Welcome to St. Martin and St. Maarten!
As the smallest island in the world shared by two sovereign states, St. Maarten/St. Martin offers visitors the best of two worlds: French and Dutch. Located 144 miles southeast of Puerto Rico, this Caribbean tourist spot has grown tremendously over the past decade. If you're in the mood for shopping all day and nightclubbing all night, this is your spot.
With a Las Vegas-style atmosphere, the Dutch St. Maarten will keep you entertained with its many casinos and island stores. Thanks to the free port and sales-tax free buys, you can stock up on imported bargains from all over the world.
Or take advantage of the beautiful shores lined with bays and beaches which offer many watersport activities. Another attraction is St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden which is home to over 100 animals of 35 species and 100 plant species of South America and the Caribbean Basin.
Whether on the Dutch side or the French St. Martin side, make sure both states are visited. St. Martin is just as active as its neighbor with a French flair. Shopping here is an experience on the "rues" of Marigot, the capital. Don't miss the evening hot-spot of Club l'Aventure where, whatever the age, you'll dance the night away.
Climb to the peak of Mount Paradise which rises 1,500 feet from sea level at the center of the island and gasp at the spectacular view of this tropical paradise.
History
Discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus and claimed by Spain, it wasn't until the 17th century boom of West Indies trade that St. Maarten/St. Martin was settled. First the Dutch wanted the island and eventually pushed out Spain only to discover a French settlement established. Legend has it that a Frenchman and Dutchman, both intoxicated, settled the land dispute by meeting in the center of the island walking in opposite directions until they marked off their country's territory. Today the border remains and after a treaty of friendship was signed, both countries have remained peaceful neighbors
St Maarten Facts
St. Maarten is located at 18N, 63W or 144 miles east of Puerto Rico. It is located in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies. It is 37 square miles and has a population of 21,900.
It is in the Atlantic Time zone which is UTC - 4.
The capital is Philipsburg.
Dutch is the official language. English and Spanish are widely spoken. The local dialect is Papiamento.
St. Maarten is a territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Holland).
The climate is tropical with average temperatures of 80F.
The electrical supply is 110 volts, 60 cycles.
Tap water in St. Maarten is processed by a desalination plant on the island, or from individual water tank systems.
Fond'or is the locally produced bottled water (French side). Other international brands are also available.The hospital in St. Maarten can be contacted at 011-5995-22300.
The official currency of St. Maarten is the EURO. US dollars are accepted at all establishments. |
