St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be divided between two sovereign powers. The current boundary is a result of numerous wars between great European powers in the 17th century. According to legend, Columbus discovered the island in 1493. During the 140 years that followed, the Spanish, French & Dutch disputed possession. On March 23, 1648, a treaty was signed that gave the Dutch 16 square miles and the French 21 square miles. Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch St. Maarten; Marigot is the capital of French St. Martin. No formal boundary exists between the Dutch and French sides of the island, a simple welcome sign tells you when you cross from one country to the other. The difference are as noticeable as the spelling of the island’s names, and it’s this split personality that lends so much to the island’s charm, including an international reputation for the finest cuisine in the Caribbean.
Pier:
Most ship dock at the A.C. Wathey pier. The tourist Bureau is located here. Other ships anchor in Great Bay and tender into the Town Pier or Bobby’s Marina.
Transportation:
Taxis are at the Cyrus Wathey Square and from the government dispatchers. There are several shops and restaurants in the cruise pier area. Great Bay Beach is conveniently located along the waterfront in Philipsburg.
Shopping:
Most stores are open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. & Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Great Bay Beach is conveniently located along the waterfront in Philipsburg. You can find great buys on Front Street. There is no local sales tax. Prices on liqueurs, imported linen, perfumes and European chocolates can be as much as 50% less than those found in the U.S. Local spices as well as jellies made from the locally grown guava berries are also a good buy.
Excursions:
Popular excursions were the Best of St. Maarten Island & Beach tour which was 4 hours for $39; Marigot Shopping Express 4 hours for $29 pp; Phillipsburg at Leisure Beach & Shopping all day shuttle $39 pp and the Catamaran Snorkel, Beach & Shopping with lunch which was 6 hours for $94. For those of you that do not want to take an excursion, just take the $4 cab ride and enjoy shopping on Front Street or the various shops available right at the cruise pier.
Author: S Brage
