Karysa Posted August 24, 2015 #101 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Years ago we did a complete island tour, booked at the pier, with Elvis when we were there with a group of 12 or 13. Even earlier we were there on a Windjammer and just spent the day downtown in an upstairs bar looking out over The Clock. Sometimes we just do that now. A couple visits ago I booked with Beulah for her lunch time special tour for $10 and it was well worth it. It appears to gone way up to $12 now. Next time we may just walk or taxi over to Palm Court Gardens. gary To stop the start of any confusion Gary is answering a question about St. Kitts. :) I read this 3 times thinking that I was on the wrong board before I realized that back a few posts St. Kitts was mentioned. :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtaylor Posted August 24, 2015 #102 Share Posted August 24, 2015 Thanks karysa, my oversight on this one. gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mudcatkevin Posted October 25, 2015 #103 Share Posted October 25, 2015 Just returned from St. Marteen. We walked down the main shopping area and saw a van which had a wooden sign in front window which read "Maho Beach". We waved it down, and rode public "bus" to traffic circle just by Maho beach, cost was $2 a person. Sweet. After spending time there, we walked back to traffic circle area and within two minutes a public bus/van "Phillipsburg" in window. $2 back, SWEET!! Some people think taxi is better for $30. Not me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acbat1 Posted October 26, 2015 #104 Share Posted October 26, 2015 Just returned from St. Marteen. We walked down the main shopping area and saw a van which had a wooden sign in front window which read "Maho Beach". We waved it down, and rode public "bus" to traffic circle just by Maho beach, cost was $2 a person. Sweet. After spending time there, we walked back to traffic circle area and within two minutes a public bus/van "Phillipsburg" in window. $2 back, SWEET!! Some people think taxi is better for $30. Not me. Going in January with a party of 15. Bus probably won't be an option because of the number of us. Do you think they can call a second bus when they see how many? Also did you have to take the water taxi from the cruise terminal then take the bus? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karysa Posted October 26, 2015 #105 Share Posted October 26, 2015 Just returned from St. Marteen. We walked down the main shopping area and saw a van which had a wooden sign in front window which read "Maho Beach". We waved it down, and rode public "bus" to traffic circle just by Maho beach, cost was $2 a person. Sweet. After spending time there, we walked back to traffic circle area and within two minutes a public bus/van "Phillipsburg" in window. $2 back, SWEET!! Some people think taxi is better for $30. Not me. How often do the buses run and is there an accurate schedule? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtaylor Posted October 26, 2015 #106 Share Posted October 26, 2015 How often do the buses run and is there an accurate schedule? http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=46941532&postcount=2 gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karysa Posted October 26, 2015 #107 Share Posted October 26, 2015 http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=46941532&postcount=2 gary Thanks. :) I had never seen a schedule posted at a bus stop so I didn't think that there was a schedule. Sounds like the poster above got lucky not having to wait for a bus in either direction. How often do you think buses run from Philipsburg to Maho and back and how many people can fit in each? Also, is there any mention of improving the public transportation system on the island? Might be time for this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dooleymoe Posted November 4, 2015 #108 Share Posted November 4, 2015 Quick question, we have a group of 6 including one 4 year old and are planning on going to Maho beach. We've done a tour previously and are not interested in that again. Our concern is about our 4 year old and a car seat. I know if we book a tour/reserve a driver for the day we can guarantee one. What are the chances of finding a taxi each way having one? Obviously that would be cheaper but the car seat is key,. thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtaylor Posted November 5, 2015 #109 Share Posted November 5, 2015 Quick question, we have a group of 6 including one 4 year old and are planning on going to Maho beach. We've done a tour previously and are not interested in that again. Our concern is about our 4 year old and a car seat. I know if we book a tour/reserve a driver for the day we can guarantee one. What are the chances of finding a taxi each way having one? Obviously that would be cheaper but the car seat is key,. thanks I don't think that you could count on just randomly