The Best of the Caribbean - ST. Martin

Get the experience of visiting two island colonies in the same 37 square miles. Saint Martin's spicy marriage of Caribbean, French and Dutch cultures matches its physical diversity: the island is both urban and untamed, with rain forest-like landscapes, white beaches, and amazing caves and wildlife. St. Martin is an island in the northeast Caribbean, approximately 190 miles east of Puerto Rico. The island is divided roughly 60/40 between France ( 20 square miles) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands ( 13 square miles); the two parts are roughly equal in population though, with slightly more people living on the Dutch side. 

If there's any complaint about this part-French, part-Dutch island-piled high with nightclubs, restaurants, and resorts, it's that there's too much of everything. St. Martin's Dutch side is known for its festive nightlife, beaches, jewelry, drinks made with native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and casinos. The island's French side is known for its nude beaches, clothes, shopping (including outdoor markets), and French and Indian Caribbean cuisine. Also on the French side, the 154-acre private nature reserve Loterie Farm continues to grow, adding poolside cabanas to its zip-line course, hiking trails, and other outdoorsy amenities. And following a 13-year effort, the Man of War Shoal reef earned certification as a marine park, giving divers new reasons to take the plunge.

Water sports abound all over, diving, snorkeling, sailing, and windsurfing are all top draws. And it's easy to while away the day relaxing on one of the 37 beaches, strolling the boardwalk of Dutch-side Philipsburg, and exploring the very French town of Marigot. Although luck is an important commodity at St. Maarten's 13 casinos, chance plays no part in finding a good meal at the island’s excellent eateries.

Man of War Shoal Reef

The Man of War Shoal National Marine Park, is located off the southern shore of the island of St. Maarten. The park protects a range of habitats from globally threatened coral reefs and seagrass beds to open water. Visitors must purchase a Marine Park entrance tag and income generated through the sale of the tags goes directly towards the management of the marine protected area.

General Island Information

English is the most commonly spoken language along with a local dialect.  
Tourists often use accommodations such as hotels, guesthouses, villas, and timeshares. 
Rental cars are the primary mode of transportation for visitors staying on island.

The island is located along the intertropical convergence zone, it is occasionally threatened by tropical storm activity in the late summer and early fall. 

Call Rawhide Travel and Tours and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com. 

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Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona  85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com