canadarocks Posted February 28, 2017 #1 Share Posted February 28, 2017 We're in port just until 3pm with a bunch of other ships. Is the Water Taxi trip something we would enjoy, or is it simply a means to get to shopping (which we definitely do not enjoy)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navybankerteacher Posted February 28, 2017 #2 Share Posted February 28, 2017 The water taxi is simply a comfortable, inexpensive way to get from the cruise terminal to the center of Philipsburg - where shopping or sitting on the beach are pretty much all there is to do. The beach is OK, but there have been reports of pollution, and it has none of the character or activity of other beaches on th island. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadarocks Posted February 28, 2017 Author #3 Share Posted February 28, 2017 The water taxi is simply a comfortable, inexpensive way to get from the cruise terminal to the center of Philipsburg - where shopping or sitting on the beach are pretty much all there is to do. The beach is OK, but there have been reports of pollution, and it has none of the character or activity of other beaches on th island. Thanks, very good to know beforehand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunsetbeachgal Posted March 1, 2017 #4 Share Posted March 1, 2017 We took it last week, it is a short ride on a fairly large flat boat. The employees are friendly and of course are looking for you to put something in the tip jar! We had no issues with the water or beach where we sat, clean and no seaweed, which we did see further down the beach. The beach in town may not be the most scenic in St Maarten but it is easy and convenient ! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadarocks Posted March 1, 2017 Author #5 Share Posted March 1, 2017 We took it last week, it is a short ride on a fairly large flat boat. The employees are friendly and of course are looking for you to put something in the tip jar! We had no issues with the water or beach where we sat, clean and no seaweed, which we did see further down the beach. The beach in town may not be the most scenic in St Maarten but it is easy and convenient ! Sent from my iPhone using Forums Did you swim in the water at the beach? I keep reading that there is some pollution there. :( Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobyt Posted March 3, 2017 #6 Share Posted March 3, 2017 If you are just using the water taxi as transport it is fine, nothing pretty or scenic in fact I thought it was rather stinky and the last few times we have preferred to walk into town....burn off some of the rich food from the trip. I would not venture into the water just to my knees, too many ships in the area I would suspect the water is not very clean. Easy place to spend the day but certainly not a stunning beach stop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovevacadays Posted March 4, 2017 #7 Share Posted March 4, 2017 The taxi is not for scenic or fun things. Just a mode of transportation. We enjoyed walking into town after we did our island tour. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtaylor Posted March 4, 2017 #8 Share Posted March 4, 2017 They have added new, larger, boats to the water taxi fleet. Some of them are catamarans. (click) gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Lionesss Posted March 4, 2017 #9 Share Posted March 4, 2017 Water taxi ride was painless and a nice alternative to walking in the hot sun and getting back to the ship (after running around doing the family race. They sold bottled water and soda on it. There were many bench like seating available. Enjoyed the ride. Take care Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunsetbeachgal Posted March 4, 2017 #10 Share Posted March 4, 2017 Did you swim in the water at the beach? I keep reading that there is some pollution there. :( Where we were (next to Holland House) the water was very nice and everyone was in swimming. We walked further down the beach and there was quite a bit of Seaweed. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karysa Posted March 4, 2017 #11 Share Posted March 4, 2017 Did you swim in the water at the beach? I keep reading that there is some pollution there. :( That is very close to where the "brown sludgy" water drains into the ocean WHEN it occurs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karysa Posted March 4, 2017 #12 Share Posted March 4, 2017 We're in port just until 3pm with a bunch of other ships. Is the Water Taxi trip something we would enjoy, or is it simply a means to get to shopping (which we definitely do not enjoy)? You can get some really nice pictures of the boardwalk area of town and of the ships while on the ferry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadarocks Posted March 4, 2017 Author #13 Share Posted March 4, 2017 That is very close to where the "brown sludgy" water drains into the ocean WHEN it occurs. We've decided to head to Little Divi Beach instead (we have a relatively short day). Better choice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karysa Posted March 4, 2017 #14 Share Posted March 4, 2017 We've decided to head to Little Divi Beach instead (we have a relatively short day). Better choice? In my opinion it is. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gopher1934 Posted March 5, 2017 #15 Share Posted March 5, 2017 Used to be a tender port they would pick you up at the ship. now you get a long walk and pay for your ride across the bay. but it works very nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrpayroll Posted March 7, 2017 #16 Share Posted March 7, 2017 We've decided to head to Little Divi Beach instead (we have a relatively short day). Better choice? Good choice,,:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadarocks Posted March 7, 2017 Author #17 Share Posted March 7, 2017 In my opinion it is. :) Good choice,,:) Thank you both. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jasonm921 Posted March 18, 2017 #18 Share Posted March 18, 2017 $2 Red Stripes sold on board. Home run. Sent from my SM-N910V using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grapau27 Posted March 18, 2017 #19 Share Posted March 18, 2017 It was last time we used it and the music they played was uplifting. love sailing with RCCL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted March 18, 2017 #20 Share Posted March 18, 2017 The water taxi is an easy, inexpensive, & comfortable way to get to the heart of town in Philipsburg from the cruise terminal. There's shopping, restaurants, and beach bars. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtaylor Posted March 18, 2017 #21 Share Posted March 18, 2017 We enjoy the Water Taxi. It provides a great photo-op as well as $1 water and soda and $2 beers. (click) Video. Hint: There is often a line to buy tickets at the office right as you exit the pier itself, but you can walk on down to where the Water Taxis are docked and purchase tickets right there, as you board. gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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