mom2mybugs Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 Hey all, We really stretched the budget with this freedom cruise, so we are planning on being low key with the cococay and st thomas excursions. However, st maarten has a gazillion things to do. Does anyone have any opinions on what is good to do, or if there is a good beach to simply taxi to (and what is a good taxi price?) JoryikCat 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocLC Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 If it's s group, I'd consider hiring a driver. Many of us have used Leo Brown. He'll take you anywhere you want to go and it will give you the freedom to do the beach, the airport, and Marigot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonyfsu21 Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 In SM the best thing to do is go to MAHO beach aka "airport beach". This is the beach where the planes approach path goes right over the beach. It's pretty awesome and def a must see! There's a cool bar/restaurant called sunset bar located right on the beach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 If you want to keep costs down, consider a beach on the Dutch side. You can walk to Philipsburg from the port (about a 15-20 min walk from the port) and there is a large beach area adjacent to the downtown area. There are also nearby beaches that would require a minimal taxi cost. I think the beaches on the French side are more beautiful, such as Orient Beach. http://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2013/10/08/excursion-focus-bikini-beach-st-martin DocLC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrandPa Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 Orient Beach is our favorite in SXM. When we get off the ship we go to the taxi stands all marked with various destinations (walk around to the right just before the welcome center and bare left behind it). There are vans there waiting. The fare is by the number going and they always fill up so it's $7 a person ($8 or $9 with tip). We go to Pedros beach bar where we get two loungers and an umbrella for $15. They also give you a coupon for a free rum punch each. All afternoon, there are vans hanging out waiting to take people back to the ship. It might be a buck or two more if they don't fill the van for the return trip but a beach day at Orient for 2 shouldn't be over $55. Well worth it. Matt 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRC Posted January 24, 2016 Report Share Posted January 24, 2016 Orient Beach is beautiful. If you venture to the nude side (it is a French territory after all), remember that reality rarely lives up to imagination! This goes for guys and gals! The beach right in Phillipsburg is also very nice. Not quite Orient, but very close and all the facilities you could want. Maho is a great experience. Plenty of taxis to and from, but mind your time, as sometimes there is BAD traffic in the afternoon getting back. Last season's storm activity removed literally ALL the sand, leaving only rock. It was still that way my last visit 4 months ago. The Sunset Bar & Grill on the south edge is a great place with good eats! Ilovecruising1203 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2mybugs Posted January 25, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 Thanks! Any opinions on shopping and restaurants french vs dutch side)? That might sway us since I think orient just sounds prettier and the dutch beaches more convenient? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRC Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 Sorry, I am of no help with shopping and restaurants! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monctonguy Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 I am going to be here during my cruise on AOS, and with the CAD/USD really low I am not going to be able to do much at each port...and of course this is my most port intensive cruise ever....go figure! I am defn doing the "airport" beach here...its been a bucket list item for me ever since I saw/heard about it. Any idea the rough cost from the port to there and back? Is the sunset bar there pricey because of its location? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 Thanks! Any opinions on shopping and restaurants french vs dutch side)? That might sway us since I think orient just sounds prettier and the dutch beaches more convenient? Dutch side is obviously closer and it does offer some nice options. French side offers some better shopping but both sides are great options. I think beach-wise, Orient Beach is prettier. PRC 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRC Posted January 25, 2016 Report Share Posted January 25, 2016 Sunset prices are average. Not bad. The taxis to Maho I recall were $8 per person if you have more than 4 people. Always someone to share the ride with! That was one way, same price for return. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2mybugs Posted January 28, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 28, 2016 my 13 year old daughter vetoed orient beach....she doesn't want to see anyone topless lol! When you get a taxi and its for 2 hours or the day or whatever, that means they will wait for you? Or is it better to let them go because there are always taxis available? I'm kind of confused on the "taxi tour" vs getting dropped off somewhere, and what makes more sense! jane Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocLC Posted January 29, 2016 Report Share Posted January 29, 2016 I would let them go. There should be plenty to choose from. A taxi tour is beneficial if you want to get a tour of the island, do three or four different things, and don't know how long you want to stay at any one place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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