ST MARTIN/ ST MARTEEN: "SEA, SAIL AND ... FUN"

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WELCOME TO ST MARTIN / ST MARTEEN

Discovered on his second voyage by Christopher Columbus on Novembre 11, 1493, thus creating a link between old Europe and the �new world�, the island of St Martin / St Maarten is a place where people come together, made original and unique by its diversity� more than 80 nationalities cohabitate in harmony!
Before being discovered, the island of St Martin/st Maarten had already been inhabited by a tribe of Arawak Indians and after by Caraibes Indians. They gave the island the name "Sualouiga" meaning "Land of Salt".

During the 17th century St Martin undertook tobacco production however this was replaced in the 18th century by indigo and cotton and later by sugar cane.
Today the main industry of St Martin St Maarten (also known as the friendly island) is tourism. Located between the greater and the Lesser Antilles, it�s convenient location and international airport attracts many visitors from the USA, Europe and South America.

St Martin /Maarten is mostly volcanic and has mostly volcanic and has mostly a dry vegetation.
However due to the Mountains chain know as Pic Paradis (or Paradise Peak) you will find many tropical flowers and trees including Mango, Papaya and Guavaberry trees (try the local guavaberry liquor) and medical herbs. In this region you may come across many iguanas, pelicans, hummingbirds, mongoose and occasional parrots.

Located in the heart of the Antilles arc, between the two Americas, St. Martin attracts many visitors because of its beauty and excellent climate.

TO SEE DURING THE TRIP

From St. Barths to Marigot, you will see St. Martin�s northern coast, Orient Bay, the Island of Tintamarre, Anse Marcel, Grand Case, Friar's Bay and Marigot !
If the Captain decide to go by the south of St Martin, you will pass Great Bay (Philipsburg), Simpson Bay, Mullet Bay and the beaches of the Low Lands (Cupecoy, Long Bay, Plum Bay, Baie Rouge).

From St. Barths to Oyster Pond, you will pass the islands Groupers and Fourche and before arriving in Marina Captain Oliver�s in Oyster Pond.

Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see whales and flying fish during the trip !

ARRIVAL IN ST MARTIN

Check the schedule to verify your arrival destination, either Marigot waterfront or Oyster Pond (Captain Oliver�s marina).

Useful Information: The tourist office is located at 5 min from on the dock (Marina Royale) and taxis are very close by.

A Voyager Representative or crew member will be on the dock to greet you and answer any questions.

RENTAL CAR

Voyager Recommends : You should reserve your car with Lucky�s Car Rental (tel 690 63 05 97 � www.hlcars.com) in Marigot or in Oyster Pond to get the best rates!

ISLAND TOUR

In Marigot, you can ask directly to the taxi driver to make an Island tour.

Marigot
The cosmopolitan capital city of the French part of St Martin, Marigot, is perhaps the most French in spirit of all the cities in the Caribbean. Colonial houses stand beside smart caf�s and bistros, pastry shops and luxury boutiques�

Fort Saint Louis
From the Fort Saint Louis (situated on the top of Marigot, build in 1789), you will enjoy a wonderful view of the town of Marigot, the lagoon and the islands of Anguilla and Saba !

Duty-Free Shopping and Marigot Market
One of the great attractions of the island has been the duty-free shopping available in Marigot and Philipsburg. Luxury items from all over the world, free of all taxes and customs, are regularly offered at bargain prices.

On Wednesdays and Saturdays, visit the open-air market in Marigot at the base of Fort St.Louis and along the wharves below, offering a colorful array of local handicraft, homegrown produce, tropical fruits and spices, and freshly caught fish along with the local music. You mau also purchase the local rum available in many flavors in colorful artictic bottles.

Paradise Peak
Rising from the center of St.Martin at a height of 1,400 feet stands �Pic Paradis�, the highest point on the whole island. Climbing to the top, where there are two observation decks, provides a spectacular view of the scenery and the tropical forest below.

Art
There are numerous galleries and art studio throughout the island. Some local artists produce works of stunning beauty prints are often sold at reasonable prices and make great souvenirs.

Hiking
For those who want to experience the natural beauty of the island on foot, there are 25 miles of clearly defined footpaths running through the mountains and along the shore, revealing some truly spectacular panoramas.

Sailing & Water Sports
Small boats may be rented at many of the hotels and larger craft can also be chartered from a number of different operators. Diving, windsurfing, water-skiing, parasailing, and jet-skiing are activities that are regularly offered at the more popular beaches.

Beaches
St. Martin is famous for its beaches. Between the two sides of the island there are 37 different beaches to choose from, each with its own distinctive attractions. Those on the French side tend to be more secluded and more conducive to quiet contemplation and privacy.
Orient Bay (called also �St Tropez of the Caraibes) 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.

If you prefer a quiet beach, go to the Lowlands (Baie Rouge, Plumb bay).

ST MARTIN / ST MAARTEN

Hotels
You will find a wide variety of hotels on the island, from modest accommodations to the most luxurious !

Restaurants
One of the most wonderful things about St. Martin is its cuisine. This is one of the few places in the Caribbean where you can get a "taste of France" at highly reasonable prices, and the availability of fresh fish and shellfish makes delicious seafood a prime menu item. You can go to Marigot or to Grand Case, gastronomic capital of the caribbean !

Night-life and Casinos
Many places provide music for dancing, as do the many nightclubs around the island. Bands play a variety of zouk, calypso, reggae, jazz, and pop. French St. Martin does not have any casinos; however, just a short ride away, are many casinos on the Dutch side.
St Martin/St Maarten offers all you�ve dreamed of !