Let's Explore Saint Martin/Sint Maarten

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten Travel Guide, Transportation, Accommodations, Food, Dishes, Hidden Attractions, and much more...

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten at a glance

Why does this island have two different spellings? The island is in fact 2 distinct countries: Saint Martin, a department of France, and Sint Maarten, a part of the Netherlands Antilles. An obelisk and a Bienvenue/Welkom sign are the only indications of the divide. Popular legend recalls a Dutchman and a Frenchman setting out in opposite directions to walk around the island with the idea that the line drawn from their point of departure to their point of meeting would establish the boundary. It is said that the French side is larger because the Dutchman was fortified with gin and the Frenchman only with wine. In actuality, the Partition treaty of 1648 formalized the divide.

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten Do's

Topless sunbathing is common on the French side; nude sunbathing is acceptable on the eastern end of Orient Beach and more remote beaches. On the Dutch side, the far end of Cupecoy Beach attracts seamless tan seekers.
If planning to visit Saint Martin to be sure to learn some of the basic phrases in French as they prefer to speak in French
In French, tu and vous both mean ‘you’ but tu is only used with people you know very well, children or animals. Use vous until you’re invited to use tu.
On the French side, always greet/farewell anyone you interact with, such as shopkeepers, with ‘Bonjour (bonsoir at night)/Au revoir’.

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten Dont's

Other than at the markets in Marigot or Philipsburg, no bargaining takes place.
Don’t get confused about what side of the island you’re on. Make sure to be aware of where you are.

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten Quick Facts

Language

English is the day-to-day administrative language and language of communication in Sint Maarten, and the first language of the majority; however, this side of the island recognizes both languages. Local signage uses both Dutch and English. With so many nationalities present, quite a few languages are spoken. An English-based creole is the main local vernacular. However, the official languages are French for Saint-Martin. Various creole languages and dialects can also be heard around the island.

Getting A Visa

Upon arrival in Sint Maarten, you must have: a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay. U.S. citizens are allowed to stay in Sint Maarten for a maximum of six months with the possibility to extend. U.S. citizens must have a U.S. passport with at least 6 months validity to enter the French West Indies. No visa is required for stays up to 90 days if you have an onward or return ticket, confirmation of accommodation, and can produce evidence of your ability to maintain yourself.

SIM Card/Internet

Because the U.S. operates on a different cell-phone standard than the rest of the world, your typical cell phone from back home won’t work in most Caribbean destinations unless your service provider offers an international plan. Buy an unlocked GSM world phone and use local SIM cards: This is your best option if you travel overseas frequently. Wifi networks are available on every corner of the island. While the internet may not always be free, many local shops may provide public hot spots.

Socket Types

You need a power plug adapter in Saint Martin when living in the United States of America. You also need a voltage converter. In Saint Martin, the power plugs and sockets are of type E. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz. You don’t need a power plug adapter on Sint Maarten when living in the United States of America. On Sint Maarten, the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 110 V and the standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten Fun Guides

Transportation in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten

The best way to get around St. Martin and St. Maarten is in a rental car. But really, outside of walking, just about any means of navigating between the French and Dutch sides of the island is manageable. Having a car will allow you more mobility and you’ll find reasonable rental rates. Agencies are clustered on the outskirts of Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), located in St. Maarten. Unfortunately, traffic can be pretty heinous on both sides. The island buses also cater to tourists and are fairly cheap to ride. If you don’t like the idea of waiting on a bus, consider splurging on a taxi. And if you’re feeling adventurous you might want to use a scooter; there’s nothing like feeling the sea breeze in your hair – ahem, helmet.

By Taxi

To book a taxi, call 542-2359 (Sint Maarten) or 0590-87-56-54 (St-Martin). On the Dutch side, never get in a car that doesn’t have a license plate reading ‘TXI’ indicating that it’s a registered taxi. From Juliana airport it’s US$8 to Maho, US$20 to Philipsburg, US$20 to Marigot, US$35 to Grand Case, US$35 to Orient Beach, and US$45 to Anse Marcel. Drivers only take cash. It’s best to have changed as drivers aren’t always willing or able to take larger notes. Rates increase by 25% from 10 pm to midnight and by 50% between midnight and 6 am; there’s an additional US$5 charge per passenger for three or more people. Day or night, agree on a fare before hopping in a cab.

By Scooter/Other

Scooters are certainly a cool way to see the sights, and they’ll make island traffic more manageable. But we can only advise this method if you’ve had experience maneuvering one before thanks to the island’s narrow roads. You can rent a scooter at the airport for around the same daily price as a car. Past travelers praised Johnny’s Scooter and ATV Rental and Splash in the Sun for their rentals and tours. Rental prices vary by company, but you should expect to pay at least $60 for a full-day scooter rental, and around $100 for ATV rental.

