RSS
St.Maarten / St.Martin is truly a water sports lovers paradise. The waters of St. Maarten / St. Martin and the surrounding islands offer very interesting and varied scuba diving at moderate depths, which means easy and relaxed diving and snorkeling. There are numerous well established coral reef systems with a wide variety of beautiful soft and hard corals in pristine condition. St. Maarten's modern amenities cater to every interest, from water sports to horseback riding.
Boating
St. Maarten is one of the Caribbean's leading sailing venues, playing host each year to the Heineken Regatta and offering plenty of stunning anchorages. Fully-equipped marinas welcome visiting boats and rent everything from speedboats to canoes. Day trips can also be arranged for deep-sea fishing or for visits to secluded nearby islands.
Diving
The rich coral reefs right off the coasts offer a wide variety of underwater sights. The island has numerous dive shops, all of which can provide scuba equipment and lessons. In addition to the reefs, two separate shipwreck sites are popular destinations.
Water sports
Water sports have become an important part of the St. Maarten experience. Beaches and resorts around the island offer windsurfing board rentals and lessons. Jet skis are another popular option, and most people can master riding the waves after two or three tries. The calm, protected waters of Simpson Bay Lagoon are perfect for waterskiing. For a real thrill, parasailing gives adventurers the chance to lift off the beach and take in the views from the air.
Sailing, surfing, body-boarding, wake-boarding, jet-skiing, para-sailing, windsurfing, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and now, the latest fad, 'Kite-surfing' or 'Fly-surfing'. For those who are inexperienced but have "always wanted to try it", lessons are available for all activities.
Jet Ski
Jet Skis and Wave Runners can be rented at several beaches. The most popular locations are Orient Beach (French side) and Great Bay (Philipsburg, Dutch side).
Parasailing
If you are up to be suspended on a giant, inflated wing above the Atlantic ocean, go to Orient Beach. There is the largest range of options.
Surfing and Body Boarding
Winter waves reach the North and West coasts of St Maarten/St Martin from November through March. The East coast comes alive with the passing of tropical systems from July through November. Some of the most popular surf spots include Guana Bay, Le Galion, Mullet Bay and Orient Bay.
Windsurfing
Intermediates and advanced wind surfers should definitely go to Orient Bay, despite its frequent choppy conditions as the bay is facing the windward Atlantic coast. The possibilities are endless here: flat water sailing; swell and chop sailing between Green Cay and Pinel Island; speed runs to Pinel from Club Orient; or wave sailing in the reef at Green Cay. Another great place for Wind surfers, beginners and intermediates, is Le Galion Beach.
Wakeboarding and Water skiing
The most popular spots for wakeboarding and water skiing are Grand Case Bay and the Simpson Bay Lagoon on Nettle Bay.
Diving and Snorkeling
Beaches good for snorkeling: Great Bay, Maho Beach, Mullet Bay, Long Bay, Bay Rouge, Orient Bay, Dawn Beach
The calm, protected waters of Simpson Bay Lagoon are perfect for water-skiing. Jet skis are another popular option. Cruise the crystal clear waters on these jetskis, wet bikes and water scooters while soaking up that warm Caribbean sun. Orient Beach is the place for parasailing to soar 30-50 ft above the ground. St. Maarten has the most active Laser Sailing Club in the entire Caribbean area holding regattas each month during the high season. Many hotels have water sport facilities where one can rent a laser sailing craft. You can also experience the full water sports fun at Pelican Water sports.
The most popular areas for watercraft rentals are Greatbay, Divi, Pelican, Kimsha, Inside the Simpsobay Lagoon, Mullet Beach and Orient.
Sailing
St. Maarten is one of the Caribbean's leading sailing venues offering plenty of excellent anchorages. St. Maarten is one of the few places in the world where the average person can sail on a world-class racing boat. Previous sailing experience is not necessary, only a sense of adventure is required.
There are fully equipped marinas where you can rent everything from speedboats to canoes. Every March, hundreds of participants from Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean visit St. Maarten to compete in Heineken Regatta, one of the world's biggest sailing events.
The St. Maarten 12 Meter Challenge, offered year round, gives visitors the chance to experience first-hand the thrill of America's Cup racing.
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2008
For comments: editor@gowealthy.com
