History of Sint-Marteen Geography Saint Martin has a land area of 87 km2, 53 km2 of which is under the sovereignty of France, and 34 km² under the sovereignty of the Netherlands. The main towns are Philipsburg (Dutch side) and Marigot (French side). The highest hilltop is the Pic Paradis (424 m) on center of a hill chain (French side). There is no river on the island, but many dry guts. Hiking trails give access to the dry forest covering tops and slopes. The average yearly air temperature is 27 °C (min 17 °C, max 35 °C) and sea surface temperature 26.4 °C. The total average yearly rainfall is 995 mm, with 99 days of thunder. Neither of the two halves of St Martin had separate FIPS PUB 10-4 territory codes or ISO 3166-1 codes prior to 2007; they were coded as GP (Guadeloupe) and NA/AN (Netherlands Antilles). The status of the French side changed to an overseas collectivity in February 2007... more
Princess Juliana airport extraordinary! L'Esperance Airport: Phone: 590-87-53-03- The small L'Esperance Airport in St. Martin generally serves small charter and inter-island planes. Federal Aviation Administration: Website: http://www.faa.gov Airline passengers often prefer to travel on board air carriers they know and trust, but this may not always be an option for getting to your destination of choice. The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States (FAA) provides air carrier reputation rankings that are based on performance, service, and safety. The FAA's Web site is at http://www.faa.gov. Federal Aviation Administration 800 Independence Ave, SW Washington, DC 20591 The FAA consumer hotline can be contacted at 866-835-5322, and those looking for the Aviation Consumer Protection Division or looking to report air travel service problems should contact 202-366-2220... more
When you arrive in St. Maarten (SXM) ! Superficie I just returned from a week at Pelican Resort in St. Maarten. I went solo, single female in my mid-30's. Despite a few minor inconveniences (lost luggage, long lines), I had a great time and wanted to share my experiences in hopes of helping the next traveler. Flight I flew Spirit Airlines out of FLL. I am one of the biggest budget/bargain shoppers. However, trust me - pay the extra -100 to fly a different airline who has better processes in place to handle the passengers, luggage and flights. If you do fly Spirit – get to the airport earlier than the two hours required (at least an extra hour). Spirit had major issues handling the number of people checking in for international flights. The international line had tents set up outside (long lines are common) and the line was longer than a football field outside... more
Marigot, capital of the French side Today, a pretty promenade has been developed on the seafront, running from Fort Louis Marina to the cemetery via the open-air market, in the warm hues of the sun. Now the headquarters of the subprefecture for the two northern islands of St. Martin and Saint Barths, the town of Marigot is home to all the local government departments (Hôtel de la Collectivité, subprefecture services, border police, customs, etc.). Marigot is made up of a number of districts: Agrément, Hameau Du Pont, Galisbay, Concordia, Sandy Ground, Saint James and Bellevue. shopping in marigot Winding through the streets of central Marigot, visitors will love discovering old Creole houses, restored in the traditional Saint Martinoise style and often housing luxury boutiques. St. Martin is the Caribbean capital of elegance... more
Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch St. Maarten, fills a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay and the Great Salt Pond. Founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy, it soon became a bustling center of international trade. Today it is as bustling as ever, with lively shopping streets, cafes, and hotels. Two main roads cut across the length of Philipsburg--Front Street and, yes, Back Street. Front Street, the main thoroughfare, is lined with duty-free shops offering everything from Italian leather goods and Japanese cameras to native crafts. Narrow alleyways lead in either direction to arcades and courtyards filled with flowers. Visitors will also find examples of traditional West Indian architecture, including characteristic pastel-colored houses with second-story verandas looking out over the street... more
Beaches of Sint Maarten The island of St. Martin offers vacationers the choice of over 30 beautiful white sand beaches all with their own character and charm. There are isolated romantic coves where you can catch a great sunset, "happening" beaches were the activity never stops, and calm beaches where the atmosphere is more family oriented. St Martin beach choices also include some clothing optional beaches with the most popular being Orient Beach. St Martin Beaches - Not Just for Sunbathing Some beaches feature great shopping and eating establishments as well. So, if you are not into watersports and sunbathing there are still plenty of fun things to do while enjoying your St Martin beach vacation. St Martin Beaches - Something for Everyone Some of the more famous beaches include Mullet Bay Beach, known for its perfect swimming conditions... more
Pinel, the magic of an Island ... With lots of shallow waters, this paradise like sand point is protected from pounding surf. The water is calm and crystal clear, accompanied by beautiful beaches. Ideal for snorkeling for its coral reefs (there is a snorkel trail, too!), and also for sunbathing, as the main beach stays sun-drenched until the end of the day! When you arrive on Pinel Island you will see a large sand spit. Behind that a stand of Coconut palm trees, and then a small hill that makes up this picture perfect paradise. There are no cars, no roads, (and of course no ATM!), however you will find three beach bars/ restaurants, one is run by a Frenchman, the other is a local tiki-hut style place serving BBQ food, seafood and grilled fresh lobster as well. The third "Up On The Key" is new, see Some people have been known to camp here overnight... more
Good restaurants of Saint-Martin The variety of foods available on the island is vast, with fish, lobster and shellfish, succulent meats and traditional barbecues on the menu, all served up with local spices, Creole sauces or tropical fruits. Surrounded by traditional décor and authentic flavours, aromas and even the accents of the waiting staff, dining out in St. Martin can feel like taking a quick trip to a foreign country thousands of miles away.stmartin restaurants With its celebrated gourmet restaurants, cosy bistros, traditional eateries and beach lolos, St. Martin is truly the culinary capital of the Caribbean. Come and discover the myriad flavours of St. Martin for yourself... more
St. Martin, island of night birds !
Casinos Sint Maarten !
