We started our day with a trip to Maho Beach to watch the planes fly very low over the beach. This was great and definitely a must see! The big jets usually fly in between 1pm and 3pm- be warned- the area gets very very crowded during this time. Allow yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship ( friends told us it took them 2 hours to return to the ship due to traffic instead of the normal 20 ...
I love St. Martin!! You get off the ship, walk a short distance and can ride a ferry for $9.00 per day over to the town. The town has all the regular ship owned jewelry stores on the main street, but on the second street there are lots of local stores. Also, drinks are cheap!! Also, I love the beach that is right there!!. You can rent chairs cheaply, but cost you nothing to enjoy the beach. I ...
Bayside Riding Club Ranch offers horseback riding to the beach. The tours lead you through St. Martin's Nature Reserve's mangroves and return over the beach. You have the option of taking the horse for a swim. It was exhilerating! Half our group did it.Our guide was awesome, he really enjoys what he does, he was friendly and knowlegable, full of life! Just remember Island time is an hour ahead ...
We took our normal beach trip to Orient Beach. Much more built up than years ago. Still pretty, but a bit pricey. It helps if you speak French too. Back to the Dutch side for our mandatory stop at the Original Guavaberry Shop. Awesome hot sauces and the ladies that work there are a hoot. Ask them to tell you some of their favorite stories of people sampling the hot sauce. You'll be rolling on the ...
St. Martin – Went to Little Bay (Divi Resort)..No charge to use their pool and facilities. Gorgeous beach with pretty decent snorkeling although current was a bit rough for us to snorkel. Would consider going back to this beach/resort for land vacation. Skipped Orient Beach this time due to reported seaweed problems recently. ...
Ah, the meat of the trip finally arrives – the ports and excursions! On the Valor, my wife and I participated in the America’s Cup yacht race when we were in “Sint Maartin†(which is my all-time favorite shore excursion) but this trip we opted to give the kids their first ocean-based snorkeling experience. There’s truly nothing like sailing through the Philipsburg, SM’s Great Bay in ...
We disembarked, took the water taxi to town (and all day pass was $7 or so per person) and looked around for a few minutes. Found a local man (Jan) who we hired to drive us around the island for a tour for $25 per person (five of us). This is totally worth the cost. I recommend finding someone who speaks English well, and seems like they will be outgoing. We did not go with the first person to ...
