St. Martin and St. Maarten Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation (2024)

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Fodor's InFocus St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Barth & Anguilla
Whether you want to sunbathe on Shoal Bay in Anguilla, shop in St. Barth, or visit the...

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St. Maarten/St. Martin is virtually unique among Caribbean destinations. The 37-square-mile (96-square-km) island is a seamless place (there are no border gates), but it is governed by two nations—the Netherlands and France—and has residents from 70-some different countries. A call from the Dutch side to the French is an international call, currencies are different, and even the vibe is different. In the Caribbean, only the island of Hispaniola is remotely in a similar position, ecompassing two distinct countries: Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Happily for Americans, who make up the majority of visitors to St. Maarten/St. Martin, English works in both nations. Dutch St. Maarten might feel particularly comfortable for Americans: the prices are lower (not to mention in U.S. dolla...

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St. Maarten/St. Martin is virtually unique among Caribbean destinations. The 37-square-mile (96-square-km) island is a seamless place (there are no border gates), but it is governed by two nations—the Netherlands and France—and has residents from 70-some different countries. A call from the Dutch side to the French is an international call, currencies are different, and even the vibe is different. In the Caribbean, only the island of Hispaniola is remotely in a similar position, ecompassing two distinct countries: Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Happily for Americans, who make up the majority of visitors to St. Maarten/St. Martin, English works in both nations. Dutch St. Maarten might feel particularly comfortable for Americans: the prices are lower (not to mention in U.S. dollars), the big hotels have casinos, and there is more nightlife. Huge cruise ships disgorge masses of shoppers into the Philipsburg shopping area at midmorning, when roads can quickly become overly congested. But once you pass the meandering, unmarked border into the French side, you will find a bit of the ambience of the south of France: quiet countryside, fine cuisine, and in Marigot, a walkable harbor area with outdoor cafés, outdoor markets, and plenty of shopping and cultural activities.

Almost 4,000 years ago, it was salt and not tourism that drove the little island's economy. Arawak Indians, the island's first known inhabitants, prospered until the warring Caribs invaded, adding the peaceful Arawaks to their list of conquests. Columbus spotted the isle on November 11, 1493, and named it after St. Martin (whose feast day is November 11), but it wasn't populated by Europeans until the 17th century, when it was claimed by the Dutch, French, and Spanish. The Dutch and French finally joined forces to claim the island in 1644, and the Treaty of Concordia partitioned the territory in 1648. According to legend, the border was drawn along the line where a French man and a Dutch man, running from opposite coasts, met.

Both sides of the island offer a touch of European culture along with a lot of laid-back Caribbean ambience. Water sports abound—diving, snorkeling, sailing, windsurfing, and in early March, the Heineken Regatta. With soft trade winds cooling the subtropical climate, it's easy to while away the day relaxing on one of the 37 beaches, strolling Philipsburg's boardwalk, and perusing the shops on Philipsburg's Front Street or the rues (streets) of the very French town of Marigot. Although luck is an important commodity at St. Maarten's 13 casinos, chance plays no part in finding a good meal at the excellent eateries or after-dark fun in the subtle to sizzling nightlife. Heavy development—especially on the Dutch side—has stressed the island’s infrastructure, but slowly some of the more dilapidated roads are showing signs of improvement. A series of large roundabouts, with the beginnings of some decent signposting, and attractive monumental sculptures, has improved traffic flow (remember, the cars already in the roundabout have right-of-way). At long last, the eyesore of hurricane-wrecked buildings that line the golf course at Mullet Bay has been demolished, and most welcome is the new swing bridge that crosses Simpson Bay Lagoon, connecting the airport and Cole Bay.

When cruise ships are in port (and there can be as many as seven at once), shopping areas are crowded and traffic moves at a snail's pace. We suggest spending these days on the beach or the water, and planning shopping excursions for the early morning or at cocktail hour, after "rush hour" traffic calms down. Still, these are minor inconveniences compared with the feel of the sand between your toes or the breeze through your hair, gourmet food sating your appetite, and having the ability to crisscross between two nations on one island.

St. Martin and St. Maarten Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation (4)

Fodor's InFocus St. Maarten/St. Martin, St. Barth & Anguilla
Whether you want to sunbathe on Shoal Bay in Anguilla, shop in St. Barth, or visit the...

