What To Do When You Visit St Maarten

By Janine Hughes


When considering taking a holiday in the paradise that is the Caribbean, there is definitely one island that needs to be a contender. St Maarten lies east of Puerto Rico towards the northeastern part of the Caribbean sea and is a real jewel. It is also called Saint Martin, which is its French counterpart name, as the island is roughly split into 60:40 France and the Netherlands.

Because of this division, Dutch and French are obviously two languages you will hear when visiting. However, know that English is actually the most commonly spoken language by locals. There is also a local dialect based on creole French. You may hear another languages known as Papiamento, and this is spoken mainly by those who have migrated from neighbouring Caribbean islands like Aruba and also Curacao. All of this explains why the island is known by a variety of names, including SXM.

SXM is one of the Caribbean's popular destinations for tourist. Indeed, on either side of the island there is much to do, regardless of a visitor's personal taste in activity. The French part of the island boasts a number of beaches targeted toward nudists, as well as many outdoor markets and places to try popular French and Indian Caribbean foods. The island's Dutch equivalent is well-known for its active nightlife, as well the many casinos where one can try his or her luck. Jewelry shopping is quite popular here too, and the beaches are a must. There is also the locally made rum to try.

There are a number of different forms of accommodation for visitors to SXM, including hotels, guesthouses, villas and also timeshares. All of these can be booked online or through a travel agent as part of a package. The Belmond La Samanna Resort & Spa is a five-star accommodation that offers the best in luxury on the island.

There are many fun activities to do on any part of the island, but, being an island, the beaches are a must. From horseback riding to deep sea fishing to snorkeling and scuba diving, there is something for every taste here. Visitors can also just lay back, relax and enjoy the beautiful sunsets of Saint Martin on any of the thirty seven beaches on offer.

Visitors can take any one of several day trips on offer during their trip. A day trip to Anguilla or to Prickly Pear Cay is a must during a visit to Saint Martin. Packages include snorkeling adventures, lunch and refreshments, as well as any port fees. These day trips cost around $100 USD.

To visit Anguilla by catamaran, and then swim with the dolphins and experience one of three dolphin-related activities, costs upwards of two hundred US dollars. Seeing these breathtaking creatures up close is unforgettable. Included in this package is the trip to and from the island, and a BBQ lunch.

For less than one hundred USD, you can take a shore excursion around SXM itself. There are a range of prices with different things to see and do. These excursions are around 5 hours long. The pirate excursion is a great option for adventurers or young adults who won't mind the unlimited drinks part of the package.




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