Known as the smallest landmass to consist of two countries, the island of Sint Maarten and Saint Martin is an alluring Caribbean getaway. The French and Dutch have shared this strip of paradise peacefully for more than 350 years, ever since a gin-drinking Dutchman and a wine-imbibing Frenchman allegedly walked around the island to see how much territory they could claim for their country in a day. The French won more land, but the Dutch lay claim to the most prized part.
The Dutch may well have a point. Sint Maarten is known for its beaches, casinos and rum-fuelled festive nightlife. Duty-free shopping is the order of the day for tourists filling the numerous condos and resorts. Those who find it overdeveloped and artificial can get a taste of a different side of the Caribbean on the quiet, picturesque beaches of Simpson Bay and Little Bay, while visitors looking for a more rugged holiday would do well to head north to the French
side of the island.
Saint Martin is significantly quieter than its Dutch counterpart. The French side of the island is a lovely mix of white-sand beaches, small town centres and beautiful stretches of mountainside. Shopping is a more relaxed affair at the outdoor markets, offering up some of the finest Caribbean cuisine.
The island as a whole hosts 120 different nationalities, giving it a rich cultural heritage. Food, drink and friendly Caribbean hospitality are all on offer. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving and jet-skiing on the coast, or they can head inland to hike in the mountains or zip-line through the treetops.
Key Facts
Language:
Dutch and English are the official languages. Locals commonly use a language known as Papiamento, a mixture of Portuguese, African languages, Spanish, Dutch and English.
Passport/Visa:
Travellers should note that for some nationalities visa and passport, requirements might vary between St Maarten and St Martin. Specific requirements should be checked for the desired destination. All tourists, regardless of which side of the island they are visiting, must have return or onward tickets, all documents needed for next destination and proof of sufficient funds. Passports must be valid for at least the length of intended stay, but six months of passport validity is recommended. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended
date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Currency:
The official local currency on the Dutch side is the Antillean guilder (ANG), and the currency on the French side is the euro. The US dollar is accepted everywhere on the island; local currency and US dollar ATM machines are situated throughout the island. Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments.
Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Standard, flat, two- and three-pronged plugs, as found in the United States, are used.
Travel to St Maarten and St Martin
Overview
Each year hordes of tourists flock to Sint Maarten and Saint Martin for the beaches. Long Bay offers peace, quiet and perfect sunsets from luxury resorts, while Anse des Peres is a family friendly affair in the northwest, with legendary Full Moon parties at Kali's Beach Bar.
Known as the Saint-Tropez in the Caribbean, Orient Bay is the haunt of celebrities and jet-setters, but suffered large damage by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Galion Beach is the domain of surfers and windsurfers; Little Bay is a haven for bird life. Visitors can also watch planes fly infamously close to holidaymakers as they come in to land over Maho Beach.
Marigot, the French capital, is a town full of trendy restaurants, traditional stalls and a lively market full of interesting colours and smells. Philipsburg, on the Dutch side, is the duty-free shopping capital, where jewellery and souvenir shops line the main street and weary travellers can
recharge in the endless restaurants and bars. The village of Grand Case comes alive from January to April for the Harmony Nights Festival, a traditional Caribbean celebration of gastronomy, music and art.
Other attractions include treetop tours in the Loterie Farm and the colourful, soothing atmosphere of the Butterfly Farm, the first of its kind in the Caribbean. Young families will also enjoy the Sint Maarten Zoo, which has over 80 species of wildlife and a dedicated play area for children.
Two miles (4km) off the coast of Saint Martin lies the wild, rocky and uninhabited Île Tintamarre. It offers some great swimming spots, with lucky snorkellers potentially glimpsing turtles and other curious creatures. Visitors are advised to take supplies for the day, as there are no shops.
Climate in St Maarten and St Martin
The island is sunny and warm all year round, with average monthly temperatures varying little throughout the year. Temperatures in coastal areas range from 72F (22C) to 86F (30C) and inland areas range between 66F (19C) and 81F (27C). Cooling winds buffet the island throughout the year. Showers can be expected at any time of year but rainstorms generally pass quickly. Hurricane season in the Caribbean lasts from June to November, with the most storms occurring in September. December to May is considered the dry season (though rain can occur at any time of year), and is considered the best time to visit St Maarten and St Martin. Winter and the Christmas, New Year holidays are traditionally the most popular time to visit the island, but summer can also be a good time to visit because lodging rates are much lower and the beaches, roads and restaurants are not crowded.
