St. John’s Antigua
All the Caribbean Islands we visited on the trip so far were great, but I think we enjoyed St. John’s Antigua, St. Kitts, and Philipsburg St. Maarten the most. On day six of our 10 day Eastern Caribbean cruise we found ourselves on the beautiful white beaches of St. John’s. St. John’s is the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda, a small Caribbean island nation located in the eastern part of the Caribbean Sea. It is situated on the northwest coast of Antigua and is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and historical landmarks. One of the most popular attractions in St. John’s is its stunning white sand beaches, such as Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. St. John’s is also home to several historical landmarks, including St. John’s Cathedral, which was built in the 19th century and is one of the largest churches in the Caribbean. The city’s other notable landmarks include the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, which showcases the history and culture of the island nation, and the colorful Redcliffe Quay, which is lined with colonial-era buildings that now house restaurants, bars, and shops. For those interested in shopping, St. John’s offers a variety of markets and shopping districts, including the Heritage Quay Shopping Complex and the Public Market, where visitors can find local crafts, spices, and souvenirs. We found St. John’s to be a beautiful and vibrant city with a rich history and culture. It offers something for everyone, from stunning beaches and outdoor activities to historical landmarks and cultural attractions.
St. Kitts
We then took a journey on day seven on a 96 foot boat from Port Zante along the beautiful St. Kitts coastline. We were delighted to listen to the steel drum music aboard ship as well as the pristine beach we arrived at later in the day. We got a great day in while basking under the Caribbean sun and drinking Ting to our hearts delight. Ting is a carbonated grapefruit-flavored soft drink that is popular in the Caribbean. It is made with real grapefruit juice and has a slightly tart and sweet taste. Add a little Caribbean Rum, and its a perfect beach drink. Ting originated in Jamaica and is now available in many parts of the world, often found in Caribbean restaurants.
On day eight our Island tour ended with a much anticipated trip to Philipsburg St. Maarten. St. Maarten, also known as St. Martin, is a small island nation located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The island is divided into two parts, with the northern portion belonging to the French and the southern portion belonging to the Dutch. One of the most popular attractions in St. Maarten is its beautiful beaches. The island boasts more than 37 beaches, each with its own unique features, from secluded coves to bustling beach bars. Popular beaches on the Dutch side include Mullet Bay Beach, Maho Beach, and Great Bay Beach, while popular French-side beaches include Orient Bay Beach, Grand Case Beach, and Anse Marcel Beach. St. Maarten is also known for its duty-free shopping, with numerous shops and boutiques offering a wide range of items, including jewelry, electronics, and souvenirs. Popular shopping areas on the island include Front Street in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side, and Marigot Market on the French side. Other popular activities on the island include water sports, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and jet skiing, as well as exploring the island’s historical and cultural landmarks, such as the 18th-century Fort Amsterdam on the Dutch side and the historic district of Marigot on the French side.
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
For this trip we just had to visit the famous Maho Beach due to our love of everything aviation. Maho Beach is a popular beach located on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of St. Maarten. What makes Maho Beach so unique and famous is its location at the end of the runway of the nearby Princess Juliana International Airport. The beach is situated just a few meters away from the airport fence, making it a popular spot for tourists to watch airplanes land and take off overhead. Due to the beach’s proximity to the runway, planes can be seen flying low overhead and are often close enough to touch, which makes for a truly exhilarating experience. Some visitors even enjoy the thrill of being blasted by the jet blast as planes take off, although it is important to note that this can be dangerous and has resulted in injuries in the past so you need to be somewhat careful. Luckily there are several restaurants and bars nearby, where you can grab a bite to eat and an adult beverage while watching the planes overhead at a safer distance. For us it was a one-of-a-kind experience and a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts. Overall, anyone looking for a unique beach experience on St. Maarten, Maho Beach is the place to go.
Well we still have a couple of more days at sea, and some great dining ahead of us. When we get back we will have more to post as we have been limiting our Social Media and disconnecting as much as possible.
Until next week’s post, Be Social. Fly Private!
