TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Sailing schools / other activities / grocery during Christmas->NYE week

Hi,
Our first time traveling to the island, we'll be staying at Oyster Bay. We have a rental car secured, so can easily get around the island. My wife already booked a group history tour on the 25th and a catamaran snorkeling day later in the week. We were interested in a sailing school, but I called SMYC and they are closed that week. Was wondering if there are any alternatives?

Additionally, any other activities worthwhile to do while we're there? We're highly active, so interested in pretty much anything land or sea based.

Finally, for grocery stores, any solid ones we should hit up on our drive from the airport to Oyster Bay?

Since it's your first time, you should do a drive around the island for sure. We love the French side of the island and the Super U grocery in Hope Estates--it's not on the way to oyster bay unless you take the long way around, I guess. Have a great trip.

Sorry, you booked a tour on December 25?? Are you certain? I would doubt they would be operating on Christmas day.

As for grocery stores, probably Carrefour by Mark's would be your best bet. HOWEVER, I would caution you that you may want to re-think stopping on the way from the airport to get groceries. It is NOT advisable for you to leave your luggage, etc in your car and go grocery shopping, unless you have someone sit in the car. This should be a theme for your whole trip--do not leave ANYTHING in your car, at ANY TIME, for any length of time, at ANY place. If you do, it may be stolen. I believe there is a really small grocery store at the hotel that you can pick up a few things. Alternatively, you can contact one of the grocery provisioning services and get some first day supplies delivered to your room, then do a big grocery shop the next day. OR go to the hotel and drop off your bags and come back to the grocery store.

Sorry I can't really help with your other questions.

According to the Viator confirmation, yes, 8:30 on the 25th - I was surprised too. Perhaps since it's a busy tourist week, people are working.



Appreciate the safety tips, will definitely keep that in mind!

I would try to see if I could confirm directly with the company, for that Dec 25 tour. Just sayin'.

Please do keep safety in mind with regard to that initial shop. Nothing could ruin your trip more quickly than getting ripped off on the first day.

If you are interested in a sailing school, I think you would enjoy a vacation at Bitter End Yacht Club on Virgin Gorda. They had sailing classes and many boats to take out. It was many years ago, but check out their website.