|
The
deceptively small Dutch St. Maarten presents some interesting contrasts
for the explorer. Wide beaches along the coast, full of sunbathers and
surfers, seem a far cry from the quiet country roads and small towns of
the hillsides. In the evening the hills of the interior become even more
peaceful, while the glittering casinos and pulsing clubs of the coast
just begin to come alive.
Heading north by car on Pondfill Road from Philipsburg, visitors soon arrive at the Madam Estate area, site of the St. Maarten Park. Governed by the St. Maarten Zoological and Botanical Garden, it features animals, birds and plants native to the Caribbean Basin and South America.
Northeast of the St.
Maarten Park are Dawn Beach, Oyster Pond and Guana Bay, the first best
known as a favored snorkeling and windsurfing beach. 
According
to legend, Oyster Pond is the point where a Frenchman and Dutchman stood
back to back and starting walking around the island in either direction,
determining the present-day boundaries between Dutch and French St. Maarten.
Oyster Bay remains divided between two governments, but the border is
extremely informal--swimmers can cross back and forth between French and
Dutch territory without even noticing!
For a view and a taste of history, visitors can climb Mount Concordia, which rises along the border in the center of the island. In 1648, the treaty that divided the island was signed here, and Mount Concordia continues to serve as a proud symbol of St. Maarten's 350+ year history of peaceful co-existence between the two cultures.
Cole Bay Hill, just west of Philipsburg, has an observation platform at the top. A stop here is highly recommended for views of surrounding islands, including Anguilla, Saba, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts, and Nevis. Down along the coast, a popular walking trail leads from Cole Bay to Cay Bay. The walk takes about an hour.
Further
west is Simpson Bay Lagoon, a large, enclosed stretch of water perfect
for waterskiing. The road leading along the south side of the lagoon goes
past the island's largest resort, Maho Bay.
Cupecoy Beach is the last beach in Dutch territory on the western side of the island. Visitors who want the full St. Maarten experience can follow the road through the French side.