Maho .... and what else ???

[shaynasmom]

Hello -

 

Looking for advice.....

Will be on the Oasis for Tgiving week..... my husband REALLY wants to go to Maho Beach to see the planes...... We are docked from 7 am - 5 pm. It is just my husband and I.

 

Here are my questions....

 

1. Suggestions on other things to do by Maho....

2. Suggestions on the BEST way to get to Maho....

3. Suggestions on MUST DO things in St. Marteen ....

 

Who wants to plan our day? I have simply been to busy to think about it !

 

Any experienced St. Marteen people just want to "tell us what we should do" :)

 

Thanks !

Eva

[gtaylor]

First thoughts.

 

You don't mention renting a car, so I'll assume not.

 

The easy thing to do would be book into a group tour with Bernard. If you want more control than that, then check with Joyce.

 

Insisting on visiting Maho does limit your options, (but I understand -- Maho is way cool).

 

You could take a taxi to Mullet Bay Beach when you get off the ship. A really great beach, popular with locals on the weekend, good food and drink available, limited restroom facilities.

 

If you're fairly mobile, then a 15-20 minute walk back to the Maho District for restrooms, shopping and a real Casino, biggest on the island, and a Subway, if you wish.

 

From there, 10 minute walk to Maho beach for the airplanes. Drinks/lunch at Sunset or Driftwood, then taxi back to town by 2:30/2:45.

 

Dropped at Rima's for souvenir shopping. (taxi waits or) 20 minute walk back to downtown/Little Pier for the Water Taxi and back to the ship.

 

gary

[shaynasmom]

Gary -

 

What sort of things should we ask Joyce or Bernard to do..... we can book a private tour.

 

We are NOT renting a car.

 

HONESTLY - we were just thinking of going to MAHO and have lunch/drinks.

 

What type of shopping is good on the island. We really don't want touristy shopping. If there is a GOOD place for Jewelry.... unique jewelry we are all for that.... it is our 20th anniversary that day :) ....

 

Really thinking of a laid back day - getting off boat later and relaxing.

On the Oasis ----- plenty to do on board..... the stops are just the bonus.

 

Thanks again,

Eva

[gtaylor]

A private tour would give you an overview of the entire island, give you exposure to everything just in case you want to come again for an extended visit. They could show you many of the island's 37 or so beaches, again, for your next visit.

 

Lunch and drinks at Maho is great if that's all you want to do. Maho is for the planes, not the beach, as I'm sure you've noted. I'd recommend that you consider the Driftwood Boat Bar, the other side of the beach from Sunset.

 

St. Maarten is known for jewelry, liquor, table linens, Delftware, perfume and liquor (yes, twice).

 

Jewelry: I'm going to quote from a prior post here:

As strange as it may sound, we actually have three jewelers on St. Maarten, all located on Front Street.

 

Our favorite is Shiva's. We have been dealing with the family here for over 20 years. We believe that they have the very finest high-end jewelry in the Caribbean, especially diamonds and watches. We deal with Jay, but anyone here can help you. 75 Front Street.

 

Our second choice, for upper-end jewelry, is Ballerina's, next to the Courthouse. We have purchased a number of pieces over the last 10 years or so. We deal with Ravi here. 56 Front Street.

 

We also shop at Ocean Jewelers, a bit difficult to find in the Horizon View Beach Hotel mall, but well worth it for your less expensive pieces. We deal with DJ. 49-E Front Street.

 

All three of these are within a five minute walk of each other. Mention that Gary and MaryAnn referred you if you like.

 

gary

 

p.s. Rima's is beachwear and inexpensive souvenirs and hats and such. I get the feeling that you don't need to factor a visit into your day.

[kcparrothead]

How long would it take us to get from Maho to Orient Beach and how much would that cost? I really hate to be on a schedule when we are there!

[WiscoGirl32]

How long would it take us to get from Maho to Orient Beach and how much would that cost? I really hate to be on a schedule when we are there!

 

I would also like to know this. Thanks!

 

Ps. Gary your information is so helpful. I love seeing your post and pictures throughout the St. Martin boards!

 

Jena

[gtaylor]

How long would it take us to get from Maho to Orient Beach and how much would that cost? I really hate to be on a schedule when we are there!

To answer the question directly, I would estimate at least 45 minutes (assuming the taxi driver will be aware of traffic conditions), but perhaps an hour. It should cost $30 for two persons, with each additional another $5.

 

That said, if you're traveling from Maho to Orient, then Maho is obviously earlier in the day. If you choose to do that, you'll miss most of the larger planes, which typically arrive between noon and three.

 

Joyce Prince has a page on her website that displays the actual current arrivals / departures so you can view the schedules. Change the time selection to see different parts of the day.

 

You didn't ask, but the taxi from the Cruise Facility to/from Maho should be $26 for 1 or 2, and down to $8 pp in a group of 6 or more. For Orient, $18 for 1 or 2, down to $6 pp. Prices from the same source.

 

gary

 

p.s. WiscoGirl32 :) (thanks)