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St Martin Travel Guide: Dual Culture, Dream Beaches & Island Flavor

Intro to St Martin Travel Guide

Split between French sophistication and Dutch energy, St. Martin is one of the Caribbean’s most unique destinations. On this island, you can wander Parisian cafés by morning, party in Dutch beach bars by night, and swim in crystal-clear bays all day in between. It’s an island of contrasts — and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

Start planning your journey with our complete St. Martin Travel Guide — discover the best time to visit, travel cost in St. Martin, top places to explore, and unforgettable St. Martin tours on land and sea.

Looking for immersive St. Martin tours? From catamaran cruises and culinary safaris to ATV rides and beach-hopping, explore the island’s best things to do with trusted local guides.

Continent: North America (Caribbean)
Country: Divided between France (Saint-Martin) and the Netherlands (Sint Maarten)
Area: ~87 km² (34 mi²) — ~53 km² French side, ~34 km² Dutch side
Population: ~75,000 (2024 est.)
Density: ~860 people/km²
Capital: Marigot (French), Philipsburg (Dutch)
Regions/Subregions: French Collectivity of Saint-Martin (north), Country of Sint Maarten (south, part of Kingdom of the Netherlands)
Language(s): French, Dutch, English widely spoken throughout
Currency: Euro (EUR) on French side, Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) and USD on Dutch side
Time Zone: GMT–4
Airports: Princess Juliana Int’l (SXM, Dutch side), Grand Case–Espérance (SFG, French side)
Climate: Tropical; warm year-round; dry season (Dec–Apr), hurricane season (June–Nov)
Known For: Dual culture, Maho Beach plane landings, white-sand beaches, luxury shopping, sailing, French-Caribbean cuisine

French side (Saint-Martin): Follows French overseas visa rules
Dutch side (Sint Maarten): Separate entry policy
Visa-free for U.S., EU, Canada, UK, and most Caribbean passport holders for up to 90 days
Border between the two sides is open with no checkpoints
French Visa Info
Dutch Side Entry Info

Recommended: Routine vaccines, Hepatitis A
Healthcare: Modern clinics available on both sides; major hospital in Marigot
Travel insurance strongly recommended for full coverage
Travel health updates — get coverage here
Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Global Travel Health

Generally safe, especially in tourist zones
Petty theft can occur — use hotel safes, stay aware at beaches
Hurricane season (June–November) may cause storm-related disruptions
Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

Feb/March: Carnival (varies by side)
May 1: Labour Day
July 14: Bastille Day (French side only)
Nov 11: Sint Maarten Day (celebrated across the island)
Dec 25: Christmas

Currency: Euro (EUR) in Saint-Martin; Antillean Guilder (ANG) and USD in Sint Maarten
Cards: Widely accepted; USD accepted almost everywhere
Tipping: 10–15% appreciated unless service charge is included
Duty-Free: Island-wide — perfumes, electronics, alcohol, and jewelry are popular buys

Princess Juliana Int’l Airport (SXM): Major hub on Dutch side
Famous for planes landing over Maho Beach
Flights from U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean
Grand Case–Espérance (SFG): Regional airport on French side

Car rentals are best for exploring both sides; roads are scenic but narrow
Taxis available but not metered — agree on fare first
Ferries to nearby islands: Anguilla, St. Barths, Saba
Driving is on the right side

SIM cards: Available at the airport and local shops (Digicel, UTS, Orange)
Wi-Fi: Free or available in most hotels, cafés, and marinas
Coverage: Excellent across the island

Drinking age: 18
Beachwear etiquette: Acceptable at beaches but not in town centers
LGBTQ+ travelers: Legal and generally safe, especially in tourist resorts
Cultural tip: Respect both French and Dutch customs; tipping and punctuality vary

Emergency Numbers: 911 (Dutch side), 17 (French side)
Hospitals: Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital (Marigot), Sint Maarten Medical Center (Cay Hill)
U.S. Consular Support: Via Embassy in Barbados or St. Lucia

Best time to visit: December to May (dry season)
Hurricane season: June to November
Average temps: 26–31°C (79–88°F)
Weather Forecast

St. Martin by Region – Where to Go

This dual-nation island is divided into French Saint-Martin (north) and Dutch Sint Maarten (south), offering distinct vibes and attractions.

Sint Maarten (Dutch Side) – Nightlife, Shopping & Adventure

Home to Philipsburg and Maho Beach, the Dutch side pulses with casinos, cruise terminals, and nightlife. It’s great for duty-free shopping, family resorts, and energetic beaches like Simpson Bay and Mullet Bay.

Saint-Martin (French Side) – Cuisine, Culture & Quiet Shores

The north side is known for gourmet food, fashion boutiques, and a more relaxed pace. Enjoy Grand Case, the island’s culinary capital, and quiet coves like Baie Rouge and Anse Marcel.

Orient Bay – Watersports & Chic Dining

On the east coast, Orient Beach is the liveliest on the French side, with beach clubs, windsurfing, and boutique hotels.

Simpson Bay Lagoon – Sailing & Waterfront Life

The island’s protected inner lagoon is a hub for boat charters, marinas, and waterfront dining, connecting both sides.

