St. Maarten what to do

[Dukesmith95]

My family is going to St. Maarten on our upcoming cruise, not booking an excursion for this stop. Anyone have any ideas as to what would be something we could do on our own, and feel secure doing so. We have never been there so don't know what to expect. Traveling with a 12 and 13 yr old.

[Catrin]

You could take a taxi to Maho Beach and watch the huge planes fly in right over your head!! Also, there are plenty of taxi tours that could take you to Orient Beach or other beaches in the area.

[KatPem]

I would not recommend the southern end of Orient Beach as it is clothing optional...not the things you want your kids to see probably. There are signs to warn you when you get to that section....that being said, may be some people's thing. It is a beautiful beach though....it was a lot nicer than any of the others we visited when we went for our honeymoon many moons ago.

[jellzbellz]

We felt very safe walking around the downtown area and shopping after a trip to the beach. It was a nice walk back to the ship, and we were able to get guavaberry rum coladas! Don't miss this!! ;)

[nitro2448]

You could take a taxi to Maho Beach and watch the huge planes fly in right over your head!! Also, there are plenty of taxi tours that could take you to Orient Beach or other beaches in the area.

 

That's what we did, we had a blast doing it. The beach was great and the food was to. It was pretty cool watching the planes land so close to you, some no more than 50 ft above you when they fly over. And if a big one takes off while you are there, even better trying to hold on to the fence :eek: You can check it out on YouTube

 

 

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[Dukesmith95]

Maho beach was our first option, I've been checking it out on YouTube. Just wondering how far that beach is away from port? And also is there any good shopping close to the port? Thanks everyone for the help, we can't wait to get there.

[yakdaddy42]

If I ever make it back there it will be Maho beach to watch some planes. Than down town and the water taxi back to the dock.

[mitsugirly]

Maho Beach to watch the planes are a must not miss event...especially with 2 children. They will love it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Just a few of my pictures from Maho Beach the day we were there. I hope to make it back again some day to show our daughter. She loves planes.

 

You said you have been watching some of the videos on youtube from Maho. If you haven't seen this video...it is the grand video of them all (IMO)...check out how close it comes to the red car on the street!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc2t2OefhbY

[Dukesmith95]

We definitely want to go, our only concern is getting back to the ship on time. I've heard that the traffic could be a killer. Just a little worried about not making it back.

[sjf]

If we get a cab to maho Beach, where is the best place to have it drop us off? It looks quite a big place. Is there a nice beach bar or hotel we should make for? Thanks.

[mitsugirly]

We didn't think it was a big place at all. They seem to drop everyone off right in front of Sunset Bar & Grill, which is right there at Maho. That is also where they call you a cab. Sunset has great food and you can eat there on the deck that is right beside the beach. They have restrooms and even a hose to wash the sand off of your feet.

 

http://www.sunsetsxm.com/

[mitsugirly]

This seems to be the only picture I took that day facing Sunset. I was standing on the beach where the planes are going over you. You can see the steps leading up to the deck and also the people standing there using the hose to wash off the sand in this pic:

 

[sjf]

Thanks, Mitsugirly, that's reassuring to know.

[KatPem]

We spent a week there for our honeymoon. Traffic does get bad. I would allow 1 1/2 hours to get back to the ship just to be on the safe side. It seemed like the main road always got backed up even though it isn't a very big island.

[kandr]

Ditto on watching the planes. We did that two days in a row and got some great video. I think kids would enjoy it. The food at Sunset Bar is good too, and not too pricey.

[helen haywood]

You could also take a tour with Bernard and see lots of different things and let him worry about getting you back to the ship.