Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in !

Maho & Mullet Bay

Why Visit?

Accessible Adventure in St. Maarten: Exploring Maho & Mullet Bay

Morning: Arrival and Exploration at Maho Beach

Begin your unforgettable day in St. Maarten by arriving at Maho Beach, famous globally for its thrilling airplane landings. Accessible parking spaces are available near the beach entrance, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure. Wheelchair users and mobility scooter riders can navigate the area using the paved paths. Settle into a spot where you can watch the planes descend astonishingly close to the beach—a truly unique spectacle.

Maho Beach is not just about plane-spotting. The beach provides wheelchair-accessible facilities, including ramps leading up to viewing platforms, allowing everyone to enjoy the azure waters and sandy shores comfortably. Don’t miss capturing these moments as huge aircrafts soar just overhead!

Lunch: Refresh and Refuel

After an exhilarating morning, head to one of the nearby accessible restaurants overlooking the beach. Many eateries offer ramped entrances and accessible restrooms. Indulge in some local cuisine; try the grilled Mahi-Mahi or a refreshing tropical fruit punch as you soak in the views of the Caribbean Sea.

Afternoon: Serenity at Mullet Bay

Post lunch, make your way to Mullet Bay, just a short, accessible drive from Maho. Known for its less crowded and tranquil environment, Mullet Bay offers a peaceful contrast to Maho’s excitement. The beach has a flat, firm surface near the entrance, suitable for wheelchairs and scooters, although assistance may be needed on softer sands closer to the water.

Spend the afternoon basking under the Caribbean sun or enjoy the gentle waves of the sea. Mullet Bay is perfect for those looking to unwind and savor the island’s natural beauty in a relaxed setting.

Departure

Conclude your tour as the sun sets, with a heart full of memories from the day’s experiences. Both Maho and Mullet Bay provide accessible taxi services, ensuring a comfortable return to your accommodation or cruise ship. This tour of St. Maarten’s stunning beaches promises a delightful day out, accommodating and accessible, ensuring no one misses out on the fun!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Simpson Bay

Why Visit?

Welcome to Simpson Bay, St. Maarten – a Caribbean paradise that brilliantly combines accessibility with enchanting tropical allure. Here is a wheelchair and mobile scooter-friendly tour itinerary that ensures a delightful and hassle-free experience.

Morning

Kickstart your day at Kim Sha Beach, a scenic and accessible location where the turquoise waters meet the shimmering sands. This beach offers wheelchair-friendly facilities, including boardwalks and accessible restrooms. Parking is conveniently located near the entrance, making it easy to navigate in a wheelchair or on a scooter. Enjoy a serene morning soaking up the sun, or if you"re feeling adventurous, partake in some accessible water sports, available upon request.

Lunch

Head to one of Simpson Bay’s accessible restaurants overlooking the marina. The Top Carrot is a great choice, offering a healthy menu with plenty of shade and an accessible dining area. Here, you can indulge in fresh salads, smoothies, and a selection of local dishes, all while enjoying the view of yachts bobbing in the bay.

Afternoon

Post-lunch, make your way to the St. Maarten Zoo. Though it"s a small facility, it is charming and provides accessible pathways throughout, allowing you to explore a variety of exotic animals and birds in their habitats. The zoo is a 10-minute drive from Simpson Bay and has dedicated accessible parking spots near the entrance.

Evening

Conclude your day with a stroll along the Simpson Bay Lagoon. The promenade here is well-paved and offers stunning sunset views. Accessible parking is available at both ends of the promenade. As dusk settles, find a spot at one of the accessible cafes or bars, where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail or a coffee, wrapping up your day in this picturesque locale.

This itinerary offers a seamless blend of relaxation and exploration, ensuring that Simpson Bay’s beauty is accessible to everyone.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Front Street

Why Visit?

Front Street Wheelchair-Friendly Adventure

Embark on an accessible and engaging tour along the iconic Front Street, a picturesque hub that combines vibrant history with stunning views, all easily enjoyed from the comfort of a wheelchair or mobile scooter.

Morning

Start your day at the Front Street Visitor Center, easily reachable via accessible public transportation or designated parking spots close by for those driving. The center provides free wheelchair rental, ensuring you’re well-equipped for your adventure. Just outside, enjoy the beautifully maintained riverfront garden, featuring wide, flat paths and plenty of shaded seating areas.

Mid-Morning

Head to the historical Front Street Market, a mere 5-minute roll away. Here, accessibility meets the old-world charm. The market features ramps and wide aisles between stalls, letting you explore local crafts and fresh produce effortlessly. Don"t miss the home-made jams and the artisanal cheese stalls which often offer tasty samples!

