Butterflys, or Beach?

[LesPaul]

I am thinking of an excursion in St Maarten. I would love to go to the beach, but I would also like to see the butterfly farm. Has anyone done the butterfly/beach excursion? They list it as 3 hours. How much beach time on this excursion. The afternoon beach break offered is for 3 hours as well. I'm not sure which to do because I really would enjoy the beach break. Would the butterfly/beach excursion give me the best option?

[spoheat]

Exit the ship, tell a cab driver you want to go to the Butterfly farm and the beach, and be picked up from the beach and returned to your ship by ____ (plenty of time to be back on board and not miss the ship). Negotiate a price (most of this is government regulated and you will not have to wheel and deal, just get a quote and keep everyone honest) and go.

[penny3333]

St. Maarten is really easy to get around on your own. There's plenty of cabs and a beach really close to where you dock. I agree with Laurie, should be no problem being able to do both on your own.

[spoheat]

Very important if you are doing any island on your own. Most ships stay with official time for the port you left from. If this is Miami that Eastern time. Eastern Caribbean islands are an hour difference (later) or Atlantic. Keep your watch to cruise ship time, and communicate clearly with transportation to arrange pick ups and so forth. Their watches will differ from the ship.

[queenofcruzin]

I agree with Laurie and Penny, easy to get to the Butterfly Farm and more time on the beach on your own, their are countless little restaraunts along the beach. I always look for the most comfortable chairs and taxis are lined up to take you back. Rather than spend time waiting for a group to travel and gather. The ships do a great job with tours, but if you have done it once, you can save alot, and get more time on your own. Make sure you check with the taxi before you get in. And enjoy !