Have you visited St. Maarten by cruise ship recently? Then you know one day is just not enough for St. Maarten's 37 breathtaking beaches, the shopper's paradise of Duty Free bling and luxury goods, exciting casinos, entertainment and nightlife -- not to mention the glorious food in this culinary heaven.
Take advantage of the new “Bounce Back” rate, exclusively for former cruise passengers offered by Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino or Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. A jaw-dropping $150 per night! Call toll free, 1-800-223-0757, or click here to print out the coupon offer.
Mark your calendar and make your reservations early!
St. Maarten's 41st Annual Carnival Season April 2010
Colorful parades and costumes, exciting concerts, world-class dining and fabulous beaches. Experience a fun and festive week long party for Spring Break. The month of April is the perfect time to enjoy the island when St. Maarten/St. Martin comes alive with celebration! Plan your trip early for a front row seat or to take part in the revelry and discover the true essence of St. Maarten and St. Martin.
Sports Galore in St. Maarten/St. Martin
By Donald Rodrigue
Exciting and entertaining activities are a requirement when most people begin planning a Caribbean vacation, but few may realize the myriad of choices available on the Dutch-French island of St. Maarten/St. Martin. Although many Caribbean islands have beaches and snorkeling excursions, few can lay claim to the huge variety of water- and land-based fun awaiting visitors to St. Maarten/St. Martin.
Adrenaline addicts will find a little bit of everything: parasailing high above gin-clear waters; snorkeling and diving through the mysterious depths of the sea; hiking and mountain biking through windswept hills; wave-hopping on a Jet Ski or WaveRunner; hoisting the mainsail or spinnaker during a sailing regatta; playing an invigorating round of golf or tennis; or angling for the big one on a deep-sea fishing adventure. Regardless of your sporting pleasure, St. Maarten/St. Martin has something to fill the bill.
On Terra Firma
It may be hard for most visitors to forget the dazzling beaches for a moment, but St. Maarten/St. Martin boasts a lot of life beyond the glittering shoreline. Land-based diversion and sporting opportunities abound when it’s time to come up for air and dry out your bathing suit.
Explore the Terrain Up-Close
St. Maarten/St. Martin is made for bicycling, with its curvy, hilly roads and trails leading to incredible vistas around every bend of this split-personality island. Its relatively small size makes the two-nation island easy to circumnavigate in a day, including time for an elegant meal in Philipsburg, Marigot or Grand Case. True bicycling fanatics will want to savor all the French and Dutch flavor along the way by spending the night en route. Less-experienced bikers may want to try the relatively flat route between Simpson Bay and the French Lowlands, which offers views of Nettle Bay along the way.
Even mountain bikers will discover a little bit of a challenge when biking the trails to the highest point on the island, 1,500-foot Pic Paradis (Paradise Peak). To get in shape before tackling it, you can bicycle the steep road between Philipsburg and Cole Bay, which provides spectacular views of the neighboring islands from the observation deck on Cole Bay Hill.
Hiking is another healthy way to explore the island’s varied terrain and outstanding Caribbean beauty. St. Maarten/St. Martin boasts 25 miles of hiking trails and unfathomable strands of gorgeous beaches. Hikers can trek to the top of Pic Paradis, as well as hike into a bit of island history on Mt. Concordia, where the Dutch and French signed their peace treaty dividing the island in 1648. Several great hiking trails can also be found at Loterie Farm (590-590-87-86-16), a 135-acre private nature reserve.
Horseback riding offers a different perspective on the island’s natural beauty. Stables on both the French and Dutch sides can provide you with the perfect horse for your abilities and an experience you won’t soon forget.
Get in Your Best Island Form
A riveting game of tennis or squash is the perfect way to burn off any extra calories you may have picked up at one of St. Maarten/St. Martin’s excellent dining venues. Most of the island’s finer resorts boast tennis courts open to the public for a fee, and you’ll find public tennis courts in Marigot’s Alberic Richards Stadium. For a rousing round of golf, head to the 18-hole course at Mullet Bay (599-545-2850, ext.1850).
Day Trips and Shore Excursions for Cruise Ship Passengers
Whether you are visiting by cruise ship for just one day, or are with the family on a week's vacation, here are four St. Maarten/St. Martin tours that are sure to create great photo opps and fun.
Our Activity Guide will get you acquainted with all the tours, attractions, sports and activities in St. Maarten/St. Martin -- for you and your kids. Contact our activities providers and get full details before you go!
Find out more; driving tours, top 10 things to do, maps and beaches.
A once in a lifetime adventure on a real America's Cup yacht. Thrill to the exhilaration of America’s Cup Yacht Racing in the warm blue waters and brisk trade winds of the Caribbean. Voted #1 shore excursion in the Caribbean for ten years. An expert crew shows you exactly what to do in your "crew members" position, then its off to the racecourse. No sailing experience required! Complimentary refreshments included.
Lagoon Sailboat Rental
Enjoy one of life's simple pleasures; A day of sailing on one of the Caribbean's largest lagoons, Simpson Bay. Lagoon Sailboat Rentals offers 20 foot Jeanneaus for up to 5 people. Sailing on the lagoon is safe, fun and economical. This could be the highlight of your vacation. Sail your own boat for a private, romantic day on the water, take a lesson, or rent the fleet for a group or family activity!
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Have you visited St. Maarten by cruise ship recently? Then you know one day is just not enough for St. Maarten's 37 breathtaking beaches, the shopper's paradise of Duty Free bling and luxury goods, exciting casinos, entertainment and nightlife -- not to mention the glorious food in this culinary heaven. 
Exciting and entertaining activities are a requirement when most people begin planning a Caribbean vacation, but few may realize the myriad of choices available on the Dutch-French island of St. Maarten/St. Martin. Although many Caribbean islands have beaches and snorkeling excursions, few can lay claim to the huge variety of water- and land-based fun awaiting visitors to St. Maarten/St. Martin.
Even mountain bikers will discover a little bit of a challenge when biking the trails to the highest point on the island, 1,500-foot Pic Paradis (Paradise Peak). To get in shape before tackling it, you can bicycle the steep road between Philipsburg and Cole Bay, which provides spectacular views of the neighboring islands from the observation deck on Cole Bay Hill. 
A riveting game of tennis or squash is the perfect way to burn off any extra calories you may have picked up at one of St. Maarten/St. Martin’s excellent dining venues. Most of the island’s finer resorts boast tennis courts open to the public for a fee, and you’ll find public tennis courts in Marigot’s Alberic Richards Stadium. For a rousing round of golf, head to the 18-hole course at Mullet Bay (599-545-2850, ext.1850). 
A once in a lifetime adventure on a real America's Cup yacht. Thrill to the exhilaration of America’s Cup Yacht Racing in the warm blue waters and brisk trade winds of the Caribbean. Voted #1 shore excursion in the Caribbean for ten years. An expert crew shows you exactly what to do in your "crew members" position, then its off to the racecourse. No sailing experience required! Complimentary refreshments included. 
Enjoy one of life's simple pleasures; A day of sailing on one of the Caribbean's largest lagoons, Simpson Bay. Lagoon Sailboat Rentals offers 20 foot Jeanneaus for up to 5 people. Sailing on the lagoon is safe, fun and economical. This could be the highlight of your vacation. Sail your own boat for a private, romantic day on the water, take a lesson, or rent the fleet for a group or family activity! 
