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Joined: 05/06/2008
Posts: 84
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I'm heading down to the Caribbean and was reading up on water taxis between the marinas in Simpson Bay...wanted to see if their reasonable for crew (price and running times). Also I reading about security I.D.'s to get uni the 4 major marinas....is this up and running?
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I am currently in the IGY Marina Isle de Sol. They check everyone coming in in a car but if they have seen you leave or you are in a boat shirt they let you walk back in no problems. But it is 24hour good security.
Have just been in Simpson bay marina and the security was good there too with keypad entry after hours and 24 hour guard on the gate.
Not sure about the water taxi though. Have heard its unreliable.
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Joined: 08/01/2011
Posts: 6
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I haven't seen a reliable water taxi service anywhere in the Caribbean, except during boat shows so I wouldn't count on that. Take the local island vans for $1 when you need to get around. You will always need a Driver's License ID to get into the marinas. They very often do not let you just walk in if you are not on a crew list and definitely will not let you in if you don't have an ID.
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Not sure about the water taxi's, as for security it seems tighter but I did see a contractor hand of some cash to the guard at the gate. So where that leaves security is questionable. If I had a choice I'd avoid St Martin because you can very easily find yourself at the wrong end of town. If you do come to St Martin keep your whits about you, don't get belligerently drunk and never walk alone at night because there is a dark side to the Islands that is kept quiet, the illegal taxis hawk crew and tourists and accepting a ride with these dudes is the surest way to be rolled over or even worse.
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Not sure about the water taxi's, as for security it seems tighter but I did see a contractor hand of some cash to the guard at the gate. So where that leaves security is questionable. If I had a choice I'd avoid St Martin because you can very easily find yourself at the wrong end of town. If you do come to St Martin keep your whits about you, don't get belligerently drunk and never walk alone at night because there is a dark side to the Islands that is kept quiet, the illegal taxis hawk crew and tourists and accepting a ride with these dudes is the surest way to be rolled over or even worse.
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Joined: 28/10/2009
Posts: 8
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I've been docked at Palapa for a couple of weeks and the water taxi has been running regularly every night til late. Valeska at Palapa will even give you a card which entitles you to complimentary use of it. A great service.
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Joined: 05/06/2008
Posts: 84
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well I here now (@ port de plesance) so I'll follow up on what I've learned...
simpson bay has beefed up security but not as secure as isle de sole....there pretty well guarded and are checking id's. port de plesance is too. the water taxi is $5 and running from 4pm to 1:45 am last pick up at soggy dollar and till 4am on the weekends. they'll take you to any Marina.
so far, so good
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