TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Liquor and Groceries at Oyster Pond

Hi All,

Just checking if the liquor store next to the Dinghy Dock is still open. I'm also wondering if there are any small grocery stores in that area.

I'm going to be chartering a boat from the Moorings in June and, while they will do most of the provisioning, there are a few things I can't get through them and will need to pick up.

I'm not really interested in stopping/shopping on the way from the airport - I'd like to get the few things I need there.

Thanks.

The liquor store was open when we were there in March.

There is a small grocery store next to Canoa across the pond on the Dutch side, a couple close to BZH Creperie, and another next to le Pavillon by the Sea.

Is this liquor store next to Dinghy Dock in walking distance to where the St. Bart's ferry departs? How about the store across the pond? I am not familiar with the marina.

The best small grocer in French OP for food and general selection (not the best for liquor/wine) is a reasonable walk directly north of the Captain Olivers resort. The best local selection of liquor/wine is about the same distance west from the first.
Not familiar with what is available at the place next to the Dinghy Dock. Will have ample chance to check it out this next fall. Dinghy Dock itself is quite close to the ferry ticket booth.
I have found the store near the wharf on the Dutch side to be pricier.
If you have time in late afternoon or evening, wander over to the Iguana Bar just past the Cptn Olivers dining area. Great view and breeze coming in off the bay.

Yes. I believe it is called Dez's Liquors and is owned by the same person who owns Mama's Pizza also in Oyster Pond.

It is close to the Dinghy Dock which is right by where the ferry disembarks at Captain Oliver's Marina. And I agree with Chunky, the small grocer north of Captain Oliver's has the best prices and selection. This map may help:

Le Pavillon by the Sea

The store is next to Le Pavillon.

Wow, so helpful. Thanks! I thought the ferry was in the marina where OBBR is located but now I see on the map it's on the other side where there is a larger marina. Thanks again!!

Thanks everyone!

The small grocery next to Le Pavilion is called Au Pain D'Epices. They have a good selection for a small store, including a decent small offering of wines. Also have excellent, freshly baked croissants, morning pastries, and baguettes. Recently was offering 1:1 as well.

Pricey and limited in Oyster Pond...I would stop at one of the bigger grocery stores on your way to the boat from the airport....you will pass Grand Marche, CostULess and Fresh Market and should be able to find everything you need!

To me, that would seem to be the way to go also, but the OP said specifically they didn't want to do that.

Yeah, I know it would be smarter to stop on the way but 1) We have to be at the dock by a certain time for a briefing, 2) After a day of traveling the last thing my wife wants to do is shop, and 3) We really only need one thing from the store (besides booze) - tortilla chips. Seriously, they can provision everything I need but I can't get tortilla chips.

My homemade Margaritas require accompanying tortilla chips to complete the experience according to my wife so I have to address this :-)

I can have them provision the booze but they have a limited selection so I figured I'd have more choices at the local store.

I know there is a sponsor who will deliver groceries but I don't want to do that for this small need.

One thought for the chips, maybe pre book your cab with Wilfred Brooks and ask him to pick up the chips for you on his way to you, so he has them when you meet at the airport?!
Then all you have to do is shop for drinks at the dock. Note - best price on the island this winter for Ron Zacapa 23 was at the liquor store at the dock - also liked the store had bag in a box agricole rum - 3 or 4 litre's, thought it was funny, but would be practival for a crowd on a charter boat

J&B

OK, I know if I have a hankering for tortilla chips, nothing else will do! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />