sint maarten/saint martin/voyage guide/day activities

LEISURES	LEISURES
The deceptively small Dutch St. Maarten presents some interesting contrasts for the explorer. Wide beaches along the coast, full of sunbathers and surfers, seem a far cry from the quiet country roads and small towns of the hillsides. Northeast of the St. Maarten Park are Dawn Beach, Oyster Pond and Guana Bay, the first best known as a favored snorkeling and windsurfing beach.	According to legend, Oyster Pond is the point where a Frenchman and Dutchman stood back to back and starting walking around the island in either direction, determining the present-day boundaries between Dutch and French St. Maarten. Oyster Bay remains divided between two governments, but the border is extremely informal--swimmers can cross back and forth between French and Dutch territory without even noticing!
MOUNT CONCORDIA	ST. MAARTEN PARK
For a view and a taste of history, visitors can climb Mount Concordia, which rises along the border in the center of the island. In 1648, the treaty that divided the island was signed here, and Mount Concordia continues to serve as a proud symbol of St. Maarten's 350+ year history of peaceful co-existence between the two cultures.	Heading north by car on Pondfill Road from Philipsburg, visitors soon arrive at the Madam Estate area, site of the St. Maarten Park. Governed by the St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden, it features animals, birds and plants native to the Caribbean Basin and South America.
COLE BAY HILL	SIMPSON BAY
Cole Bay Hill, just west of Philipsburg, has an observation platform at the top. A stop here is highly recommended for views of surrounding islands, including Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, and Nevis. Down along the coast, a popular walking trail leads from Cole Bay to Cay Bay. The walk takes about an hour.	Further west is Simpson Bay Lagoon, a large, enclosed stretch of water perfect for waterskiing. The road leading along the south side of the lagoon goes past the island's largest resort, Maho Bay. Cupecoy Beach is the last beach in Dutch territory on the western side of the island. Visitors who want the full St. Maarten experience can follow the road through the French side.

DAY ACTIVITIES
FRENCH SIDE

See also sightseeing

The best choice in the Caribbean

LEISURES	LEISURES
Out of our many beautiful beaches, there are plenty of other activities in Sait Martin. Enough to keep you busy during your stay for the day	About the Sightseeing Tours, they are presented in the sightseeing file.
THE MARKETS	THE NATURAL RESERVE
A visit to the Marigot and Philipsburg markets is a must, your visit would not be complete without. On Wednesdays and Saturdays , experience the richness of Caribbean Colors and Flavors: fruits, spices, clothing, local artisanal stalls. The variety of colors, smelling, abundance of goods give to this market a pleasant atmosphere. Several restaurant are located around which offer creol food.	The preserve streches out over an area of 8561 acres of which 427 acres on land (the Earth Park) and 7133 acres at sea (the Marine Park). It is thus forbidden to disturb the animals, not to trouble them and not to try to have access to them. I may be authorized the practice of sports and tourist activities. Tel: (0590) 29 09 72
THE LOTTERY FARM	THE BUTTERFLY FARM
This ancient Plantation rediscovered recently, present an extremely samples of variety of lush tropical vegetation. Take the road of Pic Paradis and follow the signs. Tel: (0590) 87 86 16 email:loteriefarm@powerantilles.com	The Butterfly Farm at Route du Gallion, present thousands of multicolored tropical butterflies, flying freely in a tropical garden. Children will enjoy. Tel; (0590) 29 31 21. email: info@thebutterflyfarm.com
POTERIE DES ARAWAK	MUSEE DES COQUILLAGES
Arawaks Potteries. Rediscover an impressive traditional art of the Indians Arawaks. Route Quartier d'Orléans Tel: 0590 87 40 95	The Seashell Museum present a large collection of natural underwater treasures. La Saintoise at Concordia. Tel: 0590 87 53 65