First trip to St Maarten -- suggestions???
 

We'll be going to St Maarten in April for the first time, staying on Simpson Bay Beach area. (two couples, 60ish)
Have been to Bermuda many times, Aruba twice, Puerto Rico once, Bahama Out Islands, and will go back again to all!!!
Would love to have suggestions for things to do and see, places to eat and shop!
Thanks!

Hi whammy, all my recommendations can be found in my TR from May. Enjoy!

http://www.fodors.com/community/cari...-7-15-long.cfm

thanks, kellybeaches! Great ideas and wonderful photos!!!

Phillipsburg for shopping definitely!

thanks whammy, hope it helps. Have a wonderful time!

Take a catamaran ride over to St. Barths

You could definitely look into visiting neighboring islands for day trips -Anguilla (which we did), Saba, St. Barths, and if you're really ambitious, even St. Kitts and Nevis. However, do keep in mind that the waters can get rather rough. My poor friend Liz spend the whole way back across the channel from Anguilla to St. Martin "relieving" her lunch. My other friend who is an avid diver did a dive trip to Saba and got sea sick on the way. If you have a strong stomach, or if the captain says the waters won't be rough, I say go for it! But just know that it is a haul and it can get choppy...

Hi Whammy - I took the ferry to both Saba and Anguilla last February - Anguilla - not a problem at all....Saba - WOW the swells! but both are totally worth the ride...I also took a catamaran to Prickley Pear which was awesome. You can catch these from Pelican - 5 minutes from where you are staying!