TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Unfriendly Divi Welcome

Everyone has their favorite beaches. Divi happens to be one of mine.

I agree with CaribJoe. Of course, I own at Divi. But Little Bay is just my favorite,

I agree also. Little Bay is great. Well protected. Good sand and rarely any seaweed.

Joe--I understand why someone who owns there would consider it a favorite, just surprised someone would travel to go to a beach at a timeshare where they don't own. I know beaches on SXM are not private, but I wouldn't go to a beach at a timeshare if I'm not staying there. And in your case, especially when I was made to feel unwelcome the last time. Glad you had a better experience this time.

Some of the beaches I have enjoyed in the past no longer have services .......Baie Rouge, Le Galion, Dawn Beach (Busby's). Others have become overly crowded with difficult parking (Mullet), or inundated with seaweed (Orient). Hence, I go to those which. offer what I am seeking. Earlier posters have stated the draw of Divi, and unless it too changes, it will continue to be a favorite.

CaribJoe, I will tell you that on our last day at Divi in February, there was a TON of sargassum in the water. First time we have ever seen it.
I have checked with some folks down there and they tell me that it has not returned (YAY!)

We went to Mullet for the first time two trips ago arriving by boat. We did like it but at that time (during Covid) it was quiet. However, we have seen the problems with getting there. Plus, as a former golfer, I feel guilty walking across a golf course to get to the beach (no matter the state of said golf course).
I don't like Orient for so many reasons but seaweed and larger waves are two of them. I don't like having to be on high alert going into the water!

lcote--why would you walk across the golf course to get to Mullet? You park in the parking lot and go straight to the beach.

Joe--OK

"I feel guilty walking across a golf course to get to the beach "
No need to do that as there is a parking lot at Mullet.

The parking lot is always full!

lcote--it's always full on the weekend, for sure. Other days, if you get there by 10 am or so, there should be parking.

On my fall trips when I stay at Horny Toad, I usually make a point of going to Little Bay a couple of times. Not because I own there but because the water is gentle and there is sooo much sand.

Just saw this thread……while our many prior visits to SXM have all been timeshare at SBBR, OBBR, Maho, this November our Windstar cruise will include SXM for 2 days and 1 night. While reviewing possible options for our time, today I saw a VIATOR tour advertised for a BEACH DAY at DIVI RESORT From $40 up (not transportation). Description reads:

“ During your beach day at Divi Little Bay Resort, rest assured that all amenities are available to you. In addition to a private white sand beach, your day pass grants you access to restaurants and cafes, shops, bathrooms, and unlimited use of snorkeling equipment. With chairs and umbrellas included, a visit to Divi Little Bay is a popular choice for families.”
……. Ask the cab driver to take a left at the security gate and drop you at the watersports roundabout Friendly Aqua Mania staff will organise your chairs and umbrellas and plan the rest of your day's activities. Relax and enjoy your day at Divi.”

I am not sure what the going rate is for 2 chairs and a shared umbrella at Orient vendors, $25-30pp. Divi / Aqua Mania has a premium added pp but more facilities, eg pool and closer proximity to cruise passengers. While our ship only has about 300 pax any experience will be quite different if any big ships in (Nov 8 , 9) Time to check the cruise calendar for that info.

$40 a PERSON? If so, that's a rip-off.

For sure.

Does that include food (albeit not necessarily great food)?
I think when we did a cruise 20 years ago, it was more than that to go to Orient. That included ground transportation though.
Without food or tranportation, that does seem like a rip off. That said, there are always cruisers there on the beach. So, people must do it.

The description says "ACCESS" to restaurants and cafes. And really, there, you are talking JUST Divi restaurants. At Orient, you have a ton of different restaurants to choose from, as well as different watersports.

Said to grab a taxi to DIVI so ground transportation wasn't included.