Families will see Great Bay Beach when they walk or drive from the cruise terminal to the city. © St. Maarten Tourist Bureau

A St. Maarten family vacation offers great beaches, plenty of shopping and a wide variety of family friendly shore excursions.

Favorite Family Beaches

Great Bay: This family-friendly beach sits in front of Philipsburg, the capital and major cruise port of the Dutch side. It is most convenient for cruise visitors, who can walk off the ship and then either walk to the beach or take a water taxi.

Orient Bay: Orient Bay on the French side of the island is the most famous beach on the island. But families should be aware it is located on the French side and therefore topless sunbathing is possible. Orient Bay is a common shore excursion that will cost about $40 to $50 per person.

Cupecoy Beach: This is a good choice for families wanting some quiet and alone time. Cupecoy Beach is like a hidden gem at sea with few other visitors and can even feel like one has their own private beach.

Maho Beach: Maho Beach is famous because it is so close to the airport that landing planes will swoop down over the heads of beachgoers. The jet engine blasts cause some of them to get knocked off their feet. Families should visit with caution and stay away from the blasts.

Family Attractions and Shore Excursions

Lottery Farm: This historic location was a sugar cane plantation in the early 18th century. It is home to thousands of different types of plants and multiple species of animals. Families will enjoy an atmosphere that feels like a zoo without the cages.

Butterfly Farm: Opened in 1994, this is a great place to discover multiple types of butterflies in one place.

The Old House: This is both a history lesson and fun for any family. There are period pieces of furniture on this site that was once a sugar cane plantation. In addition, visitors can experience what life was like on the island several hundred years ago.

Best Family Shopping

Marigot is a quaint French town with good shopping. © Scott S. Bateman

Wathey Cruise Terminal: The Wathey cruise terminal where most ships dock has the best and most shopping on St. Maarten—along with plenty of dining. The terminal is the gateway to a large open-air mall.

Front Street: Front Street in Philipsburg used to be the major shopping district when cruise ships docked right in front of the city. But no more. Still, it’s another opportunity for anyone who spends time at Great Bay Beach and wants to break up the day with some shopping.

Marigot Flea Market: The popular flea market on the French side in the town of Marigot offers some good shopping and a taste of French culture from quaint cafes. It offers an eclectic mix of locally made goods and other discount products.

Adventures and Excursions

ATV tour: Riding on ATVs gives families a chance to see the entire island, visit beaches, go on trails and see some historical landmarks. Tours, which cost about $100 per person, may include a visit to Maho Beach by the airport where visitors stand near jets that land and leave.

Snorkel and Kayak Adventure: Snorkeling is a great family excursion for the active family that is always looking for more. Familes also will find plenty of kayaking opportunities and the competitive energy that kayaking can bring. Our personal favorite was a snorkeling trip over to the nearby island of Anguilla, which has clear water and beautiful white sand beaches.