TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin "NO COOLERS" sign at Bikini Beach/Insane and Taunting Motorcyclists

We took a ride around the island today with a stop at Bikini Beach. As you approach the beach from the walkway I noticed the sign. It was not there in March, although we were told coolers were not appreciated. Sadly, this seemed to only apply to English speaking people as a group of French joked with the beach attendant while drinking out of their cooler back in March. I did notice the cost of 2 (really nice) loungers and an umbrella was $20 US today and I believe it was $30 back in March.

Make your own choice about the cooler situation and Bikini but I am just reporting what I saw.

Coming down the hill where the old Poulet D'Orleans was we encountered 25+ motorcyclists, most riding wheelies, blocking traffic and hanging out in the street. They would take turns charging at oncoming cars, riding wheelies, smoking their tires and basically taunting anyone who needed to pass. The really sad thing about this is we saw ZERO law enforcement at all on either side of the island today. This motorcycle mess could have been a golden opportunity to perhaps save a life, and teach these punks a life lesson. They were basically ruling the street near the gas station at the bottom of the hill and daring anyone, local or tourist, to pass by them.

Lots of groups of cycles in other areas as well and most riding like idiots.

It will likely be a while before I have the urge to go anywhere on the French side, let alone spend any $$ there.

Sad in indeed.

It was not a situation I was at all comfortable being in but we came out of it ok and no vehicle damage, but I am sure there were some of those less fortunate. I am sure if they struck a car they would take off.

That is why I rent big cars or maybe this trip a hummer.... The cooler sign is tacky! One last comment... The BEACHES Are PUBLIC!

I actually think that sign about no coolers has been there at Bikini for a while.

Regarding the motorcycles, apparently that is becoming a common thing on the weekends. The gendarmes need to get a handle on that situation.

they do it all the time, for years. They are also using the holiday weekend as an excuse to party on their bikes.

This also a bike rally this weekend and folks come from all over to ride this weekend. It's a Harley thing, seen it advertised a bit. Probably 70 Harley's went by us last night. Cruising casually, but it was mighty loud!

Unfortunately they do the motorcycle thing on both sides of the island. I have encountered them several times on Airport Road near the airport and the police just ignore all this activity.

They were nonexistent.

There is no money in it for the gendarmes, just work.

Sorry? And that is relevant how? Police officers do their job because it is their job..

And in talking to Junior last night, he said this is an every Sunday occurrence at this location and was probably elevated due to the long weekend and holiday, Lots of local parties with tents, food and the aroma of pot.

As I said... Nothing new.

HUH??

So far I have read, they have been doing it for years as well as the gendarmes were nonexistent. Why is that? Yet on a roadside stop you see 7 to 10 of them collecting their $100 before that person is allowed to drive away. One is a revenue stream, one is not. My opinion.

I know many disagree with me, but I think it's sad that a "no coolers" sign is even needed. Yes, we do pay for the chairs, but they are located in front of a restaurant, and there are beach boys serving drinks and food to those who rent the chairs. Yes, the beaches are public, but the beach concessionaires do pay for the ability to operate their businesses on that public beach. To me, it's just rude to bring your own food and/or drinks to such an establishment.

As to the motorcyclists, I have no words. Sad that this is allowed to continue on either side of the island.

Todd--I emphatically disagree with your opinion, but everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Maybe pay for a beach chair if you bring a cooler but if a minimum food and drink purchase is made that cost is credited toward chair rental?

Many luxury apartment buildings in Manhattan have "Do not park in front of the entrance" signs out in front. They pay property taxes. It means nothing. It's a public street. The same thing goes for Bikini Beach. They pay for the right to sell food and drinks but that fee does not include controlling the sand in front of it. If the chairs were free if you buy food or drinks then coolers SHOULD be prohibited but if you pay for the right to sit in one of their chairs, then coolers are OK. They got what they paid for (the right to sell food and drinks) and you got what you paid for (chairs).

You asking or stating a fact they credit you?

My feeling exactly. We pay for chairs at Yellow Beach on Pinel but sometimes bring our own food and drink and they are fine with that.

Suggesting

Artie, I do see your point; I just don't agree.

That's what makes this country so great. LOL.

This is always one of those issues that good people can agree to disagree about agreeably. I see both sides of the argument but I’m inclined to fall on the side of if I’m paying for the use of chairs I should be allowed to bring my own drinks but when chairs are provided free, absolutely you should NOT bring drinks or food. Truth is, we don’t very often bring food to any beach although we might bring water or na beer which no one on the island seems to sell but once I’ve paid for that chair, I believe the choice should be mine to make.

our last visit to SXM, we 'rented' chairs for basically ten straight days at Kontiki - we ate lunch more days than not - always had a bottle or two of wine - our chairs were comped the last day...

We've always found repeat business to be recognized in one way or another.