Traveltalkonline.com Forums


SXM Cruise Schedule TTOL Sponsors SXM Travel Calendar
Forum Statistics
Forums39
Topics38,431
Posts310,076
Members26,538
Most Online2,218
Jan 21st, 2020
Top Posters(30 Days)
RonDon 115
pat 42
Todd 40
jazzgal 40
Member Spotlight
Aries4
Aries4
Morrisville, PA/West End, Tortola
Posts: 437
Joined: July 2006
Show All Member Profiles 
Today's Birthdays
ecco, OceanDrop, vincent
Who's Online Now
35 registered members (Michel_Benarrosh, Kennys, tradewinds, JeanneB, steve74, SacoFrank, blooming, SXMScubaman, RonDon, eightzerobits, bailau, WCHam, Kevin_B, KirkB, Lucky13, LINNY, CaribbeanCanadians, GaryC, Swifty, pandpfromcanada, cbf, seeitall, RickinAtlanta, Time Will Tell, xrayman67, 10 invisible), 986 guests, and 68 spiders.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
Nighttime travel #181151
01/18/2019 03:00 PM
01/18/2019 03:00 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 94
Fairfield County, CT
O
obgirl01 Offline OP
Traveler
obgirl01  Offline OP
Traveler
O
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 94
Fairfield County, CT
Hello everyone, We are coming back to SXM in May (staying at GCBC...it's our 6th time back to the island and our 6th time back to GCBC)!!! I'm just wondering about driving at night from Grand Case to the dutch side for dinner and if people are doing this without any issues...also what about walking from GCBC at night to any of the restaurants in Grand Case....I know in the past we have always felt safe walking around in Grand Case but I know alot of the restaurants are still not open since IRMA....just wondering if GCBC has a security guard on the street like they use to or should we consider using our car? Maybe in May it will be a bit busier? We are so excited to come back and give back to the island....Thanks for any information!!!

SXM Sponsors
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181155
01/18/2019 03:24 PM
01/18/2019 03:24 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
If it were ME, I wouldn't be real crazy about driving through Marigot at night any more. There is so little open there at night. As far as walking to the restaurants in town, I am lazy. If it's still operating, post Irma, I would use the guy with the cart that does roundtrip for something like $10. I assume that GCBC still has security, but of course, that doesn't extend all the way to restaurant row, and as you point out, most of the restaurants there are still closed.


Carol Hill
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181157
01/18/2019 03:45 PM
01/18/2019 03:45 PM
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
Biturbo Offline
Traveler
Biturbo  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,081
Clearwater, FL
We were just there last month and made the drive without issues. Go through Marigot and cross the causeway.


I'm going where the weather suits my clothes.
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: Biturbo] #181165
01/18/2019 04:36 PM
01/18/2019 04:36 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Glad you had no problems. I just kind of get the willies going through Marigot at night any more..


Carol Hill
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181167
01/18/2019 04:56 PM
01/18/2019 04:56 PM
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
S
SammyM Offline
Traveler
SammyM  Offline
Traveler
S
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 933
If you are planning to drive from Grand Case to Philipsburg for dinner (i.e, Chesterfields, etc.) that drive would be fine after dark. Just don't stop in between. I wouldn't go the other way (through Marigot) after dark. As far as walking from the GCBC to whatever restaurants are open in Grand Case I would have no problems with this, and have done it in the past. Just watch out for traffic behind you!

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181171
01/18/2019 05:08 PM
01/18/2019 05:08 PM
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 27
X
xraylady Offline
Traveler
xraylady  Offline
Traveler
X
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 27
We were on island last May and September staying at Le Jardin in Hope Estates. Had dinner on Dutch side several evenings and visited the Red Piano as well. Came back through Marigot without any problems. Hope this helps.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181180
01/18/2019 06:22 PM
01/18/2019 06:22 PM
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
C
Canuck54 Offline
Traveler
Canuck54  Offline
Traveler
C
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 142
Ontario
Only issue we ever had was last July where we were stopped and ordered out of the car, I ignored him and drove around safely, this happened at the airport, fully lit at about 10:30. It doesn’t matter where you drive or when, ALWAYS be aware of your surroundings.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: Carol_Hill] #181185
01/18/2019 07:30 PM
01/18/2019 07:30 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
jazzgal Offline
Traveler
jazzgal  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 4,864
Portland, OR
I had no issues or qualms about driving in Grand Case at night in Nov/Dec. Most of the restaurants that are open are pretty close to each other, and I always found parking on the street, pretty close to where I was going. No disrespect to Carol, but I think she is being unnecessarily nervous. smile


