St. Maarten - USVI

St. Maarten is artificially divided into 2 halves, one side is French, the other Dutch. On the Dutch side of the island, the capital Philipsburg is the center of activity and where most cruise ship dock. The island is know for it museums, duty-free shopping, and it's Forts - Fort Amsterdam and Fort Willem. The primary shopping area is Front Street where you find name brand leather, crystal, jewelry, local artwork and crafts. As always, it is recommended that you price items is the States before jumping into a purchase.

The island is approximately 37 square miles and offer great swimming, snorkeling and diving at any of its 37 beaches. Maho Beach located at the airport approach to St. Maarten, can be quite noisy, but you can almost reach up and touch the approaching airplanes. Among the favorite beaches are Mullet Bay and Little Bay beaches which are ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

The official language of St. Maarten is Dutch, although English is spoken fluently.