten. Head to the famous Maho Beach to experience the unusual thrill of massive commercial jets flying just overhead, or the quieter Little Bay Beach for a snorkel session. Browse the shops, bars, and restaurants along the boardwalk and Front Street that straddle the Great Bay and Great Salt Pond. Walk through the ruins of Fort Amsterdam, the oldest fortification in the Dutch territories of the Caribbean, built in the 17th century to defend against the Spanish Armada. Sea Cloud Cruises is bringing the San Juan Guest Chef Series to Sea Cloud Spirit’s January 2025 voyages to Puerto Rico.
For the best snorkeling, head to Cupecoy Beach or Kim Sha Beach for a great snorkeling session to explore the seabed and natural sea life. Unsurprisingly, one of the top things to do in St. Maarten is to hit the beach. These Caribbean beaches are known for their breathtaking views, crystal clear waters, fun water sports and activities that entertain the whole family.
After a full day of swimming and time on the beach, you’re going to want a cold drink and a hot meal. Experience a cruise to Spain with Norwegian Cruise Line and enjoy freedom of choice all along the way. Immerse yourself in the history of Barcelona with a visit to the iconic Gothic Quarter on your Spain cruise. As an avid traveler, I thought Maho Bay’s landing path over the beach wouldn’t draw me in, but I was so wrong. The number of photos and videos on my phone prove that I was ga-ga just like every other tourist in Sint Maarten. Although Saint Martin and Sint Maarten share one island, they are distinct nations.
Caribbean Port's Special Day for the World's Largest Cruise Ship - Cruise Hive
Caribbean Port's Special Day for the World's Largest Cruise Ship.
Posted: Tue, 13 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
On either side of the mountainous island, lovely beaches -- including the famed clothing-optional part of Orient Beach -- rival the best in the Caribbean. Plus, duty-free prices for electronics and liquor in Philipsburg might be the best deals around. Beaches on St. Martin are worthy sites to explore, too, like Grand Case Beach with its private beach club called the Grand Case Beach Club and Cupecoy Bay Beach. The latter is set amongst limestone cliffs, possessing both incredible natural beauty and natural wind protection. At the top of the cliffs are shops and beach bars to entertain you when you’re bored of the beach. The calmness of Grand Case Beach is a welcome break from the busier party beaches of St. Maarten like Maho Beach or Orient Beach on the French side of the island.
Save Big with these Caribbean Cruise Deals
Recreational boating is very popular on the island, and it is easy to find companies who organize boat trips out at sea. If you enjoy high-class spirits, then you may like Topper’s Rhum Distillery. During the tour, you’ll taste some of their handcrafted rums with unique flavors and discover the history of their rum and how it’s made. Sign up for the America’s Cup Regatta, a yacht-racing event that simulates the experience of a true sporting event on the water. Cruisers can book the excursion onboard their cruise ship; no previous racing experience is required.
You can feed the gentle, friendly birds and pose for vacation photos. Schedule family favorite excursions like horseback riding at Seaside Nature Park. The 30-acre reserve is a hot spot for camping, hiking, snorkeling and more. Orient Bay and Le Galion Beach are two of the top spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing on St. Maarten. Book a course with a local instructor or rent gear at popular surf spots like Saint Martin Surf Club.
Mullet Bay beach in St. Maarten is well loved by locals, tourists and cruise passengers who prefer a tranquil and laid-back beach experience. Orient Bay Beach, located on the French side of St. Martin (St. Maarten), is one of the most famous and picturesque beaches in the Caribbean. In addition to it’s natural beauty, you’ll also find a vibrant beach club style atmosphere with restaurants, bars and water-sports all available. Transportation options into the town of Philipsburg, local beaches and popular sights are conveniently located at the cruise terminal.
Create your own perfume or cologne at Tijon, a perfumerie in Grand-Case, St. Martin, on the French side of the island. Tijon is a boutique perfumery and laboratory that crafts custom fragrances. This zipline excursion is for those that are looking for an adventurous activity in St. Maarten. If you want to save money on a cruise, you can take the public bus, which is the least expensive option.
It’s also possible to book comfortable tours in SUVs or electric buggies. A meal at The Greenhouse offers the standard classics like chicken fingers, burgers and fries, steaks, and sandwiches. The portions are sizable and the mood is unpretentious and relaxed. On Monday and Thursday nights, all-you-can-eat ribs are the best seller here. Philipsburg is home to Fort Amsterdam, a historic fort built by the Dutch during the 17th century.
There are several UNESCO Heritage Sites located in the Caribbean that you can explore, ranging from missionary churches to rainforest national parks. A cruise to Caribbean is filled with exciting destinations, each with its own style and vibe. Discover Caribbean onboard the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships. Lose yourself in the tones of Calypso steel drums and the majesty of Mayan ruins with a cruise to Caribbean. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices.
These are some of the best things to buy while in St. Maarten during your Caribbean cruise. Unfortunately, according to recent reviews, the beach hasn’t fully recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Irma a few years ago. If you’ve been to St. Maarten before, consider taking a ferry ride or boat trip from St. Maarten to Anguilla. The 25 minute ferry ride from Marigot will allow you to discover a tranquil paradise.
Grand Case Beach is a less popular, but very beautiful beach on the French side of the island. The beach is well known for it’s clear waters (more clear than on the Dutch side). This unique exhibit showcases movie memorabilia from iconic films like Star Wars, Superman, and The Terminator.
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