ilinda

I agree with you. St Barths is too time consuming. They have faster boats but the time schedules are always subject to change and weather conditions. There are so many beaches on St. Maarten. On the french side, have you looked into Ance Marcel? Beautiful beach and pretty secluded. Then the locals like Friars Bay and Dawn Beach. Loterie Farms for a nice lunch up in the high country (for St. Maarten). Lunch at the Port Royale in Marigot. Swap meet shopping by the docks in Marigot. Watching the planes land in Maho Beach area. The list goes on.

Going to another island off a cruise ship may bring more stress than you care to deal with. Remember the traffic getting back to the ship is also time you need to figure in.

I was on a cruise ship and stopped at St. Maarten, I know the island very well and rented a car. When it was time to get back, I figured time for traffice. Little did I know that the traffic was so bad that day I almost missed the ship. I will never cut it that close again, too much stress. Afterwards we laughed but we did not laugh while it was happening.

Hey there - we're going on your cruise and we're wondering the same thing. Anguilla sounds wonderful but my husband is nixing the 3 hr. round trip. Maybe if we went with all our new friends he'd be more open to it??? He won't go to Orient again and my research on Tintemarre and Pinel Island aren't getting me excited. I'm looking at all the other beaches now. I really wanted a catamaran ride because we're doing the beach at all the other stops. Have you been to St. Barth's? It looks like it's only a 40 min. ride.

It is better to go to Anguilla for the day. Shorter distance and the cost will be much cheaper. Go to Shoal Bay, it is similar to the Orient Beach type atmosphere but on a much, much smaller scale. You will have your chairs, food and can get a ride back to the ferry pretty easy. Also hotels have day packages, check with the taxi driver, they may know of a good deal.

Since the ferry is in Marigot leave yourself lots of time to get back to the dock. You will need to get a cab back but they are lined up right at the dock where the ferry picks up and drops off. Have a great time.

I will be in Anguilla the end of June, staying in St. Maarten for 2 weeks. Love it there.

I have been on a day trip to Anguilla. I took to ferry over, from Marigot. They leave every 30 minutes and the last one comes back pretty early unless they have changed the schedule, you will have to check. It does not cost alot and once there, get a cab and hire them for what you want to do.

I went to Scilly Cay for lunch, little island. Check the web for it. You either will like it or not. I thought it was over priced but it was a lovely day.

I also went (on another trip) to a hotel for the day and used there beach, restaurant, etc. I am sorry but I do forget which hotel it was but it was near the dolphin excursion. You could probably rent a car and explore yourself. It is a small island and pretty hard to get lost. I would hire a driver for the day, easier and less hassle. Plus helping a local. Read up on it first before you decide were you want to go and don't let them tell you what you want to do. Go were you want to go.