Health Notes when travelling to St Maarten and St Martin
The Manchineel tree grows all over the island and mainly along the beaches, and is extremely poisonous. Its sap and fruit, which look like small green apples, are caustic and burn the skin. The water is safe to drink and medical care on the island is good, but patients are likely to be transferred to the US for anything serious. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised. Travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites at all times, as there's a risk of dengue fever and chikungunya. Proof of vaccination is required if visitors are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs.
Safety Notes when travelling to St Maarten and St Martin
Most visits to the island are trouble-free, but petty crime is present and visitors shouldn't leave valuables unattended on beaches, in cars or in hotel lobbies. Care should be taken to keep rooms and cars locked, and visitors should refrain from carrying large amounts of cash. Burglaries and break-ins occur sometimes at resorts, beach houses and hotels, and there have been incidents of armed robbery. Precautions should also be taken against car theft, and insurance cover is advisable.
Customs in St Maarten and St Martin
Island culture on Sint Maarten and Saint Martin is very relaxed, and there are few dress codes aside from high-end restaurants and clubs. Though many residents speak English, visitors should not assume this and a little effort to speak French or Dutch is greatly appreciated.
Duty Free in St Maarten and St Martin
Non-residents who are 18 or older don't have to pay duty on any goods in Sint Maarten. Visitors to Saint Martin who are 18 or older must follow the same regulations that apply for travel to France.
Doing Business in St Maarten and St Martin
On Sint Maarten and Saint Martin things are fairly informal, but jackets and ties should be worn by men for meetings. English is spoken widely throughout both the French and Dutch regions and is often the language used in meetings. Business hours are generally 9am to 6pm from Monday to Friday, with a break from 12pm to 1.30pm.
Communication in St Maarten and St Martin
The country code for Sint Maarten is +1 721 while the code for French Saint Martin is +590. Phoning from one side of the island to the other is considered an international call. Mobile network coverage extends across both parts of the island, as does internet and WiFi coverage, especially at cafes, bars and restaurants.
Tipping in St Maarten and St Martin
On the Dutch side of the island, hotel bills include a tax of five percent and often a service charge of 15 percent. Waiters and bar staff should be tipped 10 to 15 percent if a gratuity is not included in the bill.
On French Saint Martin, hotels usually add five percent occupancy tax per person, but a small gratuity is appreciated for good service. Restaurants and hotels usually add a service charge of 10 to 15 percent to the bill, and it's always best to check for this before adding a tip. Taxi drivers and porters expect to be tipped, particularly if they have handled luggage.
Passport/Visa Note
Travellers should note that for some nationalities visa and passport, requirements might vary between St Maarten and St Martin. Specific requirements should be checked for the desired destination. All tourists, regardless of which side of the island they are visiting, must have return or onward tickets, all documents needed for next destination and proof of sufficient funds. Passports must be valid for at least the length of intended stay, but six months of passport validity is recommended. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended
date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans:
United States citizens require a valid passport that is valid for the duration of their stay. No visa is needed for a stay of up to 180 days.
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Canadians must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay. No visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British citizens require a passport that is valid for six after their date of entry, but do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians must have a passport passport that is valid for the duration of their stay. No visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay. No visa is needed for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the duration of their stay. No visa is needed for a stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for South Africans:
South Africans must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay, and a visa for entry.
Tourist Offices
Office of Tourism for Saint Martin, Marigot, Saint Martin: +05 9087 5721 or St Martin: qww.stmartinisland.org
Tourist Authority Offices in the United States:
St Martin Promotional Office, New York, United States: +1 212 838 7855 or newyork@stmartinisland.org
St Maarten and St Martin Embassies
In the United States:
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 244 5300.
In Canada:
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 237 5031.
In the United Kingdom:
Royal Netherlands Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7590 3200.
In Australia:
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6220 9400.
In Ireland:
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 269 3444
In New Zealand:
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 471 6390.
In South Africa:
Royal Netherlands Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 425 4500.
Foreign Embassies in St Maarten and St Martin
American Embassy
American Consulate-General, Willemstad, Curacao (also responsible for St Maarten/St Martin): +599 9 461 3066.
Canadian Embassy
Canadian Consulate, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for St Maarten): +868 622 6232.
