EXPLORING SINT MAARTEN
ST. MARTIN BASICS EXPLORING ST. MARTIN SINT MAARTEN BASICS EXPLORING ST. MAARTEN
Philipsburg, the capital of St. Maarten, was founded in 1763 by John Philips, a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy. It quickly established itself as a bustling center of international trade. Today it's still bustling with cafes, hotels and the ever-popular shops. Two main roads run lengthwise across Philipsburg: the aptly-named Front and Back Streets. The town is home to pastel-colored colonial architecture and flower-filled courtyards.
The most prominent landmark on Front Street is the Courthouse, built in 1793. An imposing, cupola-topped white wooden structure, it still serves the same purpose more than 200 years later. Nearby on Front Street is the Simartin Museum, where visitors can view historical artifacts including pottery from the island's original inhabitants and cargo from a British ship that sank off the coast in 1801.
Two historic forts give evidence to Philipsburg's strategic importance. Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631, was the first Dutch military outpost in the Caribbean. Military operations ceased in the 19th century, but a few walls of the original fort remain, giving visitors an outstanding view of the town below. Fort Willem lies just west of downtown Philipsburg. Built in 1801 by the British, it was seized by the Dutch in 1816. The easy hike up to the fort is well worth the effort, for here you'll find gorgeous views of Philipsburg and neighboring islands.
Just west of Philipsburg, Cole Bay Hill has an observation platform for views of the surrounding islands of Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, and Nevis. Down along the coast, a walking trail leads from Cole Bay to Cay Bay. The pleasant walk takes about an hour.
North of Philipsburg, visitors can climb Mount Concordia for a taste of history and more splendid views. The mountain rises along the border with St. Martin in the center of the island, and it was here in 1648 that the treaty that divided the island was signed.
But enough climbing. Head toward the water for spectacular beaches and water sports. Outstanding water clarity of up to 200 feet gives divers and snorkelers excellent views of colorful fish, while the warm water welcomes swimmers year-round. The rich coral reefs right off the coast offer spectacular diving sights, and two shipwreck sites are popular destinations. From west to east, here are some of St. Maarten's most popular beaches:
Cupecoy Beach borders St. Martin and is the only clothing-optional area on this side of the island, which may explain its popularity. The surf can be strong, but the wind is blocked by limestone cliffs that also provide morning shade.
Mullet Bay Beach is famous for its mile-long stretch of powdery white sand and great surf.
Maho Beach lies adjacent to the airport runway and you can wave at passengers flying closely overhead. Calm waters shaded by palm and sea grape trees and weekend music parties also make Maho unique.
Simpson Bay Beach is quite secluded, and there's a village nearby with a mouthwatering array of seaside eateries. Pelican Keys at the eastern end of Simpson Bay offers a large assortment of rental equipment for all water sports. Nearby Simpson Lagoon is perfect for waterskiing.
Heading back into town, Great Bay is a long stretch of sand bordering Front Street. Its numerous restaurants and shops and its calm waters make it popular with cruise ship passengers and windsurfers.
The more secluded Guana Bay and Dawn Beach both attract surfers, and many consider Dawn Beach, well known for its incredible sunrises, as the best snorkeling location on St. Maarten.