By Bus

Buses are by far the cheapest method of transportation, but if you need to be somewhere fast, take a taxi, or better yet rent a car. Buses run daily from 5 am to midnight but do not have a set schedule. Tickets cost between US$1 and US$2. Service mostly moves through Philipsburg, Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay, Marigot, and Grand Case. When you need to get off, simply shout a friendly ‘stop.’ In Marigot and Philipsburg you have to stand at bus stops (called ‘Bushalte’ in Philipsburg). In rural areas, you can flag down buses anywhere along the route. Buses have their final destination posted on the front shield, but most are bound for either Philipsburg or Marigot.

By Rental Car

Until reconstruction of Princess Juliana International Airport is completed, all international and local car-rental agencies have offices along Airport Rd. Minivan shuttles with the company logo line up outside the terminal for the short ride. Some companies also have offices at Aéroport de Saint-Martin Grand Case.

By Ferry

To tackle the island’s hilly terrain, Wind Adventures in Orient Beach, on the French side, has mountain bikes for €25 per day, while Trisport in Philipsburg, on the Dutch side, rents bikes for US$25 per day. Take care riding on the roads, as traffic is heavy and not considerate of cyclists.

Best Dishes in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten

Try authentic Caribbean dishes, this is what the locals eat on Sint Maarten and Saint Martin. You can’t leave Sint Martin or Saint Martin without trying the local fare and snack shacks; all around you’ll find Caribbean barbeques triggering your senses. Try the perfectly grilled chicken, ribs, or seafood served with rice & peas, and local johnnycakes. Sint Maarten and Saint Martin’s cultural foods that you have to try are the national dishes callaloo soup (French Side) and conch & dumplings (Dutch side).

Callaloo Soup – The preferred delicacy and national dish on the French side is Callaloo; a thick green soup made from spinach greens, pork cubes, hot pepper, okra, black pepper, thyme, and chicken stock.
Conch & Dumplings – The national dish of Dutch Sint Maarten is the conch and dumplings. The conch (sea snail) is first pounded and then pressure cooked with the dumplings, herbs, and spices. The thick sauce from the conch and dumplings is used as gravy to eat with rice, vegetables, and johnnycakes.

Best Accommodations in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten

From charming hotels and authentic vacation residences to dreamy villas and luxury 4- and 5-star hotels, Saint Martin and Sint Maarten have many different types of accommodation to choose from. You are guaranteed to find the perfect spot that matches your style and desired setting, and you’ll always receive that warm welcome characteristic of the island’s hospitality tradition.

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten Top Tourist Attractions

Named for the spectacular sunrises you’ll see from this part of the island, Dawn Beach is also protected by off-shore reefs and offers great opportunities for snorkeling. Swimming is also consistently good, and when the water picks up, surfers of wave, wind, and body take to the beach.

Fort Amsterdam is located near the capital of the Dutch part of the island: Philipsburg. The fort was built by the Dutch in 1631 on a peninsula that juts out between Great Bay and Little Bay. The Dutch fortification was attacked and conquered after a brief siege by the Spaniards in 1633.

Located on the island’s southwest tip, Cupecoy is a set of three beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs. It’s also the last beach on the Dutch side before crossing the northern French border. Travelers say the sunsets here have to be seen to be believed, with dramatic views of Saba in the distance.

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten Hidden Gems

Restaurant le Soleil is properly named after the blanket of sunshine that overlays its large outdoor terrace for most of the day. Restaurant le Soleil’s outdoor dining room is one of the most beautiful places to eat. Reminiscent of the Greek islands, the room is set under a painted white wooden awning with deep blue accents. Enjoy the restaurant’s French-European cuisine while looking out over the sea and listening to the gentle waves lap up against the exterior.

Located on the Dutch side of the island, Maho Beach is unique in that patient visitors are able to get an up-close-and-personal view of the planes taking off and landing into the runways. Beware though, visitors should make sure to hold on tight to their belongings, the planes fly so close to the beach that items are often blown away!

Comprising 135 acres of lush tropical land on the French side of the island, Loterie Farm is located at Pic Paradis, which is the highest point of the island. Visitors can partake in numerous activities amongst the beautiful grounds. You can go hiking or biking, while adventurous guests can try out their zip line course. Visitors looking for a more laid-back day can eat in the cafe, take a dip in the pool, or lounge in the gardens.

