St. Maarten beach?

[klStacker]

We are taking our first Disney cruise on the Magic in April. Because there are six of us, including three kids (ages 8, 7 and 4), we've decided not to spend the money on an excursion in St. Maarten. We'd like to just go to the beach. Does anyone have any suggestions on what beach to go to? We are planning on going to Orient beach, but I'm a little concerned about the nudity. Are the people on the so-called "family side" pretty much covered? I'm sure we can handle an occasional topless women, but I don't think I want the kids there if there are people that are totally nude. Is there another beach that would be more appropriate?

 

[Mickeyhugger]

It's still a judgement call.

We asked our driver to take us to a family beach as our 7-year old DD was with us.

IMHO, there were more topless women than we cared to see. So many, that our DD was more intrigued looking at the topless sunbathers,(she did the usually quiet 'teeheehee' and covered her mouth) than she was eager to get in the water. Finally, DH got her out in the water. They were having a great time. And I'm glad they were, because they missed the grey-haired COMPLETELY NUDE man walking down the beach. I was the one intrigued this time, (as I'd never seen this on a beach before.)

Even though full-nudity was forbidden on this beach, it did occur. And maybe it doesn't happen that often, but it did. When DH and DD got back to me, I told DH, 'let's leave. I'm uncomfortable here.'

I'm not being political, and not intending to start a debate. I wouldn't mind an occasional topless women, but it was more than what we'd expected. The driver's idea of 'family beach' differed from ours, and that's fine, it's there way of life. But our family is used to much more modesty.

Hope this helps.

 

[klStacker]

Was this at Orient beach, or did the driver take you somewhere else?

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

I would suggest either Dawn Beach or Little Bay beach. Both are on the Dutch side, so nudity won't be an issue. Dawn is my favorite on the island, but it's on the Atlantic side, so the surf can be rough on occasion. Little Bay is probably better with kids. It's only about a 5-10 minute cab ride from the cruise ship pier. The surf is a little more tranquil than at Dawn, but there's a Divi resort right there, so the beach can get crowded.

Another option is Great Bay beach, which is just a quick ride on the water taxi from the pier. You get a nice view of all the ships in port, and you're close to the downtown shops and restaurants (which could be both good and bad).

 

[tammy bell]

I have the same question. We were planning on going to the Butterfly farm and then to Orient Beach because it is very close by. However, I do not want to spend the day trying to get my kids to focus on something other than the nudity.

 

[Carasoyn]

We rented a jeep and "saw" the island. (Butterfly Farm is great, but they said the butterflies are at their most active in the morning. FYI) We never made it to the beach, but the one we were headed to our car rental guy said was his favorite on the island, Dawn Beach.

 

[kcashner]

On the Dutch side, nudity is not allowed. There is a beach within walking distance of the dock (about a 5 minute walk). It is a nice, family friendly beach.

Orient beach is on the French side, where full nudity is allowed. My 13 year old DD was totally grossed out. We didn't go there to swim, but our tour made a 15 minute stop. She learned far more about sexual stimulation than I had any desire for her to know--there was more than just nudity going on (this on the 2/7 Magic).

So....I'd only take kids to a beach on the Dutch side. I wouldn't ask a driver about "family friendly," I'd just stick to the Dutch side where swimmers are fully clothed.
Kathryn

 

[makaylee]

We went on the Disney excursion to orient beach that took you to the "family side" and we only seen about 2 or 3 topless women walk by. My daughter didn't even notice, she was to busy having fun. I agree to do the trip on your own though. The excursion was to expensive for what you got. You could take a taxi for a tiny fraction of the price and the lunch you are served is okay at best. I would take a taxi and bring a lunch off of the boat, like sandwiches from roomservice. It is a VERY beautiful beach, with water so warm and clear it is unbelievable and good size waves to have fun in.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Nudity and/or toplessness can occur at any beach on the island although it is less common on the Dutch side.

 

[mmouse37]

Kathryn....we spent the morning at Orient Beach at the Bikini Beach club. We arrived by Taxi at about 9:30 in the AM and stayed until noon.

there were a few nudists walking down the beach. We did not have the teens with us this time so we just chuckled because if these people were really to look at themselves in a mirror I doubt they would still walk around nude!!! It always seems to be the edlerly men and women who go without clothing....a few topless females but not many.

May I inquire what else was going on when you were there??? You can PM if it is not suitable for this board.

MJ

 

[jrabbit]

We went to Orient Beach with 3 kids ages 8 to 14. Got there around 1pm. 95% of the women were "appropriatly" swiming suited. There were a few folks walking around nude (about as "exciting" to look at as wall panneling) and a white guy with flaming red cheeks who I am sure was not able to sit down for a couple of weeks (got what he deserved). The kids are not raving sex lunitics after their exposure to nature. We all had a great time playing on the beach and in the ocean. The water was great. Nice sized wave to play in. WOuld do this again in a heartbeat. We did it on our own and for the 7 of us we save a couple of hundred dollars over DCL's excursion.

 

[Mickeyhugger]

Sorry it took so long for my reply.

Yes, this was Orient beach.

And kcashner and jrabbit, your posts are too funny!

I take it seriously though, and won't be doing that beach again!

There are other true 'family-friendly' beaches.

 

[Nesnboy]

We did the beach excursion to Orient Beach. Everyone we saw had suits on. Not even partial nudity. However, we didn't wander very far from our spot on the beach.

 

[berly1657]

We also went to the Orient beach in the afternoon on the 2/7 cruise with our 5 & 8 yr old. they were oblivous to any nudity. The 5 yr olds played on the beach (big waves) and the 8 yr olds were in the water. I was waiting for the 8 yr olds to come running up - but they never did. We were only there for about 2 hours - took a taxi on our own and rented chairs on Bikini Beach

If you go there and happen to find 2 little girls light up/velcro tennis shoes - they are my daughters! Those were the only clothes we "lost" on the beach!

Like everyone else said - it was pretty much old naked people walking down the beach and not many.