St Martin on our own

[ducker]

I am looking at renting a car in St. Marten and driving to Orient Beach and then stopping in Baie de Grand Case for lunch then heading back to the ship. Can anyone tell me if it is worth renting our own car or should we take a taxi and do I have time to hit Maho Bay on the way back to the ship? We are in port from 8:00 - 5:30.

[murcielago]

On my first visit to St marteen I rented a car right outside the port and drove to Orient beach. We spent some time there and stopped along the way to explore and take pics. We went pretty much around the whole island and got back to the port area in time to walk a little and shop.

The people are very friendly and courteous on the road. Do like they do and be courteous.

We will be there on the 27th and I planning to do the same. No need to pay top $$$ for a cruise sponsored tour of the island.

Enjoy your cruise.

[Browezilla]

I am looking at renting a car in St. Marten and driving to Orient Beach and then stopping in Baie de Grand Case for lunch then heading back to the ship. Can anyone tell me if it is worth renting our own car or should we take a taxi and do I have time to hit Maho Bay on the way back to the ship? We are in port from 8:00 - 5:30.

Here are the taxi rates: http://www.taxisxm.com/rate.htm It really depends on the number of people you have going and what time of the year you go (rental car rates vary by the time of the year). For 2, it may be cheaper to take a taxi or very close to break even. Cars are roughly$45-60 by the time you include tax and gas. From a timing perspective, cabs would be faster as they know the island.

[Ronn452]

My wife and I rent a Jeep when we go to St. Maarten. Anthony's Rental is just outside the cruise terminal gate. His rates are average, his vehicles new and clean, and his service is wonderful. We usually go straight to Orient Beach for three or four hours, then through Marigot for a quick lunch,then by Maho and back into Philipsburg. We usually have an hour or two left to hit the Guavaberry Shop for a bottle to bring home and a frozen drink.

 

One word of warning, they are resurfacing the roads from Marigot to Philipsburg and the traffic is VERY slow. You may want to allow an extra hour for this. Also, you may want to check on the restaurants in Grand Case, many are open for dinner hours; not lunch. If nothing there suits you, stop in Marigot along the waterfront and get something from one of the cafes there.

 

Have a great trip! My wife and her sister will be there in a few weeks. I have to stay home and pay for it!

 

Captain Ronn

[gtaylor]

My wife and I rent a Jeep when we go to St. Maarten. Anthony's Rental is just outside the cruise terminal gate. <snip>

 

Would that be Arthur's Car Rentals?

 

gary

[gtaylor]

The rates posted at the Taxi Association website, linked above, are out of date.

 

You can see the current rates posted over in my PhotoBucket.

 

 

gary

[Ronn452]

Hey Gary,

 

Yes, sorry I left out the one important word! I have used Arthur several times and found him dependable and very personable.

 

Captain Ronn

[cruzqueen]

We were in St. Maarten on a Sunday last month, and had a very productive day. It was my second visit, and my husband's first.

 

We rented a jeep from Hertz for around $70 total. We did not go in the direction that the Hertz rep suggested, as she said the road would be very busy with traffic causing much delay. She also said we would have to leave Maho by noon to avoid this. Well, we almost lost out since it was already 11:00.

 

After jewelry shopping, we started around the island clockwise. We went to Maho beach first and were able to see many planes land. We then made our way clockwise through Marigot (did not stop, since it was on a Sunday and many stores may have been closed). We went to Orient beach for a walk, then headed back as rain was coming. We got back into town with plenty of time. I was disappointed that Rima's was closed, as I was informed they would be open on Sunday.

 

Had plenty of time to finish my shopping before dropping off the rental jeep at the peir. We got on board on time to watch our San Diego Chargers play in the NFL playoffs!

[cruzqueen]

double post; sorry

[Toronto Maple Leaf Fan]

We are going to be in St. Maarten the first week of March (2-8th). Does anyone know if the road resurfacing is done yet? If it is not, what areas (between where and where) are still being done?

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Kim