Photo Credit: Maarten Takens

Occupying the lower half of the Caribbean island of St Martin, St Maarten offers beautiful sandy beaches that feature highly as places to go in the country. Some are located on the eastern side, and with the next continental landmass being Africa, heading here at the start of the day to watch the sunrise over the ocean is an awe-inspiring experience. South-facing beaches provide great surf. Inland, there are a few attractions, including a tropical zoo, and there is a historical border monument to discover.

Cupecoy Beach

Imagine a picture-postcard ideal of a white sand beach awash with turquoise sea and you have arrived at Cupecoy. Dominated by white cliffs that tower over it, the beach at Cupecoy is simply stunning and a great place to relax for the day, with sunbathing interspersed with dips into the sea. There are also caves you can explore when the tide is out. Address: Cupecoy Beach, Western St Maarten Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Guana Bay Beach

Located very close to the capital at Philipsburg, this wide and shallow bay is a great spot for body boarding and surfing. It is a quiet and relaxing beach, away from the big resorts that dominate other coastal areas of St Maarten Address: Guana Bay Beach, Eastern St Maarten. Phone: n/a Website: n/a

Dawn Beach

As its name may suggest, this is an excellent spot to watch the sunrise as its shore faces the east. It is also a popular snorkeling spot since there is a wonderful coral reef to be admired off the shore. Address: Dawn Beach, Oyster Pond, Eastern St Maarten Phone: n/a Website: n/a

St Maarten Zoo

A visit to this zoo, which houses over 60 species of animals, is a great day out. It features many tropical birds, mammals, and reptiles; many of which are rare and endangered. There is also a dedicated bird walk through the aviaries. Address: St Maarten Zoo, Great Salt Pond, central St Maarten Phone: +11-721-543-2030 Website: http://www.stmaartenzoo.com

Mullet Bay Beach

This beach has the best waves, making it a popular destination for surfers. There are a few places to eat and drink nearby, while the moon-shaped bay is also close to the island’s only golf course. Address: Mullet Bay Beach, Western St Maarten Mayreau. Phone: n/a Website: n/a

St Maarten Museum

This museum is managed by the St Maarten National Heritage Foundation and provides information on many aspects of the island’s natural and cultural history. It includes the history of the island’s geological formation, details on the original Arawak inhabitants, and colonial history, including slavery. Address: St Maarten Museum, Front Street, Philipsburg Phone: +11-721-542-4917 Website: http://www.museumsintmaarten.org/

Border Monument

This monument was erected in 1948 to commemorate 300 years of coexistence between French St Martin and Dutch St Maarten, which share the island. It is located at the border, where even though a partition treaty was signed in 1648, there was no clear delineation until 1772. You will pass this monument if you take the road from Cole Bay to Marigot. Address: Union Road, central St Maartenl Phone: n/a Website: n/a

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