St. Maarten Beaches - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

sweet angel · 10-23-2005, 01:52 PM

We were contemplating having a beach day at Orient Beach when we stop at St. Maarten. However, doesn't the ship dock on the Dutch side? Isn't Orient Beach on the French side? Aren't there any beautiful beaches on the Dutch side that we could visit instead?

The website for St. Maarten shows a ton of beautiful beaches. Doesn't anyone go to them? Do most people go to the "ship suggested" beach?

askdad · 10-23-2005, 04:21 PM

There are, but Orient is a short (depening on traffic) taxi ride. We have always enjoyed Orient. Keep in miind that depending on your modesty level you can can go to the clothing optional (mostly nude) side or to the family side. Since it is on the French side you'll likely run into topless on the family side however. Other beaches which are good would be Friars Beach, A small but attractive beach just on the French side. It has a small but well stocked beach bar, chairs and umbrellas from rent. We've been there and recomend it. The other beach that gets great reviews is Maho where the jets land almost within touching distance. Never been there but have heard great things about it. There is a thread about Maho elsewhere on this forum. Check with the tourist booth at the pier. They will tell you the best times for the planes landing. All beaches are easy to reach via taxi, which you can catch right at the pier.

sweet angel · 10-23-2005, 05:01 PM

Thanks!

LuLu · 10-30-2005, 07:31 PM

Really, it's fine to WEAR a bathing suit anyplace at Orient Beach! (As long as you don't care if others do NOT wear one!)

One of our favorites at Orient Beach is Pedro's. Below is a web link with their menu, etc. Some folks are in various stages of dress there -- but many (like us) are in normal bathing suits. Lots of beach chairs and umbrellas for rent:

http://www.sxm-restaurants.com/orient/pedros/

Have FUN!

LuLu

Sheffie · 12-23-2005, 05:01 PM

On our last cruise to St. Maarten, we did the America's Cup Regatta in the morning (fantastic excursion) and then wanted a nice beach near the ships. We had been to the beach in town and really didn't like it much. We were told to try Dawn Beach. We had a great time there! We saw some fish we hadn't seen in other ports. I have heard that if the wind is right the waves can be big here, so check with the locals about that.

Michelle