Lunch

For lunch, roll into one of Front Street’s accessible riverside restaurants. Many of these eateries offer not only stunning river views but also feature ramped entrances and ADA-compliant restrooms. The local seafood is a must-try—think fresh crab cakes and grilled sea bass.

Afternoon

Post-lunch, visit the Front Street Maritime Museum, which is renowned for its barrier-free design. Engage with interactive exhibits about the town"s maritime history and enjoy the tactile models of historic ships and sensory displays about marine life.

Late Afternoon

Cap off your day with a serene roll along the accessible riverwalk. This pathway offers breathtaking views of the sunset over the water and has numerous rest spots where you can pause and soak in the scenery.

Getting Around

Front Street is well-equipped for mobility devices, featuring smooth sidewalks and numerous accessible public restrooms. For longer distances, the local shuttle service provides wheelchair-friendly transportation between major attractions.

Interesting Fact

Front Street was one of the first in the region to install tactile guiding paths for visually impaired visitors, highlighting the community’s commitment to accessibility.

This wheelchair-friendly itinerary promises a day of exploration and enjoyment, ensuring that everyone can experience the best of Front Street without barriers.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Divi Little Bay Beach Resort

Why Visit?

Welcome to the enchanting Divi Little Bay Beach Resort in St. Maarten, where accessibility meets tropical paradise! This wheelchair-friendly itinerary ensures a seamless and enjoyable adventure around the resort and its stunning surroundings.

Day 1: Arrival and Resort Exploration

Begin your journey by settling into Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, conveniently located near the Princess Juliana International Airport. The resort offers wheelchair-accessible shuttle services for easy transitions from the airport and throughout your stay. Once checked in, explore the fully accessible grounds. Enjoy a dip in one of the resort’s three swimming pools, each equipped with a pool lift, and unwind with a refreshing cocktail from the swim-up bar.

Day 2: Fort Amsterdam Tour

After a restful night, head to the historic Fort Amsterdam located within an easy reach from the resort. Paved paths make it simple for wheelchary users to explore this 17th-century Dutch fortification. Learn about its fascinating role in the island"s history and enjoy panoramic views of the bay, which also happen to be a prime spot for bird watching — keep an eye out for the brown pelican breeding grounds.

Day 3: Philipsburg Excursion

Take a wheelchair-accessible taxi to Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, located just a 10-minute drive from the resort. Wander through Front Street, known for its vibrant shops and cafes, all accessible and welcoming to wheelchair users. Visit the St. Maarten Museum to dive deeper into the island"s rich heritage, where accessible entrances and displays await.

Day 4: Relaxation and Departure

Spend your last day unwinding on Little Bay Beach. The resort provides special beach wheelchair rentals, ensuring a comfortable seaside experience. Soak in the Caribbean sun before a hassle-free checkout and a smooth ride back to the airport.

Every moment at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort is tailored for comfort and accessibility, guaranteeing a blissful retreat in the heart of the Caribbean.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Happy Bay Beach

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Day Tour to Happy Bay Beach, St. Martin

Morning: Arrival & Exploration

Start your adventure at Happy Bay Beach, a hidden gem on the northwest coast of St. Martin, offering serene beauty with its less crowded, white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. For wheelchair and scooter users, access can initially seem daunting due to its somewhat secluded nature. However, the recently improved pathways make it a feasible destination for those with mobility aids.

Arrive at Friar"s Bay, which is the closest accessible parking area. From here, you can rent a beach wheelchair or use a sturdy mobile scooter to navigate the approximately 10-minute trail to Happy Bay. The path is a mix of compacted sand and flat surfaces, providing a manageable route for most wheelchair users.

Midday: Relaxation & Lunch

Once you arrive, find a spot under the shade of coconut palms. The beach is generally quiet, especially on weekdays, making it perfect for a peaceful retreat. For lunch, pack a picnic or enjoy a meal delivered right to your spot from one of the local vendors who are typically around and happy to accommodate.

Afternoon: Snorkeling & Nature Watching

Happy Bay is excellent for snorkeling. If you have a waterproof mobility aid, the calm waters here are ideal for floating and observing vibrant marine life. Alternatively, enjoy bird watching or simply the soothing sounds of the waves.

Late Afternoon: Return & Refresh

Head back to Friar"s Bay before sunset, using the same path you came by. The return trip is equally scenic, offering one last chance to enjoy the lush surroundings.

Good to Know

- Planning ahead is crucial; ensure battery levels on electronic mobility aids are fully charged.

- Always check the weather beforehand as the trail can become slippery when wet.

- Local vendors often provide umbrella and chair rentals but check for availability in advance to ensure they meet your specific needs.

Enjoy your relaxing and accessible escape to Happy Barn Bay, where tranquility meets tropical paradise!

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.