I have planned a trip w/ my boyfriend and my 2 children, ages 11 and 16 and we are going to Aruba and St. Maarten in Nov. 09 and would like to know what kinds of activities are available to the kids. I have read numerous reports and would like to know if anyone has done an ATV tour in Aruba? I've read that people have really enjoyed the excursion. My 16 year is licensed to drive his own ATV but my 11 year old would have to ride w/ me, even though he's been thru the course and has his own. We are also flying from Aruba to St.Maarten and woud like to do some activities there as well. Any info will be appreicated. The kids are airplane crazy and I know we will be spending quite some time on Maho beach watching the planes fly right over us. Does anyone know if sunset bar on Maho beach is still open? I've heard conflicting reports of it being closed. We have no interest in renting a car in St. Maarten because we've been told the traffic is worse then Chicago, L.A and Atlanta. People suggested taking a taxi or some other means of touring the Island. Thats fine w/ me. I would just like to give my kids a wonderful vacation experience that will give them a lifetime of memories. Thanks to all who reply. P.S. sorry to the 3 people that replyed, my mistake for putting it in the wrong forum.

Sunset beach bar is open in st Maarten.I was just there yesterday. it is under new ownership and is now called Sunset Beach Grill.
With all due respect, you really do need to rent a car on SXM. it is the only good way to get around. taxis are very expensive and sometimes hard to find..
the traffic can be bad particularly in the Simpson bay area, but is not bad all over the island.
If you are staying here long enough, you could plan to take a day trip to Anguilla or St. Barths..always nice trips.
also consider the 12 meter America's cup boat races..really a lot of fun and you don't have to knwo a thing about sailing.
Your 11 year old would like the zoo and the Butterfly Farm. and consider the zip lines at Loterie farm. Your 16 year old would probably love that
above all, enjoy!

Hi Tinkernut,
I'm planning my honeymoon in Nov 09 and we're planning to do Aruba then St. Martin. How are you getting from Aruba to St. Martin? Plane? Boat? Any suggestions?
Thanks so much!

You have to go through Curacao to get from Aruba to Sr. Maarten.
They are much too far away from each other to go by boat.
Use one of these 2 airlines.

http://www.fly-inselair.com/

http://www.flydae.com/

I live on the island, and I absolutely agree with Barbara. You really should rent a car - unless you want to rely on taxis which are expensive and not always immediately available at the location from which you need to travel. I strongly suggest that you do not rent an ATV - they are available for rent, but frankly are somewhat dangerous on our roads. There have been a number of accidents, at least one of which was fatal.

Whatever you do - AVOID THE ROAD FROM THE AIRPORT THROUGH SIMPSON BAY. There are massive road / bridge works there, and the delays are worse than anything I have so far seen on the island. When leaving the airport turn left and head through Maho instead.

The road would be a disgrace to a third world country, until you leave the concrete jungle behind and cross over to the French side of the island - fortunately the border isn't far from the airport - but anything is better than being stuck for 45 minutes in a traffic jam in Simpson Bay as I was last week !

I definitely agree with renting a car to see the different beaches and explore the island. And definitely go to Loterie farms and do the zip line and have lunch there - one of the best meals we had on the island. There are plenty of water sports on Orient Beach. We took a ferry to Anguilla for the day and took a taxi to Shoal Bay East, our new favorite beach in the Caribbean. Anguilla is a beautiful island and we hope to go back and stay there.