St. Marten Question

[angilovesthemouse]

We are going on 4/28 Eastern. We are hoping to book the catamaran excursion while in St. Marten. Here is my question... I really want to explore the french side of the island. What is the best way to get over and tour Marigot on your own? Thanks to any and all info you can give.

 

[LoveThatMouse!]

Ooooo! St. Maarten is sooooo Easy!
At the end of the pier, at the St. Maarten Sign, you take a Right, and all of the Rental Car Companies are lined up under one roof. Walk up, choose your company and get your ride! Cheaper than an excursion and soooo easy to navigate....only worry, is to leave yourself plenty of time to get back to the pier in case you run into traffic. Have a great time there....it is lovely on the French side!

 

[American Scrapper]

We loved the Catamaran Excursion on St. Maarteen!! It was probably the highlight of our trip. We did the afternoon one and had all morning to explore the shops before hand. I am not sure though about going to the French side and then back to do the excursion.

 

[angilovesthemouse]

That was another question I had. How much driving time does it take to navigate from one side of the island to the other? I know the kids would love beach/snorkelling type adventures. However, my husband and I really like to see something of the islands and culture when we visit places. I have heard from most sources that the Dutch side is just not as nice as the french side.

 

[Floridagram]

I also frequent a St Maarten travel forum, we stayed there for a week last summer. Talk there has really increased about how bad traffic is on the island. Let me warn you it will not be like traveling in the US. The roads are poor and unmarked. You can figure out where you are going with a map because there are not that many roads. Just don't cut it to close when you are coming back to the ship... That said if you rent a car ahead of time on line you could probably get it cheaper. To get more info on the island try traveltalkonline dot com. I do not have any interest in this site except I get alot of good info there as on this site about our upcoming cruise. They love St Maarten like we love Disney.