Saint-Martin

Sports All the Way

Water sports predominate on Saint Martin. Sure, you can tan yourself on the beach, but why not leave terra firma to try some water sports? Guaranteed sensations include jet skiing, a lifting parachute, water skiing, parasailing, Wakeboarding, and sky surfing! Finally, to assure a complete change of scenery for you, nothing beats discovering "the world of silence". Scuba diving is in fact a major activity on the island. Marvelous sites are accessible to all, thanks to a coral reef that allows shallow dives. You just might encounter tortoises, skates, puffins (sea parrots), or even dolphins! The period from January through March is especially appreciated, because it is then that the whales get together to nurse their offspring.


Finally, Saint Martin is well known for its deep-sea fishing (a world championship is even held there): tunas, barracudas . . . and, most impressive, blue marlins, which can be as much as 13 feet long and weigh as much as 600 pounds.

Sightseeing

There are numerous tourist sites that are simply not to be missed.
-First of all, there is the famous butterfly farm close to the Galion Beach.
This is an enchanting site. Discovering thousands of butterflies from all over the world flying in complete liberty in an aviary is an unforgettable experience. The mix of bright colors makes this visit one that fills all, from the smallest children to adults, with wonder.

- La Loterie Farms on the way to Pic Paradis (Paradise Peak). This spot merits a special stop. There is, in fact, a little piece of paradise hidden in this spot. Here you will discover luxuriant greenery: a tropical forest with a waterfall during the winter season.

-Pic Paradis, at 1,400 feet (424 m.) the highest point on the island, offers a panoramic view of Saint Martin. Don't forget to bring your camera!

- The Marigot Market, with its typically Creole ambiance, is not to be missed. Located on the sea, it is open every Wednesday and Saturday. - The old Saint Louis Fort at Marigot is a historical vestige, built in 1776. Enjoy its panoramic view of Marigot Bay, which extends to the southwest, and of La Potence Bay, to the north.

- Saint Bartholomew (St. Barth's) is an excursion to be added to your schedule, and can be done by motor boat, by catamaran, or by plane. This island richly merits the detour, for its architecture, its wealth, and its extraordinary beaches.

- Saba is a mythical place for nature lovers and diving enthusiasts.

-Anguilla, an island located just across from Saint Martin, offers a multitude of beaches and the opportunity to visit a dolphin park.

Shopping: Duty-free prices for you

Saint Martin is a capital of "duty-free" shopping, with prestigious French luxury labels in prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear designer clothing), jewelry, and parfumes. On the French side, you can allow yourself to be seduced by fine perfumes and clothing. On the Dutch side, there is an incredible choice of jewels and stereo equipment.

Good Food and Nights on the Town

Saint Martin, which Americans have nicknamed "Food Island," is the island of gastronomy par excellence in the West Indies. There are over 561 restaurants spread out over the entire territory, but a large number of these are located in the French part of the island in Marigot, for example, as well as in Grand Case, the capital of fine cuisine. Grand Case offers restaurants with exotic names and an enormous choice of cuisine-Creole, continental, and especially French-all or which are inventive and refined. Among the most enjoyable areas, the main street of Grand Case offers two choices of ambiance: an ambiance with a panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea and one with restaurants set against the backdrop of flowering gardens.

Finally, after an excellent meal at a good restaurant, why not taste some of the pleasures of the night?
Saint Martin is an island of song and dance. Any occasion is a good opportunity to party. Every evening, you can go out to any number of casinos on the Dutch side--a taste of "Las Vegas"--not to mention the numerous night clubs at Maho Bay. On the French side, stroll along the beach, then party at one of Orient Bay's many restaurants. There is nothing like an evening on the seaside: concerts, disk jockeys....
The capital, Marigot, is also very lively, especially at the Marina Royale, where there are a variety of activities every Thursday during the high season. Finally, to bring the evening to a fine conclusion, choose one of the trendy bars or nightclubs to dance until dawn.

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