Tiko-Tiko vs Paul's cruises

We've done Tiko-Tiko a couple of times. Wondering for our next trip if we should try one of Paul's cruises.
Is it worth spending the extra money/time? The cost for the cruise is a bit more but we would also need to take cabs to and from Paul's whereas we can walk to Tiko-Tiko.
Any thoughts? TIA

They are really kind of 'apples and oranges', other than the fact that they are on the water. Paul's trips are on SPEED boats, that go FAST. They have a couple of different trips, but they also do different things, including on one of them, 'hanging out' <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Grin.gif" alt="" /> under the flight path at Juliana. They leave out of Oyster Pond and the trip out of there sometimes can be a bit rough. They are fun trips, but for the most part, can't really be called "relaxing", like sailing to Tintamarre and hanging out for several hours, for instance. They are just DIFFERENT from each other. Neither is bad, just very different..

I think a typical Paul's cruise is around the island while a typical Tiko cruise just goes to Tintamarre, as Carol points out. So the time under "power" is much shorter on Tiko. Having said that, the Tiko will take you around the island, as well, if you have enough ship mates. Even on the same routes, the Tiko is much smoother...I have seen folks get banged up on Paul's but that would be an exception.

If you go with Paul, have him take you up next to the cruise ships...that is freaky. You get a whole different perspective on how huge they are.

Have done both and would highly recommend Paul's around the island cruise. You can arrange transportation from/to Orient Beach to his dock at Oyster Pond through his webpage. For lunch he usually stops at Happy Bay where everyone goes ashore for Danny's BBQ ribs and chicken. He'll usually stop several times during the cruise for snorkeling as conditions permit. During the cruise his first mate will serve snacks and cold beverages too. He's a very responsible boat captain who works hard to ensure everyone is safe and has a good time!

Paul can arrange a transfer at a very reasonable price.
There could well be multiple trippers from club O which would help more.
We've done multiple Celine (next one Nov 4, a few slots still open) trips, multiple Tiko. Do the Paul & Murila. Lotsa fun and you see more.

We have done both...each more than once. The comments above are accurate. Our experience is that the Tiko-Tiko is a relaxing way to go hang out clothing optional on a deserted island and explore that island a while as well getting a leisurely motor sailing trip over and back. The lunch prepared onboard is also very good.

Paul's trip is a great way to see all of SXM from the water and also see the back side of Tintamare as well. Paul stops at many different locations and you get a chance to do different things at different spots, as well as seeing out favorite island from a totally new perspective.

We recommend both. Be aware that the portion of the trip along the East and North East coast of SXM in the Atlantic Ocean can be quite rough due to those Trade Winds piling up waves for thousands of miles. The good news is that only affects the very beginning and very end of the trip and that passes quickly. The rest of the trip is in the Caribbean Sea which is much calmer.

Definitely do both...if only on alternating visits!

Ditto to what you said MandM! Sorry we didn't go with you guys this year, but relaxing on the beach was what we needed at the time.

Really worth the trip. Different from the Tiko since the snorkeling is usually in a few different places and Paul can custom the trip according to the wishes of the ones on board.

I rarely comment but I think I should offer a few corrections .. TikoTiko has a variety of daily cruises ..yes 2 different cruises to Tintamarre and every sunday Around SXM...and lets not forget to compare apples with apples we have the TIKO EXPLORER a 36ft 600HP SCARAB that goes to St Barth every Wednesday from directly in front of club O since last year ...and Around SXM on private charters...you dont have to make a group to sail with us we usually have enough guests daily.. all this info is readily available on our site...

Thanks for posting the additional information. I did not remember that you also had the speedboat option.

Thanks everyone for all the information. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

We love to cruise around the island on Tiko Tiko, one of our favorite things to do every trip!! And the lunch is delicious!!