Checking out St. Maarten after almost 20 years

We plan to be in St. Maarten next year.

We do like the beach, but not snorkeling, etc. I know this is only YOUR opinion, but what would you suggest that we see or check out, while there?

Just a warning but be in for a shock. After 2 hurricanes, the beaches are nearly gone from all over the island. Not much else has changed. They do have a second route to bypass the simpson beach one road traffic jam with a bridge up by princess casino.

Just a warning but be in for a shock. After 2 hurricanes, the beaches are nearly gone from all over the island. Not much else has changed. They do have a second route to bypass the simpson beach one road traffic jam with a bridge up by princess casino.

Mullet Bay was in glorious shape during our New Year trip and I have seen many pictures on FB of people enjoying several beaches on the island and they also looked beautiful. The beach structures of course were damaged and many were destroyed during the 2017 hurricane season.

In 1995 Hurricane Luis was devastating to the island and it was followed by Hurricane Lenny in 1999. If you visited in between those hurricanes OP or shortly thereafter, then you saw the island in quite the devastated state.

Much building has occurred since your visit but sadly, Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 were devastating to the island. The island is in a state of rebuilding once again.

Fingers crossed for a quiet 2018 hurricane season.

the beaches are nearly gone from all over the island.

This simply is not true. The beaches generally are fine and as beautiful as ever.

Many people love Orient Beach who have never snorkeled and have no desire to. Same with Mullet, Cupecoy, and many other beaches.

Thank you for your feedback on St. Maarten. As I said, it is been many years since we have been there and I do understand where hurricanes can be very destructive, and yes, we did visit/see Orient Beach. Had NO clue what it was all about back then, but found out fast! It was nice to visit, but don't really want/need to go back there any more. I'm sure we will find a nice beach to check out there in St. Maarten.

I would recommend Pinel Island off of St. Martin. They have a nice beach and a trail with beautiful views around the small island. We took a taxi from the cruise terminal to the ferry boat, which is about a 30 minute drive from the cruise terminal in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. I can't remember the cost of the taxi but I think it was around $20-$25 each way and then the ferry to Pinel Island was around $12 round trip. (Double check prices since they may have changed.) When the taxi driver dropped us off at the ferry boat we told him what time to pick us up to take us back to the cruise terminal and he was there right on time. We would definitely go back to Pinel Island. Here is a link to a YouTube video of Pinel Island:

Thank you so much. That sounds like a must, that we may need to check out.:)

If you have not been to Pinel before, that is a good suggestion and hawkeyefan99 gives good information. Make arrangements for pick-up at ferry pier when heading back to ship - you cannot count on any taxi's being there but for taxis picking up people who make prior arrangements.

I agree with SnorkelAway. I was told we could have someone call for a taxi, but it is probably better to just arrange the pick-up with the taxi driver that drops you off at the ferry pier/parking lot, because there isn't much right around there.

Also, to clarify, the ferry is $12pp round trip.

Here's another video of iguanas on Pinel Island:

Thanks for the advice in regard to the Taxi as well. Yes, I can see, if we pay the Taxi ahead of time, they may not come back for us, but if we pay at the end, they should be coming back for us.:)

Just a warning but be in for a shock. After 2 hurricanes, the beaches are nearly gone from all over the island.

False. We visited Orient Beach in February and it was all there. What was gone were most of the beach bars and along with those, the huge crowds. It was very nice. We saw other beaches whilst there and all appeared fully intact, though less crowded than usual.

That sounds good, that maybe the beaches won't be too crowded.:)