What to do in St. Maarten?

[Diznut84]

We'd really like to hear your advice! We will be sailing in January. Any advice on what to do in St. Maarten? There are 16 of us, with kids ages 5 through 18. We may stay together or not. Here are some of our leading options:

1) Rent a car. Go the Butterfly Garden. Go to Orient Beach (family section ).
2) Golden Eagle Catamaran
3) 12 Metre Regatta (only for those 12 and over)

Any advice? Thanks in advance!

 

[marie2004]

Our family has gone to the beach 2x, we love the waves, and so do the kids, the have boogie boards to rent for $5 a day there. We have gone to the family beach (where Disney has it set up) and the lunch they provide is wonderful! Saw a topless women once, kids were so busy in the water they never noticed.

 

[dwkwootton]

We went horseback riding for a couple hours through the mountains and on the beach and we absolutely loved it. If that interests you, I will be glad to give you more info on it. We also went to the Butterfly Farm and enjoyed it but it only warrants a short stay.

 

[tvguy]

I highly highly highly recommend the Regetta.

Is there an age restriction on that of 12? I don't recall that. My DD was 12 when we did that. You can be as active, or inactive as you want on that excursion. The Queen Elizabeth II was anchored in the bay, and we did our practicing while circling the QEII.
DD was the timekeeper, DW was the Captain (just like at home) and DS and I were crankers.
I NEVER EVER would have done this on my own, but DW thought it looked fun, and it was a BLAST.

 

[mhb]

We just got back from our 10/30 Eastern and we did the Golden Eagle Catamaran. We just LOVED it. DS 13 sat in the front the whole way out and back. DD 11 got wet and had alot of fun too. DS 15 and his friend had alot of fun too. There were a couple of people who got sick, but I was already taking the Bonnie (sp).

They give you drinks of all kids all the way out and back. they give you sandwichs when you get back on the catamaran.

You sail around the island of St Marteen for about 45-75 minutes. Then you get to an island. Just beautiful!!! They pull the catamaran right up to the beach. You get off and can snorkel, swim or just lay out in the sun. They come around with drinks in the water.

we had a blast. I thought it was priced a little high, but it was our first cruise and we just enjoyed everything.

Michelle

 

[DOOGIERUNNER]

We chartered our own powerboat and captian through www.offshoresunsations.com. Click on testmonials, we're the family from Iowa.

It was wonderful

 

[GOVAC24]

We have done both the Golden Eagle and Orient Beach. Both were great. To sit up in the front of the catamaran is AWESOME!!!
The snorkling off the island is nice but there's lots to explore there too.
Orient Beach was nice but you really need to get a chair with an umbrella. I think it was $5.00 extra for the umbrella. There were lots of people approaching you asking to braid hair or to sell you something. They did leave without a problem with told no thanks but that takes a way from the beach. The food was great. The waves were plentiful. Watch the rocky bottom in places. Yes there is naked people all over the place on the French side but no one made a big deal about it. Most of the men walking the beach would cover up as they came past our area.
If you go try to take a spare towel or a cover because once you get back on the bus it's very COLD if you are still wet!!!!!

No matter what you do take lots of pictures & enjoy!

Lisa

 

[smchan]

Originally posted by DOOGIERUNNER
We chartered our own powerboat and captian through www.offshoresunsations.com. Click on testmonials, we're the family from Iowa.

It was wonderful

That looks like a blast! Mind if I ask the approximate cost for the charter?

Thanks,
Sam