St. Martaan Port Adventures About This Page:

[Luu]

We are crusing in August to the Eastern Carribean. Has anyone ever done the "Island Drive and Exployer Cruise" or the "Rib Boat Adventure"? We are interested in an excursion that includes both beach time and a visit to either Marigot or Grand Case. Any thoughts or suggestions are appreciated!

[disneymom1035]

Have you thought of doing it on your own? That way it doesn't cost $$, but more than that, when we looked at the organized excursions, they didn't seem to give you very much time in Marigot to shop and explore, and from what I understand taking a taxi to Marigot is cheap? On a pp I think it was you who mentioned that Great Bay wasn't a good beach to visit, what was not good about it?

[disneymom1035]

We can't do the Rib boat! I was just looking at it and you have to be at least 8 yrs old, we have a 6 yr old!

[Luu]

I read in Foders that because of the cruise ships and salt pond, Great Bay isn't that great for swimming. Also, a friend of mine who has been to St. Martaan several times said the same thing. However, it's supposed to be a nice beach for sunning.

If you're sightseeing on your own, Orient Bay is a beautiful beach. However, it's clothing optional at the far end of the beach. We were there a few years ago and my kids were 8 and 10 at the time. We just stayed away from that area and my kids didn't see anything and were fine.

Thanks for the suggestions of doing excursions on your own. I will check into it but am a little nervous about making it back to the ship on time if something should happen.

[Dave Marx]

I'm not sure what Fodor's means regarding Salt Pond - Salt Pond isn't anywhere near Great Bay Beach (the town's essentially a sand bar/barrier beach that separates Salt Pond from the sea). As to swimming? It has very gentle surf (which may or may not be what you're looking for), and a sandy bottom. It's not a place for snorkeling, though - just not much to offer.