[Linked Image]
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: Carol_Hill] #181188
01/18/2019 07:41 PM
01/18/2019 07:41 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
Traveler
jeepers  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
Driving through Marigot not a problem. Grand case street is a mess. Went through tonight & work being done on buildings didn't think we were going to be able to get to the endwithoit turning around but we did.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: jazzgal] #181189
01/18/2019 07:42 PM
01/18/2019 07:42 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
Traveler
jeepers  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
No parking on street right now unless really early

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181194
01/18/2019 08:22 PM
01/18/2019 08:22 PM
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
J
jeepers Offline
Traveler
jeepers  Offline
Traveler
J
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,155
Cobourg Ontario Canada
One thing we noticed French side is the abundance of gendarmes vehicles travelling the roads day & night & many local police as well. Feel very safe.
The security at super u sometimes has the German shepherd with him. Also the work clearing the sides if the road is extensive. Very impressed with the progress.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: jazzgal] #181195
01/18/2019 08:38 PM
01/18/2019 08:38 PM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Driving in Grand Case, yes, no problem. The original poster's question was about walking from GCBC to restaurant row. My negative comment was about driving through Marigot, from a security standpoint. And yes, I may be too cautious.

Last edited by Carol_Hill; 01/18/2019 08:39 PM.

Carol Hill
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181196
01/18/2019 08:55 PM
01/18/2019 08:55 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
I agree. Driving through marigot on the way back from GC to Dutch side at night isn't to my liking either.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: Carol_Hill] #181203
01/18/2019 11:28 PM
01/18/2019 11:28 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
PelicanPirate Offline
Traveler
PelicanPirate  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
We went through marigot, the main drag, without any issues. In fact, it looked much calmer and less worrisome than ever. I would not, however, go the baie nettle route. As Biturbo said, through Marigot and over the causeway.

This is the safest we have felt on island.

As always have your wits about you. Leave some space for the vehicle to move forward in traffic if womething were to happen. Locks and windows at night.

But really it was the most vibrant we had seen pedestrians and all going about their business in many years IOHO.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: PelicanPirate] #181211
01/19/2019 07:55 AM
01/19/2019 07:55 AM
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
BillandElaine Offline
Traveler
BillandElaine  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,561
St Maarten
Exactly. We do NOT drive through the French lowlands at night. We have no problems driving through Marigot but our guard goes up once we hit the walled and gated area in the lowlands. "If" we're out after 9pm we come home via the causeway. Doesn't happy very often though LOL


Elaine
*********************************
God Bless the broken road....
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: jazzgal] #181314
01/20/2019 04:54 PM
01/20/2019 04:54 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 347
Long island
VGerfo Offline
Traveler
VGerfo  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 347
Long island
You are an adventurous woman. I admire your ability to make things happen for yourself....

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: BillandElaine] #181328
01/20/2019 07:07 PM
01/20/2019 07:07 PM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
deputydog1157 Offline
Traveler
deputydog1157  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
As I am not familiar enough yet with the island and I will be staying in Orient Village on this next trip in June, where and what area is the lowlands? In September when you gave us great directions from Pelican to orient Beach, we went through an area of town on what I believe was still the main drag which was sketchy.



[Linked Image]
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: deputydog1157] #181331
01/20/2019 07:34 PM
01/20/2019 07:34 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Lowlands s the stretch along the water that goes by where dreams was between marigot towards coupcoy.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181385
01/21/2019 10:32 AM
01/21/2019 10:32 AM
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
deputydog1157 Offline
Traveler
deputydog1157  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 363
The Villages, FL
Oh OK. I don't believe I traveled to that area going to or coming from Orient Beach. It was our first visit there and I was hesitant to get lost because the roads are not marked well at all. On this next visit in June we may become a little more adventurous and check out other areas.



