Cole Bay Travel & Vacation Guide

Bernard's Tours has an outstanding reputation. Take part in outstanding individual or group tours. On the half-day trip led by competent guides you will discover all the major sites of the island and learn its long and rich history.

The only place in the world where you can directly cross the border between Holland and France! Back in 1648, the French and Dutch signed a contract dividing the island into two parts. Since then, the two sides have lived in peace and harmony. Apart from the language, the only indicator of the border is a border obelisk marking 300 years of peaceful coexistence by the two nations.

Swim with turtles, lionfish, lizardfish and other colourful sea creatures. You will be provided with top notch diving equipment; professional underwater cameras can be rented in order to capture this unique experience.

Located between Great Bay and Little Bay in the southern part of the island, Fort Amsterdam dates back nearly four centuries. It was constructed by Dutch settlers who claimed the island in 1631 and utilized shortly thereafter in battle with Spanish occupiers. There isn't much left of the fort itself, but the surrounding nature is spectacular. Wear comfortable shoes and look out for iguanas.

Fort St Louis is the largest historical monument in Saint-Martin. It is named after King Louis XVI of France, who built a settlement to protect Marigot during his reign. Take a pleasant hike up the hill and catch the view of the town at sunset or sunrise.

The town of Grand Case has gained the status of St Martin's gourmet capital. A number of world-class restaurants are located in traditional huts and the village is home to the last remaining wattle houses. In January, a Caribbean jazz festival with bands and orchestras takes place.

Loterie Farm is a private nature reserve and the perfect spot for an ecological adventure and a gourmet experience. Dine and drink some wine or participate in one of the numerous outdoor activities like climbing, hiking or gliding over the treetop canopy.

The capital of Saint-Martin has rows of patisseries and smart bistros that sit side by side with luxury fashion houses and colonial architecture. Take a stroll on Rue de la République with its 19th-century traditional facades and visit one of the many historical buildings like Marigot Church, the Old Prison or Durat Bridge.

This casino in the heart of Philipsburg welcomes every gambling man with more than a hundred ultramodern slot machines and seven table games, including roulette, blackjack, Caribbean poker and three card poker.

This fun and casual place will delight your taste buds with a huge selection of BBQ food and craft beers, including their own IPA. The friendly staff and the relaxed atmosphere of the Dinghy Dock Bar will make you feel at home.

Take a break from exploring the busy town of Philipsburg at Dirty Sanchez Crew Bar. They are located right on the beach at the Waterfront Boardwalk, and the bikini-clad bartenders mix up classic cocktails using a blend of unique ingredients.

Every Tuesday night from January to April, Grand Case — a small town on the French side of the island — hosts Les Mardis de Grand-Case. Also known as Harmony Nights, it is a street fair with local music, arts and crafts exhibitions as well as traditional dance shows. Street food, beach-facing restaurants, drum beats, and booths selling trinkets will surely make your day.

Located just in the middle of Simpson Bay littoral zone, this little gem combines great seafood and drinks with live music sessions. The staff even provides its clientele with chairs and umbrellas to enjoy the turquoise waters and the fine sand, thus enhancing the whole experience.

At this family-owned open-air bar and grill, you can enjoy great views while eating fabulous food and sipping specialty cocktails. Located right on the beach, the Lazy Lizard earned its reputation over the years and is now a favourite of both locals and tourists.

Here at The Palms, size doesn't really matter; this little restaurant offers many options in a range of culinary styles, including some old family recipes to die for. Come here and savour their renowned specialties, like the drunken ribs and the jerk chicken wrap, or just join the karaoke contest and showcase your talent.

This waterfront lounge packed with quality music, spirits and cocktails of any kind offers one of the best places to have fun in Sint Maarten. Check out their upcoming events and have a whale of a good time.

Ballerina Jewelers is located right off of where the cruise ships land in Philipsburg. They are known for their attentiveness to detail and to the customers' needs. Their collection of jewelry is unparalleled on the island and features several unique pieces.

BeDazzled is a small boutique jewelry shop whose owner has years of experience in the jewelry industry. Let him and his trustworthy staff guide you on your search for the perfect piece of jewelry.

