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Best Things to Do in St. Maarten – St. Martin

February 18, 2016 By Greg Johnson 7 Comments

With so many things to do in St. Maarten – St. Martin, it’s hard to decide how to best spend your time there. That’s especially true if you’re just passing through on a cruise. Never fear! We’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of the 12 best things to do in St. Maarten!

St. Martin Island Facts

We fell in love with this tiny Caribbean island after visiting for the first time in 2015. St. Martin Island covers only about 34 square miles (88 square kilometers), measuring just 9.8 miles wide at its largest point. The island is divided politically into a north and south half, with the north side belonging to the French (Saint Martin) and the south belonging to the Dutch (Sint Maarten). While you can use U.S. dollars or Euros on the Dutch side, businesses on the French typically prefer Euros.

St. Martin Island is easily one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been. The island is covered in lush, tropical mountains. The beaches are pristine. Best of all, the people are welcoming. According to one of our taxi drivers, St. Maarten – St. Martin has yet to become very commercialized. Unlike some other Caribbean destinations, the people of the island own the vast majority of the businesses there – meaning they really want you to enjoy their island (and spend your money doing so). As somebody who loves supporting local businesses, I’m totally down with that!

If you’re planning a trip to the island, you’ll quickly discover that there are a ton of things to do in St. Maarten – St. Martin. Whether you’re just stopping by on a cruise or spending the entire week, be sure to check out some of the places listed below!

12 Things to Do in St. Maarten – St. Martin

1) Maho Beach (St. Maarten)

If you do nothing else in St. Maarten, you absolutely must check out Maho Beach. There is no place else like it! The beach actually backs right up to the St. Maarten airport runway – which means that gigantic airplanes fly right over your head all day long. You can even stand behind a 747 and get totally blasted by its jets as it takes off. Seriously, it’s incredible. (I wish I had some video of me standing behind the KLM 747, but my camera woman couldn’t take it and took off running. I made it though!) When we were there, we stayed at the Sonesta Ocean Point / Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and enjoyed watching the planes land and take off all day long. Here are a couple of pictures for you!

2) Pinel Island (St. Martin)

Pinel Island is a tiny little island located right off of Orient Bay on St. Martin’s French side. Take the shuttle from Orient Beach or visit while on a boat tour. The island is inhabited by some friendly iguanas, and there are also a couple of small shops. There’s even a cool little restaurant called Le Karibuni located right on the beach. Grab a drink and belly up to one of the tables on land or in the water!

3) Orient Beach (St. Martin)

One of the most famous beaches in the world, Orient Beach is also the busiest beach on St. Martin Island. Located on the French side, the beach is lined with orange umbrellas and happy beachgoers. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is also a nude optional section for you to enjoy.

4) Mullet Bay (St. Maarten)

Spending the afternoon at this secluded little beach is a great time for singles, couples, and families alike. We spent several hours there, sitting in our beach chairs and enjoying the views. We even did some snorkeling in the bay. There are a couple of small restaurants selling beach fare and drinks. A couple of times a day, a few cruise excursions make their way here. The beach is definitely big enough to accommodate everybody. However, when the cruisers depart, you can practically have the beach to yourself.

5) Zipline at Pic du Paradis (St. Martin)

If you’re into adventure travel, make sure to try the zipline at Pic du Paradis, St. Martin’s highest mountain. Located above the Loterie Farm, you can hike up the mountain or take a taxi. Either way, you’ll experience some incredible views from high above the island.

6) Philipsburg Boardwalk (St. Maarten)

Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side and a favorite port for many of the world’s top cruise lines. If you’re staying on the island or just visiting for the day, be sure to take a stroll down the boardwalk along Great Bay. It’s a lively area, complete with shops, restaurants, and plenty of people watching. When you’re done, pull up a chair and enjoy the beautiful beach along the bay. Cruisers can’t even get lost; just get off the boat, and you’re there.

7) Eat at a Lolo

If you want a fun and cheap St. Maarten dining experience, head to Grand Case and chow down at a lolo. These small barbeque-style restaurants will fill your belly full of delicious food for less than $15 a person. Be sure to try a the Johnny Cakes and crab backs as well. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.

