I learned a lot from this site prior to going and am writing this in the hopes that it could possibly help others plan. I was on the St. Martin side from Jan 2 to Feb 6 and had an excellent vacation. The locals I met were all extremely friendly and helpful which was a nice part of my time there. I stayed in 3 areas, Oyster Pond (Cap Oliver’s), Marigot and Orient Bay. I went to the Dutch side 2 different days. I only rented a car the 1st 2 days, from AAA, which is a very professional place to rent from. When I moved around, I walked a lot, took the taxi or bus, and 3 or 4 times people would offer me a ride, I guess I looked lost or something. The bus was easy, inexpensive, but often crowded and eerily quiet when it was.
Dutch Side
The first day I rented a scooter in Simpson Bay from Johnny’s, a very good business operation. I rode mostly around the lowlands area, there was less traffic. I swam at Mullet, where unfortunately a nasty wave knocked over resulting in a bruise, but despite that Mullet is the most beautiful beach on that island, and I saw just about all of them. I walked down Bay of Prunes beach, which is also a nice beach, and and went up to Sandy Ground, and on the way back through had lunch at Layla’s, which is very good. I ate outdoors as much as I could, I would say 99% of the time I was there. Not being a foodie, I wanted to take advantage of being outside as much as possible. Around there a local flagged me down for a ride, sans helmet, her choice. Apparently she didn’t need to get anywhere as she suggested we go see the planes land at the airport. But first she wanted to show me a bar she likes, the Driftwood, which I also liked. After a drink there we saw 1 plane land, which was good enough for me. I dropped her off and returned the scooter just in time at 6.
The second day , about a week later, I rented a Whaler from Ray, who owns the business, it’s behind the Boathouse restaurant. It was fun but the rain put a damper on things that morning. I did see Marigot and Cupecoy harbors, but returned it early, around 12. Then it was sunny the rest of the day.........After a quick lunch at Skipjack’s I wanted to see Simpson Beach so I walked over the bridge, went behind the Mcdonald’s to get on the beach, and was amazed at the beauty of this strip of sand (still not Mullet quality). I walked down, and then over to the airport, saw another plane land, and walked back. I had a delicious pizza at Pizza Galley. I had met 2 sisters earlier that day who are sailing. They’re from Montreal, and after I ate we met at the Yacht Club for a drink, and then they invited me to their boat where we had a bottle of wine and snacks, and good conversation. Taking a taxi back ended my second day on the Dutch side.
Oyster Pond
I enjoyed this area for many reasons, 1 is it reminds me of where I live, in the summer. I had a very nice meal 1 night at Momma Pizza, sitting on the patio I looked out through the entrance to the Pond and could see St Bart’s, a nice view. The waitress suggested I go to Dirty Des’, which opened the next night, same owner as MP, so I did and greatly enjoyed it there, going a few more times. One day I walked to Orient Beach to see the area I would move to, and it was a nice 2 hour walk up the shore. There’s a nice beach at first, Coralita? and then past a viewing stand, and then along the shore there is a sailboat aground where someone lives with a mean dog, let’s hope it’s bark is worse than it’s bite. After that is a small stream to wade across and then I was on beautiful Galion Beach, a long stretch with no people or buildings till the very end. Then across a dirt parking area and I’m on the south side of Orient Beach, the nudist end. After walking all the way to the end I stopped at Le String for a lunch. I liked it so much I would eat there 5 or 6 more times when I moved to that area. One day there were 15 or so gendarmes there eating, partying, dancing, it was fun. It was their day off!
St Bart’s
From OP I took the ferry to St Bart’s. I wanted to see it and Anguilla at least once. There, I rented a scooter from Barthloc, in Gustavia, and explored the island all day. I swam and read at Saline, and mostly I rode around, such a blast on smooth rodes, with an amazing view every few seconds, little traffic with respectful drivers. Bartloc didnt even mind when I returned it late afternnon covered in sand and no gas. But I didnt go back, I went to Anguilla 5 times, 4 if you don’t count Prickly Pear.
Anguilla
The first time I rented a car from Junies, and they must not put high value on it as they didn’t even want my credit card despite me handing it to him. Just my lisence, and he said when I return to “leave the key under the mat.” I picked up a hitchhiker who gave me some good info about the island. He was born there, moved to New Jersey, and returned, which I would say was a good move. I went to Savannah Bay and Shoal East, which are lovely beaches, and ate at Uncle something or others.
The second time was on Scoobidoo catamaran. I would go with them later to Prickly Pear, a great thing to do, the staff, passengers. We went to Mead’s Bay and to Maunday’s bay so I became hooked on the Anguillan beaches. No make that addicted. The last 2 times there were pretty much the same. Off the ferry, walk to Rendevous Beach. Only a 20 minute easy walk. At the beginning of Rendevous there’s an abandoned hotel called, you guessed it, The Rendevous... which piqued my interest. That beach is amazing, I swam, read, rented a 16‘ Hobie, walked, ate both times at Sunshine Shack, aka Garvey’s, and each time happened to run into fellow travelers I had previously met. And drank rum. I had rented a Hobie on Orient beach but it’s a lot windier there, at least those days, and there’s a lot more activity on the water that made it less fun than Rendevous. There’s a great view of St. Martin from that beach. On Rendevous it was probably 5 to 10 knots whereas it was 15 to 20 on Orient every day I was there.
Pinel Island
....was a disappointment. A small crowded noisy beach with 2 restaurants. I walked around the back side on the nice trails, which is cool, but it’s not as interesting as walking to Petite Cayes, which is free, and you come to a sweet beach when you get there, so I’d do Petite Cayes before Pinel. Petite Cayes is a close second in beauty to Mullet, followed by Happy. I didn’t care for Friar’s much.
So I did a lot, and had a lot of down time, which is a benefit to going for 30+ days. The friendly people, the beach bars, the water and beaches, those are my highlights. The only thing I didn’t do which I had planned was Tintamarre, next time!
I did not shop a lot.
I did not go to a casino.
I did not where a panama hat.
I did not go to clubs, much. One night I went to Blue Martini in Grand Case, and heard a great band there, my favorite night spot.
I did not go to gourmet restaurants.
I did not go to Philipsburg.
I did not ever get tired or bored with St. Martin!