Would love to try to answer as many St.Maarten questions as possible...

[Daycare Provider]

We would like to do the zip-lining at Loterie farms. The cruise company wants too much $$$$$. How can I contact Loterie Farms....so i can do this excursion without going through the cruise line? Aftwards we want to take a taxi to orient beach for some nude surfing. :D :D Which bar would you recommend we have the taxi drop us off at?

Thank you...Angela

[jumelle]

We will be on the island in January, and would like to go to a beautiful beach and rent jetskis. In your opinion which is the best for this?

[sillybutt]

hi hi leogirl,

 

i just spend 3 hours reading through all the threads seeking for info that will help plan out my list of activities on the one day our cruise ship [rci - adventure of the seas] is docking at philipsburg, st. martin in late aug. hope you can help me with the list of questions below: [THANKS IN ADVANCE!]

 

1. Bus ride from Philipsburg to Marigot, where exactly is this bus stop/terminal located in Philipsburg? Is it far from the ship dock? Is there a number associated with the busline?

 

2. Marigot - Fort Amsterdam - Is there a entrance fee, if so, how much? Is it far from the bus stop and boutique?

 

3. How far is Front Street located from the Philipsburg ship dock? How far is Orient Beach from the Front Street?

 

4. Horseback riding at Cape Bay. Where exactly is Cape Bay?? Is it far from the other "must-see" places, ie: Marigot, Orient Beach, Front Street and the ship dock?

- Initially i had wanted to do the "sunset trail" but realized that we are due back to the ship by 530, is there another time that you will suggest is good for doing horse trail, since it will be sunny the entire day given that there's no rain..do you suggest its too hot to do this activity?

- Also, if you have tried this..is it geared toward beginners or more intermediate? And, do they have saddled seats?

 

5. Marigot and French Side - I understand you mentioned that shopping on the french side might except US dollar, does that apply to the entire Marigot or would i be require to exchange currency? Also, would it be a bad idea to use my credit card in Front Street, does most store require CASH ONLY??

 

I believe the rest of my questions are answered by previous posting. GREATLY APPRECIATED FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!

 

 

PS I'll be sure to drop by your father's store to checkout the wonderful t-shirt collection!! hope to see you there!

 

- Sillybutt:)

[gtaylor]

hi hi leogirl,

 

i just spend 3 hours reading through all the threads seeking for info that will help plan out my list of activities on the one day our cruise ship [rci - adventure of the seas] is docking at philipsburg, st. martin in late aug. hope you can help me with the list of questions below: [THANKS IN ADVANCE!]

 

1. Bus ride from Philipsburg to Marigot, where exactly is this bus stop/terminal located in Philipsburg? Is it far from the ship dock? Is there a number associated with the busline?

 

2. Marigot - Fort Amsterdam - Is there a entrance fee, if so, how much? Is it far from the bus stop and boutique?

 

3. How far is Front Street located from the Philipsburg ship dock? How far is Orient Beach from the Front Street?

 

4. Horseback riding at Cape Bay. Where exactly is Cape Bay?? Is it far from the other "must-see" places, ie: Marigot, Orient Beach, Front Street and the ship dock?

- Initially i had wanted to do the "sunset trail" but realized that we are due back to the ship by 530, is there another time that you will suggest is good for doing horse trail, since it will be sunny the entire day given that there's no rain..do you suggest its too hot to do this activity?

- Also, if you have tried this..is it geared toward beginners or more intermediate? And, do they have saddled seats?

 

5. Marigot and French Side - I understand you mentioned that shopping on the french side might except US dollar, does that apply to the entire Marigot or would i be require to exchange currency? Also, would it be a bad idea to use my credit card in Front Street, does most store require CASH ONLY??

 

I believe the rest of my questions are answered by previous posting. GREATLY APPRECIATED FOR ALL YOUR HELP!!!

 

 

PS I'll be sure to drop by your father's store to checkout the wonderful t-shirt collection!! hope to see you there!

 

- Sillybutt:)

 

1) Bus ride. There is not a 'bus terminal' anywhere on the island. Bus service is a loosely coordinated, but licensed, collection of drivers with vans and mini buses that run their own schedules and routes. They will have 'BUS' on the license plate. There are no route 'numbers', but the buses will have a sign (usually) in the lower left of the front window with the destination. Marigot, P'Burg, M'Bay, Gd'Case, Fr Quarter. etc.

 

There are designated bus stops, labeled 'bus halte' on the Dutch side, but drivers will often stop for a waving arm or a 'stop please' even if not at an official stop.

 

In downtown Philipsburg, the bus runs along Back Street. The next street over from Front Street, the main shopping area.

 

The Court House, basically at the center of the Front Street shopping area is about .8 miles from the Cruise Facility pedestrian exit gate, but many/most people take the water taxi or a cab for a few dollars.

 

2) Marigot - Fort Amsterdam. Fort Amsterdam is on the other side of the island, located above Divi Little Bay Resort, and looking out on the Cruise Facility, Great Bay and Philipsburg.

