Anyone been to St. Martin/Saint Maarten?

[theDude24]

Going in a few months.
Reading up on the typical blogs (trip advisor, etc)

just curious if anyone has ever been and knows of good places to go, etc...

thanks!

 

[KennyB]

Came in on a cruise so didn't have much time but did "America's Cup Racing" which was awesome. You race the America's Cup sailboats and actually do the work to race them.

 

[loomis41973]

Been there a few times and prefer the Dutch side. I would suggest renting a car and visiting all the different beaches. A day trip to Anguilla on the ferry is worth it as well.

 

[StevieRay]

loved it, rented a scooter and took the main road around the island, awesome views and beaches, ate like a king at a little road side place on the beach that had barrels cut in half made into grills, cooking pork, chicken, etc

 

[REDEYE]

been there once before.... really great sightseeing island.. a lot to do if you have the time

 

[theDude24]

thanks guys.
We will be there for a week, just my wife and I.

Thinking of renting a car - think it is worthwhile so we can go visit beaches, etc.. on a daily basis? - looks like a yes according to Loomis.
Anguilla day ferry - sounds like a plan, will add to list.

let me know if anyone else has good thoughts on places to visit/eat/etc - appreciate it

 

[theDude24]

thanks guys.
We will be there for a week, just my wife and I.

Thinking of renting a car - think it is worthwhile so we can go visit beaches, etc.. on a daily basis? - looks like a yes according to Loomis.
Anguilla day ferry - sounds like a plan, will add to list.

let me know if anyone else has good thoughts on places to visit/eat/etc - appreciate it

 

[GoSooners]

I've only gone on a couple one day visits on stopovers from cruises. But really enjoyed the island. I remember last time I was there I went to an outdoor bar on the far end of the island right next to the airport. It's pretty cool seeing the planes, and especially the jets come in for a landing, and they are only about 40 feet off the beach. You really get the feeling they are going to land on top of you. Here are a few pics of the jets landing. Pretty cool stuff:




We will be landing at Princess Juliana Airport in a few minutes.

Thank you for flying Air France and enjoy your stay on the beaches of St. Maarten



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↑ Maho Beach, St Maarten

 

[REDEYE]

love those pics, that's awesome...

 

[MikeB]

Been there twice....love it

I recommend staying on the French side....much cleaner

 

[EverFresh]

Violent, out of control place. Tourists targeted for theft and robbery

 

[loomis41973]

Been there twice....love it

I recommend staying on the French side....much cleaner

I found the opposite to be true. Trash and graffiti everywhere on the French side.

Better and calmer beaches and casinos on the Dutch side.

 

[GoSooners]

Check out the nude beaches on the French side. Then go over the the Dutch side. I agree, it is cleaner over there.

 

[Betallsports]

Been there a few times and prefer the Dutch side. I would suggest renting a car and visiting all the different beaches. A day trip to Anguilla on the ferry is worth it as well.

Agree with this. Been there about a dozen times including off of a cruise.

i can also hook you up with a guy that runs the umbrella and chair stand there. He can hook you up with beers and food.

 

[DNoonan]

only the airport and dock that i can remember but climate is nice...have fun

 

[DNoonan]

i remember last time customs wasnt even open when we arrived...whole flight just grabbed bags and walked out...fly in there to get to anguilla

 

[JudgeWapner]

My favorite Caribbean island.

 

[MikeB]

I found the opposite to be true. Trash and graffiti everywhere on the French side.

Better and calmer beaches and casinos on the Dutch side.

Wow, that's interesting. I haven't been there in probably 12 or so years....I wonder if it maybe has changed. The locals that I talked to for the week I was there, all (most) hung around on the French side. I stayed on the Dutch side. It wasn't bad, but the other side was better back then.

 

[JudgeWapner]

I always like the French side better, although my favorite beach was Dawn Beach on the Dutch side. Haven't been there in at least 15-20 years.

 

[Betallsports]

The French side was always good for Restaurants and Nude Beaches. Dutch side , better Beaches, Casinos and shopping.
But I like those "Joint" type of the places on the Dutch side