We have a similar plan for our upcoming St Maarten visit so I am also interested in feedback on this subject.
My research indicates there is a Sang’s Super Center grocery store that sells liquor, wine, and beer, across from the water taxi stop at the marina at the east end of the boardwalk area (the Guavaberry Emporium and the Casinos end). A little further up the road into town there is a Caribbean Liquor and Tobacco store (CLT), apparently the chain of regular liquor stores in the Caribbean, also selling wine and beer. Both seem to be operating again after the hurricane based on website activity. I’m not sure if one is a better option for purchasing beer or if there is a better option somewhere else? Maybe even in the shops at the pier area itself? I assume you can bring alcohol on the water taxi as many of the tourists using the service must be carrying it on the way back. The rule is probably that you can’t drink it on the taxi...but it’s only a five minute ride. You can purchase an all day ticket for the water taxi, apparently $7, so you can get on and off multiple times if you are coming back by the taxi from the far end of the beach. Otherwise it is probably about a 15 or 20 minute walk back to the pier area along the main road from these shops.
I understand that the water taxi goes to a mid point on the beach and that the areas further west (away from the beer store end) are a bit quieter. A couple of chairs, umbrella and wifi should cost about $15 to $20 (bring cash for these purchases).
I haven’t been there yet so I don’t have any recommendations for restaurants, but there seem to be lots of options. All reports are the main boardwalk and beach areas are very safe for the cruise day tourists.
