big_clarkie

We have a 3.5 hr layover in San Maarteen on our way to St. Kitts. We will be going from USAIR to Windward. My question is what is there to do around the airport? We feel totally comfortable grabbing a cab and going to a restaurant or bar to pass the time. Is this possible? or will the airlines and customs be too much of a pain to deal with to make it worth while?

blamona

It's not much time, but at the edge of the runway is a beach, Sunset Bar, and Bamboo Bernies, from all 3 you can watch the planes land, get a drink, or some sun. Also, about a block away are some shops, restaurants, and casinos. If you have no luggage, you can walk it. Just keep an eye on your watch!

big_clarkie

Thanks. What about clearing customs? Will this be much of a hassle. As far as luggage goes, my wife and I will both have a carry on no bigger than a daypack. Any other suggestions for restaurants or bars would be helpful. Also, you mentioned shopping a block away. Any suggestions about where to buy a good watch. I have always heard about good deals in the Caribbean. Please clarify about the safety of the area around the airport.

Statia

big clarkie, first you will have to clear immigration and collect your luggage. There isn't customs for US flights so that won't be a problem. Next, get checked in at WinAir and collect your departure tax coupon. Don't pay departure tax as you are in transit, but you will need the coupon to enter security later.

By this time you will have spent about an hour of your 3.5 hour layover and you will need to be back at the airport at least an hour before your next flight, so ultimately you only have 1.5 hours which IMO is not enough time to be worth leaving the airport. I say be back one hour before departure because the security line can tend to get rather long in the afternoons.

There is some shopping and Cafe Juliana upstairs at SXM. With these things I never have a problem finding plenty to keep myself busy for even longer than you will be there.

However, if you do decide to venture off premises you can take a cab to the Maho area and visit Sunset Beach Bar or Cheri's Cafe, along with doing some shopping/browsing. Don't go in the direction of Simpson Bay lest you be caught by the opening of the Simpson Bay bridge and miss your flight. If you take a cab from the airport, be sure to ask the driver to pick you up at a specified time.

Good luck.

Statia

I forgot to add that I personally wouldn't walk the airport road to the Maho area as it's a bit of a hike with even light luggage. The shopping and restaurants are very close together in that area.

For jewlery or a watch I would stick with the airport jewelers since there isn't much located at Maho. I have been buying jewelry/watches with Pradeep at AMA Jewelers at the airport for years and highly recommend him.

Tell him that his friends from Statia referred you.