 

The fort located above Marigot is Fort Louis, or Fort St. Louis, or Fort Marigot. It does have a great view, (photo courtesy Don Wiss) and is well worth a visit if you have the time. We always take visiting friends up there.

 

Neither fort has an entrance fee. For the record, there are a lot more stones stacked up at Fort Louis than Fort Amsterdam, but both are well worth a visit.

 

3) Front Street. As mentioned, the Court House is about .8 miles from the Cruise Facility. The 'foot' of Front Street, closest to the Cruise Facility is about .5 miles.

 

From Front Street to Orient is about 4.7 miles as the crow flies, or about 7 miles by taxi. A taxi should cost about $6 each for a party of 4.

 

The entire island is only about 37 square miles.

 

4) Horses. As far as I can tell, Cape Bay is actually Cay Bay. Check out the map here and see coordinates J-6/7 where it is labeled Cay Bay. From the pictures at the Lucky Stables website, it sure looks like Cay Bay to me. Note that the Lucky tours wind through a residental area and an industrial complex to get to their trails.

 

Cape Bay/Cay Bay is located about as far away from Orient Beach as you can get and still be on the island. Look on the map referenced above, and you can see the location relative to the other spots you mention.

 

5) Marigot and French Side. I'm not aware of any location, on either side of the island, that will not accept US Dollars. There is NO reason to do a currency exchange. The only possible event might be on the French side at a roadside shop or restaurant where they might not have US currency to make change and you might end up with some Euro change.

 

We use credit cards exclusively (for the airline miles) for major purchases on Front Street and elsewhere, and have never had a problem, either side of the island. Lolo's and beer stands on the street, will, of course, probably take only dollars (or Euros if you happen to have them) - not credit cards.

 

Have a great trip.

[sillybutt]

Thanks gtaylor!!

 

Thank you for the vast amoutn of information you have provided for me. I had since posting my 'question' post...printed out all the maps of Marigot and Phillipsburg which provided a lot more clarity in terms of the geography and distance between all the spots i wanted to see.

 

Just a few follow-up questions:

 

[1] Cruise dock to Front Street - You have mentioned that many take the taxi from the dock to the Front Street. Are the roads hard to walk on or are the streets tricky to find even with a map. For the distance of .8 miles it doesn't seem like it's a problem for me to walk off my big continential breakfast i'm planning on consuming every morning.

 

[2] How often are the bus/van running on Back Street? And, where on Marigot side can I find the bus stop or area to return back to Phillipsburg?

 

 

THANKS AGAIN!!

 

 

- Sillybutt:)

[gtaylor]

Walking from the Cruise Facility to downtown should be an easy 20 minute walk. The path is easy to follow, and is level the entire way. The only consideration is that it could be hot! The $5 all day pass on the Water Taxi should be an option.

 

Exit the main gate and turn left. Walk to Bobby's Marina and cut through to the water and over to the new Boardwalk. You won't miss it.

 

The buses aren't on a timetable, but they run all the time. Just look for one going by that says Marigot in the window.

 

We've never taken a bus (we always have a car), but I believe they will drop you on Blvd. de France, next to the Marigot waterfront, which is below Fort Louis, and adjacent to the open-air marketplace and the Le West Indies shopping mall. Pickup at the same location.

 

gary

[jccruiser]

hi

Divi Beach sounds wonderful and I hear the snorkeling is good here too.

Is it possible to get one of the bus/vans to Divi Beach from downtown.

 

Also, what is the Beach by Front St in Phillipsburg like - is it clean enough to swim there?

 

thanks for any info.:)

[jccruiser]

me again. I was just reading the site from rtsmith and noticed that Great Bay is actually the beach in Philipsburg. Is it possible to walk from this beach and around the headland to Little Bay/Divi? Is there any snorkelling at Great Bay?

 

thanks:)

[maclady]

Dear Leogirl-so glad you are back. We want to arrange a boat snorkel trip on ST. Martin,while we are there November 15th on the Sea Princess. We are avid snorkelers. Please tell us the best way to get in some great snorkeling Karen;) :)

[FliLady]

Snoopy_leogirl,

 

We were going to dive with the Sharks next week, but it got canceled!! Now, we are thinking of renting a car and seeing the island on our own. We are pretty adventurous....Is the island pretty easy to navigate and is it a hassle to park at beaches/restaurants/bars? Any info would be helpful!

[captrjc]

Hi Leogirl, We have been to St Martin 5 times but not in 4 years we will be visiting again in nov 06 could you tell me if Scavengers beach bar is still on Dawn Beach last time we were there the bartender told us he thought it was sold and condos were next thankx Bob:confused:

[gadiamondgal]

Hi Leogirl! Thanks, again, for helping us all out! Will be there around 10/15/06. What time do the shops open in St. Maarten? How is that little casino there on Front Street (I believe). I saw it when we were there about a year or so ago. I went in, didn't gamble, to look around. Real small, but is it fun? thanks!

[L_T]

Hi Leogirl, We have been to St Martin 5 times but not in 4 years we will be visiting again in nov 06 could you tell me if Scavengers beach bar is still on Dawn Beach last time we were there the bartender told us he thought it was sold and condos were next thankx Bob:confused:

Sad but true - Scavengers is no more and Dawn Beach is changed forever (well, unless another huge storm hits it dead center again).

