Amber Cove vs. St. Maarten

[nybumpkin]

21 hours ago, matymil said:

Seems like most are saying Amber Cove and id have to agree for what you're looking for. Take two steps outside the port and thats another story.

We did an excursion the first time we visited that toured Puerto Plata and included a ride on the teleferico (cable car). We really enjoyed it, but we had to walk out to the main road to meet our tour since it was booked outside Carnival. I wasn't worried about safety - the port area is safe - but it's a long walk to exit the port area.

[lazydayz]

I would pick St. Martin over Amber Cove, unless you just want a pool. Amber Cove is nice and easy, but you don’t really get a sense of place there.  
 

if you decide on St. Martin, and want to keep it simple, I second the water taxi.  Very inexpensive and convenient.  And if you don’t find a deal on a beach chaise, just plop in the sand and water for a few hours.  We are not early birds and more often than not, someone will gift us their loungers.  But we also enjoy walking around the downtown and buying food, drinks, and chocolate.  
 

I also love Orient Beach, but doubt I would do that solo.