8) Rent a Car

One of things to do in St. Maarten – St. Martin is renting a car. That way, you can see the whole island at your own pace. St. Martin is small enough that you can easily drive a car around without getting lost. Because the island is mountainous, some of the terrain is a bit steep. Just take it slow around the curves/cliffs and enjoy some great views of the island from your own rental car.

9) Or Take a Bus

Driving a car seem a little much for you? Try taking a minibus instead. One of the coolest things about St. Martin Island is that you can get almost anywhere by group taxi. Fares are set prices and they run just a couple of bucks. Simply head to one of the “bus stops” and raise your hand when a bus is coming near.

10) Cheri’s Cafe (St. Maarten)

When you’re in the Maho Beach or Mullet Bay area, be sure to visit Cheri’s Cafe. Located just a few blocks north of the SXM runway and a few blocks east of Mullet Bay, this family owned restaurant is an absolute hoot! The food here is very good and the atmosphere is even better. Sit at the bar and enjoy the live entertainment playing each night. Make sure to get your picture taken by the owner and head over to their Facebook page to like it!

11) Casino Royale (St. Maarten)

After dinner, head next door to Casino Royale. This Caribbean casino is larger than most, and has plenty of games for any taste. My wife spent some time playing Hold’em in the poker room while I hit the blackjack and craps tables. The nice thing is that it’s large enough so it never feels crowded. Of course, it’s always more fun when you win!

12) Captain Alan’s Snorkeling

One of my favorite days in St. Martin was spent on Captain Alan’s 3-Island Snorkeling Tour. The tour leaves from Oyster Pond Marina and lasts about 4 hours. You’ll get to experience both Pinel Island and Tintamarre Island, as well as enjoy a boat ride along the beautiful St. Martin coast. You’ll snorkel a reef, swim with sea turtles, and enjoy a nice lunch. The hospitality is awesome, and I highly recommend this tour!

Enjoy St. Martin Island

With so many things to do in St. Maarten – St. Martin, you are sure to enjoy your time on the island. Whether you’re traveling alone or with your family, St. Maarten is a great place to visit. We love it there and think you will too!

5 Things to Do in Montego Bay, Jamaica

February 11, 2016 By Greg Johnson 2 Comments

With hundreds of things to do in Montego Bay, the city is a perfect spot for your next beach vacation! Here are 5 of our favorites.

Doctor’s Cave Beach, Montego Bay, Jamaica

With hundreds of things to do in Montego Bay, the city is a perfect spot for your next beach vacation! MoBay – as it is affectionately called – is located on the island’s northwestern coast and is home to some of Jamaica’s most beautiful beaches. With one of the busiest airports in the Caribbean, Montego Bay also acts as a gateway to the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

Personally, I love traveling to Jamaica and am bringing my family back there this spring. The people are friendly, the beaches are perfect, and my kids can drink the water without having to worry about getting sick. With so many things to do in Montego Bay, and just a 15 minute drive to the airport, it’s the perfect destination for our Jamaican vacation!

Things to Do in Montego Bay, Jamaica

Whether you’re traveling alone or with kids, you’ll find all kinds of things to do in Montego Bay. Here’s a list of some of our favorite MoBay attractions!

Rose Hall Great House

Rose Hall Great House, Montego Bay, Jamaica

Perched over the ocean, this historic building once served as the plantation home to cruel slave master Annie Palmer. Known as the “White Witch of Rose Hall,” rumor has it that she used black magic to off multiple husbands and countless slaves. According to some, her ghost still roams the Great House hallways today. Whether you believe the stories or not, the night tour of the house is a freaky blast! Plus, you’ll be treated to gorgeous ocean views and – on a clear night – some of the most beautiful starlit skies you’ll ever see. Located about a 20-minute drive from Montego Bay, this place is one stop you can’t miss!