British Embassy
British Consulate,Willemstad, Curacao (also responsible for St Maarten/St Martin): +599 9 461 3900.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Saint Martin
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Saint Martin, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Saint Martin. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Saint Martin. The government of Saint Martin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Saint Martin, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Saint Martin. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Saint Martin. The government of Saint Martin requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
Note: Zika is a risk in Saint Martin. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Saint Martin. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Saint Martin, so your behaviors are important.
Eat and drink safely
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
Food that is cooked and served hot
Hard-cooked eggs
Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
Food served at room temperature
Food from street vendors
Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Unpasteurized dairy products
”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
Bottled water that is sealed
Water that has been disinfected
Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
Carbonated drinks
Hot coffee or tea
Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
Tap or well water
Ice made with tap or well water
Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Saint Martin. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
If your travel plans in Saint Martin include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
Do not dive into shallow water.
Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Saint Martin. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
Go to a doctor right away.
Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Saint Martin’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
Wear a seatbelt at all times.
Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Saint Martin may be poor.
Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
If you choose to drive a vehicle in Saint Martin, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Saint Martin for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
Be aware of current health issues in Saint Martin. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the CaribbeanNovember 14, 2017Beginning on September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma crossed the Caribbean, followed on September 16 by Hurricane Maria. These storms caused severe damage in a number of countries and territories, including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos, and the US Virgin Islands.
Zika Virus in Saint MartinAugust 29, 2017Zika virus (or Zika) has been reported. Public health officials have reported that mosquitoes are infected with Zika and spreading it to people.
If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official local currency on the Dutch side is the Antillean guilder (ANG), and the currency on the French side is the euro. The US dollar is accepted everywhere on the island; local currency and US dollar ATM machines are situated throughout the island. Major credit cards are accepted in most tourist establishments.
St Maarten Airport (SXM) Princess Juliana International Airport http://www.sxmairport.com
Location: St Maarten The airport is located nine miles (15km) west of Philipsburg in St Maarten.
Time: GMT -4.
Contacts: Tel: +599 546 7777.
Getting to the city: There is no public transport to and from the airport, but taxis are available and some hotels will arrange transfers.
Car rental: Car hire desks can be found in the arrivals area. Among those represented are Avis, Hertz and Alamo.
Airport Taxis: Taxis, regulated by the Airport Taxi Association, are available outside arrivals, where there is a taxi desk. Tipping is expected.
Facilities: Airport facilities at Princess Juliana include a bank, ATM, restaurant, refreshments, Business Class Lounge and duty-free shopping.
Parking: There are pick-up, drop-off areas outside the terminal, and parking is located within walking distance of the entrance.
Overview of the Attractions in St Maarten and St Martin
Each year hordes of tourists flock to Sint Maarten and Saint Martin for the beaches. Long Bay offers peace, quiet and perfect sunsets from luxury resorts, while Anse des Peres is a family friendly affair in the northwest, with legendary Full Moon parties at Kali's Beach Bar.
Known as the Saint-Tropez in the Caribbean, Orient Bay is the haunt of celebrities and jet-setters, but suffered large damage by Hurricane Irma in 2017. Galion Beach is the domain of surfers and windsurfers; Little Bay is a haven for bird life. Visitors can also watch planes fly infamously close to holidaymakers as they come in to land over Maho Beach.
Marigot, the French capital, is a town full of trendy restaurants, traditional stalls and a lively market full of interesting colours and smells. Philipsburg, on the Dutch side, is the duty-free shopping capital, where jewellery and souvenir shops line the main street and weary travellers can
recharge in the endless restaurants and bars. The village of Grand Case comes alive from January to April for the Harmony Nights Festival, a traditional Caribbean celebration of gastronomy, music and art.
Other attractions include treetop tours in the Loterie Farm and the colourful, soothing atmosphere of the Butterfly Farm, the first of its kind in the Caribbean. Young families will also enjoy the Sint Maarten Zoo, which has over 80 species of wildlife and a dedicated play area for children.
Two miles (4km) off the coast of Saint Martin lies the wild, rocky and uninhabited Île Tintamarre. It offers some great swimming spots, with lucky snorkellers potentially glimpsing turtles and other curious creatures. Visitors are advised to take supplies for the day, as there are no shops.
Marigot
A delightful mixture of France and the Caribbean, Saint Martin's capital city of Marigot is cluttered with shops and houses serving a permanent population of about 6,000. The town stretches along Marigot Bay, its main focus being the harbour at the bottom of Rue de la Republique from where ferries depart to surrounding islands and fishing boats come and go.