[Sheffie]

hi

Divi Beach sounds wonderful and I hear the snorkeling is good here too.

Is it possible to get one of the bus/vans to Divi Beach from downtown.

 

Also, what is the Beach by Front St in Phillipsburg like - is it clean enough to swim there?

 

thanks for any info.:)

 

Of all the beaches I have been to in the Caribbean, Great Bay is my least favorite. It isn't horrid, but it is a shipping port area. It was clean enough to swim, but we didn't snorkel there. There are so many other great beaches. We haven't been to Divi, but have heard of many people going there.

[joey1]

Hey Leogirl!!

 

I'm a Leo too! On to more important things. Thanks for all the great info!!. I will be on a cruise and will be in St. Martin on Thurs Dec 7th from 8-5. Here is what I want to do and maybe you can help. I am looking for basically just a driver to get me and my husband around the island for the day. I want to shop on both sides, go to a beach for about 2 hours and get lunch/drinks somewhere. We do not want a scheduled tour. Can you suggest any companies for a driver. I am afraid if I try and get someone at the pier, they will push for a tour, etc. I want it to be where I want to go and at my pace.

 

Also, my husband will be looking for Mont Blanc pens. Any suggestions on stores that carry these? What beach would be good to rent chairs, have drinks and have a nice lunch. Also considering going to one of the rest. in Grand Case after the beach for late lunch.

 

Any suggestions would be great. I want this to be a fun day just for the 2 of us.

 

Thanks,

 

Joey

[Jen_ny]

Hi Leogril,

 

I will be going to your island for the fisrt time. I have no idea what to do. For now i think a few beaches, and get a taxi to drive me around sightseeing. But i will also like to do the ziplines ive beenreading about in other threads.

 

Im a little confused about the place. There website dosent give prices nor explain their tours.

 

Has someone gone to this resently? Leogirl have you gone?

 

Also can you give me any tips on your island, maybe some historical places o cultural places i would like to see (i like to learn about the places i visit).

 

thanks for your time!!!

[stanford's girl]

Most definitely, DIVI little bay, still the choice.

I was going to go to Orient beach but reading your high recommendations of DIVI has changed my mind. :cool:

 

Can you shop and eat at the resort, even though you are not staying there? If so, then what local things you would order to eat?

 

Are the beach chairs that you rent for $10, on the beach with an umbrella? I went to the DIVI website and that's what they showed.

 

 

Thanks from one Leogirl to another!! :D

[Lance1224]

We will be in SXM at the Divi for a week next month. Is the boardwalk in Phillipsburg complete? We have been going to SXM since 1994 and is our favorite island. No problem eating and shopping at the Divi. Any cab can get you there from the ship. When you are ready to return, just go to where the taxi's park and you can get one back to your ship. Hope this helps.

 

Lance:)

[Mommy2One]

Any fun bars to party at?

 

 

We're going to be there with a group of twenty somethings that like to drink & party...any recommendations?

 

It'll be like on a Wed. or Thurs. during a cruise.

[k.m.]

Can you tell me if there are Jet Skis or Wet Bikes for rent at Divi Little Bay and

It is very kind as well as generous of you to take the time to answer the overwhelming amount of questions on this board. It is sincerely appreciated.

 

Thanks again. Kathy

[k.m.]

Can you tell me if there are Jet Skis or Wet Bikes for rent at Divi Little Bay and what the cost would be by the hour?

It is very kind as well as generous of you to take the time to answer the overwhelming amount of questions on this board. I have learned so much and it is sincerely appreciated.

 

Thanks again. Kathy

[Momof 2 boys]

Thanks for all your input on Divi bch....how is that beach for kids? How topless and nude are the other bchs like Bikini bch. Dont mind topless,kids have seen topless but not nudity. How are the beach toys at these beaches? and food....gotta have that food!!!:D Also want them to hook up with other kids, that are wearing bathing suits....dont want my 12 y.o son hooking up with a 12 y.o girl who is nude or topless. Are they just adults? hope that does not sound like a stupied question!:) Thanks for all your info. Could not go through all the posts so am posting my own.

[trevette1981]

Snoopy leogirl-

 

I will be in st. Maarten in June 2007. I want to know of some places that only the local people go to. I want to me and talk to local people, not fellow cruisers!LOL! I love the accents there! Where would I go to find those types of places?

[sceptic]

We need a place to stay for a single night that isn't too horrifically expensive. A family of four (kids 14 and 17). It's for a time between getting off cruise ship on one day and flight leaving the following day. We plan on renting a car so we can enjoy the rest of the day on the island.

 

Is there a hotel/guest house/B&B that is comfortable, A/C (kids are wimps!) and reasonably priced for a single night??

 

Thanks!!

[ccturner26]

Leogirl:

We are traveling with a 1 year old. I am considering doing Divi beach already but wondering will we be missing out on not doing a tour of the island, including Marigot. We have been there once and stayed on the Dutch side. Should we keep Divi Beach or go with a tour on the other side?