Sightseeing Excusions in St. Maarten

[cass'mom]

There are seven of us (4 adults, 1 teen, & dd's (6) & (3)) looking for an excursion on St. Maarten. I know I've read a lot about the beaches and snorkeling but we prefer to do some sightseeing and some shopping and then return to the ship. Would we be better off to do the "Under 2 Flags" excursion or the "Island Drive & Explorer" excursion or should we be brave and venture on our own? We wanted to do something where maybe there is a guide explaining things? Would we be able to get a "taxi" for all 7 of us? What have you done?

 

[callahanjulie10]

I wouldn't do an island tour on St Maarten. The island is very poor and poverty is everywhere. It was almost depressing to me. The shopping is GREAT! Very inexpensive. We have gone to the French side and weren't anymore impressed than with the Dutch side. I would say, take the water taxi over, do some shopping, and then go back to the ship.
St Thomas is beautiful. I would do an island tour here. It is what I think of in my head when I hear tropical island. The water is amazing at both places.

 

[mickeyworld]

We traveled with two families and 4 kids (ranged 10-14). We agreed that they could handle the nude beach so after some shopping, we got a taxi from the taxi guy, standing on the corner of the main street, I'm sure there is a formal title!- and we took a van to the Kon-Tiki beach bar on the French side, Orient beach. Our driver was a native lady who kind-of gave us a running tour as we went, then after a FABULOUS day at the beach, she came back at a pre-set time and got us. It wasn't the cheapest food but the seating was on the beach under shade trees, the water was unbelievable, we rented lounge chairs for the rest of the day, two of the kids parasailed, and although there were some nude bathers, it was few and far between and it didn't bother us. It was my favorite day of the trip! The chili fries... carribean jerk and parmesean cheese sprinkled on... were fantastic. If the nudity won't ruin your day, I can truely recommend it.

 

[Heyentah]

We did the 2 Flags tour and found great shopping! But this is the trick, for us, anyway: Get into the neighborhood shops where the locals buy stuff for themselves. You get a real dose of the culture and some fascinating buys! Our only problem was getting a taxi back (we decided to stay longer than the bus allowed) and had a few nervous moments which ultimately added to the thrill. Next time, I plan to take more bottled water than I did though (however, that presents the problem of public restrooms ... )

 

[frank2271]

This a lot of help for my wife and I since we have the same questions about St. Maarten.

Thanks for the suggestions and please keep them coming.

Frank