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St Maarten, one of the Leeward Islands, is fondly referred to as ‘The Friendly Island’ and unrivalled hospitality is what you’ll experience during a cruise visit to this enchanting Caribbean destination. This magical getaway, which is shared by the French Republic and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is steeped in blissful beauty and wonder that will take your breath away. You’ll discover rolling countryside, crystal-clear waters, pristine beaches and lush tropical forests, plus superb restaurants, duty-free shops and plenty of entertainment. The Dutch capital Philipsburg is home to charming narrow streets, sandy beaches and courtyard cafes, while the French capital Marigot boasts lively markets, a quaint waterfront and glitzy boutiques.
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A fun-packed time awaits in St Maarten, a sensational destination in the northeast Caribbean which is ringed by beautiful sandy beaches, volcanic rocks and boulders, secluded coves and inviting turquoise waters. You’ll enjoy blissful sunshine, superb attractions and welcoming smiles from locals during your stay on an island which is divided into two halves – a Dutch side, where the capital is Philipsburg, and a French side, where the capital is Marigot.
Speed down the Flying Dutchman, the world’s steepest zipline; sample the potent produce at Topper’s Rhum Factory or take in the panoramic views from Fort St. Louis, the island’s largest historical monument above the city of Marigot. Enchanting coral reefs teeming with marine life, hidden bat caves and the ruins of historic forts are among the delights waiting to be explored.
Key attractions in St Maarten include Loterie Farm, Front Street, Seaside Nature Park, Fort Amsterdam and Simpson Bay Lagoon. Delicious fusion cuisine, pulsating nightlife, duty-free shopping and glitzy casinos are among the other delights that make St Maarten the perfect choice for couples, families and groups of friends craving an unforgettable cruise holiday adventure.
St Maarten has plenty of tasty local dishes to tantalise your taste buds. Callaloo soup is a hearty offering made with kale, spinach, callaloo and other fresh greens, while Locri is a delicious one-pot stir fry comprising rice, chicken and plenty of vegetables and seasonings.
Conch and dumplings is a hot and spicy favourite which delivers a true flavour of the Caribbean. A conch is a large sea snail which is prepared in many much-loved traditional dishes in St Maarten. Saltfish fritters are found in beachfront cafes across the island and Johnny cakes, which are similar to American pancakes, but made with cornmeal, are often eaten for breakfast or brunch. The island boasts several outlets where you can buy scrumptious freshly-baked croissants, pastries, desserts and quiches.
The national drink is St Maarten's Guavaberry Liqueur, which is made from the small guavaberry fruits that grow on the island and La Planteur is a local cocktail featuring rum, fruit juice, syrup, nutmeg and Angostura bitters.
St Maarten is a fabulous place to visit all-year-round but a particularly appealing time is between December and April when temperatures are warm and there is a low risk of rain. The island experiences tropical showers during the wet season between late May and mid-November, but these are normally short-lived.
The average temperature on the island is 27°C, with the mercury rarely falling below 26°C or rising above 34°C during the course of the year. The average annual rainfall is 1,000mm to 1,200mm, with an average of around 142 rainy days per year. Sea temperature is ideal for swimming throughout the year, with temperatures varying between 28°C from July and October and 25°C from February and April.
There’s never a dull moment in St Maarten, with a plethora of exciting things to see and do. Go scuba diving to discover the marine life beneath the waves at Creole Rock, fly above the trees on a ziplining adventure at St Maarten’s Loterie Farm or explore off-road natural island attractions during a thrilling buggy safari. Other great attractions include the chance to walk underwater wearing special breathing gear at Sea Trek where you’ll explore shipwrecks and coral reefs and marvel at low-flying planes as they come in to land just metres above Maho Beach. The pelican sanctuary at Fort Amsterdam, Philipsburg Courthouse and Wathey Square are also worth visiting. A major event on the island’s calendar is the annual carnival which runs through January and February and features colourful street parades, pageants, concerts and dancing.
There’s no shortage of beach clubs, bustling bars and live music venues in St Marten and the island also stages the five-day SXM Festival which features more than 100 international artists and serves up a feast of electronic music. Attractions that ensure a feast of family fun include St Maarten Butterfly Farm and Tiki Hut Snorkel Park. Popular activities on the island include windsurfing, snorkelling, diving, hiking, yachting, skydiving, catamaran trips.There are also many superb beaches where you can soak up the sun or enjoy some thrilling water sports action. Popular sandy expanses include Maho Bay Beach, Mullet Bay Beach, Dawn Beach, Galisbay Beach and Friar’s Bay.
