This tiny island on the border between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea has two different languages and is ruled by two different nations. At just 37 square miles, the southern half is Sint Maarten and ruled by the Dutch, while the northern half, St. Martin is French ruled. We took the air conditioned bus tour around both sides.
Tour Highlights
Here are a few tidbits from the guide. Each side has there own rules and laws and many are totally different. They are as different as night vs day. Crossing the border is simply just a sign. The Dutch side has seen many improvements while the French side must go through France’s lengthy red tape and takes years. The Dutch side has many casinos, but not legal on French side. The French side has nude beaches, but not on Dutch side.
All local children go to a local high school and then are offered college in the Netherlands or France. Our tour guide, Danny, was trained as a civil engineer, but has done tours for 23 years. He was one of 14 kids, he being the youngest.
The French side is littered with broken down boats from a hurricane ten years ago. Still waiting for France approval to clean up. The Dutch side was cleared immediately.
The island has several large salt ponds that have been worked to obtain salt for export.
Me (Randy) and Pat 
Danny tour guide and our bus 
Water making plant from salt water 
Dingy dock used by all the boats at anchor in the harbor 
Old fort on hilltop 
We had a 45 minute stop to shop and walk a bit. Had the local beer. 
The right side of hills have less growth due to the salt blast from storms 
International bridge over the country borderline
Nice visit. The last time Sherri and I were there it was with the family and all but Zachary did a zip line tour. It was lots of fun. He was not big enough and spent the day on the boat.
Sounds like a great visit to the island. Hopefully, the kids remember it.
Reminds me of Aruba. My wife and I did a bus tour around the island. It is Dutch as well so that part sounds very similar. Enjoy and stay safe.
Thanks Kevin. We also like the bus tours as most of them are well done and narrated.