St. Maarten
This island enjoys the joint sovereignty of France and Holland and is the only Caribbean isle shared by 2 countries. The French side is larger, approximately 21 square miles, and Marigot is its capital. The Dutch side is approximately 16 square miles and its capital is Philipsburg. There are no customs formalities at the "frontier" – but there are two ways to spell the name (Saint Martin/French; Sint. Maarten/Dutch), two distinct styles of architecture and two distinctive ways of life.
In early times the cannibalistic Carib Indians inhabited the island. On Columbus' second voyage of discovery in 1493, he is said to have sighted a lovely group of small islands on St. Martin's Day, and the one ringed with sparkling white beaches became known as St. Martin's Day, and the one ringed with sparkling white beaches became known as St. Martin. The island was occupied for brief periods by French freeboaters, Portuguese, English Dutch and Spaniards. No one claimed it, and it was used mainly as a pirate hideout. Sunken wrecks of galleons are now the only evidence to this swashbuckling past.
The peaceful coexistence enjoyed by these two nations for over 300 years is nothing short of remarkable. St. Maarten's many fine beaches and resorts and its relaxed, friendly atmosphere indeed make it an inviting island gateway.
General Information
- The ship docks alongside at A.C. Wathey Pier.
- Points of Interest include: Marigot (French capital) 8 miles
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