renting vehicle in St. Maarten & St. Thomas

[canadianmom]

We're cruising on Magic in 2003 and was wondering if anyone rented a jeep or something in St. Maartens or St. Thomas.
We want to see the islands on our own and do our own thing.
We have a child with special needs and would love being in an open air jeep to discover the islands. Can anyone give us any info on this?

Thanks!!!

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

There are car rental agencies near the dock at both St Maarten and St Thomas. Keep in mind that although they rent American-style cars at both locations (driver is on the left), they <i>drive</i> on the left side of the road at St Thomas. I had no problem driving at St Maarten and would have enjoyed driving at St Thomas but didn't due to a scheduling conflict. I tend to be rather adventurous though... I don't even mind driving in NYC or Boston!

 

[canadianmom]

Thanks for the info Dave. I looked up sites for St. Thomas & St. Maarten. The prices closer to the docks were more pricey.
Did you enjoy renting the vehicle? Was driving safe?(roads,etc.).
I'm hoping we can just have a leisurely day at the island.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

I had no problems driving in St Maarten (and I enjoyed the flexibility it gave me). But I think the driving would be a bit more treacherous in St Thomas. But another DISer has said there's no reason to be afraid of driving at St Thomas either.

Yes, I've noticed that the web sites quote pretty high for rentals at their web sites. I think they offer much lower rates if you walk up on the day and inquire. I paid very little for my car at St Maarten.

 

[Wonderwoman1982]

Hi, I rented a full sized car ( a Toyota camry, or maybe it was a chevy malibu...) from Avis at the dock in St. Thomas, for like $35-40 for the day? I can't remember how much now, it was last October.. It was cheap, though. I felt safe and it was FUN. I'd never do it any other way. Alot of people are scared to drive there, due to the left side of the road thingy, AND all the hills. We took a map and went on our way. It was FABULOUS. We car ferried it over to St. John, too. If you're adventurous, GO for it. We had a BLAST...

 

[dthogue]

H canadianmom,

When are cruisng in March? We are on the March 22 Eastern Magic. Are you sailing with us? It is me, DH and DD 13, 10 (turning 11 on the 3/23) and 4.

Curious about the rental cars in St. Maarten and St. Thomas - do most people use credit cards to book these or pay cash? Do they add on the typical charges for taxes and insurance? or do I tell them I want to pay $50.00 for a car and that is what I will pay? Please help!

Tammy

 

[canadianmom]

We're cruising March 8. Thanks for all the info on renting vehicles. I'm not too worried about driving on left side in St. Thomas. I did some driving like this in Australia.

I think it will be the cheapest way to see alot of the islands in St. Thomas & St. Marten.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Originally posted by canadianmom

I'm not too worried about driving on left side in St. Thomas. I did some driving like this in Australia.

Yep, we drove in Australia and New Zealand as well. But you were driving on the right side of the car there. At St Thomas, you will be driving over by the curb. It's doable, but that surprises some folks.

 

[liza]

Canadianmom, if you are thinking about going over to St. John, let me caution you -- don't drive there!

We rented a mini-van in St. Maarten and really enjoyed getting around on our own there. If I went back I'd do it that way again. But we got taxis in St. Thomas/St. John, and I'm very glad we did. St. John, especially, is a roller-coaster ride of winding, narrow roads and fast traffic. I would NOT enjoy driving there. I very much enjoyed the open-air taxi ride, as it really WAS like a roller-coaster ride. I had one firm grip on my 3-year-old, and another on a bar on the vehicle. My child would have flown out had I not had her in an iron grip. My 7-year-old son loved it. The views are so spectacular I'm glad I could focus my attention on that, and not on trying to survive the roads/other drivers.

Good luck!

 

[canadianmom]

Thank you Liza for the info.
Driving on the opposite side of the road, drivers side on the left, and now fast winding roads are putting me off alittle for renting the vehicle.
I think I will reconsider renting in St. Thomas but will rent in St. Martens.

Thanks all for all the valuable info.
Lori

 

[Wonderwoman1982]

canadianmom, the roads in St. John and St. Thomas are FINE. This is what I am talking about, you mention renting cars there, and people try and scare everyone else away from the thought of it. It is NOT bad AT ALL. Yes, it is hilly and windy, but that is why you don't drive fast. You go slow and sightsee. That is why you go there in the first place, right? Don't be scared, do what YOU want, but just know it isn't scary AT ALL. Don't let others scare you. Make up your OWN mind. No offense to anyone else who disagrees, but just MY opinion.

 

[canadianmom]

Thanks for the input Wonderwoman. We love to drive and of course will drive slowly, especially with 2 little ones aboard. I just hope the locals are just as careful with us tourists.

When we get there, the decision will be made.

Lori