St. Maarten Tourism Bureau

EXPLORE A HISTORY OF DIVERSE CULTURES LIKE NO OTHER IN THE WORLD.

The smallest island in the world shared by two sovereign powers, St. Maarten/St. Martin enjoys the perfect blend of two European cultures with the beauty of a Caribbean paradise. The island of St. Maarten also boasts an intriguing historical background. Christopher Columbus discovered it in 1493, on the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, and in the 140 years

that followed, it changed flags many times. The Spanish, French, Dutch, and English have all claimed possession. In 1648, a treaty divided the island in two; the Dutch received 16 square miles and the French, due to a superior naval presence at the time, received 21. Today, the cosmopolitan inhabitants of this friendly island are proud of their over 350-year coexistence and, as if to prove a point, have never constructed an official border between the island’s two countries. There are historic forts to see and architectural gems to photograph. Indians, pirates, smugglers, slaves, soldiers, merchants, and mariners have all left their mark here. And rumors of buried treasures still persist. Be that as it may, the island is certainly a treasure trove of history.

WITH 37 BEACHES, WHEN IT COMES TO FUN, THE WETTER THE BETTER.

When it comes to water activities in this picturesque paradise, the recipe for fun is this: simply add water. In fact, the wetter and wilder the water sport, the better. The island offers not only the turquoise Caribbean sea but tranquil lagoons as well. Enthusiasts can snorkel, windsurf, waterski, sail, jet-ski, and parasail. Fishing charters for marlin, king fish, tuna, and wahoo,

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plus day sails to our neighboring islands, are also readily available. The beautiful island of St. Maarten is encircled by 37 magnificent beaches. While some invite you to endless stretches of powder white sands shaded by swaying palms, others lure you to enchanting coves or a scuba diver’s dream sheltered by colorful coral reefs. Nice to know is the fact that our beaches are never crowded, even in season. So

those who prefer the sensual privacy of a secluded beach in paradise can become lost in fantasy and intrigue. For those who wish not to get their feet wet, there’s horseback riding, tennis, and golf. Most hotels have tennis courts or access to them, and arrangements can be made for you to play golf on Mullet Bay’s 18-hole championship course. Whatever your whims, the island of St. Maarten offers more activities than

imaginable to have total fun in the Caribbean sun.

NONSTOP ACTION THAT’S WORLD-CLASS

If exciting night life and gaming tickles your fancy, the Dutch side of the island can deal you a winning hand every time. Seasoned high rollers and spirited amateur shooters can try their luck at roulette, craps, baccarat, blackjack, and slots at any of our glamorous casinos.

In addition to popular local hot spots, the island’s many and varied hotels also offer entertainment of their own; you will not have to look far to enjoy an evening of limbo fire dancers, folkloric, and the calypso beat of a Caribbean revue. On lively St. Maarten, disco lives! Wherever the excitement draws you, it is a sure bet that you’ll find enough Las Vegasstyle entertainment and casino action to keep you rolling all night long. In the wee hours of a starry night, there’s always romance, a stroll in the surf, a balmy breeze and the scent of wild orchids.

IN THE GOURMET CAPITAL OF THE CARIBBEAN, YOU’LL FIND FINE EUROPEAN DINING.

Food, delicious food! While our guests may argue the merits of golf versus tennis and scuba versus snorkel, they all agree on one thing: the dining on St. Maarten is exquisite. The cuisine can be described in many ways. French, Italian Continental, Creole from beluga to zucchini mousse. St. Maarten sets a table that’s unique in the Caribbean. Where else in the world will you find a 37-square-mile island boasting over 350 tantalizing restaurants. Here you can enjoy a Cuban or Mexican appetizer, a Brazilian or Indonesian entrée, and a Vietnamese dessert. Frankly, the gastronomic possibilities are endless.

But of course, there’s more to dining than simply the food. There’s the ambiance, the view, and the atmosphere of many different cultures. Whether you’re enjoying a candlelit dinner in a sophisticated restaurant in Philipsburg or a bistro meal in a sidewalk café on one of Marigot’s colorful avenues, dining in St. Maarten is like dining no place else. ~ Bon appétit!

SOFT ADVENTURES

Your trip to St. Maarten offers many opportunities such as: Hiking along lush, scenic trails, Kayaking along our gorgeous beaches. Also one can enjoy our numerous cycling routes along both roads and mountainous trails.

ST. MAARTEN TOURISM BUREAU

HORSEBACK RIDING

The island has several stables at which persons rent horses. Arrangements for guided horseback tours can also be made at the stables.

BEACHES

Vacation on St. Maarten and the sand will always be between your toes. We have so many wonderful beaches. On the Dutch side, Cupecoy beach is picture-perfect. Mullet Bay and Maho Bay offer shimmering sands and family facilities. Simpson Bay and Great Bay offer suntans and water sports. Anywhere you travel, a beach is not far away.

WATER SPORTS

The island offers excellent diving and snorkeling locations. And with so many multicolored tropical fish, you’d think Picasso had been painting them. Underwater visibility runs from 75–200 feet depending on conditions. Windsurfing, sailing, and jet skiing have enjoyed rapid growth over recent years and instructors are usually available.

