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St. Martin / St. Maarten Local Dialect: Words, Phrases and Sayings

Blogger — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 21:20:39 +0000

Understanding local dialects can help english-speaking travelers feel right at home when communicating with those locals who speak in dialect.

With so many different types of nationalities present, quite a few languages are spoken on the pretty island
of St. Martin and Saint Maarten.

As you may know, English is the main language on both sides of the island. French is the official language
spoken in St. Martin and Dutch is the official language spoken in St. Maarten.

The local dialect is Papiamento, the original language of St. Martin. Other common languages include French patois (a dialect mixing French with African and other influences), English, and Spanish (a language of the Netherlands Antilles). English is popular enough that it’s taught in schools.

The Dutch side (St. Maarten) also includes French and Spanish-speaking populations.

Also, immigrants from Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao have added Papiamento (based on Spanish, French, English, Dutch and Arawak Indian) to the mix.

Although, St. Martin speak French and St. Maarten speak Dutch majority of the native people speak English pretty well. The English language is also understood in most of the resorts and restaurants.

Last but not least, attempts to speak le français are most likely is appreciated as well in all the French islands.

Here are some of St. Martin / St. Maarten, phrases, meanings available below:

(coming soon)

St. Martin / St. Maarten Map

Blogger — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:29:43 +0000

Map of St. Martin / St. Maarten

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St. Martin / St. Maarten Calendar Of Events

Blogger — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:26:46 +0000

January 1 > New Year’s Day.

January 8 > La Fete des Rois (Epiphany).

January 9 > 6.6 Kms FIAC Carib Series Lagoon Race

January 22 > Road Runners CARIB Smalta Fun Run

January 29 > Bottom Braquette Mountain Bike Endurance Ride 50 Kms

February 5 > FITA Triple Mini Triathlon

February 26 – March 1 > Carnaval celebrations on French side.

February 11 > Avenir Sportif Half Marathon

February 12 > FITA Kids’ Triathlon

February 26 > Bottom Braquette 100 Kms Road Race

February 28 > Mardi Gras (Shrove Tuesday). Children’s parades

March 1 > Ash Wednesday

March 3-5 > Annual Heineken Regattas.

March 17 > St. Patrick’s Day

March 19 > Road Runners Subway to Subway (8.5 Kms)

March 23 > Treaty of Concordia Celebration (Sint Maarten)

March 23 > Mi-Careme, or Mid-Lent, public holiday. Parades, parties during day-long respite from Lent

March 26 > FIAC Kayak Lagoon Rally

April 2 > Avenir Sportif Biathlon Bikle/Run in Marigot

April 14 > Good Friday (Holiday – Stores closed)

April 16 > Easter Sunday. Public holiday. Religious and family celebration

April 16 > Road Runners’ Easter Egg Hash

April 17 > Easter Monday (Holiday)

April19 – May 3 > Carnival.

April 30 > Grand Parade

April 30 > Carnival Holiday

April 30 > Queen’s birthday. Public holiday honoring the Queen of Holland, is celebrated on the Dutch & the French side.

May 1 > Labor Day. Public holiday on both sides. Picnics and general merrymaking.

May 2 > 2nd Day Parade

May 7 > FIAC Puchn’Paddle Kayak

May 8 > VE Day. Public holiday

May 14 > Mother’s Day

May 11-14 > Quicksilver SXM Challenge 2006. 6th St. Martin Challenge Windsurfing / Kite Surfing

May 12-14 > SMART – St. Maarten/St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow

May 13-14 > St. Maarten Open Golf Tournament

May 20-21 > St. Maarten Open Golf Tournament

May 21 > Roadrunners Lagoon Half Marathon

May 23-27 > Black Heritage week.

May 25 > Ascension Thursday. Public holiday

May 27 > Slavery Abolition Day, public holiday. Picnics, parties

May 27 > Bottom Braquette 6th Team MTB race

May 28 > Mother’s Day

June 1-3 > 4th Annual St. Martin book Fair

June 3 > Avenir Sportif – Kids Track and Field Events

June 4 > FITAS Triathlon Championship

June 4 > Pentecost Sunday.

