St. Maarten

[Teresa]

We will be going on the Ocean Princess Nov. 26th. Has anybody rented a car and just went out on your own in St. Maarten. If so, is is difficult to get around the island. We like to go out and see parts of islands that the excusions don't take you to, but we don't want to get lost either. Are there rental agencies close to the piers? Please help.

Teresa:

It would be hard to get lost on St. Maarten. There's really just one main road that circles the island. The driving is on the right-hand side, which is always a relief to North Americans and makes it less stressful.

Most of the rental agencies are located at the airport on the Dutch side of the island, but many of them have small outposts in Philipsburg and Marigot. I think there are several on or near the main street in Philipsburg. There are several familiar chains (I think Budget is one of them) and a number of independents. Some of them will deliver a car to your location, or you can take a taxi to theirs.

The link below has several recommendations from a frequent visitor to the island:

<http://www.jmbcommunications.com/sxm.html>

Good luck and have a great time!

Dawn

[Nanatravel]

Driving on St. Martin is very easy once you get out of Phillisburg where there is a lot of traffic. If you pre-arrange your rental and have them pick you up at the port, even if you have to drive them back to the airport and visa versa on the way back you probably have to go right by that area anyway. Marigot is a lovely city on the French side as is Grand Case inclduing a lunch break and a stop at Cupecoy beach is a must. Then on the other side you have Orient beach and many picturesque spots in between. It is great that you are doing your research and making your plans in advance. Try to get a driving map of the island before hand and you can map out your own tour. Let me know what you find for agencies and rates. We may do the same thing in March as we have been to St. Martin several times. Go for it.
Bon Voyage