Martha Brae River

Hop on a bamboo raft and let a river guide escort you 3 miles down the serene Martha Brae River. These knowledgeable Jamaican “gondoliers” are happy to teach you about the area’s tropical plants and animals. (They may even help you grab a fruit snack off one of the trees.) Enjoy your leisurely one-hour float, or get adventurous and jump off the rope swing at the end of your journey. The tour costs about $60 USD and also includes a visit to a medicinal herb garden and round-trip transportation to your hotel.

Croydon Plantation

Travelers seeking a taste of “real” Jamaica should head to the mountains for a stop at Croydon Plantation. The property itself is beautiful, but the views aren’t the only thing you’ll enjoy. While you’re there, you’ll get to sample some of the plantation’s best fruits, complete with a yummy lunch when you’re done.

The Hip Strip

Looking for more local flavor? Try the Hip Strip. Located on Gloucester Avenue, walking this lively strip is one of the most popular things to do in Montego Bay. Here you’ll enjoy local art galleries and lively shop owners, all in a friendly and safe environment. Grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of the restaurants on the strip. Situated next to Doctor’s Cave Beach, this tourist attraction isn’t hard to find.

Doctor’s Cave Beach

You came to Jamaica for the beaches, right? Then, don’t forget to hit the sand at Doctor’s Cave Beach! Powder-like sand and warm blue waters make visiting this beach one of the most popular things to do in Montego Bay. Bring a towel, pitch a tent, and relax in the sun’s warm rays. Or, rent some snorkel gear and enjoy some of the area’s best underwater sights. Entrance to the beach costs about $6 USD. You’ll also find some adult beverages there for just a few bucks.

Enjoy Your Trip

Montego Bay remains one of the most popular Caribbean travel destinations for a reason. The area’s natural beauty, mixed with the welcoming spirit of the Jamaican people, make it a place worth visiting. And, with so many things to do in Montego Bay, what’s not to like? Happy traveling!

6 Things to Do in Nassau, Bahamas

December 10, 2015 By Greg Johnson 2 Comments

The best things to do in Nassau, Bahamas include unique Bahamian experiences and free days at the beach. Here are 6 of our favorites!

Photo Credit: By Ricardo Mangual via Flickr and Creative Commons

When you think of the Bahamas, the first thing that comes to mind is beautiful beaches and crystal blue water. As the capital and largest city of this island nation, Nassau is the place to be. And, now that Southwest flies here, you can get here even cheaper and easier – especially if you have a Southwest Visa.

Located on the island of New Providence, the city is a popular spot for cruise ships to dock. With tourists all about, there are plenty of things to see in this bustling beach town. Here are 6 of our favorite things to do in Nassau, Bahamas. [Read more…]

Cruising the Caribbean Aboard the Carnival Sensation

September 12, 2014 By Greg Johnson 4 Comments

Editors Note: Be sure not to miss your chance to win a $100 gift card at the end of this post!

“Hey girls. It’s time to wake up,” I whispered as I gently nudged my five and three-year-old girls awake.

“Daddy, why are we getting up so early?”

“We’re going on a trip!” I said.

“We are?!? Where are we going?”

“I can’t tell you. It is a surprise,” I said with a smile.

And so it started. Both girls jumped out of their beds, grinning from ear to ear, excited to see where this surprise journey would take them. Holly and I were excited too, not just because this would be the girls’ first time on an airplane. This would be our first time on a cruise, as we headed on a short weekend trip to Nassau, Bahamas aboard the Carnival Sensation.

Having never cruised before, we didn’t quite know what to expect. Our recent vacations have pretty much included us plopping our backsides down on a beach chair, sipping on tropical drinks, and eating entirely too much at all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. How would we like cruising? Would there be plenty to do? What would the room be like? We were all excitement and a little bit worried as we headed out the door, figuring that – even if we didn’t like it – we’d only be gone for three days. How bad could it be? [Read more…]

Yo Ho Ho and Dozens of Bottles of Rum

July 11, 2014 By Greg Johnson 2 Comments

Seriously dudes, I love me some rum. I like white rum. I like dark rum. I like spiced rum. I like coconut rum. As if the beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean weren’t enough, the rum is just an added little bonus each time I visit.

