St Maarten Island Travel
St Maarten Overview
The Island Territory of Saint Maarten is one of five island territories of the Netherlands Antilles, encompassing the southern half of the Saint Martin. The island has a tropical climate that is sunny and warm all year round with average monthly temperature varying little throughout the year. The most popular time to visit the island is winter, Christmas and New Year holiday; however it is also best to visit during the summer months.
St Maarten Main Attractions
The Dutch side of Saint Maarten has popular beach resorts that extend as a series of sandy bays from Philipsburg along the southeast coast of the island, reaching a grand finale at the great spread of Simpson Bay, site of the international airport. The beaches are just awesome with the variety of gentle surf and shady stretch of palm trees, and dramatic sandstone cliffs and caves. The other popular beaches are the Maho Bay, Mullet bay and Cupecoy.
A visit to Saint Maarten is a unique experience. It is an eastern Caribbean island divided between two sovereign states, France and the Netherlands, with non-existence of policed borders cutting through its southern portion allowing you to sunbathe in the French side in the afternoon and stroll over to dine in Dutch side in the evening. The French and Dutch have shared this Caribbean gem peacefully for more than 350 years.
St Maarten Activities
Sailing enthusiasts are well catered for on Saint Maarten. The island is one of the Caribbean's leading sailing venues, hosting the Heineken Regatta every year. With its secluded bay, the island can cater many water sports apart from sailing. Expeditions for deep sea fishing can be arranged. Conditions are also excellent for diving, with coral reefs located close to shore. There are also many good sites for snorkeling. Body boarding is also popular. Equipment for full range water sports can be hired through hotels pr at numerous dive shops on the island.
St Maarten Accommodation & Dining
Accommodation is also uniquely superb and luxurious in the island. There are accommodations for boats that are often luxurious. The island has around 12 marinas in beautiful settings, which are well equipped, with some even providing cable television connections. All kinds of vessels can be rented at marinas, from motorboats and yachts to canoes. Saint Maarten's cuisine is as varied as its history, combining Creole, Dutch, English, French and more recently, international influences. Restaurants in the island serve the local specialties like seafood, goat and guava berry liquor.
St Maarten Shopping & Nightlife
Nightlife is never scarce. Many of the restaurants and bars have live entertainment and dancing until the early hours. Craving for testing your luck, there are casinos in all of the large hotels. There is an open-market Marigot. It is located at the base of Fort St Louis along the wharves, and provides a colorful spectacle for visitors. Items include home-grown produce, tropical fruits and spices, fresh fish, souvenirs, woodcarving and a host of other goods.
Getting To & Around St Maarten
Arrival to the island is possible through the Saint Maarten Airport, located at Philipsburg. There are taxis and for hire cars upon the arrival in the island.
