TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums St. Maarten - St. Martin Trip Report Part 4

We had a great day on the water and meeting Ian with Adventure Sports Sailing and hiring a private full day charter with him and his first mates, Sven and Katherine. Nothing better than a private day on the water, sailing. Beats being out with a herd of people, which we have done in the far distance past. It ends up being just a little more pricey than the cattle boats and you can go where you want. We ended up exploring Tintamarre (where we saw tons of turtles, rays and a variety of fish snorkeling), Creole Rock (lobster and more colorful fish including trumpet, blue tang, sargent majors, a spotted eel, etc) and then La Samana where the boat dog, Ginger, decided to swim to shore. My hubby to the rescue. We had access to not only snorkel gear (we bring our own, but didn't bring fins because they take up too much room and noodles. We had snacks of fruit and cheese and a deliscious lunch of bbq ribs and chicken, macaroni salad, green salad. And lastly, tons of libations (any kind of drink you could want alcoholic and non). Can't say enough about the fabulous time aboard the Spellbound. Ian and crew were so much fun to talk to (Ian hails from South Africa, Sven from Germany and Katherine from Holland?). Lots of insight about the island life and just generally a great group of folks that were more than ready to cater to these four American's every whim. Since we got back late, we decided to head to Pirate Pete's. Great lobster Thermidor here and super key lime pie. It was a great day overall!! [img]http://[image]http://i1383.photobucket.com/albums/ah294/kdleeskis2/smf5_zpsvilpouxm.jpg[/img][/image]

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Great Report/ Photos and an idea for our group of 10 in the future <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Clapping.gif" alt="" />

Thx! Highly recommend!! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />

We just returned last week and we also did the boat charter with Ian. Couldn't agree with you more regarding Ian, crew and Ginger! They are the best. Highly recommend also.

Enjoyed your report. Great pics. Maybe you went to Pineapple Pete's"?

Yes, I think you're probably right there, Norm. Picture looks to be Pineapple Pete, and we all know what great lobster thermadore they have!!

I kind of like Pirate Pete's

Thanks, and yes....Pineapple Petes. Must have been the rhum.

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going in 4 weeks and have chartered with Ian for over 14 years and I have my charter arranged again. It is always my favorite day of the vacation.. Ian is a great captain and we always have a fantastic time with Ian and his crew

It was so great.we've d done private cheaters since '04. Nothing like it. Ian is tops!