Writer Eleanor M. Wilson sampled St. Maarten's adventure travel
offerings prior to Hurricane Lenny's November visit. As the island
rebounds from the storm, so too does the island's infrastructure.
Her report follows:
PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten -- Options abound for vacationers
seeking more than sun and sand on St. Maarten. Several local
operators, such as Tri Sport in Simpson Bay, pay commissions on
sports activities.
More than 25 miles of hiking trails crisscross St. Maarten. Easy
one- or two-hour treks poke into the rain forest, dip along the
shore and pass small farm plots sprouting local produce.
Experienced hikers should head to 1,272-foot Paradise Peak. Trails
are marked at ground level, but tall brush further up the mountain
often obscures the markers.
Maps and guides are available at the base. Hikers should carry
water bottles and wear sunglasses, sunscreen, hats and clothing
that protects against thorny bushes. Mountain bikers and cyclists
can rent equipment at several locations. Local clubs often invite
visitors to join their weekly outings.
Lucky Stables in Cole Bay and OK Corral at Oyster Pond offer
horseback riding on the beaches and at higher elevations.
Experienced riders might consider a midnight champagne ride.
St. Maarten's running club invites visitors to join its members
every Sunday. The Friendly Island Triathlon Association organizes
five competitions a year. Four events include swimming, running or
cycling, and culminate with the Grand Chase full triathlon each
November. This is a grueling event in which participants swim a
mile, bike 24 miles and run six.
Another exciting water experience is St. Maarten's annual
Heineken Regatta in March. The race draws international competitors
in every size vessel. Experienced visitors can sign on as crew
members. Spectator boats also go out to watch the maneuvers.
Partying and entertainment are continuous during race days. A
highlight occurs at the end of the regatta when several hundred
boats try to squeeze simultaneously through a narrow channel back
into the harbor.
St. Maarten's constant breezes are a boon to windsurfers,
kayakers and those who parasail above the beaches. Water-sports
equipment, such as Waverunners, Jet Skis, water skis and banana
boats, can be rented at most beaches, including Orient Beach.
Nonmotorized water toys are found along the Philipsburg shore
between Great Bay Beach Hotel and Divi Little Bay Beach Resort.
Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg arranges deep-sea fishing trips.
Reefs and wrecks in the waters off St. Maarten offer divers more
than 40 sites to explore.
The wreck of the Proselyte, a British frigate which met its fate
in 1801 on reefs facing the Bay of Philipsburg, is marked by three
gigantic anchors and scattered debris.
St. Maarten Tourist Office
Phone: (800) 786-2278
E-mail: [email protected]
Dive Safari
Phone: (011) 5995 26 024
E-mail:[email protected] or [email protected]
Tri Sport
Phone: (011)5995 54 384
E-mail: [email protected]