Why Not Go to St. Martin

Located on one small Caribbean island, travelers will find territories of two different countries. St. Martin is the French side of the island, and St. Maarten the Dutch. The two nations coexist peacefully, which allows vacationers to easily visit two countries in a single trip to the Caribbean.

Geography and Weather

St. Martin takes up the northern portion of the island, flanked by the Atlantic Ocean. It is the larger side, with 20 square miles of total area. Across the shared Simpson Bay, St. Maarten is located on the southern half of the island. St. Maarten's coast is situated along the Caribbean Sea, and has a total area of 13.1 square miles. The topography on the island ranges from hilly and rugged on the French side to flat on the Dutch side.

St. Martin/St. Maarten's climate is tropical, experiencing about 42.3 inches of rain each year. Temperatures range from 73 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, with the warmest temperatures occurring in July and the coolest temperatures in January. Click here for more information about average annual rainfall.

Accommodations

While many travelers come to the island during a port stop on a cruise excursion, vacationers are drawn to staying on the island due to its inviting atmosphere and breath-taking scenery. The accommodations on the island vary to suit any traveler’s lifestyle; from budget-minded vacationers to lavish honeymooners. Lodging options include everything from mega-resorts to family-owned inns, and if you’re traveling with a large number of people, the Dutch side of the island offers a number of facilities that cater specifically to groups.

Around the Island

St. Martin/St. Maarten is a particularly interesting island for those interested in studying history, because of its dual nation status. You can visit the Arawak Museum and Fort Louis as well as many other historic structures to learn about the island's fascinating history and culture. American travelers will be pleased to learn that both sides of the island have adapted to speaking English, making communication easy.

Exploring the outdoor wonders of St. Martin/St. Maarten is a must for nature lovers. At the Seaside Nature Park, guests can enjoy a variety of horseback riding packages that will tour you through the surrounding areas while a guide describes the local plant and animal life. The ecosystems on the island range from tropical rainforests to volcanic environments, providing travelers with a sweeping selection of scenery. Hiking and mountain biking are excellent ways to explore St. Martin/St. Maarten’s nature while engaging in a thrilling activity. Whale watching is a favorite pastime during the spring. True nature enthusiasts will love a trip to Îlet Pinel, an uninhabited island where wild goats roam free and secluded snorkeling provides for an unforgettable experience.

Of course, there are the beaches. No trip to a Caribbean island is complete unless at least one day is spent basking in the sun and swimming in the surf. St. Martin/St. Maarten's beaches tend to be quiet and are typically not crowded; giving couples the seclusion they may be looking for. Likewise, the calm atmosphere of the beach provides traveling families with the ability to claim a spot in the sand without worrying about children getting lost in the crowd. Windsurfers flock to the eastern shores of the island, including Coconut Grove, Orient Beach and Dawn Beach. Families and conservative travelers are advised that many French beaches are home to topless sunbathers.

Other popular activities in St. Martin/St. Maarten include water sports, tennis, golf, spa treatments, and shopping. More active travelers will enjoy the range of water sport activities that are available on the island. Everything from snorkeling and diving to deep-sea fishing excursions are offered to provide guests with a thrilling water-based experience. The island is home to popular fishing competitions such as May’s Marlin Cup and the Billfish Tournament held every June. Those seeking a more leisurely getaway will enjoy the Philipsburg shopping area, exciting casinos and a popular nightlife scene. Ferry rides provide a great way to take in the coastline scenery without having to work up a sweat or worry about hiking. As evening approaches, partiers flock to areas like Simpson Bay and downtown Philipsburg, where clubs and bars are bustling with excitement and entertainment.

Eat Up!

After working up an appetite while exploring everything the island has to offer, travelers are invited to dive into the culinary scene of St. Martin/St. Maarten. Everything from French dishes and Italian fare to Japanese cuisine and local Caribbean food can be found on the island, making it easy to please any taste preference. The style of restaurants also varies, giving vacationers the option between upscale candlelit dinners or casual eateries and barbecue stands. The best places to catch a delicious bite are in Grand Case, but other locations such as Marigot and Cupecoy offer excellent alternatives. Favorite local dishes include stuffed crab, cod fritters, grilled seafood and fresh produce like mangos, guavas and papayas. Click here to read more about the culinary styles of St. Martin.

Vacationers looking to get the most bang for their buck should consider a trip to St. Martin/St. Maarten. Here they will get to experience three different cultures – French, Dutch, and Caribbean – and do so while lounging under the sun and in the sand. What more could you ask for in a vacation?