WHICH Beach in St. Maarten/St. Martin?

[Seasons]

Please make some recommendations. Last time I just went to the beach off the tender in the little shopping area. It was okay (basically, we got stuck there 'cause someone bought one of those shopping pass books and wanted to pick up the freebie stuff).

 

I would prefer a beach with restrooms, if possible. I bring my own book and blanket. Not a people watcher, love a good view. Easy going type beach to enjoy and not in an area where I have to be worried about being robbed.

 

Thanks, all!

[mbw1024]

Is St. Maarten a tender port? I will be on Golden in October and I didn't get the impression it was a tender.

[houstonathome]

There is a gal that lives in St. Martin that has been answering pages and pages of questions. Lots of beach recomendations, pros, cons, etc. Very informative.

 

Enjoy! :)

[houstonathome]

Sorry about that. The plethora of beach info on St. Martin can be found listed under Ports of Call, not destinations.

 

M.

[atlcple2]

We love Orient Beach. It is about 15 minutes from the dock via taxi, on the north east coast, on the french side. We have never had a problem on this beach. You pay one guy and he takes care of you all day, including lounge chairs & umbrella. We have had them get drinks for us as well on occasion. There are several restaurants there, we ate at the Tiki Hut...food was very good, expensive for a burger, but that is how it is on the islands. If you have children, probably not the best beach for you as it is clothing optional. If you aren't offended by that, you will have a blast as everyone is very laid back and fun.

 

Tender...We have docked and we have tendered. Just depends on how many ships are in port that day.

 

houstonathome...where is she answering questions? Is it a post on this board? Do tell...would love to read them. This is our 3rd trip to St. Martin...we love the itinerary going there.

[houstonathome]

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=51704

 

atlcple2...If I did this correctly, the link above should take you to the thread. If not, go to the main page for the boards and scroll down to Ports of Call, then choose St. Martin. There are about 350 or so posts and it is about 5 topics from the top. Her name is Snoopygirl and her prents own a shop in St. Martin.

 

Great info and recomendations! :)

 

M.

[atlcple2]

houstonathome...Thanks so much! The link worked!

[Seasons]

That was a great link, I had visited that board but the thought of weeding through the thread was daunting.

 

I think the link you provided is perfect. Thanks so much! I have to say, Princess posters are the most helpful and nice I've encountered here on cc; I'm glad I decided to book my first Princess.

 

Thanks a bunch!

[cruzbabe]

I say Orient Beach also but we have never tendered... we have docked.

[texkat]

I spent a week on St. Martin last month, and we visited lots of beaches. But we kept returning to Orient.

 

Another vote to grab a cab to Orient Beach. Beautiful water, clean and safe (it felt safe to me, anyway), and you can find great spots for people watching as well as quieter spots. The "clothing optional" section is at the far end of the beach, but be prepared for topless sunbathers at all of the beaches. And the clothing optional folks don't necessarily stick to the designated area. :eek: :D

 

There are a number of bars and restaurants on the beach that have chairs and umbrellas. You can generally get a lounge chair with an umbrella plus your first drink for $6 USD.

[Seasons]

Thanks, guys. I don't mind seeing nudity, but I know sometimes people go to gawk, and since I won't be going nude or topless, I didn't want others at Orient to think I was being rude. Will think on it. It's between Orient & Divi.

[atlcple2]

Orient Beach is full of people wearing their bathing suits...no one will be offended in the least if you wear yours. Not everyone is nude/topless, but you will see a few.

[dsl laber]

At Orient, we had our suits on and fit right in! Personally, I think the suiters outnumber the non-suiters.

 

Heh, on a lighter note, we saw the biggest, LOL, "hanger" that we've ever seen!!! (no offense hubby!) :) He was actually strutting up and down the beach, just-a-swingin. People were gawking. Later, we were told that he struts the beach quite regularly, maybe for shock value? Heh, who am I to judge...to each their own!! Point is, either end you'll probably see something! Happy cruising!!