June 7-12 > St. Martin Billfish Tournament

June 18 > Father’s Day

June 25 > Cycle Women’s Intrenational Road Race

July 1 > Emancipation Day

July 2 > FIAC Kayak 3 Person Sprint Carib

July 14 > Bastille day.

July 14 > Avenir Sportif Bastille Day Run

July 16 > Road Runners Beach Run

July 21 > Schoelcher Day.

July 21-23 > 3rd Annual St. Maarten Summerfest. Concerts

July 28-30 > 3rd Annual St. Maarten Summerfest. Concerts

August 15 > Assumption day. Public holiday

September 3 > FIAC Kayak Kim Sha to Cay Bay 8.5 Kms

September 7 > Moonlight Golf Tournament

September 17 > Road Runners Splash and Sprint

September 26 > Avenir Sportif 6 Kms and 12 Kms Run around Marigot

September 27 > World Tourism Day

October 3 > FITA Tetrathlon Run/MTB/Road Run

October 8 > Road Runners Cancer Awareness Walk & Run

October 16 > FIAC Kayak 4th Carib Series Race 25 Kms

October 21 > Antillean Day

October 23 > Road Runners Fatum 10 Kms

October 29 > 6 Hour Swim Team Swimathon

October 31 > Halloween

October 31 > November 7 > Fete de Cuisine

November > Big Game Fishing Event

November 1 > Toussaint (All Saints Day). Public holiday. All cemetery tombstones illuminated with candles

November 2 > All Souls Day. Public holiday also

November 5 > FITA Triathlon Texaco/Royal Palm

November 7 Caribbean Tourism Day

November 11 > Armistice Day. Public holiday. Commemorates the end of World War I

November 11 > St. Maarten Day. Public holiday.

November 11 > Annual Around the Island Relay Race

November 11-12 > Concordia Cup Golf Tournament

November 18-27 > The Alliance race for mono and multi hulls as well as Fun boats.

November 19 > FIAC Kayak around the island relay race

December > St. Martin Lighting Parade

December > St. Martin Annual Christmas Lights Competition

December > National Day for Thanksgiving, Peace & Consolation

December > Pan in Paradise. Folkloric Steel Pan Concert

December > St. Maarten Charter Yacht Exhibition

December 2 > Avenir Sportif 3 Kms Telethon Team Relay

December 3 > Miss Caribbean Hibiscus Pageant

December9 > Annual Santa Scramble Golf tournament

December 10 > Bottom Braquette Road/Bike race 44.5 Kms/75 Kms/100 Kms

December 15 > Kingdom (of the Netherlands) Day – Holiday

December 17 > FITA Burger King’s Kids Triathlon

December 17 > Road Runners Green House 10 Kms run

December 24 > Christmas Eve. Dancing, and dining on Creole specialties. Midnight Mass. Reveillon

December 25 > Christmas Day. Public holiday. Singing, exchanging of gifts, feasting

December 26 > Boxing Day (Sint Maarten). Public holiday

December 31 > Reveillon de la Saint Sylvestre (New Year’s Eve celebration).

St. Martin / St. Maarten Important Addresses

Blogger — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:24:21 +0000

LOCAL TOURIST INFORMATION:

St Maarten Tourist Board;
23 Walter Nisbeth Road;
Imperial Building; Philipsburg;
St Maarten
Tel: (5) 22337
Fax: (5) 22734.

U.S. Embassies and Consulates Abroad:

Note that the Bahamas , Cuba , Haiti , and Jamaica are on
Eastern Time. All others are one hour ahead. Note: Some (809)
area codes are expected to change. If you are unable to get
through on (809), consult your telephone directory or the operator.

Royal Netherlands Embassy/Netherlands Antilles Minister:
4200 Linnean Avenue,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008.
Tel: (202) 244-5300;
Fax: (202) 362-3430.

