Hi all, Love to get some advice. We have friends going to SXM for the first time and staying at Esmeralda. We have been going for the last twenty years but once sand gravity gets ahold of us we don't go far. So I would like restaurant recommendations for the Dutch side (we stay on the French) as well as snorkel tours or other tours that you think they might like. We have told them to rent a car to explore the island ( We love Triple A rental and Alain Arnell). We love L'effet Mer in Grand Case and Spiga when we went in April. Anything you suggest will help them get the most out of their seven days in Paradise.
<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/dine.gif" alt="" />Chesterfields near the marina. Love their Breakfast. Right on the water near the cruise ships.

There are so many restaurants on the Dutch side of the island its hard to know where to begin.

For breakfast, lunch and dinner - we always do well at Chesterfields in Philipsberg and at Marks Place at the rotary by the Grand Marche.

Our favorite dinner options on the Dutch side include (but are not limited to....) Antoines in Philipsberg; Le Moulin Fou in the Maho Plaza; Mario Bistro at Porto Cupecoy; Luna Rosa in Simpson Bay; Rancho in Simpson Bay; and the list could go on and on forever.

And for quick eats on the beach, we love the ribs at Rosie's at Mullet but hear rumors that the ribs at Daleo's are possibly - could it be true? - even better yet.

So many dining options and so few days.......

We all have our favorites and I'm sure there will be a lot more options thrown out but trust me, your friends will find great food all across the island. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

Pat hit a bunch of favorites. We have a couple others. We love The Hideaway @ La Vista Resort and Skipjacks.

OK, I'm kind of confused by your post. Your friends are staying at Esmeralda, but you're asking for restaurant recommendations on the Dutch side, right? What kind of food do your friends like? In addition to the others already mentioned, would recommend Fig in Maho, for decent food, good variety, doesn't break the bank; Pineapple Pete, casual eats, big menu, consistently excellent service, Greenhouse for great happy hours with 2 for 1 drinks and half priced appetizers, Bajatzu for great steaks. ....and many more!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

Regarding tours, I personally don't really do tours any more, but one of the best ones, if they want to get out on the water, is the 12 meter regatta. They can actually participate in the sailing, or do what I did, be the bartender! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" />

I would add Sint Maarten Yacht Club to the list of places to casually dine. It's by the Simpson Bay bridge so an outdoor table will not only give them views of the marina but yield very good yacht watching while the boats enter and exit during the bridge openings.

They serve some of the best Bloody Mary's we've every had which we enjoy with breakfast. Eggs Benedict are wonderful as is the grouper fingers (lunch or dinner. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner.

I second the 12 Meter Tour . I was a grinder..... <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Joy.gif" alt="" />

<img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Kiss.gif" alt="" />Since it is their first time, I know they will be exploring both sides. I know many great restaurants on the French side but needed help on the Dutch side as well as a suggestion for a snorkel cruise. Thanks.

We also spend most of our time on the French side, but do spend a few days at Mary's Boon as well. My favorites are more down home cooking, with a definite island flair. The Palms is a must do for us, as I have the drunken ribs and my wife likes the Trinidadan curry. Have breakfast at Hilma's Windsor Castle for some island patties or stuffed johnny cake, my favorite being salt fish. Have a bowl of soup(goat,callaloo and oxtail while we were there) washed down with a few Dutch Coffees, and you have a unique St. Martin experience, especially if Hilma has time to talk.

For lunch, try Ital's Freedom Fighter Shack. It's vegetarian and most all locally grown, and best of all, very flavorful.

For a real experience of St Maarten / St Martin, I second Hilma's but also add Yvettes nearby where they will be staying and then Mo's Snackcorner for real Dutch food. We always go to the last two for lunch.
The other places mentioned are fine as well.

As far as excursions go, I am very partial to sailing on the Passaat. They do a half-day sail which includes snorkeling. They also have sunset and dinner sails. It's not a party boat. No music is played so you can enjoy the sounds of the sea and wind rustling the sails.

Great snorkel trip is on the Scoobitoo. We caught it at GCBC but you can also get on in Ance Marcel. The website gives you the different trips one food options.

For a fun lil place with great tapa's $3-5.00 each and GREAT "HH" drinks!! Check out Pat's Road house on Welfare rd. http://www.patsroadhousesxm.com/ <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/toast.gif" alt="" />

There is a very good scuba shop on the dock at Oyster Pond next to Capt Oliver's. Also, there is a company in GRAND CASE for half and full day trips to Creole Rock and a reef with lots of turtles. Good value. The scuba shop has a brochure with good snorkel spots on the island.

Sorry, it is called Octopus Diving.