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WORLD ▫
NORTH AMERICA ▫
NETHERLANDS ANTILLES ▫
ST. MARTIN
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St. Martin
Saint Martin (Dutch: Sint Maarten; French: Saint-Martin) is a tropical island in the northeast Caribbean, approximately 240 km (150 miles) east of Puerto Rico. The 87 km² island is divided roughly in half between France and the Netherlands; it is the smallest inhabited sea island divided between two nations. The southern Dutch half comprises the Eilandgebied Sint Maarten (Island area of Saint Martin) and is part of the Netherlands Antilles. The northern French half comprises the Collectivité de Saint-Martin (Collectivity of Saint Martin) and is a dependency of France.
Collectively, the two territories are known as "St.-Martin/St. Maarten". Sometimes SXM, the IATA identifier for Princess Juliana International Airport (the island's main airport), is used to refer to the island.
Neither of the two halves of Saint Martin have separate FIPS PUB 10-4 territory codes or ISO 3166-1 codes; they are coded as GP (Guadeloupe) and NA (Netherlands Antilles). Since the status of the French side changed to a overseas collectivity in 2007 and the status of the Dutch side is due to change to a country within the kingdom of the Netherlands in 2008, it is very well possible that both halves of Saint Martin will have a territory code of their own in the near future.
Geography
The main towns are Philipsburg (Dutch side) and Marigot (French side). The island has approximately a total resident population above 71,000, divided evenly between each half. Human density is 3 times that of the Netherlands. In addition there is an average of 1,000,000 tourist visitors per year.
The highest hilltop is the Pic Paradis (414 m) on center of a hill chain. 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 22 days of thunder.
Common history
Short review 11 Nov 1493 Discovered and claimed for Spain by Columbus, named Isla de San Martin. 1624 Some French cultivate tobacco on French Quarter. 1631 Dutch small colony on Groot baai to collect salt. 1633 - 1647 Spanish army from Puerto Rico builds the first military fort, but after a few years destroy it and abandon the island forever. 23 Mar 1648 Divided into French (Saint-Martin)(north) and Dutch (Sint Maarten) (south) zones
(Dutch zone subordinate to Sint Eustatius until 1672). 1679 - 1689 French occupy entire island.1689 - 1792 Dutch zone under Dutch West India Company administration. 1690 - 1699 English occupy entire island. 1699 - 1702 French occupy entire island. 24 Feb 1779 - 3 Feb 1781 French occupy entire island. 3 Feb 1781 - 26 Nov 1781 British occupy entire island. 18 May 1793 - 5 Apr 1794 Dutch administer entire island 29 Apr 1795 - 24 Mar 1801 French occupy entire island. 24 Mar 1801 - 1 Dec 1802 British occupy entire island. 9 Jul 1810 Annexed along with...
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Hotels in St. Martin
| Day Trip to St Barts from St Maarten |
8 hours |
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St Barts is aptly called 'The Jewel of the Caribbean'. Just 45 minutes from Pelican Marina with the 'Edge' ferries.
Depart Simpson Bay in St Maarten at 9am to arrive in Gustavia Harbor, the hub of activity in St Barts. Sidewalk cafes offer crepes and croissants for breakfast, car rentals meet the boat, the taxi stand is a few feet away, and boutiques are open for business.
This exceptional island has white sandy beaches, good snorkeling, great restaurants and a unique shell museum. A day guaranteed to entertain with sights and delights. Lunch can be had at a local burger shack, or fine dining at one of the exclusive beachside hotels. Many of the shops in Gustavia may close over the lunch time period, so we recommend shopping in the morning.
The taxi island tours are around US$12 per person, or privately for around US$50 for two. Afterwards a stop at St Jean Beach for shopping, beaching and lunch, and then return to Gustavia with a short time to spare for shopping before the ferry departs. Check in for the boat is at 3:45pm, for departure at 4pm. Arrival back to Pelican Marina at approximately 4:45pm.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| St Maarten Dolphin Encounters and Anguilla Snorkeling |
7 hours |
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This tour combines some of the most memorable activities offered in St Maarten - all in one! You will depart on 'Santino', a comfortable boat offering spacious seating and a fun crew who will allow you to sit back and relax while you take in the beautiful coastlines of St Maarten and Anguilla.
The first stop is Sandy Island, a gorgeous stretch of white sand surrounded by coral reefs. The boat provides snorkel gear or you can swim up to the beach and enjoy the powder white sand, perfect for relaxing on while catching some rays!
A visit to the Dolphin Discoveries Park is also included and guests have the option of choosing the level of contact they get with this incredible experience of swimming with dolphins. The close up and personal playtime with the dolphins is a magical and unforgettable experience. There are three levels to choose from for the Dolphin Encounters to be selected at time of booking. Space is limited so book early.
A delicious lunch is served at 'Corals Restaurant' which overlooks the Dolphin Park pool. The Dolphin park also has an art gallery, restaurant and gift store on property. Photographers take pictures of the Dolphin Encounters that are available for purchase.
At time of booking you must select an option from the below:
- Discovery Dolphin Swim: The Discovery Swim is a program for all ages. Everyone gets a dolphin kiss, a dance with the dolphin and swim by so you can stroke them. Dolphins sing, dance, jump and play with the toys thrown to them.
- Adventure Dolphin Swim: The Adventure Swim has a minimum age of 8 years. The Adventure Swim starts the same as the Discovery Swim. But also includes the belly-ride and the body-board push through the water.
- Royal Dolphin Swim: The Royal Swim has a minimum age of 8 years and also starts the same as the Discovery Swim and then also includes the footpush, dorsal tow and hurdle jump.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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| Sunset Soiree on the Sheffield |
2.5 hours |
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The Lord Sheffield departs Dock Maarten/Great Bay Marina and chases the sun into the sea driven by billowing square sails.
Along the way let the crew pamper you with our open bar, world famous BBQ ribs/chicken, French bread and cheese and other delicious h'ors d'ouvres.
Learn from the crew, and see first-hand how the great windjammers of yesterday were sailed. Take a turn at the wheel, sing a sea chantey and be a pirate for an evening.
Join us at 4:30 and enjoy our dock side cocktail party.
Click here for more information and Booking Details
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