St. Martin/French Gov. Tourist Office
610 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10020
St. Martin/French Gov. Tourist Office
9545 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

St. Martin/French Gov. Tourist Office
645 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

St. Martin/French Gov. Tourist Office
2305 Cedar Spring Road
Dallas, TX 75201

UK Embassies and Consulates Abroad:

St. Martin/French Gov. Tourist Office
178 Piccadilly
London W1A OAL
England
Tel: 071-493-6594

In St. Martin:
St. Martin/French Gov. Tourist Office
Mairie de Saint-Martin
Marigot, St. Martin
Tel: 011-590-875721
Tel: 011-590-875643

Canada Embassies and Consulates Abroad:

St. Martin/French Gov. Tourist Office
1 Dundas St. West
Suite 2405
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z3
Canada
Tel: 416-593-4723
Tel: 800-361-9099

St. Martin/French Gov. Tourist Office
1981 McGill College Avenue
Montreal, Quebec H3A 2W9
Canada
Tel: 514-288-4264

US Embassies and Consulates Abroad:

St. Maarten/Dutch Tourist Board
275 Seventh Avenue
New York, NY 10001
Tel: 212-989-0000

In St. Maarten
St. Maarten/Dutch Tourist Board
Cyrus Wathey
Philipsburg, St. Maarten

Canada Embassies and Consulates Abroad
St. Maarten/Dutch Tourist Board
243 Ellerslie Avenue
Willowdale, Toronto, Ontario
Canada M2N 1Y5
Tel: 416-223-3501

Medical Clinics:

St. Maarten (Dutch)

Great Bay Medical Clinic
Address: Ch. E.W. Voges Street 4, Phillipsburg
Phone: (599) 543-7289
Fax: (599) 542-6542

Mullet Bay Clinic -Dr. van Der Waag
Address: Rhine Road, Lowlands (Mullet Bay Hotel)
Phone: (599) 545-5240
Fax: (599) 545-4306

Mullet Bay Medical Center
Address: Mullet Bay
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 964
Phone: (599) 545-4280
Fax: (599) 545-4306

St Maarten Chiropractic & Massage Clinic N.V.

Address: 2 Onyx Road, Simpson Bay
Phone: (590) 544-4966
Fax: (590) 544-4966
E-Mail Address: chiromassage@sintmaarten.net

Hospitals:

Hospital de Marigot
(Rue de l’Hôpital, Concorsdia.
PHONE: 590/29-57-57).

Hopital de Saint Martin

Address: Marigot
Phone: (590) 590 29-5744
Fax: (590) 590 87-5072

St. Maarten Medical Center
(Cay Hill. PHONE: 599/543-1111).

Pharmacies:

St. Maarten (Dutch)

Central Drug Store
(Camille Richardson St., Philipsburg.
PHONE: 599/542-2321).

St. Martin (French)

Friendly Drug Store
(Plaza del Lago, Simpson Bay.
PHONE: 599/544-3653).

Dutch Quarter Pharmacy
Address: 278-A Illidge Road, Doutch Quarter
Phone: (599) 547-0175
Fax: (599) 547-0176

The Druggist
Address: Airport Road 53
Phone: (599) 545-2777
Fax: (599) 545-2778

Pharmacie du Port
(Rue de la Liberté, Marigot.
PHONE: 590/87-50-79).

Pharmacie Caraibes
Address: Cul de Sac
Phone: (590) 590 87-4727
Fax: (590) 590 52-9905

Pharmacie Howell Center
Address: Marigot
Phone: (590) 590 87-9946
Fax: (590) 590 87-5464

Emergencies Contact Information:

Ambulance or fire emergencies Dutch side (PHONE: 130 or 120).
Ambulance or fire emergencies French side (PHONE: 18).
Police emergencies Dutch side (PHONE: 911).
Police emergencies French side (PHONE: 17).

