Owned by two countries, St. Maarten is smallest inhabited island in the world. Book a yacht charter to explore the jewel of the Caribbean Sea.
Saint Martin Island
St. Maarten, also known Saint Martin Island, is the smallest inhabited island in the world. The Island is in the northeast of the Caribbean Sea, a few kilometres south of Anguilla. The 87-kilometre square island is owned by two nations. 60% of the landmass is owned by France who name the territory Saint Martin. The remaining 40% is the property of the Kingdom of Netherlands who named the territory Sint Maarten. The French side (Saint Martin) is popular for its nude beaches, fashion, and outdoor market, open-air shops, French, and Indian Caribbean cruises. The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) is known for its festive life, Casinos, drinks made with native rum-based guava berry liquids. Of the two territories, the St. Maarten receives more visitors than its neighbours
St. Maarten Culture and Language
The culture of Saint Martin is an interesting mixture of African, French, British, and Dutch heritage. Although St. Martin is a single island, the culture of its people is the result of influences by their respective administering countries, France and Netherlands. Even so, the two territories share such similar heritage and traditions that it can be difficult to tell where Saint-Martin ends, and Sint Maarten begins.
Due to the diverse nationalities present on the island quite a few languages are spoken. An English-based Creole is the main local vernacular. However, the official languages are French for Saint-Martin, with Dutch and English being official for Sint Maarten.
The music popular on St. Martin includes a variety of styles beloved throughout the Caribbean. Sounds like Calypso, merengue, soca, zouk, and reggae all contribute to the festive culture that permeates the island.
Things To Do In St. Maarten
St. Maarten is a great location for vacation, honeymoon, a private business meeting or have. This Caribbean island is fun filled with tropical beaches and beautiful sceneries possessing memories to relish for life. In a multicultural island such as this, there is a lot to expect, and the island does not disappoint. Here are a few things you can do in St. Maarten to make your stay worthwhile.
Visit The Caribbean Battle Stations
Visit the Fort Louis, built by the French locals in 1789 for the then King of France, Louis XVII. Although not much is left of the Caribbean battle stations, you can still experience a 360-degree view from the old cannons’ peppering lookouts. You can spot airplanes in motion at the Princess Juliana International Airport.
You can also visit the Fort Amsterdam. Built by the Dutch in 1631, this Fort is located near the Great bay and Little bay in the town of Philipsburg. Both were built for defending the Island from the European settlers.
The Butterfly and Loterie farm is an enclosed area with thousands of butterflies, popular amongst children and families. This visit will serve as an opportunity to take-in the view of the Pic Paradis, the tallest point of the island. Loterie farm used to be a sugar plantation but is now a tropical garden with impressive swimming pools and zip liners.
Enjoy the 12-metre an annual yacht race called Sint Maarten Heineken Regatta. This event usually takes place in the months of March and April. Martin Book Fair is held during the first weekend of June. It gives you the experience and opportunity to be a part of the crew in a real American's cup match competition. Sea trek: sea trek allows anyone and children from the age of 8, to experience the underwater world whether they can swim or not. The Gourmet capital of the Caribbean - this is on the French side, by the grand case beach, the street festival.
The whole island is known for its excellent cuisine. Unsurprising, as Creole, French, and West Indian cooking have significant culinary acclaim. Must try meals include, Conch & dumplings, Callaloo, and Johnny cakes. The latter bears similarities to American pancakes excerpt that this is made with cornmeal. Restaurants on the Island offers delicious barbecue which can be found in many of the barbecue shacks referred to as Lolos. Grab a taste of whelk soup, made with molluscs. However, no meal in St. Maarten is complete if it is not accompanied with the island’s official drink, guava berry emporium liquor. Mutually enjoyed by the French and Dutch parts of the island, this drink comprises of small guava berries, sugarcanes, and locally made rum. This drink is used in a variety of fruits and cocktails.
Touring St. Maarten/ St. Martin Island
Although the island is controlled separately, there is no pass control or checks required to cross territories. Renting a car is the easiest and most convenient way to go around, as hopping taxis can be quite costly. Scooters are also very available, usually around the airports and city central, there can be rented from the airport rental kiosk. Local bus rides, their cost is low as compared to the taxis, it’s also a way to experience the local way of life.
The best way to have a rich mix of the serene aquatic terrain and the bubbling human activity on the island is by yacht charter. It is a sure way to traverse the 37 beaches, remote snorkelling spots, and glamorous tourist sites in complete freedom. Have full control over your experience by choosing yachting experts, Boasters Black. St. Maarten is a fun adventure that will leave fond memories and a tingling sensation in your tastebuds.
Welcome on board Akula, a like new Sanlorenzo SL86 now available for charter for the first time. One of the only yachts in this size bracket that is able to host eight guests in four cabins, this versatile beauty is a hallmark of modern yacht design
33 meter Le Reve is fully built to entertain guests onboard. With an impressive sun deck with a jacuzzi bar and sunbeds, she definitely outdoes a lot of other yachts in her size.
Yacht ALLURE is a 103’ Mangusta 105 sport model yacht that was built in 2004 by Italian shipyard Overmarine. She was last refit in 2015. Her luxurious interior is designed by Overmarine, and her exterior styling is by Stefano Righini.
With decades of industry experience in the yachting and luxury travel industries, let us take away the worries of organizing your holiday from A to Z. Contact us today to start planning your trip!
With decades of industry experience in the yachting and luxury travel industries, let us take away the worries of organizing your holiday from A to Z. Contact us today to start planning your trip!
