One Day “Insider Maho Beach Day” Itinerary for Cruise Visitors (+ Simpson Bay Beach Visit)
If you are the person that has long been looking forward to see planes landing over Maho Beach, but also wants to do a bit of self-exploration off the beaten track, see our suggested day plan below – with plenty of time left to make it back to the cruise ship on time. This route includes some time at Simpson Bay Beach, so make sure you come well equipped for a dip in the Caribbean!
Morning: Boardwalk Breakfast, Maho Thrills
In this itinerary, you can easily walk to the Philipsburg Boardwalk in the morning. Big Bastards Beach Bar & Patio and Ocean Lounge serve great breakfasts to get you all powered up for the adrenaline rush of Maho Beach.
All public-private buses are close by as they continuously run through the Philipsburg main streets, including that to Maho / Cupecoy that takes you to the famed beach at the airport. Just raise your hand if you want to enter one. If you want a more private setting, you can grab a cab at the square at the landmark Philipsburg courthouse.
Tell the driver you want to get out at Maho Beach. A bit depending on traffic, buses and taxis will take you about 30 minutes to get you to Maho. Though planes come in continuously, see the Princess Juliana International Airport for a time schedule of landings and departures. Larger planes like Boeings and Airbuses are clearly the most spectacular – both from an arrival and departure point of view.
Snacks, Sunbathing & Swimming at D’s
By now, it should be getting noon time. Maho Beach is one of the island’s most popular things to visit on island, so it is time to get off the beaten track. Follow the airport fence in the opposite direction you came from, past The Morgan Resort. After a five to ten minute walk, you will find D’s Beach Bar & Grill. Though very close to the airport fence and great viewpoint to see Princess Juliana Airport departures and landings from the side, it is an oasis of tranquility compared to popular Maho Beach. Take a beach chair, enjoy lunch and take a dip into the sea. You made your day a “beach hop” one, as you are now on pristine Simpson Bay Beach.
Back in Philipsburg
If you linger here until 3 o clock latest, it will give you plenty of time to order a cab, take one at Morgan Resort where there is always one or more waiting, or strawl back to the bus stop to be back in Philipsburg on time. Emmaplein bus stop (the final one) is closest to the port. Should you have a late cruise departure, you can even make it a triple beach day by enjoying Great Bay Beach for a bit. You can also explore Philipsburg’s reputation as regional shopping mecca for a bit, or have a visit to the local museum. The museum entrance is free, its size compact so an easy cultural addition to your itinerary!
See for more ideas how to spend your St Maarten cruise day our overview of possible St Maarten cruise excursions or general information on your port of call.
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