Emergency Air Service:

MediCall Box 5109 97071
Tel: 590-290404
Fax: 590-871-727

Ferry Services St. Martin (French)

Gustavia Express Alidade
Address: Anse Marcel
Phone: (590) 590 27-5465

Voyager
Address: Beach Res. Baie Nettle
Phone: (590) 590 87-1068
E-Mail Address: voyager.sxm@wanadoo.fr

Ferry Services St. Maarten (Dutch)

Aqua Mania Watersports
Address: Pelican Marina, Simpson Bay
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3012
Phone: (599) 544-2640
Fax: (599) 544-2476
E-Mail Address: aquamania@sintmaarten.net

Voyager
Address: Phillipsburg
Phone: (599) 542-4096
E-Mail Address: voyager.sxm@wanadoo.fr

Automobile Rentals St. Martin (French)

Avis

Address: Z.A.C. de Bellevue
Mailing Address: B.P. 4179
Phone: (590) 590 87-5060
Fax: (590) 590 87-9766
E-Mail Address: pbarbier@avis-sxm.com

Budget Rent a Car
Address: Cul de Sac
Phone: (590) 590 87-3822 / (590) 590 87-2191
Fax: (590) 590 87-3614

Caraibes Car Rent
Address: Centre Commercial Howell Center
Phone: (590) 590 29-6426
Fax: (590) 590 29-6903

Discount Car Rental

Address: B.P 4231
Phone: (590) 590 52-8507
Fax: (590) 590 52-9994
E-Mail Address: discountcarrental@wanadoo.fr

Island Trans Rent a Car

Address: St. James
Phone: (590) 590 87-9132
Fax: (590) 590 87-7087

Automobile Rentals St. Martin (Dutch)

Century Car Rental
Address: 72 Simpson Bay Road
Phone: (599) 545-3327

Thrifty Car Rental

Address: Princess Juliana International Airport, Booth 4
Phone: (599) 545-2393 / (599) 542-2333
Fax: (599) 545-2581

Hertz Car Rental

Address: Airport Road
Phone: (599) 545-4543 / (599) 545-4543 / (599) 545-4541
Fax: (599) 545-4540

Dollar Rent A Car
Address: Palapa Center, 9 Airport Blvd.
Phone: (599) 545-3281
Fax: (599) 545-3638

Budget Rent a Car
Address: Airport Road 94

Phone: (599) 545-4030
Fax: (599) 545-2725

Taxi Companies St. Martin (French)

Baly Hubert Leo
Address: St. James Low Town
Phone: (590) 590 87-5765

Cocks James Louis

Address: Quartier d’Orleans
Phone: (590) 590 87-3105

Dusort Ironie
Address: Marigot
Phone: (590) 590 87-9725

Hunt Anselme
Address: Quartier d’Orleans
Phone: (590) 590 87-3166

Javois Urbain
Address: La Savane
Phone: (590) 590 87-8828

Sylver Jean Claude
Address: Grand Case
Phone: (590) 590 87-8451

Taxi Companies St. Maarten (Dutch)

Dutch St. Maarten Taxi Association
Address: A Th Illidge Road 68B, Lower Princes Quarter
Phone: (599) 543-7814 / (599) 543-7815
Fax: (599) 543-7816

Internet Service Providers St. Martin (French)

Cybercafe APS
Address: 72 Marina Royale
Phone: (590) 590 29-2051
E-Mail Address: aps.de.sxm@wanadoo.fr

Pulsion Net Cyber Cafe

Address: Concordia
Phone: (590) 590 51-0775
Fax: (590) 590 51-0775
E-Mail Address: pulsionnet@hotmail.com

Internet Cafes St. Martin (French)

CYBERZONE
Tel: 590-51-94-11/12
Fax: 590-51-94-11/12
Email: cybersxm@yahoo.fr

Internet Service Providers St. Maarten (Dutch)

Direclinks

Address: Back Street 104
Phone: (599) 542-6802
Fax: (599) 542-6801
E-Mail Address: direclinks@direcway.com

Network I.D.L. International Data Limited N.V.