[Linked Image]
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: deputydog1157] #181386
01/21/2019 10:35 AM
01/21/2019 10:35 AM
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Carol_Hill Offline
Traveler
Carol_Hill  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 82,478
Central Florida!
Honestly, by day it is really pretty hard to get lost. Go out and explore during the day time.


Carol Hill
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181388
01/21/2019 11:04 AM
01/21/2019 11:04 AM
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
pat Offline
Traveler
pat  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,635
Brookfield, CT.
We have long found Sunday mornings to be a great time for island drives with lesser traffic to wade through and less opportunity for getting stuck in traffic. Unless, of course, you’re trying to get to and find parking at some of the incredible island patisseries, and then it can become a whole cdifferent experience.


Respectfully,

pat



"Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat
them."
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: BillandElaine] #181400
01/21/2019 12:21 PM
01/21/2019 12:21 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 226
Cincinnati
murphycpcu Offline
Traveler
murphycpcu  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 226
Cincinnati
Originally Posted by BillandElaine
Exactly. We do NOT drive through the French lowlands at night. We have no problems driving through Marigot but our guard goes up once we hit the walled and gated area in the lowlands. "If" we're out after 9pm we come home via the causeway. Doesn't happy very often though LOL


We will need to drive through the lowlands in a few weeks as we are staying in Cupacoy. In the past we have been conscious to not stop for any reason and felt not much can happen. This refers to after hours like 10 PM

Is there something we are missing? Has there been specific crimes or incidents? Driving the causeway and then making our way through Maho would be quite a long trip.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181408
01/21/2019 01:32 PM
01/21/2019 01:32 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 306
Tustin CA
d_fish Offline
Traveler
d_fish  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 306
Tustin CA
I must admit this entire thread has me concerned. I am visiting St. Martin with my 25 year old daughter next week. We will be staying aboard my vessel in Cole Bay - an industrial area. I have rented a car for exploring the island and we may use our dinghy during the day.


I typically do not venture out late at night as I am not a night person and hate driving at night in unfamiliar places. I also worry about 2 women walking alone lets say from the restaurant Lagoonies to back to our vessel after dark. I understand I need to be aware of my surroundings at all time - which applies anywhere for that matter.

Anyways we are hoping to visit Grand Case, Marigot, maybe Grand Anse and Oyster Pond as well most likely during the day and returning not later than 8 or 9 pm - depending on what meal we eat out. I am have not driven on SXM as I usually visit with my husband and he drives. Is this an issue or should we limit our excursions to daylight hours? Meaning lunches out and back to the boat by sunset.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: murphycpcu] #181424
01/21/2019 02:44 PM
01/21/2019 02:44 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Online content
Traveler
RonDon  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
Originally Posted by murphycpcu
Originally Posted by BillandElaine
Exactly. We do NOT drive through the French lowlands at night. We have no problems driving through Marigot but our guard goes up once we hit the walled and gated area in the lowlands. "If" we're out after 9pm we come home via the causeway. Doesn't happy very often though LOL


We will need to drive through the lowlands in a few weeks as we are staying in Cupacoy. In the past we have been conscious to not stop for any reason and felt not much can happen. This refers to after hours like 10 PM

Is there something we are missing? Has there been specific crimes or incidents? Driving the causeway and then making our way through Maho would be quite a long trip.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181425
01/21/2019 02:44 PM
01/21/2019 02:44 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Online content
Traveler
RonDon  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
I'm confused! From airport to Cupecoy you don't go through the Lowlands.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: RonDon] #181429
01/21/2019 03:34 PM
01/21/2019 03:34 PM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 226
Cincinnati
murphycpcu Offline
Traveler
murphycpcu  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 226
Cincinnati
Originally Posted by RonDon
I'm confused! From airport to Cupecoy you don't go through the Lowlands.



