Time limits when visiting Caribbean Islands

[billyehh]

Aother reason for not swimming in Simpson Bay Lagoon is not the discharge from boats, But most of the pollution is land based. I was in a bar one evening and horrible smell started. It seems that most waterfront places pump out sewage after closing. Something went wrong with the timer. THIS IS COMMON PLACE IN ST. MAARTEN.

[Fearnow]

There's a lot of money in SM. One would think they could afford a better set up. That tells me that every other lagoon in the Caribbean, has the same situation. Really gross.

[neilsty]

Saba is completely unique - great place to visit. i don't know about anchoring there it is very rolly. There are 4 balls close to the harbor where customs/immigration and the road to the towns at the top of the hill are located. the rest of the public balls are around the side of the island - about 1 mile away - and a very wet dinghy ride. When i was there we didn't see anybody anchored - all on balls (free) but having a rough night.

I have keep my boat in Simpson Bay for the last 7 months, but leave St Maarten every 3 or 4 weeks - so i have had no problems. in addition to the bridge fee i pay about $40 a week to be in the lagoon on top of any marina fees. I get a lot of growth on my prop and thru- hulls etc - need bottom cleaned every 3 to 4weeks, and there is NO way i would swim in the lagoon.

[Fearnow]

What do you do? Pay someone to clean the bottom or leave the harbor and do it yourself? The fees don't sound to bad.

[Fearnow]

Originally Posted by billyehh

Aother reason for not swimming in Simpson Bay Lagoon is not the discharge from boats, But most of the pollution is land based. I was in a bar one evening and horrible smell started. It seems that most waterfront places pump out sewage after closing. Something went wrong with the timer. THIS IS COMMON PLACE IN ST. MAARTEN.

Thank god my wife doesn't read the forum.

[MarkJ]

The great thing about the Caribbian is when you run out of visa time you just go for a half day sail and you're in another country.

Even shorter for St Martin... its just a dinghy trip accross the Lagoon.

BTW the Lagoon water was wonderfully clear this year. But I wouldnt swim in it for leisure.... I did to recover Lil Dink who tried to escape.

[neilsty]

I pay a diver about $100 a time to clean the bottom. The lagoon fees are in addition to the marina fees.

[twrdocktor]

Originally Posted by Fearnow

Let me know what you think of Saba. Never been there, and always good to hear personal op's of these places.

Best way to visit Saba is to leave the boat in SXM, and fly across. Spend the day or two at a bread and breakfast and be pampered. You'll not regret doing this, as the worry about your boat in a rolly anchorage is never on your mind. Enjoy.