St Martin Deep Sea Fishing !!!
For lovers of diving and snorkeling ! St Martin Snorkeling If you prefer snorkeling to diving don't worry because there are many opportunities in St. Martin for snorkeling. Colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life are often located close to the shore, making them accessible to divers as well as snorklers. Best Places for St Martin Diving & Snorkeling Dawn Beach is known to be the best snorkeling site on the island, but Little & Maho Bays offer great snorkeling opportunities as well. Just a mile off of Great Bay divers can can experience the ship wreck of the British man-of-war , which sank in 1801. Another interesting exploration is the freighter Teigland which was deliberately sunk on Cable Reef in the early 90's. St Martin Diving Rentals & Instruction Aqua Mania Dive Adventures • Simpson Bay Located at Pelican Marina 599544-2640-2631 Blue Ocean • Nettle Bay Phone... more
Saint-Martin Watersports... St. Martin, water sports' haven It’s hardly surprising that water-based tourism is number-one on St. Martin when there is so much water to enjoy. A magical island resting like a picture book between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Saint Martin has something for everyone. Whether you’re here for swimming, sunbathing, sports or simply to relax, there’s room for everyone to find their own little piece of paradise. The waters off the beaches of St Martin are clear and warm and perfect for exploring the local marine life with a snorkel and mask. Water sports are by no means the only activities available on the island, but they are by far the most numerous. With surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, jet-skiing, kite surfing, water skiing, kayaking, sailing and deep-sea fishing on the menu... more
For lovers of Water Ski and Wakeboard !
Make Windsurf St martin Windsurfing and windsurfing is a type of sailing craft minimalist , it is also the sport that practiced the craft. It consists of a single board unsinkable , or float, and articulated to the board by the base of the mast rigging. Windsurfing is characterized by its upright practitioner named " windsurfer " and no rudder. This is the windsurfer and keeps raising the mast in its vertical position, directing water by tilting back and forth rigging, or changing its support on the board... more
Surfing in St. Martin St. Martin has a number of well-known surf spots. When the swell picks up, the surfers gather around these spots, awaiting the right conditions to ride the waves. Best surf spots on St. Martin See the st martin watersports Beaches section for detailed information about the locations listed below • Petites Cayes Beach At the northern tip of the island, the unspoiled Petites Cayes is one of Saint Martin’s most beautiful beaches and is rarely visited. Access to the beach is via a roughly 30-minute easy walk from the Cul-de-Sac dump. The reef break here receives a reliable swell and there is excellent surf on a north swell. Little visited. • Le Galion The Windy Reef club and Waterboys & Watergirls are based there. An excellent spot for beginners and more experienced surfers. There is an approximately 20-minute paddle to reach the surf... more
For kitesurfers ! Kitesurfing or windsurfing board aérotractée flying or gliding is a sport consisting in change with a board on the surface of a body of water being pulled by a kite specially designed or appointed wing sail. The wing kitesurfeur hung by its driver in harness with a bar which are connected to tractive lines . He is subject in his mode of travel to the physical laws of sailing. The board can be inspired wakeboarding , symmetrical, without front or back set , or near a surf small... more
Stand-up paddle ! The sport was born in 1960 in Hawaii but was quickly overtaken by the arrival of short boards . He returned to the front of the stage during a competition in Hawaii still organized in 2004. Since then the discipline develops gradually and it becomes rare in France breaks when the waves are small , not see evolve a SUP . Since November 2009 a dedicated section was created within the French Surfing Federation , and in this country competitions and regulations of the sport depend on the federation ... more
This ancestral boat made out of wood is conceived today in fiber glass to improve sensations. The canoe is originally from Polynesia. With a remarkable shipbuilding, a pointed shape, its handling abilities and nautical qualities, this canoe can take heavy swells and is made for sea travels. That is how Today outrigger canoes has become a popular sport for families or for those who love extreme sensations. Come and experience the outrigger canoe alone, with your family on small or bigger waves!... more
Flyboard in St Martin
Mullet Bay Golf Founded in 1990 by a small group of keen golfers looking to make their golfing experience more meaningful, the Sint Maarten Golf Association has over 130 players. Their mission: “to promote golf on Sint Maarten/Saint Martin and develop various golfing events for the enjoyment of participants and for the benefit of the community”. Following their example, golfers on the French side of the island have recently created the Tamarins Golf Association. This relatively new Association is young and dynamic and has organised a number of tournaments both on the Mullet Bay course and on the Temenos Golf Course on the neighbouring island of Anguilla. The golfing year on Saint Martin is centred around two flagship events: • The Generali Golf Tour on the Anguilla course in May, under the aegis of the French Golf Federation... more
The Butterfly Farm Under a 900m² greenhouse, hundreds of butterflies from all four corners of the world, in all shapes and colours, flutter and dance in a stunning tropical garden complete with small waterfall and pools filled with Japanese fish. Relaxing music and a soothing atmosphere are the backdrop to this insight into the amazing metamorphosis of butterflies, from microscopic eggs to exotic caterpillars and pupae. The farm’s creators work alongside scientists to save endangered species. Outside, the shop offers a range of souvenirs. Open 7 days a week, from 9am to 3:30pm. The Butterfly Farm - Route du Galion - 0590 87 31 21... more
The Loterie Farm Today, the smells, noises and coolness of Loterie Farm provides a striking contrast with the rest of the island. The Farm is a real tropical gem, where plant and animal species are identified and carefully protected. For some years now, this unique venue has offered a high-wire forest adventure course for the young and old alike. The Hidden Forest Café and Tree Lounge will cater for your refreshment and snack needs. The Tree Lounge offers a selection of tapas and fast food dishes from noon onwards. Or why not sip a cocktail as you take in the exceptional views over Pic Paradis? Information : 0590 87 86 1... more
