Saint Martin is among the top-notch tropical Caribbean tourist destinations. Nestled in the northern-eastern part of the Caribbean Sea, Saint Martin is governed by two different countries, the Kingdom of the Netherland and the French Republic. For visitors, both Euros and Dutch Antillean Guilders are accepted here, and on the other hand, the dollar is the most common currency. Saint Martin’s flag that flies over the French side represents French culture and history. Here are some of the little unknown facts about Sint Maarten.
Learn how to make French perfumes
Have you ever tried making perfume for yourself? Well, you will certainly do so during your Caribbean tropical vacation. Sint Maarten has several perfume shops that apart from selling French perfumes, allow you to learn how to make a high-quality perfume. You can attend different classes where you can learn from professionals about creating a pleasant scent with plants grown only in Saint Martin. They offer affordable and short courses that engage you with locals.
Visit astonishingly butterfly farm
This Caribbean island is by far one of the most enchanting destinations, especially for nature lovers. Here, the Sint Maarten government has delicately designed a gorgeous Butterfly Farm to preserve flora and fauna. Butterfly Farm is among the most-visited places on the island. Here, you can spot several types of butterflies with unique colors and patterns. In addition to housing this little creature, the garden attracts several other majestic butterflies of the island. Tourists admire the garden’s diversity and amazing kaleidoscopic nature of unique flora. This beautiful butterfly farm attracts a huge number of tourists in spring.
World’s steepest zipline experience
You might not be expecting this, but Sint Maarten has the world’s steepest zipline, which gives you an exciting tour through wild nature. Over the years, visitors are desperate to come to St. Martin to feel the wilderness of rainforests and lush hills. The local tourism industry decided what could be better than a thrilling zipline experience that covers both experiences in one go. First, you make your way through the rainforest to attend the zipline flight, and as you ascend down at high speed, you will see spectacular views of the island. Zipline Saint Martin is fully equipped with all international standard safety features, so no need to worry about that aspect.
Only island with two carnivals
Here citizens of Sint Maarten can observe the culture of the Dutch and French sides and also take part in the celebrations of both sides. However, they can not fully take advantage of being binational since St. Martin might be the only island in the Caribbean with just two festivals in a year. Here, on the French side, they celebrate carnival in February, and meanwhile, the other side waits for April to resume its festivities. However, as a tourist, you don’t need to worry about not being a part of any festival if you don’t hit the right month. Head to Philipsburg’s Carnival Village, which welcomes, and offers authentic dishes year around.
An Airport Beach
Yes, you heard it right, an Airport Beach. Sint Maarten is at its best when it’s about one of the most photographed airport runways in the world. If you happen to fly into this beautiful island, the very first you will notice before getting off the plane would be its well-known beach, Maho beach. Located in close proximity to the runway, it allows you to capture a selfie with a Boeing seemingly landing right on top of you as the airport meets the beach here. On the beach, experience the world-class bars and hotels, some of which also have arrivals and departures on display.