St. Thomas and St. Maarten questions

[CKay]

Can someone explain what we should do if we just want to poke around these islands on our own? Doesn't one of the islands have a water taxi that will get you to a shopping and beach area?
We are on the Magic Feb 9-16. I think I remember reading that how accessible the shopping district is will depend on whether the ship tenders or not in St. Thomas? Is it possible to get around without using taxis or shore excursions?

Thanks, CKay inkbounc

 

[Firefighter Mickey]

In St. Thomas, there's a shopping mall just off of the pier.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Yes, the water taxi at St Maarten drops you off at the main downtown shopping district.

Click <a href="http://www.dcltribute.com/images/philipsburg.jpg">here</a> for a photo/map of the port area at St Maarten.

 

[duskysmom]

We took the water taxi ($5/pp for all day transfers) to a shopping area, walked around, then decided we wanted a tour of the island. We started to look for taxis....very easy to find. One gentleman said he would take all 4 of us around both sides (French/Dutch) for $40 for 2-3 hours. He was a wealth of knowledge, and a safe driver. We stopped at a small shopping area high on a hill with wonderful views. He offered to stop in Marigot for us to shop, but we were ready to hit the beach. We learned a lot about the island that day...not so much history, but how it is to live there today.

St. Thomas has Havensight Mall (actually strip plaza) that is not far from the ship...it's an easy walk..you'll find taxis close to the ship that can take you there free. These are nice shops, pretty much touristized....