Nature

As the result of the constant tectonic earth movements and large volcanic activity, St. Maarten is made up of a mixture of sedimentary layers and many hills. Pic Paradis is located in the center of the island and culminates 1,392 feet, the highest summit on the island. There are many bays and creeks along the shores of the island and a combination of salt water and fresh water ponds. One of the largest Lagoons in the Caribbean, the Simpson Bay Lagoon, is located in the western part of the island. St. Maarten is home to many unique types of plants, such as the Yellow and Orange Sage, the Flamboyant and the Hibiscus.

There are also many species of palm trees and cacti. Birds such as Yellow Breasts, Pelicans, Frigate Birds, Tropic Birds and Thrushes are all indigenous to the island and can be found in abundance. The Caribbean Sea conceals an amazing diversity of sea life. The island is surrounded on all sides by coral reefs, where a variety of underwater flora and fauna can be found. Large schools of Grunts, Parrotfish and Surgeonfish can be found in the small crevices and holes along the coral reef. Other inhabitants of the reef include the Starfish, the Caribbean Spiny Lobster, the Queen Conch and Queen Angelfish, which is easily recognized by its purple and yellow colors.

There are also various species of sea turtles around St. Maarten, such as the Hawksbill, Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. They can be spotted along the Southern an Eastern part of the island.

Beaches

Ringed by 37 beaches, the island has a beach for every taste—each one different in character. The crystal-clear, turquoise, warm water of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean give a fantastic tropical feeling. There are private beaches with white sand and tiny coves accessible only by boat, while other beaches are known for their popular beach bars. On some beaches clothes are optional (Orient Bay). The many reefs give snorkelers and divers a great chance to see a lot of tropical fish.

Shopping

St. Maarten/St. Martin is the only duty-free destination in the Caribbean. Best buys are available on jewelry, watches, linens, sunglasses, fragrances and cigars. Genuine Cuban cigars are sold at more than 20 authorized outlets. Leather bags and accessories are also a fabulous bargain and found at substantially lower prices than in the United States and Europe. Philipsburg, in the heart of the Dutch side, has Front Street, which is an international shopping strip by the Caribbean Sea. There is Maho, which stays open late, Simpson Bay and Marigot, with their designer shops and unique boutiques along the marina and harbor.

Activities

The island offers a lot of different activities for people with different interests. For sporty land lovers, the island has tennis, golf, mountain biking and horseback riding. There are health spas with state-of-the-art equipment. For people who like the water there are myriad offerings, from Deep-Sea Fishing, the 12 Metre sailing challenge, kayaking to parasailing, water-skiing, windsurfing snorkeling and diving. Nature enthusiasts can indulge themselves in the eco-tourism and for those who like to know more about the culture and history of the island there are several museums and historical sites.

Weddings

For a wedding destination with the charm of Europe, the glitz of Vegas and the climate of the Caribbean, St. Maarten is the perfect place for an unforgettable wedding. Thanks to a recent change in the law, non-resident couples can now have their wedding ceremonies performed on St. Maarten and begin their honeymoons right away. They can choose to have their wedding next to the water edge on one of the beautiful beaches the island offers, in a cove shaded by natural sandstone cliffs or at one of the island’s historical forts or churches. St. Maarten is known for its outstanding dining, and one of the many bistros or cafes will be the perfect setting for the rehearsal dinner, or post-wedding brunch. There’s something for everyone to enjoy when having a St. Maarten wedding, no matter what their wedding dreams may be.

Dining

Dining has been elevated to an art on this island that boasts over 300 restaurants. There are more boulangeries, patisseries and bistros per square mile than anywhere else in the world. From the seaside lolo’s and roadside grills to the intimate trattorias and famed restaurants dotting the beaches and coves, St. Maarten/St. Martin dining is dynamic and original, blending dishes from the Caribbean with traditional recipes from Europe and Asia. Bread is baked twice daily; lunch is a sacred hour; happy hour is to be lingered over; and dinner is to be savored.

Nightlife and Gambling

There are more than a dozen casinos on the Dutch side; many have evening shows, live music and entertainment. Visit dance clubs set under the stars, discos by the sea, Cuban cigar bars and spots with live music, such as jazz, reggae, soca, zouk, salsa, disco and, of course, the island’s special blend of music. Maho, Simpson Bay and Marigot are hopping under the tropical night sky.

Calendar of Events (See St. Maarten Entertainment Calendar Below)

Carnival

Two carnivals are held on the island each year - the one on the French side takes place in February, keeping the tradition of the French Creole Mas, while the other, the largest of the two, is celebrated on the Dutch side over a period of 17 days and nights with its main parade scheduled to coincide with the birthday of Her Majesty the Queen of the Netherlands, Beatrix.

Carnival is the biggest and largest cultural event on St. Maarten. During carnival there are several performances by various internationally recognized artists at the carnival village, where you can also savor the delicious local cuisine from any of the booths. The highlights of carnival are the jump-ups and the beautiful parades of dancing, costumed, people through the streets of St. Maarten.

Heineken Regatta

Since its 1980 debut, this sailing competition has evolved into the island’s premier international sporting event, attracting sailors of all abilities to the island for three days of intense sailing and partying. Heineken became the sponsor of this event in 1983. In the past 23 years the event has become the largest event in the region following the mantra “Serious Fun”. The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta takes place in the first week of March every year. Three days of serious sailing, followed by great fun are the signatures of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. For more information about the Heineken Regatta check: .

Billfish Tournament

The Billfish Tournament takes place every year about half June. The exact date falls differently every year. This prestigious fishing tournament is organized in Marigot and takes four days; three days of fishing and one day of rest. About 30 fishing boats (150-200 people) combat at the Marlin Boulevard area, 30 miles eastwards from the coast of St. Maarten. The tournament is attended with several festivities. Next to The Billfish Tournament there are two more annual fishing events on St. Maarten. The St. Maarten Deep Sea Fishing Challenge in November just before or after St. Maarten’s Day and the Mahi Mahi Tournament in March. These two tournaments are organized in Philipsburg at Chesterfield’s.

St. Maarten’s Day

Christopher Columbus named the island St. Martin/St. Maarten because he discovered it in 1493 on the 11th of November, the feast day of St. Martin of Tours. Island residents still celebrate November 11 as St. Martin/St. Maarten’s Day It is an official holiday on both Dutch and French side. Several activities are organized throughout the island.

This information was provided by the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association and is used with permission. Updated by JMB Communications. Posted 12/1/2005

St. Maarten Weekly Entertainment Calendar

Every week, JMB Communications will post the latest SXM Entertainment Calendar right here, where you can download it, read it, print it, and take it with you on your trip to the island. We expect it to be updated weekly. Provided courtesy of Island92 Radio.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE ST. MAARTEN ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR