So I'm putting off buying a boat a little longer, and instead we're doing an 8-day bare-boat charter in St. Martin (Sunsail) very soon. Are there any must-see anchorages, snorlel-spots, activities, restaurants, etc that we should plan for? Is it worth going to Anguilla? How about St. Barts? We like to snorkel, so I'd definately love some recommendations for that. Thanks in advance for any feedback!
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this is a great trip
Walt, Wife and I did a great trip two years ago. did it the last week of hurricane season. definately want to do all three islands. french side of St Maartin is best. Angullia is expensive but worth it. check out small island to the north of the island. I think it is sandy island. St barts tons of fun. north side (first anchorage is great!)spend at least two days in St barts. all sailing is line of sight. easy. east side of st maartin is wild...worth the romp. check out anchorages in french St Maartin great restaurants. be patient with checking in and out of countries. Most are polite but slow. I want to go back! Who are you bareboating with? Ed
Walt, Wife and I did a great trip two years ago. did it the last week of hurricane season. definately want to do all three islands. french side of St Maartin is best. Angullia is expensive but worth it. check out small island to the north of the island. I think it is sandy island. St barts tons of fun. north side (first anchorage is great!)spend at least two days in St barts. all sailing is line of sight. easy. east side of st maartin is wild...worth the romp. check out anchorages in french St Maartin great restaurants. be patient with checking in and out of countries. Most are polite but slow. I want to go back! Who are you bareboating with? Ed
Visit St Barts, especially Anse du Columbier
We were thru that way last Jan/Feb. We really enjoyed Gustavia, but the anchorage can be rolly. Anse du Columbier was one of our favorite anchorages. There were free mooring balls when we were there. Also, there is a very good hike from the bay around to Anse Flamandes. We also anchored one night at Ile Fourche which is between St Maarten and St Barts. I know you will love it all.
We were thru that way last Jan/Feb. We really enjoyed Gustavia, but the anchorage can be rolly. Anse du Columbier was one of our favorite anchorages. There were free mooring balls when we were there. Also, there is a very good hike from the bay around to Anse Flamandes. We also anchored one night at Ile Fourche which is between St Maarten and St Barts. I know you will love it all.
Sunsail
I read some posts about sunsail on sainet.com (message boards, chartering) you may want check those stories out... good luck....
I read some posts about sunsail on sainet.com (message boards, chartering) you may want check those stories out... good luck....
Thanks! Any more?
Thanks all. Anyone else? On the negative articles on Sunsail (note there were as many positive)... There will be a small percentage of charters that turn out bad. These we will hear about, while most will go unannounced. Of course, some we will not hear about. Then there's the sneaky stuff - like stuffing the ballot-box. An unscrupulous organization could sign-on as various people and dump lots of "sunshine reports" on a negative one - making people think that, well, maybe the bad report was an isolated incident. Conversely, an unscrupulous organization could put a bunch of negative reports out there about the competition, hoping to damage their business. With all of this uncertainty... well, who do you trust? When someone doesn't use their real name on a post, the credibility of it gets treated accordingly. Also, the opinion of long-time posters with real names carries more weight.
Thanks all. Anyone else? On the negative articles on Sunsail (note there were as many positive)... There will be a small percentage of charters that turn out bad. These we will hear about, while most will go unannounced. Of course, some we will not hear about. Then there's the sneaky stuff - like stuffing the ballot-box. An unscrupulous organization could sign-on as various people and dump lots of "sunshine reports" on a negative one - making people think that, well, maybe the bad report was an isolated incident. Conversely, an unscrupulous organization could put a bunch of negative reports out there about the competition, hoping to damage their business. With all of this uncertainty... well, who do you trust? When someone doesn't use their real name on a post, the credibility of it gets treated accordingly. Also, the opinion of long-time posters with real names carries more weight.
St. Bart's Definitely go to St. Bart's. We rented a jeep there about 3 years ago and had a great day exploring the island. They drive on the right side, but there are very few if any guard rails and it's a long drop. Don't drink and drive. Can't wait to get back. -Roland S/V Fraulein II
It's Orient Beach
The nude beach is Orient Beach. And it is BEAUTIFUL...and the people are nice too!!!
The nude beach is Orient Beach. And it is BEAUTIFUL...and the people are nice too!!!
Guavaberry Colada
If you stop by down town, get a guavaberry colada at the guavaberry place. Wonderful drink and you will probably end up bringing back a bottle. I wish I had bought two. Regards. Bruce. Neon Moon
If you stop by down town, get a guavaberry colada at the guavaberry place. Wonderful drink and you will probably end up bringing back a bottle. I wish I had bought two. Regards. Bruce. Neon Moon
places to eat.....
Be sure to check out Grande Casa (Case.???) A great array of restuarants right on the beach. very informal, just about every type of cuisine imaginable, all outstanding.
Be sure to check out Grande Casa (Case.???) A great array of restuarants right on the beach. very informal, just about every type of cuisine imaginable, all outstanding.
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