finding a taxi that happened to have a car seat available, but you might be able to find a taxi at the Cruise Facility Taxi Dispatch area that has car seats, and make arrangements with that driver to return to pick you up at a scheduled time. gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtaylor Posted November 5, 2015 #110 Share Posted November 5, 2015 Thanks. :) I had never seen a schedule posted at a bus stop so I didn't think that there was a schedule. Sounds like the poster above got lucky not having to wait for a bus in either direction. How often do you think buses run from Philipsburg to Maho and back and how many people can fit in each? Also, is there any mention of improving the public transportation system on the island? Might be time for this. Hey. :) Finally realized that there appears to be a question for me in there. As I've referenced, no set schedule. Sometimes there are two busses together, hopscotching each other at each bus stop. Sometimes long gaps. I think a bus/van holds about 10 passengers. Is there mention of improving the system? OF COURSE, but so far it has been all 'mention' and no action. :( gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistyhon Posted November 20, 2015 #111 Share Posted November 20, 2015 Quick question, we have a group of 6 including one 4 year old and are planning on going to Maho beach. We've done a tour previously and are not interested in that again. Our concern is about our 4 year old and a car seat. I know if we book a tour/reserve a driver for the day we can guarantee one. What are the chances of finding a taxi each way having one? Obviously that would be cheaper but the car seat is key,. thanks Please go to your local Walmart or Amazon.com and buy a bubble bum inflatable booster seat for your child. You cannot trust a car seat from a cabbie (if you are lucky enough to find one.) Bring your own inflatable booster so the seatbelt hits your 4 year old in the correct spot. They don't take up much room. We bring 1 for our 5 year old and 1 for our 8 year old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ninaboo2000 Posted March 8, 2016 #112 Share Posted March 8, 2016 I'm heading to St Maarten at the end of the month. Has anyone taken the bus/ van $2 option lately? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
missdamsel Posted September 5, 2016 #113 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Ninaboo, did you do this in March? What was the outcome??? I'm heading to St Maarten at the end of the month. Has anyone taken the bus/ van $2 option lately? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ninaboo2000 Posted September 5, 2016 #114 Share Posted September 5, 2016 Ninaboo, did you do this in March? What was the outcome??? So my plan was to take the public bus for 2.00 but this was our last stop of the week and when we got off and walked the pier we were just ready to go and saw the lines for taxi and if there are enough people it was 7 pp and it definitely was enough people lined up so we just folded into the line and took the taxi readily available right there... went to airplane beach enjoyed it... had pizza at the bar next door and hopped the taxi back and the traffic was rough both ways... honestly we ended up spending 28 dollars compared to 8 but it was just worth it to us to not have to wonder and search for the right public bus... walk to get to it...and find one to go back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seany527 Posted October 17, 2016 #115 Share Posted October 17, 2016 So my plan was to take the public bus for 2.00 but this was our last stop of the week and when we got off and walked the pier we were just ready to go and saw the lines for taxi and if there are enough people it was 7 pp and it definitely was enough people lined up so we just folded into the line and took the taxi readily available right there... went to airplane beach enjoyed it... had pizza at the bar next door and hopped the taxi back and the traffic was rough both ways... honestly we ended up spending 28 dollars compared to 8 but it was just worth it to us to not have to wonder and search for the right public bus... walk to get to it...and find one to go back. Nice feedback- I will probably do the same then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karysa Posted October 17, 2016 #116 Share Posted October 17, 2016 Hey. :) Finally realized that there appears to be a question for me in there. As I've referenced, no set schedule. Sometimes there are two busses together, hopscotching each other at each bus stop. Sometimes long gaps. I think a bus/van holds about 10 passengers. Is there mention of improving the system? OF COURSE, but so far it has been all 'mention' and no action. :( gary A 10 passenger bus with 5 ships in port even with 2 "hopscotching" each other at each bus stop doesn't make me want to walk 15 minutes to catch it to save $5 and take the seat of someone trying to get to work. It's