I will add my experience. (to this older thread) Been to Jamaica twice since Irma. Nov 2017 short wait on arrival (Tuesday) Departure on a Sat or Sun - Long long long line. Line went fast and security was fast and great. Maybe an hour wait. Mobay people had little to no wait.
Trip in end of June Arrival on a Friday - wait was long. perhaps almost an hour. and VERY warm/ hot. I watched the Mobay people pass through with no to little wait. At this point I was thinking MoBay was worth every penny. Departed on Thursday (July 5) Line was much shorter and wait was minimal to get through security.

So my thoughts are - do the MoBay thing if you're travelling the on the busiest days - Friday, Sat & Sun. The other days you might roll the dice unless you're anxious to get though as quick as possible. Perhaps there is a place where you can see when all the flights arrive to find out if you're arriving in the middle of the rush, etc...

My other advice: Book a private shuttle/car. The group mass shuttle stinks. We waited over an hour to fill up every single stupid seat. Search/google and trip advisor helped me find a reasonably priced taxi.

I did some research for a (different) naturalist place, in the Caribbean, since SXM was set back a little bit. I found Paya Bay Resort. I almost went in June but my plans shifted a couple weeks and we landed up in Jamaica. I am eyeing it for May or June of 2019. So just trying to find out if anyone has been there. I am never to excited to read tripadvisor reviews.
Thanks in Advance.

Looking back now it was almost magical despite the large numbers of people and you are right about the one guide I hired. I did elephant rides years ago in Thailand and once is enough. I'm not sure if it is even PC anymore

The museum in town is pretty cool too. I am thinking of returning as there are so many sights and things to do. Yesterday I did Tonie Sap lake on a boat I chartered from a local and I got the full experience of the floating village, floating market and going thru the mangroves on a rowboat and ended at a crocodile farm.

For just an overnight, being right on the beach at Emerald Resort is a nice relaxing place.
Lindbergh Bay hotel is a shuttle ride to the same beach instead of steps away.
Both hotels are a short walk to the airport, Emerald is slightly farther.
A taxi can easily take you to Frenchtown, Downtown or Crown Bay if you want to get off property.

Many restaurants are open, but some are still closed;

Open
Top of the Baths
Bath & Turtle (located adjacent to Chez Bamboo)
Coco Maya
Island Pot
Hog Heaven
Leverick Bay
Fishers Cove
Oil Nut Bay
Village Café at Olde Yard
Mermaid’s & Pirates (formerly Mermaids Dockside… no longer on the dock)

Closed
Rock Café (maybe re-opening by December)
Mad Dogs
Mine Shaft
Little Dix Bay
Saba Rock
Bitter End
Fat Virgin Café
Sugar Cane

Great. About time rules mean rules and enforcement will happen.

You have a fantastic time - yes, Bitter End is a big loss as is Peter Island Resort, but there is SO MUCH that’s up and running!

We had a fantastic time in June. Make sure you get over to Anegada!

Speak with someone at the marina and have them send a taxi to pick up your luggage and put it aboard

I wouldn't be opposed to another trip in late Nov/early Dec.

MONOPRIX Rue de Holland in Bellvue before you get to Marigot.

I have not been there yet but I was told you can get gluten free, plastic free, loose vegetables, nuts, grains.

Hi - If interested we we rent nice, updated studios from Jim & Sheila Morrison, great owners. These units are beautifully furnished and have everything you might want.
Email: silemo@aolcom
Website: paradisenights.us
All second story and units and very roomy and comfy, we’ve stayed in two, one in bldg D and one in bldg A. We like bldg D away from the beach swimming area and closer to the pool but both are great. Be sure to email or call for current rates, phone number is on the website.

If you need more room Beautiful Bill has a two-story villa or suite, also a very nice unit in bldg A right next to the dive center. VRBO# 358600 for Bill’s 2-story unit, he posts on the St Thomas forum on Trip Advisor as Beautiful Bill if you want to PM him directly on TA.

Sapphire is a gorgeous beach, and staying oceanfront gives you not only the nice breezes, but the waves at night are very soothing! And a 3 minute taxi or drive into Red Hook for great restaurants (Island Time pizza) and bars (Duffy’s Love Shack!).

[EDIT] And nothing against Point Pleasant, Elysian Beach (Cowpet Bay), or even the Secret Harbor Resort and other properties in Secret Harbor, we just love the SBR&M on Sapphire Beach for the beautiful beach, water colors, and island views, along with the atmosphere and closest proximity to Red Hook.

Thanks for the report. We are BVI bound in Feb.