The island was first discovered by seafaring Indians, who found abundant salt on the island. It was named by Columbus, as he sailed past it on the Feast of St. Martin. The Dutch and the French both wanted it for themselves, and they took it from the Spanish and carved it in two in 1647. The border has been moved several times due to border disputes, but relations between the two countries has been rather amicable for the past 200 years.

Ships generally dock at Philipsburg, the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten. From here you can take a taxi, public bus or rental car to explore the island. There is a road that goes around the outside of the island, connecting Philipsburg to Marigot, the capital of French St. Martin. Both Philipsburg and Marigot are only a few blocks wide, so it is an easy walk to explore either capital, its shops, restaurants or landmarks by foot. Great Bay Beach is within walking distance of where the ships dock, but if you would prefer something a bit more "European", Orient Beach on the north side of the island is called the "French Riviera of the Caribbean", for both it's beauty and the relative undress of it's bathers. There are plenty of sailing tours available, as the island experiences brisk trade winds. In general, if fine dining is what you are after, you will want to visit the French side, but for the casinos, the Dutch side is the place to be. Whichever country you choose, you are sure to enjoy your day at Sint Maarten/St. Martin.