Caribbean Cruise Destinations: St. Maarten
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Sint Maarten/St. Martin: A Tale of Two Countries
This island, divided between the Dutch and the French, is the world's smallest island divided by two countries.
Interestingly, the English left their mark on the island, and English is the most common language. The official language for St. Martin is French, and Dutch and English share that position in Sint Maarten. Other frequently heard language on the island are Spanish, French patois (a mixture of French & African languages), and Papiamento (most widely spoken in Aruba, Bonaire, & Curacao.
Due to a high rate of immigration, St. Maarten has become a melting pot for cultures of over 70 different nationalities.
Cruise ships generally dock in Philipsburg on St. Maarten, with the shore excursions taking place on both the Dutch and French areas.
This lens is one of a series that the author is providing on over twenty cruise destinations in the Caribbean. Each lens will include general information on the destination, suggested shore excursions, and video and photographic illustrations where appropriate.
Contents at a Glance
Map of Saint-Martin/Sint-Maarten

Photo of Border Crossing Point
St. Maarten Video
Some Suggested Shore Excursions
Remember that you can always see the rest on your NEXT cruise to St. Maarten.
I am listing a few of the shore excursions listed by Carnival cruise lines below. The full list of thirty excursions can be found HERE. The descriptions and photos of these shore excursions are those of Carnival Cruise Lines and all rights belong to Carnival Cruise lines.
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Adventure Snuba & Snorkel: 3.5 hoursExperience the wonders of the undersea world without a dive certification or cumbersome dive gear. Cruise out to Cay Bay Shipwreck Cove for the first of 3 sites. SNUBA at one site in approximately 12-20 feet of water and enjoy snorkeling "the old fashioned way" at the other two sites; all sites are situated along the beautiful southern coast and will be chosen on the day of your tour to ensure the best conditions. Enjoy, as this excursion is fun for the whole family, from the young to the young at heart!
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Best of St. Maarten Island & Beach Combo: 4.5 hours Experience the charm and scenery of this dual personality island, which has been flying the flags of both Holland and France since 1648. Take an air conditioned bus from Philipsburg, the Dutch capital, past the Great Salt Pond and through the countryside to the French side of the island. Drive through several quaint towns and fishing villages across to the North side of the island. Make a short stop in Marigot, the French capital. Feel the truly European ambiance as you browse the open-air markets, quaint shops, boutiques and sidewalk cafes. And more!
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Island Roundabout by 4WD: 4 hours Explore the country roads, mountains, and beautiful beaches of St. Maarten on this 4 x 4 Jeep Safari. With 4 guests to each vehicle, you can take turns driving or one person can do all of the driving. Follow as your guide leads the convoy from Philipsburg to the French side, considered one of the prettiest island drives anywhere.
Drive through the busy Dutch capital of Philipsburg and head towards the western end of the Dutch side where you'll cross over Cole Bay Hill, admiring the scenic view of Simpson Bay Marina. Pass through the famous Maho and Mullet Bay areas, lined with resorts, hotels and casinos, and drive past the colonial French side with its narrow streets, bustling crosswalks, and open air markets. Once past Marigot, the pace relaxes on the undulating highway and through the charming town of Grand Case, distinctive for its Creole architecture and culinary reviews. Take a break at the beach and enjoy a refreshing swim or just relax on the sand. After approximately one hour at the beach, you'll drive through the countryside back to The Village. Spend a few minutes shopping here and enjoy a complimentary beverage before boarding the bus for the transfer back to the pier.
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See & Sea Island Tour / French St. Martin: 3.5 hours Experience the best that French St. Martin has to offer, both above ground and beneath the sea. -
St. Maarten by Land & Sea: 4.5 hours Take a cruise on a luxurious catamaran, and a tour of St. Maarten on a Swiss Army Jeep.
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Parasail Paradise and Beach Break: 5 hours Catch a "bird's eye view" of St. Maarten's incredible scenery as you soar over the ocean. Take a one-hour bus transfer from the pier to the beach where you can relax in a chair and enjoy the ocean while you wait your turn to parasail. Enjoy the breeze as you glide by amazing scenery, 300 feet in the air, like a bird flying over the ocean; the boat crew will monitor your flight and control your descent. Stop at The Village for refreshments and to shop for souvenirs afterwards, if time permits.
DUTCH ST MAARTEN CARNIVAL 2007
Other Great Sources To Prepare For Your Cruise To St. Maarten
Cruise Trip Toolbox
"Know Before You Go"
- Universal Currency Converter
- Check out the current exchange rates before you sail.
- Latest Customs Restrictions & General Information
- Get the latest Customs warnings, regulations, etc.
- Foreign Entry Requirements
- Different situations require different documents. Please become familiar with the specific document requirements for the country(s) you are visiting. More information on these documents can be found here.
- Travel Advisories
- Travel documentation requirements and international travel reminders.
- U.S. Department of State Travel Warnings
- Get the latest U.S. Department of State travel warnings at this site.
Other Southern Caribbean Destinations

Satellite Map of St. Maarten
St. Martin Video Log-Orient Beach
It's Your Turn Now!
I intend to continue adding more material to this lens. Any suggestions as to items of information that would benefit you that I do not have already, let me know with a brief comment here.
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St-Maarten-Info
Oct 1, 2011 @ 11:49 pm | delete
- Yes - St Maarten is definitely a melting pot of nations. Seventy plus nationalities roam this Dutch and French town in search of greener pastures thus transforming the St Maarten culture.The excitement that fills the air the minute you land here on the short airstrip confirms the vacation ambiance. Its 37 wonderful beaches. are second to none anywhere in the Caribbean. It is clearly worth the time to take a trip.
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etravelglobal Jan 5, 2011 @ 2:17 pm | delete
- St Maarten is the Caribbean island favorite for vacation trips thanks to its ever evolving large scale attractions and its consistent Caribbean resort and hotel developments. St Maarten Beaches are beautiful, with charm and character.
http://www.st-martin-island.com
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etravelglobal Jan 5, 2011 @ 2:17 pm | delete
- St Maarten is the Caribbean island favorite for vacation trips thanks to its ever evolving large scale attractions and its consistent Caribbean resort and hotel developments. St Maarten Beaches are beautiful, with charm and character.
http://www.st-martin-island.com
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etravelglobal Apr 17, 2010 @ 9:22 am | delete
- St Maarten Island, is really nice for a great vacation in the Caribbean. The friendly Island!
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sxmb
Apr 16, 2009 @ 4:11 am | delete
- I Love st. maarten / st. martin but the best is orient beach . you'll love it.
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