[dog]

Orient Beach is nice. There is also Dawn Beach. Maho/Mullet area just past the airport has a beach and past that there is Cupecoy. There are also nice beach areas by Grand Case.

My choice is Orient Beach...so much going on there, and the guys renting the lounge chairs and umbrellas really look after you for the day.

[cubsr#1]

From what I understand it's across from Orient beach - sounds really nice. We've booked a private tour with Joyce and are considering going to Pinel in the afternoon. Has anyone gone there- would love to hear your thoughts. We're looking for a beach that's more of a bay with maybe a few sea shells...

[willy paul]

We have rented a car and beached hopped from beach to beach. some small beaches are fun for an hour or two and you get to see a little of the island. Grand Casse is very nice with some great restaurants. enjoy!

[ShootingStar]

Cubsr#1,

 

Pinel was absolutely gorgeous - still rustic in a sense - no electricity, no development whatsoever. A boat came in the AM carrying drinks, ice etc, and they set up shop - don't recall them bringing food over. That was a few years ago so it may have changed. It had a beautiful view and was near deserted.

 

If you go - definitely pack a snack and some water just in case!

[Melb1127]

Heh, on a lighter note, we saw the biggest, LOL, "hanger" that we've ever seen!!! (no offense hubby!) :) He was actually strutting up and down the beach, just-a-swingin. People were gawking. Later, we were told that he struts the beach quite regularly, maybe for shock value? Heh, who am I to judge...to each their own!! Point is, either end you'll probably see something! Happy cruising!!

 

Funny! :D I would have been a gawker at that one!

[cubsr#1]

ShootingStar - thanks - it sounds like just what we're looking for.

 

Thank you!

[dog]

To get to Pinel Island you continue on the road past where you would turn off to enter Orient Beach. There are a few small boats that take you over to Pinel for a cost. Use to be about $6 each.

It is great for snorkeling

Orient is great for swimming, water sports and lounging with lots of food and drinks available.

[Coolmama_1]

At Orient, we had our suits on and fit right in! Personally, I think the suiters outnumber the non-suiters.

 

Heh, on a lighter note, we saw the biggest, LOL, "hanger" that we've ever seen!!! (no offense hubby!) :) He was actually strutting up and down the beach, just-a-swingin. People were gawking. Later, we were told that he struts the beach quite regularly, maybe for shock value? Heh, who am I to judge...to each their own!! Point is, either end you'll probably see something! Happy cruising!!

 

 

How funny!:D

[cruise182]

\ just-a-swingin. !!

LOL!!

[aadaneboy]

Orient Beach is a very nice beach with multiple restaurants, bathrooms and changing areas, and beach chair rentals.

 

You won't offend anyone if you keep your bathingsuit on, except maybe the gawkers...but honestly I didn't see anyone nude, and very few topless.

 

We never tendered to St Martin. The dock is very nice and within walking distance of the town. There are also some casinos amonst the shops and restaurants.

 

I forget the name of the place we ate lunch at Orient Beach, but it was a colorful bungalow type place (with the bathrooms and changing area directly behind it) The calamari was excellent!

 

I'm not sure what the name of this other beach is, but there is a beach at the end of the runway, and when the huge jets come in for a landing, it makes for some amazing photos since the beach is literally at the end of the runway separated by a road.

[P&RC]

We went to St. Marteen a month ago and had to get back to the ship fast as all we saw was starving dogs. Very depressing. Try the French side!!

[AliceS]

If starving dogs were all that you encountered in St. Martin, shame on you. There is so much to see and do. St. Martin is the ultimate port. You can shop till you drop, go to many beautiful beaches, have some wonderful food and just be if you want. Do the America's Cup, you won't see any dogs. Look at the lovely water, it is the most beautiful color in the world. Visit with the locals, they are friendly and interesting. Go on the art tour from the ship. Forget the dogs, or go and feed them. Your choice. Just don't bash my favorite island.