Address: Airport Boulevard 95
Phone: (599) 544-3188
Fax: (599) 544-3189
E-Mail Address: info@megatropic.com

Telnet Communications N.V.

Address: Frontstreet 116-F
Phone: (599) 543-7952
Fax: (599) 543-7950
E-Mail Address: webmaster@sintmaarten.net

Telone International N.V.
Address: Welfare Rd. Cole Bay
Phone: (599) 544-2539
Fax: (599) 544-2539

Internet Cafes St. Maarten (Dutch)

Travel Agents and Bureaus:

Artsen Travel & Tours
Address: Airport Road 36B
Phone: (599) 545-4192
Fax: (599) 545-4194
E-Mail Address: artsentrvl@sintmaarten.net

Calypso Tours

Address: Union Road 43
Phone: (599) 544-2858

Halley Travel Service
Address: Pr. Juliana Int. Airport
Phone: (599) 545-4212 / (599) 545-3599
Fax: (599) 545-3650

Intermar Travel N.V.

Address: Rembrandt Plein 21-22
Phone: (599) 542-5554
Fax: (599) 542-2002
E-Mail Address: intermar.trvl.sintmaarten@usa.net

Let’s Travel
Address: W.J.A. Nisbeth Road 71, Phillipsburg
Phone: (599) 542-2381
Fax: (599) 542-5042
E-Mail Address: letstravel@megatropic.com

T & T Travel
Address: Backstreet 6
Phone: (599) 542-2094
Fax: (599) 542-2094

Tapaza.com
Address: W.G. Buncamper Road 4 unit 7
Phone: (599) 543-1023
Fax: (599) 543-1260
E-Mail Address: info@Tapaza.com

Travel Planners
Address: C.A. Cannegieter Street 129
Phone: (599) 542-5502
Fax: (599) 543-1109
E-Mail Address: planners@sintmaarten.net

Your Travel People
Address: 1D Ranch Rd., St. John’s Estate
Phone: (599) 548-3345 / (599) 544-5024
Fax: (599) 548-3233
E-Mail Address: selena@yourtravelpeople.com

Your Travel People,Inc.
Address:
Phone: (599) 548-3345
Fax: (599) 548-3345
E-Mail Address: selena@yourtravelpeople.com

Airline Companies:

Bank v.d. Nederlandse Antillen

Address: W.J.A. Nisbeth Road 25
Phone: (599) 542-3520
Fax: (599) 542-4307

Barclay’s Bank PLC
Address: Frontstreet 29
Phone: (599) 542-3511 / (599) 542-2491 / (599) 542-2567
Fax: (599) 542-4531

Chase Manhattan Bank NA
Address: E.C. Richardson St.
Phone: (599) 542-3801 / (599) 545-4205 / (599) 545-4305
Fax: (599) 542-3692

RBTT Bank Sint Maarten N.V.
Address: A.C. Cannegieter St.
Phone: (599) 542-5908
Fax: (599) 542-5964

Scotiabank
Address: Backstreet 54, Phillipsburg
Phone: (599) 542-3317 / (599) 542-2262
Fax: (599) 542-2435
E-Mail Address: bns.stmaarten@scotiabank.com

SFT Bank
Address: Airport Road 30A
Phone: (599) 545-2070 / (599) 545-2071
Fax: (599) 545-2073

The Windward Islands Bank Ltd.
Address: Clem Labega Square, Phillipsburg
Phone: (599) 542-2313
Fax: (599) 542-4761
E-Mail Address: wibbank@email.com

Banks:

Bank v.d. Nederlandse Antillen

Address: W.J.A. Nisbeth Road 25
Phone: (599) 542-3520
Fax: (599) 542-4307

Barclay’s Bank PLC
Address: Frontstreet 29
Phone: (599) 542-3511 / (599) 542-2491 / (599) 542-2567
Fax: (599) 542-4531

Chase Manhattan Bank NA
Address: E.C. Richardson St.
Phone: (599) 542-3801 / (599) 545-4205 / (599) 545-4305
Fax: (599) 542-3692

RBTT Bank Sint Maarten N.V.
Address: A.C. Cannegieter St.
Phone: (599) 542-5908
Fax: (599) 542-5964

Scotiabank
Address: Backstreet 54, Phillipsburg
Phone: (599) 542-3317 / (599) 542-2262
Fax: (599) 542-2435
E-Mail Address: bns.stmaarten@scotiabank.com

SFT Bank
Address: Airport Road 30A
Phone: (599) 545-2070 / (599) 545-2071
Fax: (599) 545-2073

The Windward Islands Bank Ltd.
Address: Clem Labega Square, Phillipsburg
Phone: (599) 542-2313
Fax: (599) 542-4761
E-Mail Address: wibbank@email.com

Tourism info centers:

St. Maarten Tourist Board

Address:
Phone: (1-800) ST MAARTEN
Website: www.shta.com

St. Maarten Tourist Bureau
Address: W.B. Buncamper Road 33 (Vineyard Park Building)
Phone: (599) 542-2337
Fax: (599) 542-2734
E-Mail Address: info@st-maarten.com

Tourists’attractions:

Offshore Sensations
Address: Sipmson bay
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 324 the valley, Anguilla
Phone: (590) 690-651616
Fax: (590) 296536
Cell. Phone: (590) 690-651616
E-Mail Address: offshoresensations@yahoo.com

Sightseeing tours:

St. Maarten Sightseeing Tours
Address: C/O Maho Plaza Init 24
Phone: (599) 545-5514
Fax: (599) 545-4413

St. Martin / St. Maarten Things To Do

Blogger — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:20:59 +0000

St. Martin is known for its distinctive natural beauty as it contains something for just about every one. It has beautiful beaches, majestic mountain ranges, museums, marketplaces and places of entertainment. It has lush fauna and it is conducive for rest and relaxation if that is for what you are look, and it also possesses great places for fun.

Sightseeing

The Butterfly Farm:

This places is a very popular attraction as it is the home to numerous species of rare butterflies. it is indeed engrossing and intriguing.

Concordia Hill:

This site is the place where the Treaty of Concodia was signed in 1648. The treaty was signed between the Dutch and the French which established joint control over the island by the French and the Dutch. The Dutch called their side St. Maarten and the French called its side St. Martin.

Paradise Peak:

This is the highest mountain peak on the island and it does offer a beautiful view of the are and the surrounding islands.

Fort St. Louis:

Fort St. Louis overlooks the Marigot Bay on the leeward side of the island and it was used extensively as a place to protect the settlement at Marigot from foreign invaders. This place was built in 1767 and the Dutch temporarily occupied it in 1789. It is built near the sea on the top of a hill and thus provides a good fortifaction at the time it was built.

Colombier

This is a beautiful sumptuous green valley that is lush with tropical vegetation and sinking gently between rolling green hills. It is a plkace to go for those who are seeking serenity as it is a perfect place to go for private walks and quiet relaxation.

Museums

St Martin Museum:

The St. Martin Museum is located on the southern end of Marigot and next to the Marina Port la Royale. This museum is dedicated to preserving ST. Martin’s history and culture. It houses archaeological artifcats starting with artifacts that were there hundreds of years before Christopher came to this area. These artifacts showed that the Arawaks had a thriving society on that land. It shows that these artifacts dated as far back as 550 B.C.

Beaches

Orient Beach:

This is one of the most popular beaches in St. Martin as it possesses arease for both nude bathing as well as the normal beach goers.

Oyster Pond:

This beach although not well known to visitors is one of the finest beaches. It is a pristine long beach that is very good for swimming and scuba diving. Recently, more and more people seem to be aware of it and there are now more visitors there than ever.

Red Bay:

This is a very popular beach as one of the great features of it is that the waters there are very calm and gentle.

SCENIC ISLAND TOUR*

Explore both sides of this multicultural island with shopping and stops at scenic points of
interest such as beaches and lush gardens.

MARIGOT

This charming capital of St. Martin is alive with French culture! Window shop at the trendy
boutiques, enjoy a cup of coffee and a croissant at one of the many outdoor cafes, and head
to the dock for a ferry to Anguilla where you can spend the afternoon lazing on a powdery-
white sand beach.

OCEAN EXPLORERS SEA WALK

Set on Simson Bay…wear your swim suit, and the guides will provide you with a special
helmet to wear on your tour of the colorful marine life found in the bay.

SPORTS FISHING

One of the more popular sports on the island. Half and full day charter boats complete with
tackle, bait, and lunch are available at the marinas. December thru April is the season for
kingfish and dolphin.

CARNIVAL

The French side holds their carnival prior to Ash Wednesday, and the Dutch side follows suit
a few weeks later during Easter. Both are filled with beauty contests, concerts, jump-ups,
food fairs, and parades.

St. Martin / St. Maarten Things To Know

Blogger — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:17:46 +0000

Time Zone* EST+1

Summer Sunrise/Sunset: 5:38 AM to 6:51 PM

Winter Sunrise/Sunset: 6:40 AM to 5:43 PM

Average Temperature Summer: 84 degrees F

Average Temperature Winter: 79 degrees F

Average Rainfall: 45″

Rainiest Months: August-October

Water Temperature Summer: 82 degrees F

Water Temperature Winter: 79 degrees F

Average humidity: 77%

Dry Season: June-November

Hurricane season: June-November

St. Martin / St. Maarten Getting Around

Blogger — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:15:32 +0000

By Bike & Moped:

Though traffic can be heavy, road speeds are generally slow,
so a moped can be a good way to get around. Parking is easy,
filling the tank with gas is affordable, and you’ve got that
sea breeze in your hair. Scooters rent for as low as EUR22 a
day and motorbikes for EUR37 a day at Eugene Moto, on the
French side. At Go Scoot the bikes are in good repair and the
counter clerks are helpful. If you’re in the mood for a more
substantial bike, contact the Harley-Davidson dealer, on the
Dutch side, where you can rent a big hog for $112 a day.

Eugene Moto (Sandy Ground Rd., Sandy Ground. PHONE: 590/87-13-97).

Go Scoot (20 Airport Rd., Simpson Bay. PHONE: 599/545-4533).

Harley-Davidson (Cole Bay. PHONE: 599/544-2779).

By Car:

Most roads are paved and in generally good condition. However,
they can be narrow and often crowded, especially when the cruise
ships are in port. Be alert for potholes and speed bumps, as well
as the island tradition of stopping in the middle of the road to
chat with a friend or let someone into traffic. Few roads are
identified by name, so use a map and follow destination signs.
International symbols are used.

Rates, in general, are low for the Caribbean — between $35 and
$55 a day with unlimited mileage for a subcompact car. You can
rent a car on the French side, but this rarely makes sense for
Americans because of the unfavorable exchange rates for the euro.
All foreign driver’s licenses are honored, and major credit cards
are accepted. Avis, Dollar, and Hertz have good selections. Also
consider locally owned Unity Car Rental.

Information

Avis (PHONE: 599/545-2847 or 590/87-50-60).

Dollar (PHONE: 599/545-3281).

Hertz (PHONE: 599/545-4541 or 590/87-40-68).

Unity Car Rental (PHONE: 599/557-6760; 800/836-4529 in U.S.).

By Taxi:

The government regulates taxi rates. You can hail cabs on the
street or call the Dutch taxi dispatch on the Dutch side. On
the French side of the island, the minimum rate for a taxi is
$4 and $2 for each additional passenger. Contact the French
taxi dispatch for pickups. There’s a taxi service at the
Marigot port near the tourist information bureau. Fixed fares
apply from Juliana International Airport and the Marigot ferry
to the various hotels around the island. Fares are 25% higher
between 10 PM and midnight, 50% higher between midnight and 6 AM.

Information:

Dutch taxi dispatch (PHONE: 147).

French taxi dispatch (PHONE: 590/87-56-54).

St. Martin / St. Maarten Getting There

Blogger — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:13:11 +0000

ST MARTIN

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Visitors are required to present a valid
passport or an original birth certificate and a
picture ID. And affadavit issued by the U.S.
consulate is also acceptable. All visitors must
have a return or on going ticket as well.

DEPARTURE TAX: $2.50 from the French
side; $20 from the Dutch side

AIRLINES

Air AlM: (800) 327-7230

Air France: (800) 237-2747

Air Guadeloupe: (011-590) 82-53-74

Air Martinique: (011-596) 42-16-60

Air St. Barts: ((011-590) 27-61-90

American Airlines: (800) 433-7300

BWIA: (800) 538-2942

Continental Airlines: (800) 231-0856

Delta: (800) 221-2000

LIAT: (800) 468-0482

TWA: (800) 221-2000

Tyden Air: (800) 842-0261

US Airways: (800) 622-1015

WINAIR: (800) 634-4907

ST MAARTEN

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

U.S. citizens need to present a valid passport or
an original birth certificate with raised seal
plus photo ID.

DEPARTURE TAX: $20

AIRLINES

Air ALM (800) 327-7230

Air France: (800) 237-2747

Air Guadeloupe: (011-5990) 82-53-74

Air Martinique: (011-596) 42-16-60

Air St. Barts: (011-590) 27-61-90

American Airlines: (800) 433-7300

BWIA: (800) 538-2942

Continental Airlines: (800) 231-0856

Delta: (800) 221-1212

LIAT: (800) 468-0482

St. Martin / St. Maarten FAQs

Blogger — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:10:50 +0000

WHY ST MARTIN / ST MAARTEN?
Beautiful beaches – casinos – shopping – and more…

ABOUT ST MARTIN / ST MAARTEN

The French side (St. Martin), is certainly more relaxed and sophisticated, The first-class resorts and white sand beaches are mostly secluded. Marigot is Mediterranean resort-like, with yachts in the harbor, and open-air markets and shops lining the waterfront. A bit to the north, Grand Case is known for the island’s best restaurants.

The Dutch side (Sint Maarten) is a lively destination of white sand beaches, casinos, historical sites, shopping venues and lot of nightlife. Philipsburg, a duty-free port, is the main entry point, and it vibrates with Caribbean colors, sounds and cruise ship passengers.

HISTORY:
Island, 37 sq mi (96 sq km), in the Leeward Islands, West Indies. Since occupation (1648) by the Dutch and French, it has been divided. The northern part (1990 pop. 28,518; capital, Marigot) is in GUADELOUPE. The southern part (1989 est. pop. 29,500; chief town, Philipsburg) is in the NETHERLANDS ANTILLES. It is a tourist resort. The island suffered extensive damage from a hurricane in 1995.

The cultivation of sugar cane introduced slavery onto the island, and hundreds of African men, women, and children were imported for this purpose. The French finally abolished slavery on July 12, 1848 — a date now celebrated as Schoelcher Day. The Dutch slaves were emancipated 15 years later. Following the end of slavery, the island entered a serious depression that lasted until 1939, when the island was declared a duty-free port. The Dutch began developing a tourist industry in the 1950’s, but the French didn’t take advantage of this opportunity until the 1970’s. St.Martin continued its large-scale construction projects throughout the 1980’s, but now most of the development has been completed, and great care has been taken to preserve the island’s natural resources. Today, St.Martin belongs to the prefecture of Guadeloupe and is considered to be just another part of France. Islanders are entitled to vote in French elections.

About St. Martin / St. Maarten

Blogger — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 17:08:28 +0000