TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Opinions needed

We generally stay on or near Orient beach area - the last two years we have rented a car - last year only used it one day (out of 10) and are really trying not to rent a car this year (leaves more $$$$ for food and wine) - here are my questions....

(1) Are there any boat operators between Orient and Happy bay - we've not made it over there but would love to see the place and don't really want to hike in...

(2) Are cabs readily available in the mornings at Orient - also want to be sure I get my annual trip to the Marigot market for my secret spot t-shirt

(3) Is there a way to rent a car for a short period of time - like a day or two -

sara

1) I think maybe Tiko Tiko around the island cruise stops at Happy Bay. If not, Paul's nude cruises definitely do. They can make arrangements to pick you up.
2) I suggest you make advance arrangements with a cab driver, as there MAY be cabs by Pedro's, but I wouldn't count on it, especially if there are no ships in. You could call TTOL sponsor Wilfred Brooks and set something up.
3) You could check with our sponsors here, but for one day, I know they do some car rentals directly from Club Orient.

We usually stay at Mt. Vernon. Last trip we had no car for the entire 10 days. It's easy to call a taxi from the little shop at Mt. Vernon or many of the restaurants or bars along the beach might call one for you. It was about 50USD round trip to Marigot. That was a few years ago, so maybe more now.
I definitely agree with Carol, make arrangements with Wilfred brooks.
We love to simply find our spot on orient and relax--no driving around or itineraries.

I'm fairly new here. Would you please tell me a little about the secret T-shirt place? I'm planning a trip for December. Thanks

The Secret Spot tee shirt place is in the Marigot Market. They may be open everyday, but definately open Wed & Sat. It's located on the end of the Market closest to the restaurants (in the Market, not on the main road). From experience, theses tee shirts last more than 20 years and through at least 10 Grandchildren, so far. The shirts wash nicely and do not shrink. They are designed by the owners Husband with a different design each year. I have short sleeve, long sleeve, tank etc. Expensive, but well worth it.

Thanks for the info! They sound great.

I also have quite a few of the shirts they screenprint themselves. The designs are fantastic and the fabric colors are great. I think the short sleeved shirts were $25, but well worth it to have a design that you won't find anywhere else on the island and will last for ever.

The owner/designer is generally there and available to discuss where she came up with her designs and what she is thinking of doing next. She is a ton of fun to talk to and very, very nice. Agree with what others have said - her shirts are the best - very soft cotton - last forever - extremely unique designs that you won't find anywhere else - and no, I'm not employed by Secret Spot

When we stay at Grand Case Beach Club they have a daily car rental so check where you'll stay. They may also have one. Someone here may know if club O has rentals. Or Mount Vernon Hotel.

Club O Facebook page says they now have Dollar/Thrifty on site. As I recall, they used to have Hertz. On one of our trips, we booked Hertz and flew in on a Saturday. Picked the car up at the airport used it for a trip to the grocery store, then to Club O where we dropped it off on Sunday.