beaches within walking distance from cruise ship?

We will be arriving on Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas during a port intensive cruise. We have already been to St Maarten on a previous cruise and thought we'd just exit the ship at our leisure this time. I just can't remember what it's like once we leave the ship (I'm confusing St Maarten with St Thomas as far as the cruise terminal areas I think).

Is there a beach within walking distance? If so would you recommend it? What about shopping within walking distance? We are probably just looking to spend a couple of hours here as we have excursions booked on 5 other islands. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thank you!

I am pretty sure you will have a choice...you can stroll over to the beach which you can see from the ship or you can take a water taxi for a few dollars per person to get over to the beach. It's probably a good 15-20 minute walk depending on your pace. There are chairs and umbrellas you can rent from vendors. on the beach. The water is normally very nice in the summer and there is a lot of shopping right there in the port and more as you walk over to the beach area.

Have a wonderful time!

It's about a 20-25 minute walk to Phillipsburg for shopping - also the Great a Bay Beach is right there. A calm beach, easily seen from the ship when alongside the pier - umbrella and chair rentals, and lots of places to get food and drink - but there have been reports of pollution in the water, so not recommended for swimming.

It's about a 20-25 minute walk to Phillipsburg for shopping - also the Great a Bay Beach is right there. A calm beach, easily seen from the ship when alongside the pier - umbrella and chair rentals, and lots of places to get food and drink - but there have been reports of pollution in the water, so not recommended for swimming.

No problems getting into the water at Great Bay Beach if you wish. It's easy and convenient with lots of places to rent chairs/umbrellas and get drinks. :D

LuLu

Although I know they're harmless, I have a fear of iguanas. Has anyone seen any at Great Bay ?

Although I know they're harmless, I have a fear of iguanas. Has anyone seen any at Great Bay ?

Never saw one on Great Bay Beach. No vegetation on this beach to offer them protection.

Although I know they're harmless, I have a fear of iguanas. Has anyone seen any at Great Bay ?

Only on a leash. :) Seriously.

gary

Only on a leash. :) Seriously.

 

gary

:D

Thanks for the info on The Yoda man, will definitely check it out

No problems getting into the water at Great Bay Beach if you wish. It's easy and convenient with lots of places to rent chairs/umbrellas and get drinks. :D

 

LuLu

There are ongoing pollution issues at this beach which have been going on for years. For $4-$5 there is a beach called Little Bay that passes the water pollution tests with flying colours. It's less than 10 minutes via taxi from the port and there is a taxi stand at the Divi Little Bay resort to take you back as well.

Little Bay looks beautiful! Do you know if the water Taxi comes close to here.?

Little Bay looks beautiful! Do you know if the water Taxi comes close to here.?

No water taxi stop near Little Bay. Easy to get to via land taxi from the port or the town.

Little Bay looks beautiful! Do you know if the water Taxi comes close to here.?

The water taxi comes close, but you can't get there from here. :)

Here's a shot of Great Bay that includes Little Bay.

The water taxi has stops at Bobby's and Little Pier, and sometimes at the new water taxi pier to the left of Little Pier, but nothing outside of Great Bay.

For a scale of distance, the opening of Great Bay from the Cruise Facility over to the Little Bay peninsula is much less than one mile.

(click)

gary

Thanks for the Little bay info!Now to decide what to do!!:rolleyes:

Does Little Bay have chairs & umbrellas to rent? Any idea of the cost if there are?

Thanks,

june