Safe to hire a taxi?

[naples09]

Our first cruise is in November and we stop at St Martin and St Thomas. Is it safe to hire a cab to show us the sites of the islands or should we book a tour?

 

Thank you!

[bhawkcruiser]

My opinion be careful there, I have been to most of the Islands and this is by far the the least comfortable one except for Jamaica of course.

[eh2zed]

I respectfully disagree with the above poster and i think many others will as well. Never heard that before. St. Maarten is very safe and so are the taxis. Our favourite island.

[HookedonSXM]

Having spent 2 weeks on the island annually since 2001 I also have to disagree with bhawkcruiser. St Maarten is a safe island full of wonderful friendly people. There will be plenty of taxis available to hire at the port, or if you prefer to go into Phillipsburg first there are also usually lots of taxis available in the center of town right in front of where the water taxi docks. Of course if you prefer prearranging a tour with one of the recommended guides is always an option. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy your visit to what we consider our home away from home!:)

[donaldsc]

Our first cruise is in November and we stop at St Martin and St Thomas. Is it safe to hire a cab to show us the sites of the islands or should we book a tour?

 

Thank you!

 

Why wouldn't it be safe? Are you worried that the taxi driver is going to rob you - or worse?

 

DON

[gtaylor]

I disagree, as well.

 

We've been visiting St. Maarten for many years, both land and cruise visits, and I have NEVER heard of a problem with a tourist in an official taxi.

 

In a 'rogue' or 'gypsy' taxi, of course, all bets are off.

 

I would love to know bhawkcruiser's experience on St. Maarten that leads to this post.

 

I'd also like to know which other islands are in the comparison.

 

gary

[gtaylor]

Our first cruise is in November and we stop at St Martin and St Thomas. Is it safe to hire a cab to show us the sites of the islands or should we book a tour?

 

Thank you!

Even though I believe that using a taxi on the island is completely safe, I would suggest that perhaps you reconsider.

 

Most taxi service is organized for basic point-to-point service, like from the Cruise Facility to Orient Beach and return.

 

You might consider the services of one of the tour operators mentioned here regularly, Bernard, or Joyce Prince.

 

Either of them could provide an island tour, in addition to the transportation alone. If you search here you could probably find others.

 

Bernard offers personal tours, but specializes in group tours.

 

Joyce specializes in personal tours, but offers small group tours when the situation arises.

 

gary

[naples09]

Even though I believe that using a taxi on the island is completely safe, I would suggest that perhaps you reconsider.

 

Most taxi service is organized for basic point-to-point service, like from the Cruise Facility to Orient Beach and return.

 

You might consider the services of one of the tour operators mentioned here regularly, Bernard, or Joyce Prince.

 

Either of them could provide an island tour, in addition to the transportation alone. If you search here you could probably find others.

 

Bernard offers personal tours, but specializes in group tours.

 

Joyce specializes in personal tours, but offers small group tours when the situation arises.

 

gary

 

Thanks Gary. I tried Joyce and she's busy that day. Waiting to hear back from a few of the other recommended tours.

[kad1950]

I've been going to St Martin for over 20 years it's very safe to take a taxi. It's one of the best island you can visit and enjoy.