Michael and I were on a cruise in Antigua once where we asked the taxi driver to get us to a good beach for snorkeling. Michael had done some research prior and the beach that the cab driver wanted to take us was the same one that was highly recommended by tour guides.
Is Dawn beach EVER good for young people? I've never seen it really calm.
My point being that it is always good to know where they are taking you and have done some research beforehand. That does not, however, help your friends on this trip.
The cab drivers we have come into contact with in St Maarten have always been super helpful and conscientious. I certainly hope that this is not a trend in St Maarten.