CHARTER FISHING

Charters, available for half or full-day hire, usually include tackle, bait, food, and refreshments. Your hotel will tell you where the best fishing is.

SAILING

Internationally renowned for hosting the famed Heineken Regatta and the 12-metre Challenge, St. Maarten fascinates boaters of all sorts with crystal blue waters, brisk trade winds, secluded beaches, and first-rate mariners’ services. St.

Maarten also offers various yacht chartering services, from day trips to neighboring islands to sunset cruises boasting the best view of the island.

DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

One of the joys of vacationing in St. Maarten is that it is duty-free!

You can get many bargains because prices are among the lowest in the region. Certainly much less than prices you pay

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in the U.S. and Canada. The best places to shop on the Dutch side are Philipsburg’s Front Street and Old Street, Simpson Bay, and Maho village. Wherever you go, you’ll find clothing, leather goods, jewelry, gold, watches, perfumes, cosmetics, china, and crystals from around the world.

All famous brand names are well represented. St. Maarten plays hosts to a number of fascinating art galleries and studios featuring the finest local, International and Caribbean works.

CASINOS

No vacation on this island is complete without a visit to one or more of our spectacular casinos. All are located on the Dutch side and are open from noon until 3 am.

CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION

U.S. citizens entering St. Maarten for three months or less must bring a valid passport or proof of U.S. citizenship, return travel tickets, documents for next destination, and sufficient

funds. Canadian citizens entering St. Maarten for 14 days or less must bring: a valid passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Return travel tickets, documents for next

destination, and sufficient funds are also required.

United Kingdom citizens or British-protected persons entering St. Maarten for three months or less must bring a valid passport, return tickets, documents for next destination, and sufficient funds.

Citizens of other countries should check with a travel agent or a St. Maarten Tourist Office on the appropriate documents necessary to enter St. Maarten.

AIRLINES

The island is serviced by a number of major carriers and charter flights.

AIRPORT

Princess Juliana International Airport is located on the Dutch side near Simpson Bay.

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Flight Information: 1(721) 546-7777 Information Desk: 1(721) 524-4569

For more information call your travel professional or the St. Maarten Tourist Offices.

AUTOMOBILE RENTALS

One of the best and most convenient ways to see the island is to rent a car. For about $35 to $55 per day, most rentalcar agencies offer unlimited mileage. Pickup and delivery service is usually available. All you need to rent a car is a valid driver’s license and a major credit card or cash deposit (about $350 to $600). Also available are scooters, bikes, and Harley- Davidson rentals. trip to their destination. Your driver will appreciate a tip of 10 to 15 percent. Taxi Stations are located on the Dutch Side at the Airport, at the Cyrus Wathey Square, at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility, at Diamond Casino on Front Street, and also on the waterfront on the French Side.

BANKING HOURS

8:30 am–3:30 pm, Monday to Friday. (Hours vary from bank to bank.) ATM machines are available throughout the island.

CURRENCY

Dutch side: U.S. Dollars ($) or Antillian Guilders (Naf./Fls./ Ang.). One U.S. dollar equals approximately Naf.1.82 French side: U.S. Dollars ($) or Euros (€).

DRIVING LICENSE

Both international and foreign licenses are accepted. Traffic on St. Maarten is right hand driving.

BUSES

Public transportation runs regularly between the island’s two capitals for a moderate fee. Other buses travel hourly between Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, and Grand Case.

TAXIS

Taxis on St. Maarten are not metered. Rates determined by the government are based on carrying two passengers per

CLIMATE

Annual averages: Temperature - 80°; rainfall - 40”; water temperature - 78°

DRINKING WATER

Purified tap water. Local and imported bottled water also widely available.

ELECTRICITY

Dutch side: 110 volts (50 cycles). French side: 208/200 volts (60 cycles).

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OFFICIAL LANGUAGES

St. Maarten: Dutch St. Martin: French

English is widely spoken on both sides of the island.

SIZE AND LOCATION

The Dutch side is 16 square miles. The French side is 21 square miles. St. Maarten is located 195 miles from San Juan, 1,690 miles from New York, 1,989 miles from Montreal, 2,008

miles from Toronto, 3,065 miles from São Paulo, 1,225 miles

from Miami, 3,612 miles from Buenos Aires, and 4,314 miles

from Amsterdam.

SHOPPING HOURS

Monday through Saturday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Some shops and supermarkets are open on Sundays.

WEDDINGS AND HONEYMOONS

Nothing makes for a more memorable wedding day than having your ceremony presided over by the serene surroundings and azure waters of beautiful St. Maarten.

Marriage licenses are easy to obtain and you can even be provided with a wedding coordinator to help facilitate your special day. For those who can’t wait to start their honeymoon, St. Maarten offers a wonderful variety of charming hotels and resorts so you can instantly be whisked off to your once-in-alife-time rendezvous. For complete wedding and honeymoon information, contact the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.

For more information, call your travel professional or the St. Maarten Tourist Office:

Krippa Commercial Building 6 Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 1-721-5490200 Fax: 1-721-5422734