Looking for Caribbean recommendations

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Well my wife and I had this thing that in each port we would hop on a taxi first thing in the AM and hit the nicest beach on the island. We'd be back by lunch and then walk around the port/touristy shops. For me, St Maarten has the most sites. I'm a bit biased as I've been there oh 10 times over the past 15 years. Check out Orient Beach, Marigot for a little taste of Paris (well sort of), Happy Bay (15 minute hike to a semi private beach overlooking Anguilla) and if you are adventurous take a ferry out of Marigot to Anguilla for a few hours. I also liked St Lucia and Barbados for stuff to do. Renting a car and driving around these islands is fun, with a few stops at the nicer beaches. St Kitts is small - zzzzzzzz. Antigua, well the port and town are a bit run down. Nice beaches but that's about it. I'd pick St Maarten and St Lucia for diving. My 2 cents.
 
A dive buddy of mine is thinking about flying in to St Maarten so we could both dive there. I don't think i would have enough time to dive and check the island out. If it is as good as you say topside, I would have to go back at some point!
 
The Scuba Shop and Ocean Explorers are the 2 dive shops on Simpson Bay that I've been in to shop and I've heard good things about both. Google them and check each out. They are about a 10 minute drive from the cruise port but may pick you up. St Maarten is a happening island as it is split by the Dutch and French. Haven't been there in 4 years due to the higher prices and hurricanes. Unfortunately I have not had a chance to dive the island but have been to every beach to snorkel. Not much reef/fish life off the beaches hence you will need to do a boat dive. Also Phillipsburg is the port city and full of touristy shops including a million jewelry stores. PS - I grew up going to Barbados almost every year and although I have found memories of that island I still prefer SMX. Note that the last 3 years my wife and I have been to Bonaire and Curacao multiple times. Great shore diving on either island. Bonaire is truly a diver's island. If you get a chance down the road check out Curacao or Bonaire. Each is a cruise destination.
 

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