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="" />