Rum has been my drink of choice since I was about 22 years old. That is why I was so excited to see this enjoyable and interactive map at my friend Rum Shop Ryan’s blog last week. When the folks from Coconut Bay Resorts asked me if I wanted to share the map with my audience as well, I couldn’t resist.

The Caribbean Rum Trail map allows you to explore each islands rum distilleries from the comfort of your own computer. You’ll learn which rums are made on each island, where the distilleries are at, and a brief history of each of these fabulous spirits. After you’ve explored the entire Caribbean Rum Trail from home, book a ticket to paradise and start visiting the distilleries in person. And, of course, it would only be proper to go ahead and have a drink while you are exploring! HOLLLLAAAA!

So, without further adieu, here is the map. Enjoy! [Read more…]

Tips for Driving in St. Maarten

July 10, 2014 By Anne Keery Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: By M 93 via flickr and Creative Commons

Don’t take taxis, rent a car

Renting a car and driving in St. Maarten is a great and inexpensive way to see the island. Taxis in Sint Maarten are relatively expensive compared to renting your own car. A taxi trip to the other side of the island will set you back in the neighborhood of $40, with surcharges for luggage on top. Alternatively, a rental car will run you $30-40 per day and give you unlimited access to the island. Though there are larger vehicles, like Jeeps, available, most rental cars are tiny sub-compacts which fit on the narrow roads quite well. Additionally, they do not burn through very much gasoline, keeping your transportation costs minimal.

When you arrive in the airport, there are many rental car booths jostling for your attention, calling to you and offering to undercut each others’ prices. Negotiate for what you would like, especially if [Read more…]

Restaurants in Philipsburgh, Sint Maarten

July 2, 2014 By Anne Keery 2 Comments

Photo Credit: By Navin75 via flickr and CC BY-SA 2.0

The bright turquoise waters of Great Bay makes a gorgeous backdrop to dining and drinking in Philipsburgh, Sint Maarten. With competition fierce for the attention of the myriad of cruise ship visitors, who dock a short walk away, reasonable prices are available as well as a wide selection of food styles. A relaxed atmosphere permeates the area and the rules are equally relaxed. Pick up a $1 can of beer from Big Wood Grill and stroll down the Boardwalk. You may even get a chance to take your picture with some pirates, or some super heroes, depending on the outfit of the day for the crew!

If $1 cans of beer aren’t your style, try a bucket of Carib Lager, a light, corona-style beer that is the preferred brew of Trinidad and Tobago. You can choose to rent a pair of beach chairs and an umbrella, for around $10, to give you a place to sip your ~$15 bucket of six beers.

Big Wood Grill Restaurant and Bar

If you stopped in for the $1 cans of beer, stick around for a while and try one of the delicious wraps. The creamy feta and chicken filled Greek wrap will satiate your need for lunch, or try out the BBQ menu. The wraps will only set you back $10-13 each.

Taloula Mango’s and Blue Bitch Bar

Taloula Mango’s is the lower deck of the Blue Bitch Bar, serving up sunny seating with umbrellas and an international menu. The sides aren’t plentiful, but they are very happy to cater to allergies and provide a large variety of choice for a reasonable price point with their menu. Staying competitive, the beers and cold, cheap and keep on coming. Try out the mango chutney mahi mahi sandwich to take in some of the local flavours. Perhaps the best feature of this restaurant is the music stage across the boardwalk, with tunes provided by an energetic local band singing and dancing away to a huge variety of cover songs, all while joking and engaging with the patrons and passersby.

The Get Wet Bar

Tucked into a hole between brick buildings, The Get Wet Bar is a wooden structure with a shady deck covered with plastic lawn chairs and tables. While the atmosphere isn’t quite as fancy as some of the other Philipsburgh restaurants, the prices, service, and the portions will draw you in. At the time of writing, the daily special was $9 and served up a substantial amount of food. If you are a light eater, you can take your leftovers to go and have plenty for a second meal. A sample daily special is two large pieces of fried chicken served with fries and a small side salad or pork chops in mushroom sauce, also served with fries and salad. The burgers are larger than my hand and the on-site smoked ribs go down like a charm. Keep your eye out for the Canadian owner; he’s a chatty one and will keep you entertained.