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  • Shopping28 Listings
  • Sports and Activities11 Listings
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St. Martin and St. Maarten Travel Guide - Expert Picks for your Vacation (2024)

FAQs

What is the best month to go to St. Maarten? ›

The best time to visit St. Maarten is from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny with relatively low humidity. Lying in the Eastern Caribbean and part of the Lesser Antilles chain, the island enjoys a tropical climate.

Is it better to go to St. Maarten or St. Martin? ›

Many people prefer Dutch Sint Maarten since it is more developed. This indicates that the amenities and services are more plentiful on this side of the island. However, those who choose a more relaxed setting stay at French Saint Martin. In addition, it has a more “Caribbean vibe”.

Can you travel freely between St. Martin and St. Maarten? ›

A true "Tale of Two Cities," the island of St. Martin and St. Maarten is proud of its dual heritage and customs. There is no physical border between the French and Dutch territories and people and goods may travel freely between both sides of the island.

When not to go to St. Maarten? ›

The island's weather is pleasant year-round, but these are times when rain showers are less likely. Summer and early fall are not good for a vacation; many hotels close in this offseason and there's a chance of hurricanes. Also avoid visiting in winter and early spring (mid-December to April) if you can.

What is the rainiest month in St Martin? ›

The wettest months on the island are from July to November. There are 145 days of rain a year on average and it rains usually the most in November (15 days).

What is the cheapest month to go to St. Maarten? ›

Flying to Sint Maarten
Cheapest plane ticket found$188
Cheapest month to flySeptember
Average flight time4 hrs, 9 mins
Possible destinations1
Most popular airlineQatar Airways
1 more row

Is it safe to walk around St. Maarten? ›

There is a risk of petty theft and street crime. The main tourist areas are generally safe. To reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings: avoid isolated areas, particularly after dark.

How many days do you need in Saint Martin? ›

With an abundance of beaches, adventures, culture, cuisine and more, exploring everything St Maarten offers could take weeks. But even with just four days on this Caribbean island, you can experience the best of both sides of the island.

Is St. Maarten expensive for tourists? ›

6.6 How much money for St Martin – St Maarten stay? A stay is between $100 and $500 a night on average, depending on the time of the year and season. Daily spending can vary between $30 and $500 per person; with a budget and high-end options, the Island caters to any vacationer.

Which side of St. Martin is nicer? ›

VERDICT: If you want more calm and laid-back properties, stay on the French side. If you want convenience and easy access to nightlife, stay on the Dutch side.

Can you drink tap water in Sint Maarten? ›

Tap water on the island comes from desalinated seawater and is drinkable. We do recommend drinking bottled water which is readily available throughout the island.

Do you need a car to get around Saint Martin? ›

The main mode of transportation on Saint Martin is by car, but scooters, motorcycles and 4-wheelers share the road as well. Walking is definitely an option, with the availability of local buses passing through every few minutes. Local buses are fairly cheap, ranging from $1 and up depending on your destination.

What to avoid in St. Maarten? ›

As with any country in the world, it is advised to avoid unlit areas at night and leave valuables in the hotel when going along to the beach. Nightlife areas like the Maho, Simpson Bay and Orient Bay districts are considered very safe for a night out.

What are the issues in St. Maarten? ›

Sint Maarten is vulnerable to storm systems and earthquakes due to its location. The hurricane season is from June to November. In September 2017 a major hurricane hit the island, causing devastating damages. There is no particular threat from earthquakes.

Can I use US dollars in St. Maarten? ›

The official currency of Dutch St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antilles florin or guilder (NAF). U.S. dollars however, are widely accepted. Nearly all prices are listed in both dollars and the local currency.

What is hurricane season in St. Martin? ›

Each year, the hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30. Both these seasons complement each other delightfully and make it possible for you to explore the island in its entirety.

Is St. Maarten expensive to visit? ›

A famous jet-set getaway, Sint Maarten is known as one of the more expensive islands in the Caribbean.

Which part of St. Maarten is the best? ›

Simpson Bay is among the most popular towns in Sint Maarten, marked by a luxurious resort and marina that offers a Mediterranean vibe with exotic plant life, beaches, and adventure.

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