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten Daily Costs

Budget: Less than $180

Accommodation:

Hotel room: $100

Food

BBQ meal: $15

Entertainment

Snorkeling gear rental: $15
Live Reggae band: free

Alcohol

Beer: $3

Mid-range: $180-400

Accommodation

Hotel room/Apartment: $180

Food

2-Course evening meal: $40

Entertainment

Kitesurfing: $130
Car/ATV quad-bike rental: $35-65

Alcohol

Cocktail: $8

High-end (Luxury): More than $400

Accommodation

Hotel suite/Apartment: $300

Food

3-Course gourmet meal: $80

Entertainment

Motorboat rental: $300

Alcohol

Bottle of champagne: $100

Saint Martin/Sint Maarten Money-Saving Tips

Choose the right time of year – You’ll generally get better deals by traveling over the summer or fall — if you’re willing to live with a little risk. (Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30.) Hotel rates are almost always lower during this wetter time of year. If you’re worried about hurricanes, consider staying on one of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao), which are outside the main hurricane belt.
Haggle – In many parts of the Caribbean, bargaining for a better deal is an essential part of everyday life. While you may not be able to negotiate much in a big duty-free store or a supermarket, where prices are generally fixed, there are plenty of open-air markets.
Don’t overtip – In some restaurants, a service charge will automatically be added to your bill; if so, you don’t need to leave an additional tip (unless you wish to further reward an exemplary waiter or waitress). Some resorts and hotels also add a service charge onto your bill to cover tips for various members of the staff.
Use public transportation – Many Caribbean islands have local public bus systems — usually small, colorful vans that serve the major routes and towns across the island. Fares on these vans tend to be extremely inexpensive.
Eat where the locals do – You’ll almost always find cheaper, more genuine local meals away from the hotels and touristy restaurants. Look for fish fry-ups on the beach or little roadside snackettes.

Useful Websites & Apps

Hotel booking – Booking.com via InteleTravel
Tours & activities – Viator or Shore Excursions Group
Ferry tickets & schedule – St. Martin Bookings

10 Cool Facts About Saint Martin/Sint Maarten

Smallest island in the world St. Martin is the smallest island in the world divided between two countries, France and the Netherlands. The island is 34 square miles in total size.
More people prefer the Dutch side Slightly more people, however, live on the Dutch side of the island (where the estimated population is 39,689) while 31,754 people reside on the French side. Philipsburg is the biggest city of the Dutch side while Marigot is the capital of the French side.
Of course, Christopher Columbus Before the French or the Dutch arrived, Christopher Columbus claimed the island for Spain on November 11, 1493. Since that day was celebrated as St. Martin Day, he named it Isla de San Martín after Saint Martin of Tours. Spain did not make settling the island a priority.
Popular for salt Wanting the island’s salt, the Dutch founded a settlement in 1631, erecting Fort Amsterdam as protection from invaders. Jan Claeszen Van Campen became its first governor, and the Dutch East India Company began its salt mining operations. French and British settlements sprang up on the island as well.
No real border There is no physical border between the Dutch and French sides of the island but there are 37 white sandy beaches to enjoy.
Drinking laws Eighteen is the legal drinking age on St. Maarten/St. Martin. Alcohol is sold in grocery stores and restaurants.
Culinary leader in the Caribbean You can find food with European, North American, Latin, and even African influences alongside typical local cuisine. Internationally-acclaimed chefs cook in kitchens all over the island. The best food on the French side can be found in Marigot, the French capital, and the best food on the Dutch side can be found in the fishing village of Simpson Bay.
Lucky number 37 The Island’s lucky number is 37. This is a known fact. The island’s total size is 37 square meters. There is more. The country has a total of 37 beaches, and these beaches are very stunning and give something beautiful to give to sunbathers and sun loungers.
Peter Stuyvesant was a major figure in the early history of New York City Before he came to New York, however, Stuyvesant (born in the Netherlands in 1612) was director of the Dutch West India Company’s colony of Curacao from 1642 to 1644. In 1644, Stuyvesant led an attack on the Spanish-held island of St. Martin. A cannonball injured Stuyvesant’s right leg, causing it to be amputated below the knee. When his leg was replaced with a wooden peg, and he became known as “Peg leg Pete.” A year later, in May 1645, Peg leg Pete Stuyvesant was selected by the Dutch West India Company as Director-General of the New Netherland colony, which became New York City.
Diving for ship wrecks Sint Maarten is known for having numerous wrecks and reefs. Wreck diving is one of the best experiences the island is known for.

Travel Insurance

When planning for your trip to Saint Martin/Sint Maarten, don’t forget about travel insurance! You never know what might happen and it’s better to be safe than sorry.