Splatterific
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Was curious if anyone has doive there. Was thinking of checking it. Did most of the usual dive spots wanted something different.
St.Maarten Dutch side
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The dive sites there are below average for the Caribbean, but pretty reasonable in quality. If you are there, go to Saba for at least a day, where the diving is much better.
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Splatterific
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I didn't really think it would compare to places like curaçao, Cozumel places of that nature. Need something topside to also keep others entertained this time round. Beaches look real nice. Some good coral and I'm happy. As long as it better then the Dominican proved to be.
If you are asking topside, then St. Maarten is better than most of the other places you mention. I think the French side is nicer, but it doesn't matter because the island is small enough that you can get anywhere in very little time. I had a nice time when i was there and would happily return. My son and his wife honeymooned on the French side and had a wonderful time.
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So, it's easy to go from Dutch to French side. No passport checks or such. What would you say is the defining difference between the 2
You have to be very alert to know you have crossed the border. A map with a clear line showing where it is helps.
The French side is surprisingly like being in France. You may go into stores and restaurants where you may have trouble getting help in English. My wife and I had a very memorable time in a small grocery store trying to recall our high school French enough to communicate our needs to the clerk. I think the French side is a bit more upscale, and there are more land-based activities to be done there. That side especially has some very nice restaurants.
The Dutch side shows little to no sign of being Dutch. It is very American in nature. My impression was that it was a little more run down and a little more industrial. We stayed in a Wyndham resort, and it was extremely run down and poorly maintained.
Please note that all of what I say stems from our one week stay there and my son and daughter-in-law's honeymoon there. Their stay was on the French side, and they were very happy with it. Our stay on the Dutch side was very pleasant as well, although if we were to go back we would be much more careful in selecting our accommodations.
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we have been to st maarten 3 or 4 times. we have always stayed in pelican key (simpson bay area). we have used different shops on different trips. last trip was with dive adventures (aquamania). see vinny if you go there. he is the owner. great guy. let me know if you have any specific questions. you can pm me if you like.
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Splatterific
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Thanks for the info John. French side sounds good. It's nice to feel like a fish out of water sometimes. Reminds you your not Kansas anymore. Lol. I had gotten back from curaçao a couple of months ago and like the little bit of culture there. Out curiosity I thought I'd try another dutch island to see what that's like but, will be looking to go French to. Why not.
I should have mentioned that the downside to the French side is that the best diving is on the Dutch side.
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Splatterific
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That's all right. I had planned on staying on the Dutch side and venturing over to the French later on after diving at least a couple of times.
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