Sint Maarten located in the Caribbean and is one of the best ports for cruise ships.
This is my most treasured place. Sint Maarten was hit by a hurricane years ago and I was devastated. I knew they would rebuild and they did. This amazing Island is home to so many pins on pinterest and for good reason. I am sure you have seen the videos of people standing on a beach as a plane comes down within what feels like an arms reach away. Or seen the beautiful sunsets from Great Bay beach. There is so much more.
Best Beaches
Great Bay Beach
Located in Philipsburg, near the cruise terminal sits Great Bay beach. Soft sand in your toes, warm crystal blue water and amazing Sunsets. Relax on the beach or take a jet ski out for a spin.
Kontiki Beach
Kontiki Orient Beach is located on the East side of the Island. Now this is a clothing optional beach, I chose to keep mine on ha ha. We did stop at a great beach bar called Pedro’s Beach Bar. (Update, very sad to hear this place was destroyed by Hurricane Irma, hopefully they will rebuild one day) There are so many small bars on the is beautiful beach to sit back and enjoy the views.
Maho Beach
Maho Beach is the most popular beach in Sint Maarten, and probably the craziest I have been to. Planes flying into Princess Juliana International Airport pass over the beach at very low levels. If that is not crazy enough, those planes taking off leave from just aside of the fence. Now yes the plane coming over you is exciting but the large planes that take off have so much power that they have actually injured people with flying rocks.
Best places to Eat
Along the boardwalk in Philipsburg you will find so many places to enjoy some food and drinks. Here are a couple that I loved.
Lizzies Bar
Lizzies Bar is located half way up the strip. It has such an Island feel and the service is great. After the hurricane they had so many donations to get them back up and running, not only local but people from all over donated. Come here and enjoy the BBQ chicken.
Kontiki Beach Bar
Located near Pedro’s Beach Bar there is also Kontiki. Now the prices here are a little more than Pedro’s but the food is sooo good. I also love the tiki feel you get here. Almost a Hawaiian feel. The open air covered patio has stunning views.
Taking in History
In 1789 Fort St Louis was built to protect Marigot Bay. Marigot Bay was a warehousing town for rum, sugarcane, salt and best of all coffee. The cannons are replicas and the fort has fallen apart but you can get an understanding of how the structure was.
Overall Review
Like I said in the beginning, this is my all time favorite place to go. I am not sure if it is the pristine beaches, the history or the amazing people. Either way I never once felt unsafe during the day but have also never spent a night here. I will be back when I get on the sailboat for my next adventure. Stay tuned.