First Time Travel: St. Maarten Need Ideas
 

I am traveling out of the states for the first time. (I will admit I haven't ever been more than a few hours from home, so this is a huge deal!)

My hubby and I are looking for:
some gorgeous beaches to relax on
beaches that are for our more adventurous days
snorkeling/scuba
great food
night life

We are staying on Little Bay.

Thoughts? Suggestions?
Thanks

We are staying

Skip SXM and take the ferry over to Anguilla. There's nothing but gorgeous beaches, great resorts and fine food. SXM is crowded and has none of the appeal of AXA. If you go to SXM then stay on the French Side......I just got back from AXA and day tripped to SXM for the 2nd time.....

To skip SXM even though you have a place booked isn't very helpful advice. You have picked an island where there is lots to do! You will definitely want to rent a car and visit Pinel Island, visit Grand Case, Marigot, Orient Bay. There is good shopping in PHillipsburg. You should consider a day trip to Anguilla for gorgeous beaches.

For your adventerous days, I can't stress enough how much fun this is:

http://www.12metre.com/

You hop aboard a crewed America's Cup yacht and, provided you want to, join in to help race the boat against another America's Cup yacht (you'll be instructed - sailing experience is not necessary, as this is part of the fun).

Enjoy your trip.

I just spent Easter at Little Bay.But, my first trip was to La Sammanna.So, go figure.I got spoiled!
The hotel isn't that bad.But, it isn't great.The beach is fine and had okay snorkeling.We really like Dawn Beach.That has excellent snorkeling and a cute little beach bar shack with cheap beers(.75)and good breakfast.
Scuba I heard at Bobby's Marina.Drive towards where the crusie ship docks.You will see it on your right.
I found more bargains on Jewels in P-burg than Marigot.( Not many deals in Marigot)
Some great resturants that we enjoyed
Le Escargo-Phillipsburg
Pineapple Petes-Simpson Bay
Rare-Cupeacoy
Le Alabama- Grand Case

I have always wanted to try "Talk of the Town" in Grand case.Great sidewalk/ beach BBQ joint.Heard food is excellent.
Have fun.Say Hi to Gizmo the parrot at Little Bay.He was my favorite part of the hotel stay.
Oh and check your bill very carefully when you check out.I was overcharged and they still won't refund me.
You can take a day trip to Anguilla on the ferry in Marigot.Takes maybe 10 minutes.Take cash.Nobody will cash a travelers check and Credit cards are good for Hotels.It is $20.00 for a taxi to go anywhere on the island each way.

St. maarten has a lot to do. If you are staying at Divi Little Bay, you will be close to Philipsburg. you can stroll the new boardwalk along the harbour and you can shop on Front Street.
it is very charming.
Be sure to rent a car so you can travel to other beaches and go out to eat at the fabulous restaurants.
good beaches: Oyster Pond, Mullet Bay, Orient, Friars Bay, Bay Rouge.
I agree with perchy.. the 12 metre yacht races are so much fun.
it is also nice to take a day trip to
either Anguilla or St. Barths.
and do visit Pinel for the day. Boats leave from French Cul de Sac and are $5.00. It's a great beach to relax on and have a nice lunch.
the snorkeling on sxm is better slightly off shore. although right at Little Bay right near the rocks the snorkeling is not bad.
But if you want to do better snorkeling I recommend taking a boat trip to Creole Rock or Flat Island or Prickley Pear.
the best night life on the island is in the Maho area. there are clubs, bars, casinos,restaurnats, all within walking distance of each other.
stop at Sunset Beach Bar and watch the planes take off. lots of fun.
sxm has fabulous restaurants. I am not sure what kind of food you like but for something different try the lo los in grand case for great local grilled food.
and the rest of Grand Case is lined with gorumet french restaurants.

visit Marigot and see the open air market.. best days are Wed. and Sat. mornings.
Just a few suggestions I hope are helpful.

Thanks so much guys! This is some terrific info!

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