mehimand5ofthem Posted February 22, 2015 #1 Share Posted February 22, 2015 What can a family do for free in St Maarten? Will be arriving at port (carnival) and want to be able to walk/bus to attractions and not book excursions. Any help or guidance is appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navybankerteacher Posted February 22, 2015 #2 Share Posted February 22, 2015 For zero cost you can walk - perhaps 20 minutes - to Great Bay beach in Phillipsburg, put down your towels and enjoy the beach; umbrellas, beach chairs food or drink will, of course, be extra. I would suggest that you pick a spot on the beach as far west (further from the cruise pier) as possible as there is some pretty unsavory water feeding into the bay at the east end nearer the cruise piers. Do spring for some sun block - you will regret a day on the beach if you come back burned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nightingalegirl Posted February 23, 2015 #3 Share Posted February 23, 2015 If you want to head over to the French side by bus head to Back street- behind the main street(ask for info rom locals) and get on the local bus heading to Marigot. Fare is $2/person each way. Quite different to the Philipsburg side-quiet and interesting main street. Great Art Gallery half way down to the waterfront. Wander in and meet the artist and his wife. Very friendly. Beautiful house/gallery with a lovely garden to explore. Down by the waterfront there is a café/bar-Café en Passant with a great view of the harbour from the front patio. Enjoy a drink and the view. We love going there every time we are in St Martin. There are no Diamonds International stores anywhere nearby in Marigot. Allow for 30 minute ride there and alot 2 hours before sailing time to ensure you get back before sailing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nightingalegirl Posted February 23, 2015 #4 Share Posted February 23, 2015 If you want to head over to the French side by bus head to Back street- behind the main street(ask for info rom locals) and get on the local bus heading to Marigot. Fare is $2/person each way. Quite different to the Philipsburg side-quiet and interesting main street. Great Art Gallery half way down to the waterfront. Wander in and meet the artist and his wife. Very friendly. Beautiful house/gallery with a lovely garden to explore. Down by the waterfront there is a café/bar-Café en Passant with a great view of the harbour from the front patio. Enjoy a drink and the view. We love going there every time we are in St Martin. There are no Diamonds International stores anywhere nearby in Marigot. Allow for 30 minute ride there and alot 2 hours before sailing time to ensure you get back before sailing. Oops! Name of the café/bar is La Vie en Rose!!! Had a metal hiccup! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
navybankerteacher Posted February 23, 2015 #5 Share Posted February 23, 2015 Oops! Name of the café/bar is La Vie en Rose!!! Had a metal hiccup! Great suggestion --- I hope that metal hiccup had no sharp edges - they can hurt. La Vie en Rose is a great people watching, sidewalk cafe kind of place - with amazing chocolate croissants -- I came up with the "free" suggestion, but it seems a shame to go all the way to the eastern Caribbean and then decide to scrimp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted February 23, 2015 #6 Share Posted February 23, 2015 You could also take the inexpensive Water Taxi into town where you'll find a beach, $2 beers, as well as shopping. :D LuLu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tidygirl Posted February 24, 2015 #7 Share Posted February 24, 2015 You don't need to do the water taxi the walk isn't very far! We have been there several times and I had forgot how close it was on our last trip, we paid the $7 for the water taxi took the short ride over to the beach and I kicked myself when I realized I had wasted $14 to ride the taxi 1 way we just walked back to the ship. I suppose if you don't handle heat or can't walk very well that it would be worth it, but otherwise save your money!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtaylor Posted February 24, 2015 #8 Share Posted February 24, 2015 I think $7 still gets you an all-day pass on the Water Taxi. (click) gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gtaylor Posted February 24, 2015 #9 Share Posted February 24, 2015 What can a family do for free in St Maarten? Will be arriving at port (carnival) and want to be able to walk/bus to attractions and not book excursions. Any help or guidance is appreciated! If you are interested in history, the St. Maarten Museum is right there, off of Frontstreet. Free for students and children, $1 for adults. I haven't visited since they moved to the new location, but have enjoyed it in the past. gary Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IndyViva Posted February 24, 2015 #10 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Does the water taxi go to Maho Beach? the one with the planes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karysa Posted February 24, 2015 #11 Share Posted February 24, 2015 Does the water taxi go to Maho Beach? the one with the planes? No unfortunately it only stops at one beach and I wouldn't recommend swimming at Great Bay beach due to the documented pollution issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OCruisers Posted February 24, 2015 #12 Share Posted February 24, 2015 I think $7 still gets you an all-day pass on the Water Taxi.gary You are right: It's still $7 for an all day pass on the Water Taxi! :) LuLu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mehimand5ofthem Posted March 1, 2015 Author #13 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Thanks everyone for your suggestions!! I have a family of 7 and we are trying to decide which port to spend the money on for excursions and such, so finding things that aren't expensive to do at at least a couple of the stops helps out a lot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now