Thanks, Friar's Bay Beach was on my list. It's been 3 years since we have been to SXM, just didn't know which beaches the cruise lines were taking people to nowadays. We stay at Oyster Bay Beach Resort, have been coming for 27 years. (EOY + or -). When we first started going Dawn Beach was awesome, then with the sargassum seaweed started being an issue, Dawn Beach became very hit or miss. Then when Irma took out most of Oyster Pond and Busby's, staying multiple days at Dawn Beach became unappealing. We are bringing my wife's brother and sister-in-law this trip, their first time to St Maarten or any Caribbean Island. Just trying to make it memorable for them. Is Pinel extra busy one cruise ship days? Thank again.
I don't think any cruise ships have tours to Pinel (they can com independently) but just leave early enough. Also make reservations where you plan to go. Recently visited over Christmas/NYE and the French side was the most crowded I have ever seen. Tons of people being turned away especially Orient Bay beach bars for lunch.
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