On the Dutch side of the island, Front Street and Back Street in Philipsburg are the alternative to Marigot's French boutiques. The promenade along the waterfront is lined with a vast range of restaurants and bars as well as boutiques, jewellery stores and souvenir stalls selling perfumes and clothing.

Rum-based liquors have been the main business of the island for decades and are part of its tradition. Here at Guavaberry Emporium you can retrace the evolution of this historic trade by purchasing and sampling quality homemade rums as well as a variety of fruit liqueurs and hot sauces.

Joe's is an international jeweller offering fine pieces in three locations in Sint Maarten. Although Joe's deals in jewellery from around the world, the shop is locally-owned, and this is apparent in every facet of their business.

If you are looking for a shopping experience like no other on the French side of the island, look no farther than Le West Indies Shopping Mall. Located on the waterfront in Marigot, this shopping centre provides shoppers with the opportunity to explore high-end shops and eat in classy restaurants while taking in the beautiful and fascinating architecture of the building itself.

The island paradise of St. Martin has become synonymous with the good life. Remember the time you spent soaking in the sun with a drink in hand with a bottle of rum in a number of flavours. All rums are made by local craftsmen using traditional methods.

For those looking for some hustle and bustle, the lively Marigot Market is the place to go. It can be best described as a melting pot of colours and smells located in open Creole huts along the waterfront. Locals sell fruit and vegetables, spices, local meats and fresh fish as well as handicrafts. Make sure to sample some flavoured rums.

The best time to visit St Martin is between May and June or November and mid December: torrential rains are not frequent in these weeks and airfare and room prices lower consistently. The weather on the island is generally pleasant throughout the year, but bear in mind that the rainy season starts in June and protracts until the end of October. Try to avoid the period between winter and spring, which is peak season in St Martin. The island gets very crowded and prices rise dramatically.

Most travellers enter St Martin on the Dutch side of the island. Upon arrival at Princess Juliana International Airport, all passengers must present: - a passport valid at least until the end of your stay; - a completed and signed Embarkation and Disembarkation card (ED-card); - a return or onward ticket; - a reservation for an accommodation in Sint Maarten; - proof of sufficient financial means. Visitors and goods can travel freely between the French and Dutch sides of the island. The maximum stay allowed on St Martin is 30 days uninterrupted for tourists in general. For Dutch and American passport holders, maximum stay is 6 months uninterrupted with the possibility to extend. Nationals of Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand and Japan can stay for 3 months uninterrupted with the possibility to extend.

Saint-Martin and Sint Maarten are served by the Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), which is located 15 km west of Philipsburg and near Simpson Bay, on the Dutch side of the island. The Grand Case Airport, in the north of the island, is used only for regional flights. Taxi services are provided outside both airports. There are also rental cars available, and some hotels will arrange transfers. You have undoubtedly seen photos and videos of planes landing right by the beach. Most of those were taken on Maho Beach — arguably one of the most spectacular places in the world for a plane-spotting. The beach is just west of Princess Juliana Airport.

Hiring a car is the best way to get around. Motorcycles and mopeds are also available for hire, or you can just hop on a jitney — the usual mode of transport for islanders, which is an inexpensive way to explore the island. Group taxis (minibuses) cover most areas of the island, however, there is no strict schedule.

Taxis can be hired at Princess Juliana International Airport and at all major hotels. They aren't metered, but drivers must follow official rates for travel throughout the island. Marigot: +590 590 87 56 54 Philipsburg: +1 721 542 2359 Princess Juliana International Airport: +1 721 546 7713 Grand Case Esperance Airport: +590 590 87 53 03

Country code for the French Saint-Martin: 220 volts / 50 Hz with US power plugs (flat prongs). Country code for the Dutch Sint Maarten: 110 volts / 60 Hz with French power plugs (round prongs).

Pharmacies are located throughout the island: Orange Grove Pharmacy Orange Grove Shopping Center, Cole Bay, Sint Maarten +1 721 544 2013 Simpson Bay Pharmacy 68 Welfare Road, Sint Maarten +1 721 544 3653 Sun Pharmacie 2 Rue de la Republique, Marigot, Saint-Martin +590 590 875 168 Grand Case Pharmacy Grand Case, Saint-Martin +590 590 877 746

Country code for the French Saint-Martin: +590. Country code for the Dutch Sint Maarten: +1 721. Calls between the two countries are international.