Getting to Friar's Beach from Phillipsburg

We arrive on the Anthem on a Monday at noon. Sail away isn't until 8. We'd like a more out of the beach and this looks like that. Any thoughts on how long a taxi would be and the fares?

Thanks!

Since you have a later departure time Friars may not be a bad option. Still wouldn't be my choice on a cruise without a car though. 45 minutes would be a good estimate for time. Of course you would want to make sure that you call or arrange for a taxi with plenty of time to spare to get back to the ship.

Which beach would you recommend that is on the French side? We don't want to do Orient. Would love something a little more quiet with chairs for rent/food or drinks. Would Anse Marcel be any better? Thank you!

I would choose Grand Case beach for a swim and happy hour and sunset and take a taxi back to port. Takes about 45 minutes. It's easier to get a taxi here to take you back to the port though.

WOW....Friar's (which is near one of my favorite beaches...Happy Bay). That is a long way from the port and you are talking about a 2 lane road where even a minor accident can cause long delays. But if you do get to Friar's you will likely be the only cruise passengers (its one reason we love that beach when we stay on the island and there are many cruise ships). The best way to get there would be to simply rent a car at the port. Using a taxi will be expensive and you will not likely find a taxi to bring you back...so you need to arrange for your driver to return. And you can never trust a taxi to return...because if they get a better fare....... From Friars you can hike through the forest (jungle) about 10 min to get to Happy Bay....where there are very few people (and the few there may not have any clothes).

Had to smile at the recommendation for Grand Case Beach. We rent a condo that is right on that beach....and seldom spend any time on the beach other then to walk into town (from our condo). Grand Case does have the advantage of some cafes/restaurants on the beach where you can get some decent food. Friars does also have a restaurant although its nothing great. Happy Bay usually has small BBQ place (although you cannot depend that it will be open).

Hank

WOW....Friar's (which is near one of my favorite beaches...Happy Bay). That is a long way from the port and you are talking about a 2 lane road where even a minor accident can cause long delays. But if you do get to Friar's you will likely be the only cruise passengers (its one reason we love that beach when we stay on the island and there are many cruise ships). The best way to get there would be to simply rent a car at the port. Using a taxi will be expensive and you will not likely find a taxi to bring you back...so you need to arrange for your driver to return. And you can never trust a taxi to return...because if they get a better fare....... From Friars you can hike through the forest (jungle) about 10 min to get to Happy Bay....where there are very few people (and the few there may not have any clothes).

 

Had to smile at the recommendation for Grand Case Beach. We rent a condo that is right on that beach....and seldom spend any time on the beach other then to walk into town (from our condo). Grand Case does have the advantage of some cafes/restaurants on the beach where you can get some decent food. Friars does also have a restaurant although its nothing great. Happy Bay usually has small BBQ place (although you cannot depend that it will be open).

 

Hank

Wow, had to smile at you stating that you can get some "decent" food in Grand Case. There are several excellent restaurants open even for lunch these days in Grand Case.

Almost makes me think that you are trying to keep Grand Case for yourself.;)

>> Friars does also have a restaurant although its nothing great. <<

That really made me chuckle... We think the food at the Friar's Bay Beach Cafe is amazing!

We would stick with Friar's, It is closer to a 25 - 30 min ride in normal traffic conditions if you follow the east route past Orient, just 7 min past OB. We drove there from Great Bay on a busy ship day and didn't experience any traffic delays but it depends on the day of course. It is a much longer drive along the west route along with the traffic through Cole Bay and Marigot.

Based on several reviews we've read from families who taxi there every time they cruise to SXM because it is their favorite beach, we wouldn't hesitate to go there when on a cruise. One family said they paid the driver upon their return to the ship, while others just had the restaurant call a return taxi. You'd want to allow extra time for the return of course. 8 hours in port isn't a lot of time but if you want a nice beach I think it's worth the taxi.

Beautiful beach, not as crowded as the others mentioned when we've been there, and great food and drinks at reasonable beach prices. 2 lounges and an umbrella for $10 if you eat there and they wait on you on the beach.