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Your first stop on the 7 Day Eastern Caribbean cruise is St. Maarten. The exotic island of St.
Maarten is 37 square miles and has a population of 77,000. St. Maarten is Dutch (16 square miles) That
part of the island's capital is Philipsburg. St. Martin is French (21 square miles) and that part of
the island's capital is Marigot (St. Maarten and St. Martin
are different names for the same island).
There is a diverse
culture with over 77 different nationalities represented
on this small island. Everyone speaks English (you
can also find people who speak Spanish, Papiamentu, Italian,
Hindi and Chinese). Some noticeable differences though:
there are casinos on the Dutch side (not allowed in the
French) and topless beaches on the French side (not allowed
in the Dutch).
The island is visited by over one and a half million people a year because
of the relaxing environment, sun, beautiful beaches and to get a taste of what
the colonial Caribbean has to offer.
The flora and fauna of the island is
amazing. As you wind the hills the narrow, steep roads
are lined with cashew nut, banana, and mango trees. Pelicans
(the national bird), egrets, goats, sheep, cows and horses
are common sights as well. If wildlife interests you and
you have the time you may wish to stop in to the St.
Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden.
The overall feeling of the island
is one of relaxation. There is no hurry, and it can be
quite an adjustment getting used to the laid-back attitude
of the island and it's people. Just take your time and
soak in everything that the island has to offer.
:
Pinel Island Snorkel Tour (3.5 hours)*
After a scenic bus ride to the northeast French Coast, a water taxi will transport you to Pinel Island where you can enjoy shallow or deep water snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing on a beautiful beach. All the snorkeling gear and instruction is provided. You're welcome to explore this uninhabited island, visit the boutiques or purchase cool drinks from the local vendors.
Price: Adult $37 (ages 10 & up) Child: $31 (ages 5-9) No one under age 5.
Shipwreck Cove Snorkel Tour (3.5 hours)
Experience a thrilling snorkel adventure at Shipwreck Cove, where you can hand-feed a wide array of fish that inhabit sunken ships along with a variety of local marine life. Not recommended for non-swimmers. All snorkeling gear is included along with rum punch or fruit punch, after snorkeling.
Price: Adult $41 (ages 10 & up) Child: $34 (ages 8-9) No one under age 8.
Golden Eagle Catamaran (3.5-4 hours)*
Sail across the sparkling Caribbean waters in a catamaran, and enjoy swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Pastries and an open bar are provided, after your snorkeling adventure. Snorkeling equipment is provided.
Price: Adult $69 (ages 10 & up) Child: $39 (ages 5-9) No one under age 5.
Thriller Powerboat Tours (3 - 3.5 hours)
Take an unforgettable cruise on the Thriller Powerboat through beautiful Simpson Bay Lagoon as you glide past Marigot, the French capital of St. Maarten. You'll stop at one of the island's white sand beaches for a chance to splash in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.
Price: Adult $65 (ages 10 & up) Child: $48 (ages 5 - 9) No one under the age of 5
Afternoon Beach Bash Tour (3.5 - 4 hours)
Orient Bay, known as one of the finest beach destinations in the Caribbean, is yours to enjoy. You can enjoy a day of swimming and relaxation. If you want some excitement, take advantage of the wide choice of water sports available. (Rental fees may apply.)
Price: $37 (ages 10 & up) Child: $20
"BUBBA" Fishing Adventure Tour (4 - 4.5 hours)
Set sail along the magnificent St. Maarten coast in pursuit of Grouper, Trigger Fish, Barracuda and other aquatic trophies. The friendly crew will help in baiting hooks and reeling in your catch.
Price: $90 (ages 10 & up) Child: $77 (6 - 9)
12-Metre Regatta (3 hours)
Experience the most exciting water sport event in the Caribbean - The 12-Metre Regatta! You will race in vessels that actually competed in the America's Cup. As a crew member you can grind a winch, trim a sail, punch a stop watch or sit back and relax as you race the vessel to victory.
Price: Adult $75 (ages 12 & up only)
Island Drive and Explorer Cruise (4 hours)
Enjoy a scenic transfer to Simpson's Bay Lagoon, where you'll board the Explorer for a 30-minute cruise to Marigot, the French capital. You will have time for sightseeing and shopping before your scenic return to Philipsburg, the Dutch capital.
