Here is info on the $2 bus around the island

Been looking for this.. a poster named Gary shared this.. thank you Gary.

Instead of an expensive tour or taxi it sounds like you just walk to Back street and get on a van that looks like a taxi but with a sign in the window. This is how to get to Maho beach. The busses also go all over the island. Here is Gary's info:

Then find Back Street. It's the next one over from Front Street, which is the one with all the jewelry stores. I would look behind the Court House for a sign labeled Bus Halte. That's where you will find the $2 bus. Look for a bus with a 'Maho' or 'Mullet Bay' or 'M'Bay' sign in the window.

Tell the driver Maho Beach and you pay when you get off. You'll get back on the return bus on the other side of the street from where you got off. There will be a bus by shortly, though there is no schedule as they are independent operators. The bus will drop you in Philipsburg, without an option to continue to the Cruise Facility,

Been looking for this.. a poster named Gary shared this.. thank you Gary.

 

Instead of an expensive tour or taxi it sounds like you just walk to Back street and get on a van that looks like a taxi but with a sign in the window. This is how to get to Maho beach. The busses also go all over the island. Here is Gary's info:

 

Then find Back Street. It's the next one over from Front Street, which is the one with all the jewelry stores. I would look behind the Court House for a sign labeled Bus Halte. That's where you will find the $2 bus. Look for a bus with a 'Maho' or 'Mullet Bay' or 'M'Bay' sign in the window.

 

Tell the driver Maho Beach and you pay when you get off. You'll get back on the return bus on the other side of the street from where you got off. There will be a bus by shortly, though there is no schedule as they are independent operators. The bus will drop you in Philipsburg, without an option to continue to the Cruise Facility,

"The buses go all over the island" IS very deceiving. The busses go to Maho and Marigot and with a transfer to Grand Case. They do not get passengers close to most beaches, Orient included. The island has a very poor bus system for their residents which may be contributing to the traffic congestion.

It's a 15 minute or so walk to catch the bus. It costs $2. I think with a full taxi the cost to Maho from the port is $8. For some a bus is worth it. My kids took it to save money for a drink.:D For others getting to the beach to get a beach chair is the right choice.