Have you visited St. Maarten by cruise ship recently? Then you know one day is just not enough for St. Maarten's 37 breathtaking beaches, the shopper's paradise of Duty Free bling and luxury goods, exciting casinos, entertainment and nightlife -- not to mention the glorious food in this culinary heaven.
Take advantage of the new “Bounce Back” rate, exclusively for former cruise passengers offered by Sonesta Great Bay Beach Resort & Casino or Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino. A jaw-dropping $150 per night! Call toll free, 1-800-223-0757, or click here to print out the coupon offer.
Billfish Tournament
They are powerful, aggressive fighters: They run hard and long, make deep sounds and leap high into the air in a seemingly inexhaustible display of strength. They're one of the most sought-after game fish in the world. And every year in June, a gathering of Caribbean and European professional fishermen descend on St. Maarten/St. Martin in search of the magnificent billfish.
The Billfish Tournament takes place every year here, but the exact date falls differently each year during the month of June. This prestigious fishing tournament is organized in Marigot and lasts four days: three days of fishing and one day of rest. About 30 fishing boats carry between 150 and 200 top anglers as they compete in what's becoming one of the most recognized fishing tournaments in the Caribbean and throughout the world.
This is undoubtedly the best billfishing the French West Indies has to offer. The full moons of May, June and July almost guarantee a strike, and boats can expect several good hookups a day and perhaps even multiple catches. Billfish are known to feed on squid and pelagic fish, including blackfin tuna and frigate mackerel, but fishing at the tourney is done with lures. Most billfish will run between 200 and 500 pounds, and the island record is a respectable 825 pounds. All giant billfish are females, with male billfish rarely exceeding 300 pounds.
Last year, 18 boats recorded 59 billfish caught during the four-day event. Minimum keeper limits were set at 300 pounds, and 24 fish were weighed and 35 released to fight again.
There are several other festivities associated with this tournament, which has proven to be popular with spectators as well as fishermen. In addition to the Billfish Tournament, there are two more annual fishing events on the island. The St. Maarten Deep Sea Fishing Challenge in November just before or after St. Martin's Day and the Mahi Mahi Tournament in March. These two tournaments are organized in Philipsburg at Chesterfield's.
For more information on the Billfish Tournament, call 590-590-87-57-21 or visit www.st-martin.org.
Our Activity Guide will get you acquainted with all the tours, attractions, sports and activities in St. Maarten/St. Martin -- for you and your kids. Contact our activities providers and get full details before you go!
A once in a lifetime adventure on a real America's Cup yacht. Thrill to the exhilaration of America’s Cup Yacht Racing in the warm blue waters and brisk trade winds of the Caribbean. Voted #1 shore excursion in the Caribbean for ten years. An expert crew shows you exactly what to do in your "crew members" position, then its off to the racecourse. No sailing experience required! Complimentary refreshments included.
Lagoon Sailboat Rental
Enjoy one of life's simple pleasures; A day of sailing on one of the Caribbean's largest lagoons, Simpson Bay. Lagoon Sailboat Rentals offers 20 foot Jeanneaus for up to 5 people. Sailing on the lagoon is safe, fun and economical. This could be the highlight of your vacation. Sail your own boat for a private, romantic day on the water, take a lesson, or rent the fleet for a group or family activity!
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Have you visited St. Maarten by cruise ship recently? Then you know one day is just not enough for St. Maarten's 37 breathtaking beaches, the shopper's paradise of Duty Free bling and luxury goods, exciting casinos, entertainment and nightlife -- not to mention the glorious food in this culinary heaven. 
A once in a lifetime adventure on a real America's Cup yacht. Thrill to the exhilaration of America’s Cup Yacht Racing in the warm blue waters and brisk trade winds of the Caribbean. Voted #1 shore excursion in the Caribbean for ten years. An expert crew shows you exactly what to do in your "crew members" position, then its off to the racecourse. No sailing experience required! Complimentary refreshments included. 
Enjoy one of life's simple pleasures; A day of sailing on one of the Caribbean's largest lagoons, Simpson Bay. Lagoon Sailboat Rentals offers 20 foot Jeanneaus for up to 5 people. Sailing on the lagoon is safe, fun and economical. This could be the highlight of your vacation. Sail your own boat for a private, romantic day on the water, take a lesson, or rent the fleet for a group or family activity! 