Originally a tiny fishing village, Marigot became the capital of Saint Martin during the sugar boom and quickly grew. Marigot's buildings are largely colonial in style, sprinkled with several smart cafes, bistros, pastry shops and luxury boutiques reminiscent of mainland French market towns. There are also several colonial landmarks, including Fort St Louis.
The main shopping centre in Marigot is at the southern end of the town near the harbour, which is a paradise for shopaholics, with boutiques stocking the latest designer fashions and jewellery, all tax-free. More
adventurous shoppers will enjoy browsing the Wednesday and Saturday morning markets, located in a kiosk area near the port.
Philipsburg Voorstraat
The Voorstraat (Front Street) faces south onto the ocean and is the main tourist attraction in Philipsburg. At its eastern end is Wathey Square, just a minute's walk from the Great Bay Beach and two casinos: the Rouge et Noir and the Coliseum Casino. The impressive white wooden courthouse built in 1793 now serves as a post office, while just off the square is the quaint Methodist church built in 1851. Further along Voorstraat is a group of elegant colonial houses, as well as a small museum and two large marinas. Voorstraat is also known as the best shopping area in Philipsburg, boasting a number of jewellery stores and perfume boutiques taking advantage of the island's duty-free status.
Historic Forts
The town of Philipsburg boasts the remains of two historic forts bearing witness to its one-time strategic importance to the Dutch. The first Dutch military establishment in the Caribbean, Fort Amsterdam was built in 1631 on a peninsula between Great Bay and Little Bay, but it was captured almost immediately by the Spanish. The other Dutch fortification, Fort Willem, bears the crown of a television transmission tower. Both are worth the walk to visit, particularly for the beautiful views. Fort St Louis was built according to plans sent from France by Louis XVI in 1767 to guard the settlement from invaders. It's Saint Martin's largest historical monument and looks out over Marigot, the hilltop ruins offering gorgeous island panoramas.
Sint Maarten Beaches
Sint Maarten's prime beach resorts extend from Philipsburg along the southwest coast of the island, reaching a grand finale at the great spread of Simpson Bay, site of the international airport. From the headland at the western end of Great Bay stretches the secluded Cay Bay. This quiet beach can only be reached by dirt road or horse trail. Simpson Bay Lagoon is surrounded by resort developments and enjoys a series of white sandy beaches. Maho Bay is Sint Maarten's largest resort, with well-developed facilities, a casino and its popular Sunset Bar. Mullet Bay is usually the most crowded, and is loved for its gentle surf and shady stretch of palm trees. Cupecoy is favoured by nudists, and has dramatic sandstone cliffs and caves.
Marigot Archaeological Museum
Next to the Marina Port la Royale on the southern end of Marigot is an archaeological museum dedicated to preserving Saint Martin's history and culture. It houses numerous exhibits, such as a variety of pre-Columbian treasures and several interesting exhibitions on Arawak culture. There is also a reproduction of a 1,500-year-old burial mound and ceramics dating from 550 BC. The island's more recent history is encapsulated in evocative black and white photographs of quiet streets populated by a handful of children and donkeys, and of labourers toiling in the salt industry.
Grand Case
The little fishing village of Grand Case lies at the northern tip of Saint Martin, and is famed for the distinctive look of its small wooden houses, which are painted pastel colours and are decorated with numerous elaborate embellishments, and its great cuisine. Many fine restaurateurs have chosen to congregate in the town's main street, which has become one of the best dining centres in the region and earned Grand Case the epithet 'Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean'. Visitors will find anything from French-driven cuisine to traditional Creole or Caribbean fare. Tuesdays are dubbed Harmony Nights, with live music and entertainment spilling out into the streets; the beaches are also lovely, with calm and safe waters that are ideal for refreshing dips.
Website: http://www.grandcase.com
Paradise Peak
Paradise Peak, Saint Martin's highest point, rises from the centre of the island to a height of 1,390 feet (424m), and is crowned with a communications tower. Visitors can climb through thick woods home to colourful birds and twisted vines, reaching a summit that provides spectacular views of the island and nearby Anguilla.
The Loterie Farm Nature Reserve nestles on the slope of Paradise Peak. The reserve has many miles of groomed hiking trails through beautiful forest, where visitors can spot local flora and fauna. Guided tours provide fascinating historical, cultural and scientific insights regarding the area, but the most popular attraction at Loterie Farm is the zipline, which is divided into three zones for children, adults and thrill-seekers. Visitors glide through the canopy between centuries-old mango and mahogany trees.
