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Is there a free beach at St Maarten?

Located on the island's southwest tip, Cupecoy is a set of three beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs. It's also the last beach on the Dutch side before crossing the northern French border.



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St. Maarten / St. Martin has 37 stunning beaches, all of which are public. Regulations vary according to the beach and which side of the island governs it.

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Dutch Side Beaches: Great Bay Beach (Near the Philipsburg cruise port) Little Bay Beach ($6 by Taxi or 20 minutes walking)

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The shores of northeastern St. Maarten are home to the well-known Orient Bay Beach, a well-loved stretch of sand on the island. Also referred to as the “St. Tropez” of the Caribbean, this beach is the largest in St.

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Plum Bay or Baie aux Prunes beach is secluded and not so frequent a destination for tourists. Golden sands and clear turquoise water are enhanced by the peace and quiet that this beach offers. The calmer seas around this wild beach are the perfect locations for snorkeling and sometimes for surfing.

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Are shore excursions included on a cruise? While luxury lines, river cruises, small coastal ships, expedition ships and even some premium cruise lines include some shore excursions in their fares. Other tours on those lines and all excursions offered by mainstream cruise lines must be purchased.

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Despite having two different official currencies, the US Dollar is accepted on both sides, with St. Maarten using the US Dollar the most. It is not unusual to receive change in US Dollar even when payment is made with the guilder.

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You can travel freely between this island's French and the Dutch sides, but you will need to present a passport that has at least six months remaining validity (for the French side) when you first arrive. A valid passport is all that is required to enter the Dutch side.

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Maarten's northeastern shore is a well-known stretch of soft white sand offering watersports, relaxation, snorkeling, and pristine waters for wading and swimming. This beach is famed as the St. Tropez of the Caribbean and among the largest on the island.

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Our duty-free markets and shops are filled with brands you love, and unique local specialties you won't be able to find anywhere else. Truly a shopping destination, St. Maarten offers the retail therapy you deserve while staying on the island.

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The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions. Avoid remote areas at night. Do not take valuables to the beach. Make sure purses and handbags are closed and not easy to snatch.

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Many people prefer Dutch Sint Maarten since it is more developed. This indicates that the amenities and services are more plentiful on this side of the island. However, those who choose a more relaxed setting stay at French Saint Martin. In addition, it has a more “Caribbean vibe”.

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You absolutely do not have to do shore excursions on a cruise. You are free to come and go at will from most cruise ships while they are in ports of call. Shore excursions are simply one means to explore the areas visited by the ship and to participate in available activities off the ship.

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For the most part, cruise lines do charge more than non-cruise-related tour operators for the same (or similar) outing. If you trust the company and feel confident that you won't miss the ship, it certainly makes sense to pay less by booking an excursion independently that could cost you more onboard.

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A famous jet-set getaway, Sint Maarten is known as one of the more expensive islands in the Caribbean. Gary Meenaghan proves it's possible for a family to stay, and enjoy, for a month without breaking the bank. Almost as soon as I paid for the flights, I realized my mistake.

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For those after tranquility and serenity, try Dawn Beach, Oyster Bay Beach, or the stretched and beautiful Lowlands beaches of Baie Longue / Long Bay, Plum bay / Baie aux Prunes, Baie Rouge / Red Bay. Dutch side Sint Maarten's well known Mullet Bay Beach along its golf course also allows for a silent day in the sun.

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