really surprising that St.Maarten/St. Martin does not have a bigger and better bus system by now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hancock Posted October 28, 2016 #117 Share Posted October 28, 2016 A 10 passenger bus with 5 ships in port even with 2 "hopscotching" each other at each bus stop doesn't make me want to walk 15 minutes to catch it to save $5 and take the seat of someone trying to get to work. It's really surprising that St.Maarten/St. Martin does not have a bigger and better bus system by now. The bus system of St. Maarten works for them. It just isn't like a bus system in a metropolitan area elsewhere. The buses are actually privately owned vans. They stop where you want them to stop. They pick up passengers who signal them to stop. No need for a schedule as they are plentyfull. Cost for taking the bus from Back Street to Maho is $2pp each way. The Water Taxi is $7 for all day transport into P'burg from the cruise ship area. This is up to date info. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karysa Posted October 28, 2016 #118 Share Posted October 28, 2016 (edited) The bus system of St. Maarten works for them. It just isn't like a bus system in a metropolitan area elsewhere. The buses are actually privately owned vans. They stop where you want them to stop. They pick up passengers who signal them to stop. No need for a schedule as they are plentyfull. Cost for taking the bus from Back Street to Maho is $2pp each way. The Water Taxi is $7 for all day transport into P'burg from the cruise ship area. This is up to date info. I have had many locals tell me if the bus system was better there wouldn't be so much traffic on the island because more people would rely on the bus. Edited October 28, 2016 by Karysa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jemery Posted October 30, 2016 #119 Share Posted October 30, 2016 Is there a taxi stand in the Maho Beach area to take a taxi back to the cruise port, or do you have to make arrangements beforehand? Thanks, -John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aloha<3 Posted October 31, 2016 #120 Share Posted October 31, 2016 How long do you recommend visiting Maho Beach for? I've never been before although I have been to St. Maarten but only visited Philipsburg. I am trying to decide between a tour with Bernard's that includes 45 mins at Maho Beach or taking the ferry/bus and just doing Maho. So hard to decide and I would appreciate any input! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelingla Posted November 6, 2016 #121 Share Posted November 6, 2016 How long do you recommend visiting Maho Beach for? I've never been before although I have been to St. Maarten but only visited Philipsburg. I am trying to decide between a tour with Bernard's that includes 45 mins at Maho Beach or taking the ferry/bus and just doing Maho. So hard to decide and I would appreciate any input! We have visited St M several times -- we've done the island tour and now we go directly (by Taxi) to Maho Beach -- specifically Sunset Bar and Grill and spend the entire time we are at the port. The music is great and Desperado beer is the best in the world! (I am not biased by any means! ) -- although they've stopped selling the basic Desperado -- so sad! the 'other' bar and grill at the opposite end of Maho Beach (just a few steps away) now sells the plain Desperado so we will go there on our next visit. We love just hanging out visiting and watching the planes and jets land - -just a 'Margaritaville' kinda day -- fun and lots of R&R......the largest jets do not come in till after 1:00 so when our departure time is at 5:00 we leave the bar at 3:00 to give us plenty of time to return to ship -- so we might not get to see the largest jets that time but it is still lots of fun. There are PLENTY of taxis and vans waiting to take folks back to the ship -- very organized. Hope this is the info you were looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travelingla Posted November 6, 2016 #122 Share Posted November 6, 2016 Is there a taxi stand in the Maho Beach area to take a taxi back to the cruise port, or do you have to make arrangements beforehand? Thanks, -John Yes -- a parking lot full of taxis and vans waiting to take passengers back to the ship -- you do not need to set up a plan in advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sherrerakacik Posted November 7, 2016 #123 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jemery Posted November 7, 2016 #124 Share Posted November 7, 2016 Thanks Travelingla, that's exactly what I need to know. -John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunquest76 Posted November 10, 2016 #125 Share Posted November 10, 2016 How is the traffic getting back to port from Malo Beach? We are tight on time and I'm worried about missing "all aboard"! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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