S. Caribbean Island Excursions?

deb1220 · January 7, 2008

Our ports of call are Aruba, Curacao, St. Maarten and St. Thomas (originating in San Juan). We have never visited Curacao and St. Maarten and were wondering what's the best way to get a good "taste" of these islands - excursions, taxis or rental cars? We are not beach goers or big shoppers. We're more about the local culture - markets, history, architecture and geography - natural attractions. And we are both big shutterbugs!

JohnG · January 8, 2008

In St Maarten it it easy to rent a car at the end of the pier and drive around the island, including the French side. There is really only one road around the iisland so it it easy to drive. Stop in Marigot, capital of the French side, eat and shop.

In Curacao we rode the city bus to a beach near the aquarium but the town is the most interesting. All colored buildings and sidewalk cafes.

deb1220 · January 8, 2008

Thanks, so much for the suggestions. We've done stuff on our own before and thought that would be the best route for this trip. But we wanted to get some suggestions from others who've experienced these islands.

TheSkipper · January 8, 2008

Deb,

Been to both islands. St. Martin about six or seven times. Curacao only twice. I think JohnG has the right idea about the rental car in St. Martin and do be sure and see both sides of the island. :biggrin:

Curacao is quite quaint downtown with lots of Kodak Moments. You'll love it. :thumbup:

DebbieandJerry · January 8, 2008

Deb,

We've been to St Martin a number of times. We've hired taxi drivers, rented our own jeep, and taken their water taxi. We have never been disappointed nor worried about safety.

Luna · January 9, 2008

As shutterbugs, you'll find lots of photo ops at all these stops. The architecture in Curacao is stunning and it's one of the best places to be able to absorb local culture. Lots of beautiful scenery and plantlife on St Thomas and St Martin, too. In Aruba you can rent off road vehicles to go off the beaten path. I recommend a stop at Casaberi rock formation. Although it was very crowded when we went there, I explored a bit and found a couple of quiet corners with interesting photo ops and very few people.

zebra · January 12, 2008

Hi Deb,

Been to St. Maarten about 6 times and Curacao twice.

In St. Maarten I would encourage to rent a car and go over to the French side... we loved it there. they have a great market and awesome little restaurants, as well as the fact that it's the prettiest side of the island.

Curacao is gorgeous..... just walk around town taking photo's of the beautiful multi colored buildings and then have a delightful curry outside lunch at a bistro in a town square.

JoeyandDavid · January 12, 2008

Hi Deb,
Been to St. Maarten about 6 times In St. Maarten I would encourage to rent a car and go over to the French side... we loved it there. they have a great market and awesome little restaurants, as well as the fact that it's the prettiest side of the island.

This post is for all to contribute please....

To be honest in the past when we have gone to st Maarten we just crossed the bay and hung out at our favorite spot...This next time we visit all this talk of renting a car and going off on our own to go around the island..

A couple of questions.. if i may since we have never rented a car outside of the US...

In regards to driving in st Maarten are there any tips or suggestions ?

What should one look out for when renting a car from those at the pier....?

Is the insurance provided by your credit card company sufficient or should I agree to the add on insurance from the rental agency?...

JohnG · January 19, 2008

Driving is normal in St Maarten, with left hand drive and US style traffic (driving on the right side of the road). There is really only 1 primary road around the island and I thought the signs were adequate. The usual suspects are at the end of the pier: Dollar, etc. You sign up at the pier and they shuttle you to the office for the car. You can return it to the pier. About $55 for an air conditioned car for the day. We didn't but any additional insurance, but it is available. If you get off the main highways, the roads can be pretty potholed....like near the butterfly farm. Parking is free at Orient Beach. We stop in Marigot and buy some inexpensive french wine, bread and cheese and take it to a picnic on a beach.