It would be great to hear from someone who has visited both islands. Which did you prefer and for what reason? We are a couple who want to rent a vehicle and explore, get to know some of the native people. Which island has the cleanest beaches, good snorkeling?? Wow, intresting thread! I have never been to St. Martin , but my brother worked on acruise ship and has told me that it is a beautiful place, as are most of the caribbean islands.
I have been to Jamaica though, more than once, and I plan on returning as soon as I can. I must admit, upon arriving, I found it different than I had expected. It was not a Caribbean Palm Springs, thats for sure! But, I also found it to be better than I expected. Yes, there are hagglers, and even beggars, but no more than when I have been to Portland or Las Vegas. The difference is the majority of Jamicans I have met are freindly, and I can't say that about people in many places I have visited in the states.
I am humbled by the fact that Jamaicans can live each day just trying to make ends meet, and yet enjoy life in a special way. Personally, I plan some day to visit other Caribbean Islands someday, but for now I am still intriqued by and loving Jamica! We've been to both countries. Martin last in ; Jamaica twice in While we enjoy both the Dutch and French sides of St.
Martin , we prefer the French. Orient beach is one of the prettiest beaches I have ever seen. However, while we were there a man we knew rented a scooter to ride around the island. At a stop sign he was forced off the scooter and robbed of both the scooter and his money. He was left standing alone. Do incidents like that stop me from traveling?
Heck no! I might be robbed in my own town - who knows. Most of the murders mentioned in one of the other messages occurred in Kingston where they have gang problems. We frequent Jamaica regularly and will bet you won't find a more friendly people. However, in lieu of renting a car in Jamaica I would just hire a driver who will know his way around and the cost will be relatively cheap. Read, read, read message boards about Jamaica before you make your decision. Again, you can't go wrong with either, but my personal choice would be Jamaica.
