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Well,
I am going to be cruising into St Maartin and St Thomas in March. My wife wants to spend a day shopping at one of the islands and my daughter wants to snorkle. I have thought that i would take my wife shopping in St Maartin, because I have heard that the shopping is slightly better there than St Thomas??? I also have heard so many good things about the snorkling on St John (Trunk Bay???). So, I was thinking about renting a jeep in St Thomas and taking the ferry from Red Hook to St John, spend as much time as we want at the beach and come back. If we have time we could go to Charlotte Amalie, but not necessary since my wife will have her day in St Maartin.
Can anybody give me some insight as to if my plans are good? Your "expert" opinions may help me decide.
Thanks
Sounds like a doable plan. Have you been to St.Thomas before? Was just wondering if you've been to Coki as there is good snorkling there as well.
FYI, one of the best snorkling spots in STJ is Waterlemon Cay although it is a bit difficult and time consuming to get to.
I've never been to St Maartin but of all the places I've been to I've never seen more stores in a concentrated area than I have in Charlotte Amalie. It's a shoppers paradise; just ask my wife!
Actually, I thought the snorkeling was much better at Coki Beach (St Thomas) than at Trunk Bay but Trunk is prettier. Coki's is extremely nice too.
I'm not sure if renting a Jeep is necessary for a day on St.Thomas if you're planning on spending a day at St John? Driving can be hectic in busy STT for a driver who is (or might be?) inexperienced with driving on the left side of the road. I'd play it safe and just take a cab; there are plenty of them.
Hope this helps...
regards,
Jeff
Don't bother with Trunk Bay. Too touristy and the water is murky. There are better places.
I would agree about Jeeps. Not necessary. Tons of cabbies.
Coki Beach is great because it is right off shore for inexperienced snorkellers plus it's next to Coral World which is very entertaining .
WE were there last march and loved it . Fed the fish some kind of biscuit.
We are going back this March on RadianceOTS. I have been advisedt to go to Trunk Bay and try Snuba with the kids .We will do it with taxi and ferry
Michele
Something to consider for "after shopping" on St Maarten...
watching planes land at SXM - right over the beach
It's on the Dutch side about 15-20 minutes from where the cruise ships come in.
Pics: www.sunsetbeachbar.com (which has great places to sit to watch planes and reasonable munchies/beverages)
The French side of St Maarten had neat shops to see (pricey though).
Coki Beach?
St Thomas is not as good for snorkling as St John.
Hawksnest is ok.
Trunk is for beginners and tourists.
Francis to maho is good.
Waterlemon is good.
Salt Pond is good.
Even some areas past Coral Bay towards east end are good.
Thanks for all the good insite. Now I have even more to think about (thats not a bad thing!).