There are literally dozens of Philipsburgh restaurants, bars and shops on the boardwalk alone. Taking a wander will give you several choices, each with their own unique spin.

Hiking on Saba Island

June 26, 2014 By Anne Keery Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: By puroricotico via flickr andCreative Commons

Unlike its flat as a pancake near neighbor, Anguilla, and its hilly but not mountainous neighbor Saint Martin, Saba rises high up out of the sea, reaching . A volcanic peak, with lava tunnels running below the ocean, Saba island offers fascinating diving due to the sea life that now inhabits the lava tunnels. For those of us who prefer to stay above the water, hiking in Saba is the thing to do. [Read more…]

The Lolos of Grand Case, St. Martin – Cheap, Delicious Eats

June 18, 2014 By Anne Keery 6 Comments

Eating well at a lolo in Grand Case, St. Martin

St. Martin is an island stuffed full of restaurants, from high end fine dining through to an overwhelming selection of mediocre, run of the mill, to the fabulous value of a lolo. Now, “what on earth is a lolo?” is probably what you are thinking to yourself. A lolo is a barbecue joint tucked into a tiny corner of an outdoor market-like area in Grand Case, St. Martin.

There are at least half a dozen lolos all under the same roof area. On first glance, it looks like there is one, maybe two restaurants, however each change in table color indicates another restaurant! Some only have six tables to their name, but don’t let that stop you from checking them out. Here is where you can find a great selection of food, served with a million sides, all for less than $15. [Read more…]

Anguilla: Snorkeling Secluded Little Bay

June 5, 2014 By Anne Keery 1 Comment

Photo Credit: By aturkus via flickr and Creative Commons

Heading down the little hill and curving road to Crocus Bay in Anguilla, you will see the Cebleu Villas and Beach Resort at the bottom of the hill. Before it, on the ocean side, there is a little gravel parking lot next to a blue building. Park your car there and step out, taking in the gorgeous view as you do. Next to the beach, there is a large tamarind tree, stretching out and shading two picnic tables. A collection of locals, mostly of the senior variety, will be chatting and relaxing in the sun. Stapled to the tree are two business permits. Just before the tree there is a building which features two outdoor showers.

One of the fellows sitting beneath the tree is named Calvin. If he’s not there, someone will tell you where he is. Calvin has a small metal boat, which he will use to shuttle you out and around the point, dropping you off in secluded Little Bay, with its crescent of sand, picturesque view and amazing snorkeling. On the way, Calvin might point out some sea turtles for you, turning the outboard motor off to try to keep them near for just a few seconds more. The trip, there and back, will run you $15 per person and takes all of ten minutes.

Of course, you can also rent kayaks and make your way over to Little Bay, though the rates can vary and tend to be rather pricey. Sailboats and diving boats stop further out, and private power boats can also come close to the Anguilla shore and anchor further out. There is also a rope to climb down into Little Bay, but it is quite a rock face, making it difficult to get down with anything more than a small backpack.

Take your snorkeling gear, lunch or snacks, plenty of sunscreen, plenty of water, drinks and an umbrella for shade, if you have one. Rash guards are also a very good idea, to help prevent sunburns. Make sure that you keep your food closed up in your bag, or the local lizards might try to join you for your picnic.

Looking out to the ocean, there is a cave on the right, toward the point, which you can climb in to, though be careful not to cut your feet in the process. Heading to the right, there is a large rock that some climb with a rope and jump off, at least twenty feet high, down into the water. At the point, there is a large rock in the water, and the whole rocky shoreline provides delightful snorkeling. Most of the rocks have worn away below the water level, so make sure you do not knock your head because what you are seeing is very different from what’s above your head! From Little Bay you can also snorkel your way along the left, finding oodles of colorful fish.

Little Bay offers a secluded, gorgeous beach full of amazing sand with stunning snorkeling. The water-only access means that you will only have to share the beach with a handful of other people. It is one of the slightly more hidden gems, but a brilliant gem indeed, in Anguilla.