Sint Maarten Warnings Or Dangers

St. Maarten is a relatively safe place but you should still be careful. Most tourist carry money, credit cards and purchases around and are ready for the "stealing". Be careful and don't forget there are bad types out there.

Make sure to bring insect repelent and wear it. The mosquitos are large and their bites leave very large red circles on your body. Liz and I received a few of these parting gifts free of charge from the local mosquitos.

About half way through our trip we met a terrific couple from Boston who have lived on St. Martin for 15 years. They gave us the following tips:

NEVER, EVER leave anything in your car. If it is broken in to you will also have to pay for the new window.

Do not visit Philipsburg after 4:00 p.m. Try to stay in the tourist and resort areas after dark.

There are a lot of peopel trying to sell "things" upon the departure form a tour ship. To say the least, they do not really want to take no for an answer. It is difficult to get through the maze to get into the town area, and even then some are around there.

We were at the top of the ridge between the two states, and at some shops selling souvenirs. There were a couple of people that I felt would be looking for unattended items if someone was not paying close attention. It is a stopping point for tour buses, so the possiblity could becaome reality for the unsuspecting.

One of the coolest things to do on the island is to pull up a chair at any of the Maho Beachside restaurants, grab a cold Caribe beer, and watch as the jumbo jets and smaller prop planes make their landing into St. Maarten's International Airport.
The close proximity of this major Caribbean airport to one of the busiest tourist beaches and pedestrian walks is alarming at first----watching as the planes touch down just above our heads took some getting used to.

Although they have these Warning signs posted all around the outlying fenced areas of the runway which cautions everyone to stay clear of the jet blasts.....it doesn't stop the many beachcombers from running directly into the path of the 747s to feel that strong gust of wind blow off into the sand and shore. The kids especially seemed to enjoy feeling the jet blast blow them off their butts. Those darn signs weren't gonna keep them away from literally having a BLAST with all those toxic fumes!

We came across this Lad who appeared to have been the original 'poster child' for the DANGER sign. ;-)

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So I went to my first nude beach while here. Its kinda like finding out the girls in gym class don't run around naked in the showers together. Very deflating. It seemed like only the people you wouldn't want to see naked were naked. One plus was i got to see my first fully nude 80 yo man with only a fanny pack on. I guess some time you just have to represent. Lol it was still worth the experience. An no I didn't go nude i wanted to keep my friends. I did go topless though, that count for anything?

Whilst on St Maarten always keep a lookout for individuals loitering around those quiet car parks near the beach.

Ever noticed that all cars hired in St Maarten have damaged trunk locks?

Now you know why, it seems a favourite past time for some locals who are looking for money, orvaluables which to seel on, to feed their drug/ gambling habits.

Be warned NEVER leave anything in your car for even 2 minutes.