Any recent Benard Tour Reviews

[vavasmom]

I am considering Tour #2 but have not been able to find any recent reviews (I tried the search function).

[tretrimr1]

We done a Benard tour a couple years ago when on the island. Had a great time. Hits all the major beaches and got to see both regions of the island. Beware of the Rum Punch!!!

[Life is Good Cruising]

I am considering Tour #2 but have not been able to find any recent reviews (I tried the search function).

 

Just did tour 2 in April, another wonderful time by all. Here's a thread that may get moved over here

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2218457

 

 

Many reviews on this forum when I did a search

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/search.php?searchid=72420276

[Marycruiser123]

We did tour 2 in April. There were a lot of pros but I can't recommend the tour. We were cramped in the bus with 25 or so other people. It was one of the buses that had fold down middle seats (jump seats) that were incredibly uncomfortable. The biggest disappointment was Maho, which I had been looking forward to the most. Our guide (Mailman) told us that we would see 5-6 incoming international flights. We saw 1. Not sure why he would tell us this, the flight times are posted and once at the bar, could see he was wrong. The time we were told to be back on the bus was 5 minutes before another one was scheduled to come in. I was frustrated he didn't give us those extra minutes.

[ham_bone]

We did tour 2 in April. There were a lot of pros but I can't recommend the tour. We were cramped in the bus with 25 or so other people. It was one of the buses that had fold down middle seats (jump seats) that were incredibly uncomfortable. The biggest disappointment was Maho, which I had been looking forward to the most. Our guide (Mailman) told us that we would see 5-6 incoming international flights. We saw 1. Not sure why he would tell us this, the flight times are posted and once at the bar, could see he was wrong. The time we were told to be back on the bus was 5 minutes before another one was scheduled to come in. I was frustrated he didn't give us those extra minutes.

 

THANKS for this review. I am trying to decide what to do in StM this time around and really want to see maho. Our boys were too young last time there so we skipped maho but older now (19&17) so we are gonna check it out but we are back & forth with a tour vs cabs. Is there enough to do there or within walking distance?

[Marycruiser123]

THANKS for this review. I am trying to decide what to do in StM this time around and really want to see maho. Our boys were too young last time there so we skipped maho but older now (19&17) so we are gonna check it out but we are back & forth with a tour vs cabs. Is there enough to do there or within walking distance?

 

There's not too much around-the main attraction really is the airport. However, you've got the bar where you can grab a drink and a meal. People were swimming when we were there but the beach area isn't too large. Cabs were plentiful so you could easily get back to the port or have a driver take you somewhere else.

[vavasmom]

Marycruiser123 thank you for the review. I would love to find a tour that skips Maho but that does not seem to exist.

[gtaylor]

There's not too much around-the main attraction really is the airport. However, you've got the bar where you can grab a drink and a meal. People were swimming when we were there but the beach area isn't too large. Cabs were plentiful so you could easily get back to the port or have a driver take you somewhere else.

 

There's A LOT to do around Maho Beach besides watch the planes and patronize the two bars directly on the beach.

 

Maho Village is a happening place. The southern end of the complex is at the roundabout identified in this shot.

 

(click)

 

Besides the resorts, there is the largest casino on the island.

 

There are several dozen restaurants and shops, from high-end dining to a Subway or Gelato. Shops from simple souvenir stores to Italian Fashion and Haute Couture. A spa, hair salon and pharmacy are there. Even a small grocery store/market.

 

gary

[wallie5446]

Marycruiser123 thank you for the review. I would love to find a tour that skips Maho but that does not seem to exist.

 

Bernard will custom build a tour if you have enough people that want to go to the same places. I think there is a spot for that on their web site.

 

We did tour II in 2013, and it was excellent.

Edited June 9, 2015 by wallie5446

[ham_bone]

There's A LOT to do around Maho Beach besides watch the planes and patronize the two bars directly on the beach.

 

Maho Village is a happening place. The southern end of the complex is at the roundabout identified in this shot.

 

(click)

 

Besides the resorts, there is the largest casino on the island.

 

There are several dozen restaurants and shops, from high-end dining to a Subway or Gelato. Shops from simple souvenir stores to Italian Fashion and Haute Couture. A spa, hair salon and pharmacy are there. Even a small grocery store/market.

 

gary

 

THANK YOU for this info! very happy to see theres stuff to do around there id we decide to skip orient 1st.

By any chance do you know if any of those resorts (or something nearby) offer jet ski tours???

[wallie5446]

THANK YOU for this info! very happy to see theres stuff to do around there id we decide to skip orient 1st.

By any chance do you know if any of those resorts (or something nearby) offer jet ski tours???

 

On the other side of Maho beach is the Grand Sonesta Hotel. Nov of 2013 they were offering full access day passes, pool, beach, use of all toys :D open bar, and buffet, for $85 pp.

[kimluvs2travel]

I recently had the chance to take Bernard’s tour in St. Maarten. I did Tour number 2 for the second time and once again impressed with how well they treat their visitors, more like family than customers! Also, not to miss is Bernard’s special rum punch that he has on each and every tour bus for your enjoyment. I normally don’t care for rum punch, but this one is different.

St. Maarten is a beautiful island and about the time you have seen everything (the French and Dutch sides, along with Maho Beach, he then takes you to Orient Beach where you can take a stroll on the beach or go for a swim. Very beautiful location I could spend the day there! It was once again a perfect day of touring and relaxation. I will be taking 10 of my friends and family again in November on a cruise and will take them on this tour. I have met several different drivers including John and the Mailman and they are knowledgeable, informative and passionate about showing you a good time.

[LuCruise]

I recently had the chance to take Bernard’s tour in St. Maarten. I did Tour number 2 for the second time and once again impressed with how well they treat their visitors, more like family than customers! Also, not to miss is Bernard’s special rum punch that he has on each and every tour bus for your enjoyment. I normally don’t care for rum punch, but this one is different.

St. Maarten is a beautiful island and about the time you have seen everything (the French and Dutch sides, along with Maho Beach, he then takes you to Orient Beach where you can take a stroll on the beach or go for a swim. Very beautiful location I could spend the day there! It was once again a perfect day of touring and relaxation. I will be taking 10 of my friends and family again in November on a cruise and will take them on this tour. I have met several different drivers including John and the Mailman and they are knowledgeable, informative and passionate about showing you a good time.

 

 

Sounds like lots of good reviews for St Bernard Tour...especially for tour 2, which I think the main difference is it includes the beach stop.

 

Question...do you think it's something that kids would enjoy too? Ours will be 10.5 and 6.5 years and not sure if this would interest them or if a tour would be boring. Thoughts?