Hello from a first time Saint Martin visitor (going late August 2018), Any advice on getting around on Sint Maarten? I am planning to stay for one week at Atrium in Simpson Bay and to visit the islands clothing-optional beaches (e.g., Baie Orientale, Cupecoy Beach, Baie Rouge, Anse Heureuse, Ilet Pinel) and other major sights. I do have a rental car and my current default plan for spots beyond walking distance is to drive to spots where I will not be drinking alcohol (e.g., beaches during the day) and take taxis to evening dinner and nightlife spots (Grand Case, Marigot, Philipsburg). Any tips and tricks in terms of safety and convenience (what to leave in the car or carry on the beach, where to park, how to catch a taxicab, etc.)? Should I take the local public buses? Is bicycling a good way to get around (I am thinking of renting a bike for just one day to go around the lagoon on the western end of the island)? Is it easy to kayak to Ilet Pinel or should I take a ferry/ water taxi? Any advice on taking a day trip by ferry to Saint-Barthelemy? Thanks in advance.

Don't leave anything in the rental car. Ever.

As far as taxis go, the one time we used a taxi on the island (we tend to drive ourselves instead) we didn't arrange a pickup for our return trip. Arrange with the driver to come back and pick you up or have a plan. We almost ended up stranded in a lightly populated area late at night.

Welcome! Wow, there's a lot of questions there!!

First, I have no idea what Anse Heureuse is, but I assume someone else here does know.

As far as what to leave in the car--NOTHING!!! Not at any time, at ANY place, for ANY length of time. Period. EVER. Got that??

Regarding where to park, if you're talking about at the beaches, most of the beaches have really easy parking. As far as taking local busses, they are generally pretty unreliable and if you're talking about at night, forget about it!! As far as grabbing a cab, probably your best bet would be to hook up with a cab driver early on and use him or her as your go-to person, as if you're looking primarily to catch cabs at night, they are often few and far between. You can usually get a restaurant to call you a cab, but better if you hook up with someone ahead of time, like TTOL sponsor Wilfred Brooks. Click on the TTOL sponsors tab and scroll down for his contact information.


As far as bicycling, I would say NO. Drive a car or take a cab, as the roads are often not in great shape and you don't know the roads either. Put a couple thousand pounds of metal between yourself and harms way.


Other people will chime in on some of the other questions.

Enjoy your trip!

Anse Heureuse = Happy Bay.

Thanks!! Anse Heureuse is Happy Bay - a beach near Friar's Bay Beach....

As far as official clothing optional beaches in St Martin. Keep in mind only a part of Orient Beach is deemed legal for clothing optional. All the rest you mentioned aren't but vacationers push the envelope and do it. Topless yes. Total nudity no.
Absolutely leave nothing in your car at any time.

Snorkeller--thanks!! Never heard it called that..

I would never ride a bicycle on the main roads of St. Martin/Maarten. As Carol said, the roads are not in good shape. But also, there are virtually no bike lanes, roads can be narrow and there are too many crazy drivers. And I haven't even mentioned the mutiple speed bumps. Drive or take a taxi. You will be glad you did.

When I mentioned this to my wife she said......only ride a bicycle on St. Martin/Maarten if you don't mind spending 9 months in a body cast. I thought that was pretty funny, in a sick sort of way.

She has that right. LOL