Big Bastard's Ultimate Great Bay Beach Day for 2 - Row 2/3/4

4.9 (74 reviews)5 hSt. MaartenFood & drinkFits a typical call
Fits your day

Back at the ship by about 1:44 pm, 2 h 46 min before all aboard. That keeps your 1 h safety margin with 1 h 46 min to spare.

Safety margin
Ship in portGetting ashore (20 min)Safety margin (1 h)All aboard 4:30 pm
  1. 8:00 am
    Ship docks in St. Maarten20 min to get off the ship and through the terminal
  2. 8:20 am
    Leave the pierAbout 12 min to the start point
  3. 8:32 am
    Earliest tour startTour runs 5 h. Latest sensible start: 10:18 am.
  4. 1:32 pm
    Tour ends12 min back to the pier
  5. 1:44 pm
    Back at the gangway2 h 46 min before all aboard
  6. 4:30 pm
    All aboardGangway closes; the ship won't wait for independent tours

Estimates based on the tour's longest published duration, our researched travel times and typical pier queues. Confirm the departure time on the booking page and keep your watch on ship's time.

Our verdict

This tour fits a typical St. Maarten call (8:00 am–4:30 pm). It runs 5 h; ashore by 8:20 am, you can start by 8:32 am and be back at the gangway around 1:44 pm — 1 h 46 min to spare on top of a 1 h safety margin.

Rule of thumb: it keeps the safety margin as long as all aboard is 2:44 pm or later. Even a short 7:00 am–2:00 pm call works.

The start point (Great Bay Beach) is about 1.7 km from Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility (Port St. Maarten), Harbour Point Village, roughly 12 min by taxi each way — that travel time is already counted above.

Among the 400 St. Maarten shore excursions we track, this is about average in length (the median runs 4 h); 77% of them fit a typical call.

Computed from the tour's published duration, the distance from the cruise pier to its start point and the typical St. Maarten call. Adjust your ship's times above to recheck.

About this tour

Big Bastard's provides a full service beach experience, with music, games and floaties provided on the beach and supported by dedicated service to your seats. By choosing your beach day with us, you can enjoy a hassle free beach day, knowing you already have secured one of the best areas to enjoy on Great Bay Beach. There are a wide variety of vendors to explore within steps of our beach. The venue is easily accessible from the central water taxi station. Once arrived, your ticket will be verified, and you will be guided to your reserved space on the beach. Your space is yours for the entire day, and you may choose to leave and explore other areas of Philipsburg as you wish. Our team will be happy to take of you for your entire day with us.

Skip the line

What's included

  • Each package contains your choice of either 5 Carib beers or 2 cocktails to start your day.
  • Two beach chairs, umbrella - Rows 2/3/4

Itinerary

  1. 1
    Great Bay Beach
    We are located at 49 Front Street, Boardwalk side of the Horizon View Hotel. If using a taxi, ask for the central courthouse, walk towards the water and turn left a we are a one minute walk. Once you arrive, our team will verify your booking and direct you to your reserved space on the beach. You receive access to Great Bay beach, including a full day use of beach chairs/umbrellas (assigned on rows 2/3/4) at Big Bastard's Beach Bar + Patio. Enjoy a full service beach, washroom amenities, food & drink menu. Each package will include a complimentary selection of beverages. You are free to come and go as you please, visiting Philipsburg, knowing your chairs will be there for you.
    Admission included

Meeting point and getting there

Start point
Great Bay Beach
Caribbean
From the cruise pier
About 12 min by taxi
Allow 20 min to get off the ship first. Taxi fares and pier details.
Returns
Back to the start point

Good to know

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Traveler reviews

4.9
74 traveler reviews
5
93%
4
4%
3
3%
2
0%
1
0%

Read all 74 reviews

Operated by Big Bastard's Ultimate Great Bay Beach Day. Prices, availability and tour details come from the booking partner and can change; the booking page is authoritative.

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