What to do at Ports in St Kitts and St. Maarten

[dcapek7]

On the Celebrity Reflection April 3, 2020. If you don’t book a tour in either of these ports what is there to do? Is the port safe? Is there a beach nearby? New to cruising so asking the experienced cruisers. We have booked tours in all the other ports. Thanks for your help!

[Essiesmom]

Visit the Ports of Call boards for Caribbean. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/456-caribbean/

Also check into the roll call for your cruise and see what your fellow cruisers are planning. 

Take some time to explore the forum.  There are lots of areas here to research for your cruise.  EM

Edited February 15, 2020 by Essiesmom

[dcapek7]

Thanks 

[soonernstlouis]

@dcapek7

 

Both ports are “safe” but you will notice a huge difference in the aggressive tour vendors in St Kitts vs St Maarten which has restricted access from locals.  Don’t let that discourage you from getting off the ship in St Kitts since those vendors usually disappear an hour or two after ships port (unless their are later porting ships).  
 

My St Kitts recommendations: shop in port if you like a huge selection and lower prices than other ports.  Nicer beaches are a 30 minute taxi ride away (taxi stand is by the casino to the right once past the gate).  We chose going to the nearby Palm Court Gardens which has an infinity pool overlooking the cruise bay and nice gardens.  Price was $7/person when we went last Fall but is currently priced at $15 (I guess due to high season).  Bring your ship towel to save on rental if you go.  Taxi is about $5/person from port.

 

St Maarten offers great beaches (one as close as a 10 minute ferry ride from port).  Maho beach is the famous plane landing beach but don’t schedule your whole day around it if you go as it is crowded and small.  Would recommend Mullet Bay beach for less crowds (about a 25 minute taxi ride from port at $10/person).  Make sure you arrange a return trip/time from your driver if you go as taxis rarely wait there.  Obviously you can go to the Flying Dutchman zip line which has a great overlook of the port and airport.  You can also taxi to the French side and Orient Beach.  These latter 2 options will take more travel or wait time.

 

Make sure you research the individual port boards for prior posts or ask questions.  

 

 

 

 

Edited February 17, 2020 by soonernstlouis

[dcapek7]

Thanks for taking the time to provide the detailed information! Much appreciated and helpful!