St. Maarten & St. Martin

As the two names suggest this is the most unique Island in the Caribbean. Dutch and French share this two country situation without borders. Other than signs that say “Welcome to the Dutch Side” and “Welcome to the French Side” you would think it was one country.

Roughly 37 square miles offers breathtaking views from beautiful mountain Vistas of the Caribbean and Atlantic Oceans. A scenic "loop" around the island can take just half a day, including plenty of stops.
If you head up the east shoreline from Philipsburg, follow the signs to Dawn Beach and Oyster Pond. The road winds past soaring hills, turquoise waters.

quaint West Indian houses, and wonderful views of St. Barths. As you cross over to the French side, the road leads from the islands oldest settlement, known as the French Quarter to Cule de Sac and the secluded, luxurious district Anse Marcel or you can drive directly to the "restaurant capital of the Caribbean" Grand Case.

Following the street you reach Marigot the capital of the French side and Sandy Ground . From Marigot, the flat island of Anguilla is visible. Completing the loop brings you past Cupecoy Beach, through Maho and Simpson Bay , where Saba looms in the horizon, and back over the mountain road into Philipsburg.

Beaches in St. Maarten/St. Martin

The 38 Beaches of St. Martin/St. Maarten are world famous for their beautiful white sand and turquoise water. Each beach is unique, and all beaches are open to the public. Coral reefs populated by colorful marine life fringe the coast, and several tiny islets with lovely beaches are just a short distance away.

St. Martin is only a quick flight away from the islands of Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Barths, and Anguilla; enabling visitors to sample a wide variety of beaches and surroundings.

Orient Bay is particularly enticing for its wide expanse of velvety white sand, its underwater marine reserve with a coral reef that is great for snorkeling, and the variety of water sports that are offered here.

At one end there is a naturist resort, and the beach there is purely clothing-optional. In general, the attitudes toward topless bathing are fairly relaxed and sophisticated in St. Martin. There is one part of Orient Beach which is reserved for naturists.