Website: loteriefarm.com
Saint Martin Beaches
There are a number of good beaches on the French side of the island that are very popular with tourists. Orient Beach, the largest and most popular in Saint Martin, is known for watersports, and borders a number of restaurants, beach bars and a nudist resort. Plum Bay is frequented by surfers while Rouge Beach offers great snorkelling and is regarded as the island's most beautiful beach. Long Beach has little shade and barely any breeze, while Le Galion Beach is the island's best windsurfing spot with shallow, calm waters. Anse Marcel is usually quiet and favoured by French tourists. Just north of Marigot, Friars Bay is backed by a lagoon, while nearby Happy Bay is beautiful and peaceful because it's relatively difficult to reach.
Philipsburg
Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten. It has two main streets, Front Street (Voorstraat) and Back Street (Achterstraat), which as connected by several bustling thoroughfares and filled mainly with duty-free shops, cafes, hotels and courtyards overflowing with flowers.
The town enjoys an unusual setting on a narrow stretch of land between Great Bay on the south coast of the island, and the Great Salt Pond (a huge marsh). It is the port of call for hundreds of cruise ships, their daytripping passengers coming ashore to sample everything from Italian leather goods to local crafts and Philipsburg's lively nightlife.
Architecturally, the town, founded in 1763 by John Philips (a Scottish captain in the Dutch navy), is quaint, with characteristic pastel-coloured West Indian houses lining the streets, and a few Dutch colonial landmarks, including Fort Willem, built in 1801, and Fort Amsterdam, constructed nearly 200
years earlier in 1631.
The Butterfly Farm
A popular family attraction in Sint Maarten, the Butterfly Farm is a large greenhouse housing more than 40 different varieties of butterflies and moths. Guests can take a guided tour explaining the lifecycle of the butterfly and its place in the ecosystem, with guides helpful in advising which plants will attract butterflies to your garden. Guests are free to handle and interact with the butterflies, and morning is the best time to visit the Butterfly Farm as new butterflies emerge from their cocoons. The farm is wheelchair accessible, and there are snacks and drinks available.
Website: http://www.thebutterflyfarm.com
Public Holidays in St Maarten and St Martin
2020
2021
New Year's Day
Mon. January 1
Mon. January 1
Good Friday
Wed. April 10
Tue. April 2
Easter Monday
Sat. April 13
Fri. April 5
King's Day
Sat. April 27
Sat. April 27
Labour Day
Wed. May 1
Wed. May 1
Ascension Day
Tue. May 21
Mon. May 13
Whit Sunday
Fri. May 31
Thu. May 23
St Maarten Day
Mon. November 11
Mon. November 11
Christmas Day
Wed. December 25
Wed. December 25
Boxing Day
Thu. December 26
Thu. December 26
Emancipation Day
Mon. July 1
Mon. July 1
Port of Call - Philipsburg
Photo credit:
In Dutch St Maarten, the port city of Philipsburg has become one of the most popular cruise destinations in the world. Grown from a Dutch colonial past the picturesque bay city has been rebuilt as a tourist haven.
The most loved activities in Philipsburg are shopping and enjoying the pretty beaches, and both shops and beaches are in good supply.
The Dr A. C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility is a small city in itself. The cruise passenger service section, named Harbour Village and John Craane Cruise Terminal, consists of restaurants, shops and an entertainment centre so entertaining that some passengers don't ever leave the cruise terminals. About four cruise liners can dock at once, with additional cruise ships anchoring in the bay and tendering passengers to the Tender Jetty.
Shopping in Philipsburg
Shopping in Philipsburg is rewarding for bargain-hunters looking to take advantage of the island's duty-free status. Shoppers are first introduced to Harbour Village shopping centre at the cruise docks but the best shops and markets are found in the city centre. Front and Old Streets are great for window shopping and higher-end boutiques and many of the connecting alleys offer lovely crafts and souvenirs.
Dining in Philipsburg
Mark's Place - Caribbean cuisine in a convenient central location
Daniel's By the Sea - good seafood and western favourites right on the beach
Greenhouse - Lively haunt with local and international dishes
Things to do in Philipsburg
Party on nearby St Barths Island
Charter a boat to Anguilla
Deep-sea fish the day away
Visit the island's French side
Golf in Mullet Bay
http://www.portstmaarten.com
Tourist information is available from A.C. Wathey Pier
