Great Bay Beach: The Jewel of Sint Maarten

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh reh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [ex-kew-zay mwa]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [kom-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byehn. ay twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [pahr-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr luh meh-noo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnzh pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!Au secours!
  [oh seh-koor]
• Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay voo-zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-puh-lay uh mayd-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu(e)
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shey...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhuhst]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byehn sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-veh voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ehz oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr ay duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [twah]
• 4Quatre
  [kah-truh]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [weet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuf]
• 10Dix
  [dees]

• Where's a/the...?Où est...
  [oo eh...]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel eh la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-veh voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor ...)]

Long before European explorers arrived, the Arawak people inhabited the island of Sint Maarten. These indigenous people lived along Great Bay Beach, utilizing the rich resources of the sea and the fertile lands surrounding it. Their settlements, artifacts, and ancient burial sites offer a glimpse into a culture deeply connected to nature and the sea.

On November 11, 1493, during his second voyage to the New World, Christopher Columbus sighted the island of Sint Maarten, naming it after St. Martin of Tours as it was the saint's feast day. Although Columbus did not land on the island, his sighting marked the beginning of European interest in the region.

In 1648, the Treaty of Concordia was signed, dividing the island of Sint Maarten between the Dutch and the French. Great Bay Beach fell into the Dutch-controlled southern part of the island. This agreement allowed both nations to coexist peacefully and fostered a unique blend of cultures that is still evident today in the area surrounding Great Bay Beach.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Caribbean Sea, including the waters off Great Bay Beach, was a hotbed of pirate activity. Pirates and privateers, such as the infamous Blackbeard, roamed these waters, seeking to capture valuable cargo from passing ships. The hidden coves and clear waters of Great Bay Beach provided a perfect haven for these marauders.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Great Bay Beach was central to the island's thriving salt industry. Salt pans were established in the nearby Great Salt Pond, and salt became one of the main exports. The remnants of salt pans and the stories of salt workers remain an important part of the local heritage.

During World War II, Fort Amsterdam, located near Great Bay Beach, played a strategic role. This historic fort, originally built by the Dutch in 1631, was repurposed to monitor and protect the Caribbean region from enemy forces. The fort's cannons and ruins still stand as a testament to the island's military history.

In the mid-20th century, Great Bay Beach began transforming into a major tourist destination. The construction of luxury hotels, resorts, and the establishment of the cruise ship terminal turned the area into a bustling hub for visitors from around the world. The vibrant boardwalk and beachfront activities reflect the island's adaptation to the growing tourism industry.

In September 2017, Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, struck Sint Maarten, causing extensive damage to Great Bay Beach and its surroundings. The community's resilience and efforts to rebuild have been remarkable, with many businesses and attractions now restored and improved, showcasing the island's strength and determination.

Great Bay Beach is located in Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten. The nearest airport is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), which is approximately a 20-minute drive from the beach. Taxis and car rentals are available at the airport. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle service directly to your accommodation. If you're arriving by cruise ship, the port of Philipsburg is just a short walk or taxi ride from Great Bay Beach.

In Philipsburg, local transportation options include taxis, car rentals, and public buses. Taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or booked through your hotel. Public buses are an economical option and operate on main routes around the island. For more flexibility, consider renting a car to explore the island at your own pace. Bicycle rentals are also available for those who prefer a more eco-friendly mode of transport.

Sint Maarten uses the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) as its official currency, but the US Dollar (USD) is widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases or in areas where card payments may not be accepted. ATMs are available in Philipsburg for convenient cash withdrawals.

While Great Bay Beach and Philipsburg are generally safe for tourists, it is important to stay vigilant. Petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep your belongings secure. Be cautious in remote areas and avoid displaying expensive items. It's recommended to stay within well-lit, populated areas after dark.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Hospitals and clinics are available in Philipsburg for medical emergencies. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are also available for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest medical facilities to your accommodation.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for the beach. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing in town. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Public Transport: Do be polite and respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Good morning.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and seafood. Don’t forget to tip, as it is customary in restaurants and bars.

To experience Great Bay Beach like a local, visit the Boardwalk, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. Engage with local vendors and try the island's signature cocktails. Take a stroll along the beach at sunset for a picturesque view. Visit the Sint Maarten Museum to learn about the island's history and culture. Participating in local events and festivals can provide a deeper understanding of the island's vibrant community.