About St. Maarten. Half French and half Dutch, St. Martin/Sint Maarten is one of the Caribbean's most diverse and interesting islands. The Dutch capital Philipsburg is a delightful warren of narrow streets called steegjies. Here you will find interesting shops and leafy courtyard cafes. Start your exploration at Wathey Square, which is home to a colourful market. If you would prefer to enjoy a little French 'je ne sais quoi', take an island tour to the pretty French capital Marigot. It's worth visiting for its colourful markets, lovely cafe-lined waterfront and the chic boutiques of Marina Port La Royale, where you can pick up unusual jewellery and leather goods. Or spend your day on a catamaran trip from Philipsburg for fabulous deep-sea snorkelling with lunch.
