St. Maarten/Saba/St. Kitts

[Laine]

We are planning to dive with Explorer Ventures the end of February, 2014. We are flying into St. Maarten on a Thurs. night and staying for two nights prior to our liveaboard vacation. We would like input on a convenient place to stay in relationship to the airport and where we will be getting on the boat (Bobby's Marina?).

 

[sueham]

We are planning to dive with Explorer Ventures the end of February, 2014. We are flying into St. Maarten on a Thurs. night and staying for two nights prior to our liveaboard vacation. We would like input on a convenient place to stay in relationship to the airport and where we will be getting on the boat (Bobby's Marina?).

Hi, Sue Hamilton with Explorer Ventures here. There is no hotel convenient to both the airport and Bobby's Marina. The drive from the airport to the boat can be anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour depending upon traffic. So, the best thing to do is to leave the airport area and stay at a hotel on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, near the Marina. The two most commonly ones used by our guests are Holland House Beach Hotel ( Holland House Beach Hotel | Welcome to St. Maarten! ) and Pasangraham Boutique Hotel (Pasanggrahan | St. Maarten Boutique Hotel) and they are both within walking distance to the hotel. They are also both a little pricey so you might want to look for other options in the Front Street area. Anything there should be walking distance or a short cab ride to the boat. Hope this helps.

 

[divengolf]

Some years ago, I stayed at the Pasanggrahan prior to an Explorer trip. I stayed in the less expensive room, (about $100/night five years ago),but it was neat and clean. It was close enough to the boat that I was able to walk to the dock. No taxi needed. There are several restaurants and a casino in the vicinity.

 

[Laine]

Thank you for your input. Looking forward to our trip!
Laine

 

[LyndaD2]

We are planning to dive with Explorer Ventures the end of February, 2014. We are flying into St. Maarten on a Thurs. night and staying for two nights prior to our liveaboard vacation. We would like input on a convenient place to stay in relationship to the airport and where we will be getting on the boat (Bobby's Marina?).

I've done this itinerary three times, and arrived on Sat. I've stayed on St. Maarten on a different trip at a timeshare. Suggest you take advantage of the beaches and restaurants by booking a few nights at a nice place. I think the Divi rents by the night, and is about 2 1/2 miles from the marina. The hotels fronting the beach in Phillipsburg aren't as nice, and the beach isn't too nice either (after all, the cruise ships come in here)! I've stayed on St. Kitts at the end of the last two trips (Marriott). Last January, I was cold in a 3 mm suit, so plan to bring a 5 mm suit if you're going to do 4 or 5 dives a day.

 

[sgtchunk]

You're gonna have a great time, the boat crew on Carib Ex II is great!

 

[Hintermann]

I am about to pay the deposit on the St Maarten / Saba / St Kitts liveaboard cruise on the Caribbean Explorer II between 2nd & 9th April 2016. That will be my 21st and last liveaboard trip; I plan to go to Utila afterwards and then retire from diving.

Flying out from and back to Miami on AA, am I right in thinking that on a St Maarten's start trip, the guests have to arrive at St Maarten's but book the return flights from St Kitts?

 

[chillyinCanada]

Deleted

 

[EVFleet]

I am about to pay the deposit on the St Maarten / Saba / St Kitts liveaboard cruise on the Caribbean Explorer II between 2nd & 9th April 2016. That will be my 21st and last liveaboard trip; I plan to go to Utila afterwards and then retire from diving.

Flying out from and back to Miami on AA, am I right in thinking that on a St Maarten's start trip, the guests have to arrive at St Maarten's but book the return flights from St Kitts?

Yes, that's correct - we're honored that you've chosen us for your last trip!

- Clay

 

[wgw04024]

Do you have to book those liveaboards THAT far in advance generally?