Hey guys. We plan to be in sxm 1st wk of july'10 and on Saba last wk of june '10. Would you recommend travelers cksand credit cards or cash and credit cards? What do you do with your spending $/credit cards while swimming at beach? Been following ya'll and know not to leave it in rental car. Do Saba and sxm both take cc and travelers checks? We will be at oyster bay on St. Martin. What beaches do you recommend in that area?
Thanks for a great forum!

We'll be at OBBR from June26-July 10. Look me up and we'll have a drink.
If you sent me a regular email address I'll send you my list of eating places in the Oyster Pond area.
We always take some cash, lots of travelers checks which can be cashed at most restaurants if the amount is close to bill total. We also cash a lot of TC at Casinos for pocket money. We also carry the Capital One visa and Charles Schwab Visa cards since they do not incur a foreign country fee as most other credit cards.
We usually go to Dawn Beach which is right next to OBBR. You can charge food and drink to your room at Beau Beau's which overlooks Dawn Beach and not have to worry about leaving money on beach.
If we go to other beaches we carry what we think we'll need in cash in the waterproof bag in my swim suit pocket.

Thanks sxmnorm--I sent you a pm.--Happy birthday!
By the way, I'd like to do some (totally amature) surf fishing while there. Does anyone know about fishing regs, license,good surf fishing locations, and such?
Only 2 months to go!!

no fishign license needed. not much surf fishing here. people do fish in the lagoon for tarpon. not for eating, just for fun

[barcann.livejournal.com]

(Thank you for your patience with the following redundant question. It's always nice to get the latest updates.)

My wife and I (24 yrs!!) will be staying on St Maarten/St Martin for a week in June. We have visited only twice for single days on cruises. Yours is our favorite island. We loved our time there. In the past we stopped at a nice cafe in Marigold for a pizza and spent the rest of the early afternoon on Orient Beach. What more can we ask for?

Now that we are spending 7 nights on the island, are there any "must see" things to add to our calendar? Since our trip will include each night of the week, we are hoping to see as much of the island as possible. Thank you in advance.

Dan

Sorry, Marigot.

Dan

its hard to answer your question without knowing what you are interested in. you could try to do a search here and see what topics and places people are talking about.
in general, rent a car and just start exploring..explore oru many beaches, shop in Philipsburg, take a day trip to Anguilla, or take a snorkel boat trip, eat out at our many restaurants.
on Wednesday and Saturday there is a nice open air market in Marigot.
visit Loterie farm..maybe do the zip lines.

[www.loteriefarm.net]

Enjoy!

[barcann.livejournal.com]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/02/2010 08:29AM by Barbara1.

We carry travelers cheques and have never had a problem cashing them. We usually spend 1 or 2 at dinner, get the change in cash, and then use cash the following day. Or we stop at one of the groceries to pick up a couple of items, and use the travelers cheques. We also have an in-room safe and we can leave cash, credit cards, jewelry, etc. there. We take only what we need to the beach, and keep it in one of the waterproof plastic cases which my husband wears around his neck when we go into the water - a very good investment if you don't have one. Never have had a problem at the beach.

Have a wonderful vacation!

Barbara,

Thank you for the response. To be more specific with my question...
1. What are a couple of restaurants that are unique and special for the island?
2. Is there a festival, activity or show during the week of June 4 - 11?
3. Best place to see local art?
4. Best snorkeling beach?
Thanks again, in advance. We are lookin' forward to our week at Westin and La Samanna! Thanks also for moderating this forum. It's most helpful to read all of the trip reports and feedback.

Dan

Daniel,
Here's a great place to see a variety of SXM artists in one place.
There are many artists on St Maarten/St Martin. One of our favorite places to go to see a variety of different works is Dany's Le Saint-Geran Gallery. [i216.photobucket.com]
It's located at 117 Front St in Phillipsburg. Id you stop by please say hello to Dany for me. Thanks.

Thanks Barbara, Island Cindy, SXMNorm,
I think trav. cks and cc sound good.Especially Capitol One. Did you get my PM SXMNorm? -------55 days left!!

Barbara,

Thank you for the response. To be more specific with my question...
1. What are a couple of restaurants that are unique and special for the island?
too many to list. but the lo los at grand case. Yvette's in Orleans. those are for good local food. any of the French restaurants in grand case. for Italian try Granduuca at Maho and Spiga in grand case.
2. Is there a festival, activity or show during the week of June 4 - 11?
not much happening in June. but when you arrive get a copy of KPasa at the airport and get the Thursday edition of the Daily Herald ..out n about..lists all events for the week..
[www.k-pasa.com]
[www.thedailyherald.com]
3. Best place to see local art? already answered by Norm
4. Best snorkeling beach? the best st maarten snorkeling is actully off island..maybe take a half day snorkel trip by boat. but if you don't do that, here are some comments on snorkeling from a friend of mine:
Friars Bay – this is always our first snorkel, water is calm and smooth. This year there was a ton of fish and it was very clear. You can snorkel to the right all the way to Happy Bay.
Bay Rouge – Our favorite place, this is where the cave is, snorkel around to the right from the beach. Usually excellent conditions with lotza fish.
Long Bay – Very, Very good with large fish. However, it is hard to get in and it is often very rough. Snorkel to the Left towards La Samana, there is a slight current you’ll be swimming into, then coming back is a breeze. If you catch it when conditions are right, you’ll love it. There are no services on the beach so bring your own.
Divi – Quickly becoming our new favorite. Snorkel to the left from the beach. Water gets very deep towards the point. Lots of bigger fish. Look for the Cannons on the bottom.
Creole Rock – You can “Ride the Rhinos” from Simpson bay to Grand Case. There is a snorkel stop at the rock.
Prickly Pear – Definitely a MUST. Take the Bluebeard trip. It’s an all day excursion and the snorkeling is excellent !!! Not to mention the wonderful boat ride.


Thanks again, in advance. We are lookin' forward to our week at Westin and La Samanna! Thanks also for moderating this forum. It's most helpful to read all of the trip reports and feedback.
Thanks! Enjoy!

Dan

[barcann.livejournal.com]