Spanning the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea, Saint Martin is a magical island with incredibly scenic landscapes unfolding over 70 km of coastline. From unspoiled, quiet beaches to more lively ones, each is unique, a testament to the island’s wealth and diversity.

These 37 beaches are veritable pearls and among the most renowned of the Caribbean. Whether you like deep-sea diving, surfing, wake boarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, or simply beach lolling and sunning on the warm sand, you’re bound to find a beach that suits your style. All beaches are public, and there are no lifeguards on duty.

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On board of the Blue Raft, and for the comfort of the users, the following is available: a shading structure with vertical sun breakers and windbreakers, a wooden picnic table, storage boxes, life jackets, masks and snorkels, bluetooth speakers, poufs and floating carpets, a large cooler with drinks and even a portable BBQ in option for all your grills.

Due to its geographical orientation and the configuration of its relief (protection against prevailing winds and swell), Anse Marcel is an ideal location for the Blue Raft. The access to the platform is done by tandem kayaks or stand up paddle board from the beach. For the most courageous, it is even possible to reach the floating pontoon by swimming. And for the less adventurous the shuttle is provided by dinghy.

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The creator of the Blue Raft, Kevin Jacquin, recalls how the concept came to him. “In the summer of 2018, while we were enjoying an afternoon at Anse Marcel beach with our family, a small platform used to store two sea scooters was hooked to a buoy in the bay. After a few minutes of swimming we climbed on it with my oldest son to take a little break and enjoy the last rays of sun,” Jacquin says. “The sea was beautiful that day; calm, transparent blue, with the sun slowly declining in the gentle heat of the tropics. We had the impression of being alone in the world on our little island, observing nature.

For a few moments, time seemed to stand still. Everything seemed perfect. This moment remained engraved in my memory

Kevin Jacquin, founder of the Blue Raft

The pandemic and the periods of confinement slowed down the administrative steps to obtain the authorizations. But they accelerated Kevin’s desire to leave his comfortable job as an architect for more than 10 years (spent most of the time behind a screen in the air-conditioning) to reconnect with nature, with people, with family and to enjoy the simple things.

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St. Martin is in itself a unique island because it is full of beautiful and different beaches, outdoor activities and sea-related experiences on a very small area that is divided by two countries. It is possible to complete more than half of your bucket list in a week.

The Blue Raft is part of this new trend that offers both an unusual experience because it is unique in the Caribbean (or even in the world) and an eco-responsible experience in a fragile universe that is the marine world.

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Included in each rental are:

• 1 SUP paddle board
• 1 kayaks tandem
• 1 big cooler (66L) filled with ice
• 1 bottle of Rosé or White wine
• Welcome snacks (chips, crackers), water and sparkling water
• 1 portable JBL bluetooth speaker
• Buoyancy life vests of all sizes
• Masks and snorkels, full face masks
• Floating Bean Bags and floating mats
• Dry bags

Optional:

• Portable Gas Grill +45$
• Extra Kayak tandem + 35$
• Extra SUP board + 25$
• Board of cold cuts & cheese +45$
• Cooler full beers, softs & juices +55$
• Extra pack of Ice +5$
• Drone shooting (videos+photos) +90$
• Extra hour +100$

Minors must be accompanied by a parent.

L’article The Blue Raft. A new way to enjoy the peaceful waters of the Caribbean est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

“The government of St. Maarten is monitoring global developments to ensure the safety of our visitors and citizens,” the statement read. “We advise to regularly check our updates pertaining to entry requirements and protocols before your travels,” according to the website.

St. Maarten had planned to reopen its borders with the US on 1^st July, but the decision was delayed for 1 month due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the United States.

L’article St. Maarten to welcome US tourists as of 1st August est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.