St Maarten/St Martin
A very special island, half Dutch and half French, though the border is open between the two. You can come and go as you please.. If you want to have an active holiday you´ll definitely find your favourite sport here. Divers will love the underwater landscape and sun seekers the beaches. Added to these attractions are great shopping, especially in the French capital Marigot, and fantastic night life. There are no casinos on the French side, but shuttles run to take you to the casinos on the Dutch side if required. St.Maarten´s terrific location also allows you to easily take day trips to visit the neighbouring islands (Anguilla, Saba, St Eustatius or St Barts) by catamaran, sailing boat or dive-cruise. |
The island is a
popular cruise ship destination, with the larger ships calling at the
south (Dutch) side, and the smaller ones at the French side.
Currency used is the Euro.
The south west of the island is home to a very large salt water lagoon. Peak Paradis is the highest point, on which you can take hiking tours up the mountain, along with horseback riding. One of the best known beaches is Orient Beach. This has watersports on one side and a nudist colony on the other. Grand Case is a beautiful little fishing village in the French side which abounds with restaurants. The atmosphere there is very informal. |
Area size
96 square kilometers; the Dutch part: 41 square kilometers
Inhabitants NL: 39.000, F: 35.000
Capitals NL: Philipsburg, F: Marigot
National holiday
11th of November (St. Maarten’s Day)
Festivals
International Brass Band Festival (October), Heinekenregatta (March)
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Tourist office on the island |
Tourist offices in Europe Tourism Sales Representative Nocturne Straat 9, 2553 SK Den Haag The Netherlands Tel. 0031-70-4042101 Fax 0031-70-4042102 |