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.
Carnival: The Pulse of the Island
The St. Maarten Carnival is the highlight of the Island calendar and one of the longest in the Caribbean. Staged in April on the Dutch side, the festivities continue for 12 days with a non-stop line-up of parades, "jump-ups", pageants and concerts. Spicy island cuisine like salt fish, conch soup and Johnny Cakes are dished up inside the "Carnival Village," which is surrounded by a gigantic stage where local and international musicians perform nightly.
The much celebrated J'ouvert or jump-up features local and international bands and thousands of revelers lining the streets in anticipation of the music, who then follow the bands until they arrive at Carnival village hours later. More parades are held the next morning, and the grandest of all takes place on the Queen's Birthday. Crowds pack the streets of Philipsburg vying for a spot to see the musicians, the outrageous costumes and the colorful floats as they pass by in their festive splendor. The Last Lap, the grand finale of the Carnival, includes a symbolic burning of King Momo, a straw figure who embodies the spirit of carnival. Island legend says that by burning the King, the sins of the village and all its bad luck are purged, and the island is filled with good luck for the future.
The French Carnival, although not as large as the party on the Dutch side, is held with equal gusto. Staged during the five days before Ash Wednesday (usually in February), the festivities feature the crowning of a Carnival Queen, colorful parades, non-stop dancing, music and more hot and spicy island food.
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. 
The St. Maarten Carnival is the highlight of the Island calendar and one of the longest in the Caribbean. Staged in April on the Dutch side, the festivities continue for 12 days with a non-stop line-up of parades, "jump-ups", pageants and concerts. Spicy island cuisine like salt fish, conch soup and Johnny Cakes are dished up inside the "Carnival Village," which is surrounded by a gigantic stage where local and international musicians perform nightly. 
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! 
