St. Maarten at night

cruisetarp · May 28, 2007

On our upcoming cruise we will be in St. Maarten from 12 noon til 9PM. Does anyone have any experience at this port in the evening? I'm wondering if the shops will be open and if there will be things to do before we sail. I am used to sailing by dinner time from each port so this will be a new, exciting way to see the Island. However, I have been unable to find a tour company that will start off in the afternoon - plenty all ready to take you around in the AM.

SMB · May 28, 2007

There is much to do at night in St. Maarten, but the most popular is gamble, eat, and drink. I try to avoid Philipsburg when the ships are in, but I'm sure the shops stay open to at least 7:00 on those days... maybe later. The problem is the amount of beach time you can get on that side of the island. The mtns. make it difficult to catch any rays later than 4:00 PM in the summer.

If I were you... I would rent a car (Can be done online and picked up at the port). Then I would drive counterclockwise around the island. Take the detail up Anse Marcel for the great view. Grab a slightly late lite lunch in Grand Case (Gourmet capital of the caribbean). Drive around to Friar's beach. Take the trail at the north end of Friar's on the 10 minute walk to one of the last desolate beaches on the Island, Happy Beach, and enjoy the last rays of the day. Before the sun gets to low, drive past Marigot to Cupecoy beach and enjoy a drink as you watch the sunset at the Cliffhanger Bar. Then have a fabulous meal at one of the great places to eat in the area like La Gondola or Le Montmartre. Then head back to Philipsburg but keep in mind the TRAFFIC! on the way back. Adjust your plans as you go. You don't want to miss the ship. Otherwise, enjoy the friendliest island in the caribbean.

Maps of all I mentioned above can be found on the web.

I'm heading there in 5 DAYS!!!!!! I'll report back when we return. :cool2: