Sail and Study in a Tropical Paradise ! |
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Sail and Study in a Tropical Paradise ! |
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The Island |
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Bridge information: Dining St.Maarten / St.Martin has a lot to offer for those who love water (sports). Activities like scuba diving, parasailing, water skiing, windsurfing, jet-skiing, sailing and kayaking can be practiced at several beaches around the Island. If you prefer to stay on the shores there are lots of possibilities as well; golf, tennis, horseback riding and hiking are popular. The waters around St.Maarten/St.Martin are absolutely worth it to take a look from ' the other side'. Scuba diving continues to gain popularity and several diving operations can be found at Pelican Marina (Aqua Marina), Palapa Marina ( Dive Safaris ) at Simpson Bay (Ocean Explorers) at Great Bay Marina ( Scubafun ) and at Bobby's Marina and Oyster Pond (Dive Safaris). Several dive centers are also located on the French side like Blue Ocean in Nettle Bay and Scuba Fun in Anse Marcel. A very good scuba diving supplier The Scuba Shop is located in Oyster Pond and Palapa Simpson Bay. The sea temperature is about 80 degrees year round and visibility averages some 60 feet. Occasionally you will spot nurse sharks, turtles, lobster, dolphin and many other creatures. While visiting St.Maarten / St.Martin don't miss: - Fort Amsterdam - Pic Paradis - Baie Rouge beach - Fort Saint Louis - Orient Bay Beach - The local market in Marigot - The boardwalk and Front Street Airports The Island has two airports. Princess Juliana International Airport can be found on the Dutch side and airport L'Esperance at Grand Case on the French side. L'Esperance Airport operates several flights by commercial light aircraft to other French Islands in the Leeward and Windward Islands. Princess Juliana airport is under re-construction until June 2006. A whole new departure and arrival hall is build. Yet, the airport is still operating and planes arrive and depart every day from and towards other Islands in the Caribbean and major cities in the U.S.A., South America and Europe. For example you can fly with KLM, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Air France, WinAir and Corse Air from New York, Amsterdam, Paris, Miami and many more major cities around the world. Public Transportation Small busses: For $1 or $1,5 they can bring you almost everywhere. There are no bus stops on the Island, so you have to raise your hand on the side of the road to make them stop for you. Sometimes you have to wait 15 minutes before a bus passes by, but mostly it will go quite fast. It is an easy way of transportation and a nice opportunity to get in contact with the locals. Island hopping From St.Maarten/St.Martin you can easily visit other small(er) Islands in the Caribbean. The easiest way to travel is by plane. It will take you just minutes before you will experience a complete other culture and history. WinAir provides services to St.Barths, Saba, St.Kitts, Anguilla and some other beautiful Caribbean Islands. Anguilla is just six miles from the shores of St.Martin, but it seems like a different world. The 33 beaches are Anguilla's biggest attraction. St.Barth's is only 15 miles from St.Maarten/St.Martin and is a small piece of paradise. The rich and famous from all over the globe have made St.Barth's a fashionable and exciting Island. Officially known as St.Barthelemy, St.Barth's can offer you a beautiful day-trip to this international hot spot. The Islands most popular beach is St.Jean Bay. But if you prefer more quiet beaches you can choose from 22 others! 28 Miles south of St.Maarten/St.Martin you can find Saba, "the Unspoiled Queen". This Island is just five square miles and very popular for Scuba divers, nature lovers and hiking excursions. The diving in the waters around Saba is world famous. One of the most beautiful dive sites is the Eye of the Needle. St.Eustatius was once the commercial hub of the Caribbean. A daytrip to this Island will give you a look in the past. Statia's captial, Oranjestad, is a great example of a typical 18th century Caribbean colonial town. Statia is like a historical museum and for this reason an interesting destination for your daytrip. Nevis provides something for every visitor: natural beauty, friendly people and all sorts of activities. The Island is 36 square miles and has 11.200 habitants. On this Island you drive on the left side of the road. A people's pride is their cultural heritage and Nevisians are well known for cultural preservations. This Island is popular amongst nature lovers. Nevis is a perfect Island for a longer visit. Several Islands like St.Barth’s, Saba, Anguilla can be reached by day charter boats and ferries or by helicopter. ( See www.IslandHelicopters.net and www.LeewardIslandsHelicopters.com ) Hotels St.Maarten / St.Martin offers a lot of opportunities to stay during your visit. Because of the growth in tourist visits St.Maarten is building more and more hotels all over the Island. Recommended hotels are Holland House Beach Hotel, La Samanna, Captain Oliver's, Maho Beach Resort, Le Domaine and many more. Holland House is located on the Front Street in Philipsburg; the shopping center of St.Maarten. This hotel is almost built on Great Bay Beach. For more info call 0599 542 25 72 or check the website www.hhbh.com
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The Maritime School of
the West Indies |