Top Places to Visit in St. Martin

Beaches & Bays

Maho Beach: Watch planes land just overhead — a bucket-list thrill
Grand Case Beach: Calm, family-friendly, and walking distance to gourmet dining
Mullet Bay: Great for sunbathing and boogie boarding
Baie Rouge: Quiet, red-tinged sand and turquoise water
Pinel Island: Take a ferry or kayak to this offshore paradise for a day of snorkeling and seafood

Cultural & Historic Sites

Fort Louis (Marigot): Climb for panoramic views over the harbor
Old Street (Philipsburg): Colorful colonial buildings and local art shops
Loterie Farm: Eco-adventure park with hiking, ziplining, and a pool-lounge

Nature & Adventure

Pic Paradis: The island’s highest point — ideal for hiking or 4WD tours
Butterfly Farm (La Ferme des Papillons): A peaceful escape near Orient Bay
Rainforest Adventures (Rockland Estate): Ride the Flying Dutchman — the world’s steepest zipline

How to Choose Where to Go in St. Martin

First-time visitors may want to stay on the Dutch side for convenience, nightlife, and access to Simpson Bay and Maho.
Foodies and couples should head to the French side, especially Grand Case or Orient Bay, for romantic dinners and quieter beaches.
Adventure seekers can book tours on either side — most island excursions cross the border with ease.

Suggested pairings:

Philipsburg + Grand Case (shopping + fine dining)
Maho Beach + Pinel Island (plane watching + beach escape)
Simpson Bay + Loterie Farm (waterfront life + jungle adventure)

How to Get Around St. Martin

Rental Cars: Most efficient for exploring both sides — easy to navigate
Taxis: Available, but can be pricey and are not metered — always agree on fare
Ferries: Daily boats to Pinel Island, Anguilla, and St. Barts
ATV & Scooter Rentals: Popular for adventurous travelers (drive on the right)
Private Drivers & Day Tours: Best for multi-stop excursions with local insight

No passport checks between French and Dutch sides, but carry ID for ferry travel.

Travel Budget & Costs in St. Martin

The travel cost in St. Martin varies depending on which side you stay on. The Dutch side has more mid-range options, while the French side leans boutique.

Budget travelers: $80–$120/day (guesthouses, local BBQ, beach transport)
Mid-range: $150–$250/day (hotels, rental car, day tours)
Luxury: $300–$600+/day (villas, fine dining, private catamarans)

Sample prices:

Beachfront lunch: $15–$25
Car rental: ~$40–$70/day
Ferry to Pinel Island: ~$15 round trip
Full-day catamaran tour: $120–$180
Entry to Loterie Farm: ~$15–$30

Best Time to Visit St. Martin

Best time to visit St. Martin: December to April (dry season)

Dec–Apr: Ideal weather, lively events, peak season rates
May–June: Shoulder season with lower prices and good weather
July–Nov: Hurricane season; quieter but rainier

Major Events:

Carnival (Feb/March): Parades, music, and vibrant cultural celebrations (on both sides)
Heineken Regatta (March): World-famous sailing event
Bastille Day (July 14): Celebrated on the French side with fireworks and parties

Must-See Experiences in St. Martin

Watch planes land at Maho Beach — one of the Caribbean’s most thrilling moments
Snorkel at Creole Rock off Grand Case
Sail to Anguilla or St. Barts on a day charter
Zipline at Rockland Estate with views from Pic Paradis
Sample rum punch and grilled lobster at a lolo (local eatery)
Take a cooking class to learn Creole and French fusion recipes
Kayak to Pinel Island for a beach day with seafood and snorkeling
Explore Loterie Farm’s treetop canopy walk

Book immersive St. Martin tours and experience unforgettable things to do in St. Martin — from sacred hillside hikes and plane-spotting thrills to island-hopping sails and Creole cuisine safaris.

Best Travel Itineraries in St. Martin

5-Day Quick Island Escape
Day 1: Arrive and relax in Grand Case
Day 2: Maho Beach + Philipsburg tour
Day 3: Catamaran day trip to Anguilla or Pinel Island
Day 4: Zipline + Loterie Farm adventure
Day 5: French market + beach hopping before departure

7-Day Full Island Itinerary
Add: Culinary tour in Marigot, hike Pic Paradis, full day in Orient Bay with watersports or windsurfing

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

St. Martin is the culinary capital of the Caribbean — where French techniques meet Caribbean spice.

Grilled Lobster with Creole Butter: Often served at lolos in Grand Case
Accras: Spiced saltfish fritters
Callaloo Soup: Leafy green stew with okra and pork
Tarte à la noix de coco: Local coconut tart
Guavaberry Rum: A sweet island liqueur often found in cocktails
Bokit Sandwich: Stuffed fried dough with meats and sauces
Seafood Platter: Mahi, conch, and shrimp seasoned with herbs and spice

Try a culinary walking tour in Marigot or book a Creole cooking class for a hands-on flavor experience.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in St. Martin

Safety: Overall safe; exercise caution in nightlife areas after dark
Health: No vaccines required; bring sun protection and hydrate well
Local Customs: Greetings matter — say “Bonjour” or “Bon Dia” when entering shops
Currency: Euros (French side), US Dollars (Dutch side); most places accept both
Tipping: 10–15% is appreciated if not already included
Dress: Casual beachwear is fine, but cover up when in town or dining

Where to Go Next – Pair St. Martin with These Destinations

Anguilla: Just 25 minutes by ferry — for soft-sand luxury and barefoot elegance
St. Barts: Chic French island with yacht life and designer boutiques
Sint Maarten: Dutch Caribbean charm with waterfront resorts, duty-free shopping, and iconic plane-landing beaches
St. Kitts & Nevis: Lush islands with historic forts and Caribbean charm

Explore more:

Anguilla Travel Guide – Laid-back luxury and crystal-clear beaches
St. Barts Travel Guide – Jet-set dining and exclusive resorts
Sint Maarten Travel Guide – Casinos, nightlife, and beach bars on the Dutch side
Dominica Travel Guide – Hot springs and jungle adventures