We will be going to Grand Case at night several times. That is the worry.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181431
01/21/2019 03:43 PM
01/21/2019 03:43 PM
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 41
A
Airlegs Offline
Traveler
Airlegs  Offline
Traveler
A
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 41
Just use BIG city sensibilities. I think with lowlands at night, a lot has to do with that it is a dark and winding road and it feels too quiet. The only issues I know of that were pre-Irma, were that in Sandy Ground near the bridge, at night, occasionally some thugs would put trash in the road to cause a car to stop to rob. This was years ago. I would personally stay away from Sandy Ground and Marigot in a rented car after 22:00. There are some crack heads and I am not exaggerating. But we’ve never had a problem. To be honest, we’re more concerned being hassled by the Gendarmes, which has happened, checkpoints for documents (resident car, not rental). But there isn’t a need to drive in this specific area at night, so just avoid it. During the day though, it’s a beautiful drive. Common sense goes a long way and I think chances of an assault are extremely low if you use good judgment. Just like with most places in the world. Follow your instincts too! I personally have not felt unsafe in St. Maarten, but I live in Brazil so my radar might be more fine-tuned. I can’t wait to return ! St. Maarten/Martin is my most favorite place in this world!

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: obgirl01] #181452
01/21/2019 05:58 PM
01/21/2019 05:58 PM
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
RonDon Online content
Traveler
RonDon  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,348
Rhode Island
I may be wrong but I don't think it's that much out of the way to drive back to the causeway and on to Grand Case if you want to avoid the lowlands. The island is only 37 square miles.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: d_fish] #181454
01/21/2019 06:05 PM
01/21/2019 06:05 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
PelicanPirate Offline
Traveler
PelicanPirate  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
Don’t worry d fish. We are talking about one area where there is little tourist business and not really a convenient place for you to be from Cole Bay at night. Cole Bay to Grand Case...go thru Marigot main drag. cole Bay to Simpson Bay Area. You will be no where near the lowlands.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: PelicanPirate] #181455
01/21/2019 06:05 PM
01/21/2019 06:05 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
PelicanPirate Offline
Traveler
PelicanPirate  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
Perhaps some map and arrow savvy people could show d fish and others what we are talking about.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: d_fish] #181470
01/21/2019 08:15 PM
01/21/2019 08:15 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
I would agree with everyone to avoid the lowlands and Baie Nettle at night. Just go through Marigot and take the Causeway. Then along airport fence, through Maho and the Mullet golf course and you're in Maho.

With my husband we've driven at night through the lowlands, but it skeeves me out. Doors locked, windows up, don't stop. But it's dark. No lights. What if something happens to the car? A flat? I'd personally not EVER want to be in that position. During the DAY a young female tourist was jogging and killed along that road. It's just too desolate and the unsavory factor is right nearby with their motor bikes and no jobs. I was even told by people who live on island that they also pose as landscapers along that road, with weed eaters and masks....and try to get you to stop....at an hour there should not be a government worker cutting back grass or weeds.

It's just not worth it when you have a safer option, but that's just my opinion. Things were delicate prior to Irma and now the fabric of society is stretched thin.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: BeachKitten] #181473
01/21/2019 09:24 PM
01/21/2019 09:24 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
" Just go through Marigot and take the Causeway. Then along airport fence, through Maho and the Mullet golf course and you're in Maho."
Don't you mean you'll be in coupcoy?

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #181477
01/21/2019 10:00 PM
01/21/2019 10:00 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
BeachKitten Offline
Traveler
BeachKitten  Offline
Traveler
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,278
Maryland/DC Metro
Duh....yes. Maho, Mullet, Cupecoy.

Thanks for the correction.


"It is good to do nothing all day, and then to rest" wink
Re: Nighttime travel [Re: BeachKitten] #181483
01/21/2019 10:19 PM
01/21/2019 10:19 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Not a problem. Just didn't want OP to get confused. Not Like a spelling or grammer correction. That would make me a jerk. Lol

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: SXMScubaman] #181484
01/21/2019 10:23 PM
01/21/2019 10:23 PM
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
P
PelicanPirate Offline
Traveler
PelicanPirate  Offline
Traveler
P
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 2,288
That wasnt pointed at you but you are the first to acknowledge reading it which makesmyou thorough and conscientous.

Re: Nighttime travel [Re: PelicanPirate] #181487
01/21/2019 11:39 PM
01/21/2019 11:39 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
SXMScubaman Online content
Traveler
SXMScubaman  Online Content
Traveler
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18,566
Auburn, WA
Originally Posted by PelicanPirate
That wasnt pointed at you but you are the first to acknowledge reading it which makesmyou thorough and conscientous.

What?


Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.6.1