Sint Maarten/St. Martin

Sint Maarten Museum - Reflects the history and culture of the island and its people. Displays and exhibitions that depict the history and culture of this island that is blessed with a rich historical, natural and geographical heritage. Features displays from pre-Columbian era and artifacts from the Arawak settlersThe Museum Shop offers a variety of local books, maps, artwork, and souvenirs. The friendly volunteers are at your disposal for questions and information on this unique Bi-National Island and its people. There is a $1 admission charged, with students and children admitted free. The Museum Shop does not charge an admission. The Museum is operated by St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation . / Frontstreet 119, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles / phone 599-54 24917

Philipsburg's Courthouse - Located in the middle of Philipsburg's Wathey Square, which is also home to Philipsburgs more attractive colonial buildings. In the past the courthouse has also been used as a post office, a jail, town hall and a fire station. Built in 1793, it originally was the home of the founder of Philipsburg, Commander John Philips, a Scottish pioneer

St. Maarten Park - A unique Zoological, Botanical and Floral Garden with a focus on the Caribbean and American Tropics. Visitors can enjoy a pleasant stroll and discover many animals in a colorful tropical garden setting. Discover over 80 species including the largest display of exotic parrots in the Caribbean. A Reptile House, Walk-through Aviaries and a Nocturnal Exhibit showcase many of the unique species of this region. Squirrel Monkeys are a delight to watch on their island home, while Ocelots, Bush Dogs, Golden Lion Tamarins and Capybarras amaze visitors with their beautiful and unusual appearance. Situated on the Great Salt Pond, just a few minutes drive from Philipsburg. / P.O. Box 531, Philipsburg, St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles / phone (599) 543 2030

St. Martin Museum, "On The Trail Of The Arawaks" - Located on the south side of Marigot next to the Marina Port la Royale. This museum chronicles the history and culture of the French settlers. There have been some rescent excavations by the Hope Estate Archaeological Society on the island which have netted some pre-Colombian treasures. A sampling of the displays includes a reproduction of 1500 year old burial mound that was unearthed in 1994, articacts that date back to 1800 b.c., and an exhibit of a colonial era plantation. There are also some early photos which mark the progress of the island's development. Open daily, and there is no admission charged.

The Butterfly Farm - The first Butterfly Farm (also called La Ferme Des Papillons because of its location on the French-side of the tiny dual nation Caribbean Island of St Martin/St Maarten) was designed and built by two eccentric Englishmen, William Slayter and John Coward. The doors were opened to the public in 1994 and since then thousands of visitors have been made welcome. An essential part of the visit to all the farms is the famous "guided tour"!. Visitors are shown the evolutionary cycle from microscopic eggs, to strange and exotic caterpillars, pupae resembling exquisite designer jewelry and (early in the morning) the wonder of the birth of a butterfly. The tours are also very amusing and an amazing source of butterfly facts and stories. Visitors are given a complimentary return ticket for the duration of their vacation, so don't save the best for last!!. Wear bright colors and perfume if you want the butterflies to land on you! / Le Galion Beach Road, Quartier D'Orleans, Saint Martin 97150, French West Indies / phone 590-590-873121

St. Barthélemy

Inter Oceans Museum - Established by Ingénu Magras, in Corossol, to showcase the wondrous world of seashells from all over the world. there are thousands of pieces on display, including 1600 species from the Caribbean Region. Open every day except Monday from 9 am to 5 pm (Closed from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm.) Admission 20 French Francs / Corossol, St. Barthélemy, FWI / phone (0590) 27 62 97

Saint Barthélemy Municipal Museum & Library (AKA The Wall House Museum) - The museum is located at La Pointe on Gustavia Harbor, and features a recently restored historic building dating from the Swedish period - 1785 to 1878. Often called The Wall House Museum because it's former tenant was The Wall House Warehouse. The building is on Rue Schoelcher at the farthest point of La Pointe. The front is marked by cannons and Swedish and French flags. The inner building was badly damaged by the 1852 fire but, given the sturdy construction, the façade remained intact. Both the museum and library showcase the island's roots. There are texts, historical engravings and maps that trace the island from the times of Columbus to the Knights of Malta, Montbars the Exterminator and the Swedes. Documents, watercolors, and portraits abound. It's compact but very interesting. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 6 pm. Saturdays from 9 am to 11 am. Closed Sunday. Small fee. / Rue Schoelcher, Gustavia, 97133 Saint-Barthélemy, FWI / phone (0590) 27 89 07

St. Barths Natural Marine Reserves - TCreated in 1996 by the Prime Minister of France and the French Minister of Environment to protect marine resources along with St. Bart's sister islands in the Caribbean. Several locations have been designated where such activities as fishing with traps, spear fishing, net fishing, collecting shellfish, collecting coral or plants, lobster fishing, littering, water skiing, jet skis, and anchoring without authorization are prohibited. One area — located in the area of Les Grenadins — is only accessible for scientific research.

Reserve Early ...while your preferred accommodations are still available.