One Day St. Maarten Cruise Visit Itinerary “Two Nations, Two Beaches & Two Museums”
Orient Bay Beach is one of the most famous beaches of St. Maarten. Next to a culinary reputation because of its many restaurants, it is known for its clothing optional (south) side and watersports like kite surfing. It is a very popular beach day shore excursion for cruise visitors to the island, and can easily be reached by taxi. As cruise ships dock on Dutch side St. Maarten and Orient Bay is on the French side, you will have had a truly binational journey at the end of your cruise day. Below is a suggested itinerary for your Dutch-French route, including two museums along the route.
Museum Morning, Breakfast at the Beach
Though getting there by bus is possible, Orient Bay beach is best reached by taxi from the cruise port. On the way to a “breakfast on the bay”, have your taxi driver stop shortly at the Amuseum Naturalis “Old House” plantation house. This shot of culture, history and nature exhibitions (free of charge) will allow you to delve into the mundaine Orient Bay area with good conscience! Take a minute to walk to the back of this old mansion, where great views of the Orient Bay area and Le Galion already unfold.
Select the best fitting Beach Club out of the dozens on offer along Orient Bay beach for lunch and a seaside spot. Try a jetski, a parasail or a kiteboard. If you especially came for the “Clothing Optional part, note this is the south side of the beach. You will find beach clubs here too.
Philipsburg Promenade Before Leaving
To be a back on time, leave at three latest. It will leave some time in Philipsburg; also to visit the St. Maarten Heritage Museum close to the boardwalk to double your daily dose of island history. With Great Bay Beach included in this travel plan, you visited two of the most famous beaches on island, and just as much museums! The St. Maarten Heritage Museum is also free of charge and has a great arts & crafts souvenir store. It is only a 15 minute walk from here to reach the cruise port again!
See our other suggested one day cruise itineraries if you even want to see more beaches in a day, want to have a bit more active beach day at Little Bay or more of a snorkeling spree. If you are off to make your own day plan, see our list of great St. Maarten / St. Martin cruise excursions.
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