Planning on visiting these islands in June. Thinking about staying 2 nights each in Saba and Statia and then staying 4 nights in St. Martin(will do a day trip from St. Martin to Anguilla). Looking for advice from anyone who has done such a trip- i.e. what to do on each island(I'm not a diver but like to hike and see historical sites), where to stay , how to connect to each island,etc.
Thanks for the advice.

I recommend 2 nights in Anguilla instead of Statia..not much to do in Statia.....

<Author: Barbara1
Date: 03/24/2004, 12:24 pm
Message: Howard
why zero days in st maarten? if someone is going to be in the area, they should experience as many islands as they can..each one is different and each one has things to offer.>

Just curious, Barbara...why zero days on Statia? I've known people to stay on Statia for a week or more and have a lovely time. As you stated, people should experience as many islands as they can while in the area, bearing in mind that each is uniquely different and offers varied experiences based on ones personal travel preferences.

I would suggest four days in St. Martin and two days in Anguilla then do day trips to either Saba or Statia...that is a short trip you are taking you don't want to be overwhelmed and forget the spots. Anguilla has spectacular beaches and at least one beautiful resorts. Now that I think of it - 1night in Anguilla and the rest in St. Martin. Saba is fantastic but you probably don't need more than one good day trip for your first time. Don't forget St.Barths' is only a boat ride away from St. Martin....

It may be "only a boat ride" to St. Barth's, but it's over 2 hours round trip (more with queuing) and the ferry is known by many as the St. Barf's ferry...the water can be rough.

Base on St. Martin. Rather touristy, but good beaches, great restaurants, hiking at Loterie Farm, a couple of forts (only Louis at Marigot is kept up), museums in Marigot and Philipsburg, easy to find things to do. Saba - scenic, hike to top of Mount Scenery and other walking opportunities. A day trip by air or boat would do, or an overnight if you really wanted to do the island. Statia is somewhat similar - more of historical interest, less scenic - but you would have to fly. Overnight only if mandated by flight schedules. Spend longer on either if you want to really chill out. Anguilla - ferry from Marigot. Great beaches restaurants, not very scenic (except the hotels). Worth more than a day trip if you want beach time. St. Bart's - fly from Grand Case or boat(can be rough). Scenic, restaurants, beaches, laid-back French atmosphere. Worth a day trip or several days depending on what you want. My view - do less, relax more.

True about the rough rides via boats...We went to Saba for the hike etc...it took 45 minutes there...lovely dolphins leading the way...sunny - great - tropical storm kicked up suddenly on the way back and 45 min. became 2 hours waves so big I couldnt' even see the horizon - isn't that what you are supposed to concentrate on to prevent sea sickness...Saba was worth it, but keep these possibilities in mind. Anguilla is so close there shouldnt be any roughness...If you stay in St. Martin look at Le Meridien...wow too - lovely spot - great service!!