Price: Adult $45 (ages 10 & up) Child: $22 (ages 3-9)
Under Two Flags Island Tour (3 hours)
During a scenic tour of St. Maarten, two countries in one excursion, the French and Dutch side of this beautiful island, you'll make a short stop at the French capital of Marigot where you can browse the local marketplace and boutiques.
Price: Adult $22 (ages 10 & up) Child: $17 (ages 3-9)
French Riviera Beach Rendezvous (5 hours)*
Transfer to Orient Bay and relax on 1.5 miles of white sandy beach. When you arrive, you'll be welcomed with a complimentary drink, a delicious lunch and reserved beach chair. A very popular excursion for the true beach lover.
Price: Adult $57 (ages 10 and up) Child: $40 (ages 3-9)
St. Maarten Island and Butterfly Farm Tour (3.5-4 hours)
A narrated bus tour will take you through Philipsburg to the Butterfly Farm in the French Quarter, where you'll observe exotic species in this rare environment. From the farm you'll go to the village of Marigot to enjoy its sidewalk cafes, open-air markets and duty-free shopping.
Price: Adult $34 (ages 10 & up) Child: $28 (ages 3-9)
See & Sea Island Tour (3.5 hours)
This tour combines the best of land and sea, starting with a narrated bus ride to Grand Case. From there, experience the underwater wonder of St. Maarten on the Sea World Explorer, a semi-submarine. Afterwards, you'll continue to Marigot, where you'll spend approximately one hour to visit the quaint town.
Price: Adult $51 (ages 10 & up) Child: $36 (ages 3-9)
Lotterie Farm Hidden Forest Tour (4.5-5 hours)
Take a challenging wilderness hike for approximately 1½ hours along a trail beneath a lush rainforest canopy. Emerge from a hidden canyon to the breathtaking heights of Pic Paradise. After the hike, wind down with a sumptuous buffet lunch at the Hidden Forest open-air restaurant and a brief trip to the island's famous marketplace.
Price: Adult $80 (ages 10 and above)
Price: Child $48 (ages 8 - 9) No one under age 8.
Departure Time: 8:15 am
Mountain Bike Adventure (3.5 hours)
Experience on and off-road biking along stunning coastlines, down an exhilarating trail and through the rural village of Colombier. The ride ends at the beautiful, secluded cove of Friar's Bay Beach, where you can relax, sun or swim while enjoying a complimentary beverage.
Price: Adult $72 (ages 12 and above) No one under age 12.
Departure Time: 7:50 am
Anguilla Dolphin Encounter (7 - 7.5 hours)
Swim, feed and play with dolphins while learning fascinating facts about them. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, so don't forget your camera (underwater cameras are not allowed in the water). For a perfect ending to a memorable morning, take time for fun and sun on the beach at beautiful Meads Bay, where you can enjoy an authentic Caribbean barbecue lunch.
Price: Adult $188 (ages 10 &up)
Price: Child $162 (ages 5-9) No one under age 5.
Departure Time: 7:15 am
Observer, Anguilla Dolphin Encounter (7 - 7.5 hours)
Have a fun day in the sun watching your friends/family as they experience the Anguilla Dolphin Encounter.
Price: $129 (ages 10 & up) Child: $101 (3 - 9)
Caribbean Duck Tour (2 - 2.5 hours)
You'll have a fun filled time on "The Duck", the only amphibious vehicle on St. Maarten. You'll tour the Dutch side of the island on land, and then head into the water for a Caribbean adventure while listening to island tunes.
Price: $48 (ages 10 & up) Child: $37 (5 - 9)
Rhino Rider & Snorkeling Adventure (3 hours)
Ride on air! Pilot your own two-person inflatable vessel across Simpson Bay Lagoon. Travel along the coastline and out to open sea and take in spectacular views of Marigot and Fort S. Louis. Then, experience the underwater drama at a prime snorkeling spot. Swim among the marine life before returning to the lagoon. Relax after the journey at one of the island's best-known watering holes with a complimentary beverage.
Price: Adult $84 per person. Each boat holds two guests and you will be paired up. Ages 10 and above. Guests must be 18 years or older to drive Rhino Rider and have a valid driver's license.
Price: Child $N/A
Departure Time: 7:45 am, 12:45 pm
* Please be aware that St. Maarten's beaches are similar to those found in many European countries where swimwear and other attire is optional.
Please note: except where noted, shore excursions are operated by independent contractors. All excursions are subject to cancellation due to weather, itinerary changes and attendance. Excursions are booked on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability. All prices are subject to change without notice. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
 Photos of St. Maarten
St. Maarten Island and Shopping Guide
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