From the world's steepest zip line to sailing excursions, here's what locals say are the best things to do on the part-Dutch, part-French island of St. Martin.

Left: Saint Martin, the French side of the island, where travelers can hope for a serene, quite getaway. Right: Sint Maarten, the Dutch side of the island, with bars, casinos and an active nightlife.

It was high noon on a hot, blue, Caribbean-winter day when I landed at St. Maarten’s Juliana Airport on the Dutch side, where most of the tourist facilities have been developed.

ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE ISLAND, THE DUTCH SIDE, THE QUIET WERSAT OF LITTLE BAY, HOME TO THE LITTLE BAY RESORT. THIS IS WHERE THE BELOVED DUTCH QUEEN AND HER FAMILY STAY WHEN VISITING ST.