First timers to St.Maarten

[CrusieGuy]

We will be going to St.Maarten next week. We will be there for 10 hours. We are stuck between booking an excursion or adventuring out on our own by catching a taxi to a beach to soak up some sun. We would also like to do some shopping afterwards. Is it safe to go on your own? Any suggestions on beaches??? Does anyone have any tips or suggestions?:rolleyes:

[luv2travel29]

We did St Marten on our own. Took a taxi from the pier to Divi Little Bay ~ nice beach - my DH and DS rented waverunners, they had a blast. Tried to snorkel but saw only few fish... Then about noon we took a taxi to Maho Beach where the planes fly right over you... one word... AMAZING!! We ate lunch there at Sunset Beach Bar - good lunch, good drinks.... a great day ~ but we felt very safe taking the taxis on our own...Actually St Marten was our very favorite port !!!

[AnnJohn]

We just got back from our cruise and enlisted the services of Joyce Prince. She is an excellent tour guide and delightful person. She will give you a great tour...you can stop when and for how long you want. Also has great suggestions on shopping, etc. She will drop you off at a beach and come back to get you if you'd like. I would recommend her highly as have many others on this board. Contact her via email: joyol1771@yahoo.com.

Have a great time!

[sea_breaze]

Orient Beach seems to be the most popular beach. We like it though it can get very busy if there are a lot of ships in port. It is also a "clothing optional" beach so keep that in mind. Beautiful water, soft sand and quite a few beach bars with chairs for rent.

 

Feeling safe has never been issue for us in ST Martin. Also one of our favorite islands. One thing you might consider is renting a car as the island is fairly small and easy to navigate around. Think we paid around $60.00 for a jeep when we were there.

 

Hope this helps.

[khfadpi]

How much does Joyce Prince charge. There will be 8 of us there in July.

 

Thanks!

[gtaylor]

You can e-mail her through her website to see if she is available and get an idea of what she would charge for your specific tour. Mention if you want beach or sightseeing or shopping or whatever, and how many people.

[texancruzer]

We also rented a jeep while on St. Martin last Nov. and had a blast....

 

Driving is on the right....traffic was heavy in town but once out of town - no problem.... we went all over the place..... one main road basically goes all around the island. The key is advance planning and then being flexible with your plan.