SAINT MARTIN INFORMATION LOCATION OF SAINT MARTIN
Saint
Martin island, located in the north of the 'small Antilles' , belongs
to the leeward islands. It is one of the most wanted area. Amazing mixture of Creole,
French, Deutch and English cultures, St Martin and the Leeward Islands is a
very interesting destination.
Saint Martin 'the friendly Island' is the most
cosmopolitan of
the Caribbean archipelago. It offers fantastic beaches, grilled meat in small 'Lolos'
(taverns), free tax shops, exquisite restaurants and very up to date
bars. The whole on top of the emerald sea and below the green mount "Pic Paradis". Not far north, Anguilla, flat and long island, will seduce you by its calm, deserted beaches, turquoise waters, its cliffs, pelicans, rare hotels, its islets and unforgettable lagoons (Prickly Pear, Dog Island, Sandy Island, Scrubb Island...) all inhabited and diving paradise. You should not miss that. As close as Anguilla, Saint Barthélemy ("St Barth", department of Guadeloupe) shows its red roofs, luxury villas and high summits offering wonderful views, appealing boutiques and, of course the beaches.
Between
these major islands, some inhabited islets offer quiet anchorages in wonderful
surroundings. 'Ile fourche' with lunar landscape and great diving spot, 'tintamarre'
or 'Pinel' for the beaches. More south, Saba, Statia, St Kitts and Nevis offer a great contrast with higher summits, green slopes covered by a unique white cloud. It is a forest trekking paradise, and diving down to the black sand covered by a rich colorful flora is unique. NAVIGATION St Martin, St Barth and Anguilla is a perfect sailing area for a week cruise. Within 15 miles from each other they offer a wide variety, each one having its own specificity.
The
southern islands
(Saba, Statia, St Kitts and Nevis) will be visited in a frame of two weeks
including the Saint Martin weekly cruise. This last cruise is advised
for experienced sailors or those who like long legs at sea (10 hours maximum). You will have a choice between numerous anchorages and a few marinas. Some anchorages can be subject to little swell mainly in January or February when the trade winds are at the top (25/30 knots).
CLIMATE The West Indies have pleasant weather condition all year round thanks to the trade winds. The air temperature is between 25 and 30 C, the hottest in summer, water between 26 and 28 C. During the dry season (December to May) the trade winds are permanently between 15 - 20 knots. Local showers can bring some extra wind for a short period of time. During the wet season (June to November) winds are not that stable. It is also a season when tropical storms may appear. (September October) ON
SHORE Take the opportunity to be at St Barth to hire a buggy or a 4x4 to discover the island... impressive sights upon the sea, a good alternative to sailing.
About
the local cooking, the northern islands have a good reputation of using various
influences to create the dishes. It is a mixture of French, Thai, Creole, Japanese
with an exotic touch. MISCELLANEOUS Language spoken: French and Creole in St Barth and St Martin, English and Creole in the other islands.
Currency: Euro (St Barth
and St Martin), Dollar US
or Dollar Caribbean
'EC' anywhere else. Visas: No visa for US citizens and EEC citizens. Passport for all nationalities (even EEC) requested.
Telephone: Orange
and Bouygues in St Barth
and St
Martin, three-band anywhere else.
HOW
TO REACH ST MARTIN
Regular
flights from Europe or the US towards
St
Martin/Phillipsburg |