The last time we were here it rained all day so we didn’t get to do much. Just walked into town (French side), got drenched and took a water taxi back to the pier.

We started the day with another hearty breakfast, and then headed our way to the pier to catch up with our excursion. We booked the “Best Of St. Maarten Island Tour & Beach” what a wonderful time we had. We boarded an air conditioned bus and headed past the salt ponds in Philipsburg, the Dutch capital. We worked our way through the countryside with stops for pictures at the different lookouts etc. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and kept us all entertained with her humor and island charm.

As you arrived in Marigot, the French side’s Capital you could not help but experience the European atmosphere. We browsed the waterside, open-air markets, quaint shops, boutiques, and sidewalk cafes.

After our leisure time we headed back to the bus to make our way to cool down at one of the worlds most famous beaches, Orient beach/bay. The tour took us to the part of the beach called “Boo Boo Jam”. I think this tour goes to this location since they cater for children and here there is little or no nudity. We were advised if we didn’t want to encounter nude people to stay to the left side was we headed to the actual beach area. Boo Boo Jam is a restaurant with the crappiest service I’ve ever encountered. I do hope they’ve changed staff or if you did place your order, be prepared to WAIT!

There was a bit of wind so the water was a bit choppy. However we found it to be the most fun (body surfing) we’ve ever had on a beach.

There is chair rental available. You will need it since the sun gets very hot, especially as it radiates off the white sand. Be sure to pack your sun block, sun glasses and water (I did mention the service was crap at the restaurant).

There were some change rooms, but only 2 of them had running water to wash off the sand as you got dressed.

Off we were again with our group on the bus, with the well informed tour guide. She gave us a very detailed history lesson of the island and its many landmarks. Our last stop took us Guavaberry Liquor tasting. Supposedly the Guavaberry only grows on St Maarten so this is your chance to grab a couple bottles of this heavenly liquor.

As the tour comes to an end you have the option of going back to the ship or they can drop you off in Philipsburg. We choose to do some shopping so Philipsburg it was. Men, please walk with you wallet/credit card. Ladies the price for diamonds cannot be beat anywhere else in the Caribbean. When they say duty free they mean DUTY FREE! And you can bargain with the jewelers.

Spent the rest of the afternoon in the many shops and walking the waterfront. If you are shopping for booze (excellent prices on liquors, scotch, brandy, some wine etc.) try to be in town a bit early, since they (the stores) will get the bottles back to the ship for you. However if it’s later you will have to carry them back yourself.

We were a bit late so I had to lug the bottles back to the ship. With the weight and the fact that it had already been a long day we took a water taxi back to the ship.

Notes:

If you purchase a water taxi wristband you can ride all day so you don’t have to keep paying for each ride.
There is a great beach in town (Philipsburg) so if you feel like just sitting at a beautiful beach this can be an option.
Philipsburg is within walking distance from the ship (about 10-15 mins)

BONUS: Here is a great panoramic view of orient bay. Click here!

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