St. Maarten

[bicker]

I'm looking at St. Maarten from two different perspectives, and wondering if anyone has any experience with either.

First: How readily does Phillisburg lend itself to a historical walking tour? Is there "a lot" to see? (What, specifically? <grin>) Are the points-of-interest close-enough together to make a walking tour practical? Actually, are the points-of-interest far enough apart that we'd actually find a 3-5 mile route to see them all? (Less than 3 miles and it's not much of a walking tour for us... more than 5 miles and perhaps it is too much!)

Second: Putting that aside, does anyone have any recommendations for kayaking or combined kayaking/snorkeling excursions at St. Maarten, for barely advanced-beginner kayakers and novice snorkelers?

 

[joeyancho]

We were in St. Maarten this past October and did the snorkeling tour. It was only fair. Water was not very clear (as it is in Grand Cayman) and the fish were not plentiful. There is not much to see in St. Maarten of a historical nature. The island is not as lush with tropical foilage as other islands, such as St. Lucia. That is because they only get 15 inches of rain per year (according to the tour guide). The main activity there seem to be duty free shopping. The prices on liquor and tobacco were amazingly low and they send it to the ship for you (Kam's Liquor Store). Also if you need another Rolex or some diamond jewelry, it is a good place to stock up. Bon Voyage

 

[bicker]

Thanks for the info. I think maybe we'll consider, now, hiking Pic Paradise. Anyone have information on that?

 

[JeffFwa]

I've been to St. Maarten a couple of times, and agree with joeyancho. There isn't much of historical value there, but the shopping is may be the best in the Caribbean. St. Maarten is probably best for hanging around on the beach.

The best excursion I've done has not been sponsered by the ship. We rented a car and went around to a couple of the beaches on the island. Orient Beach has the clearest water I've ever seen, but I didn't have my snorkel with me, so I don't know if there was anything to see beyond the shore. Just be warned that a good portion of the beach is fully nude. Another great beach is Cupecoy Beach. If you don't want to rent a car, a taxi will take you to these beaches. I'm not sure how much it would cost, but the island is small enough that it can't cost too much.

Enjoy.

 

[CaribKat57]

In St. Martin, you can kayak out to Creole Rock in Grand Case. Just taxi to Grand Case Beach Club and they'll set you up. Great snorkeling!
Kathy

 

[p.g.]

Remember that although you may love walking and be fairly fit, that it is HOT and walking in 85 to 90 degree heat is not fun.

Go to Orient Beach it was fun, and although the water was fairly clear, it is a sandy bottom so not the best snorkling, we did see some big fish while wading though, not even snorkling!