Sint Maarten/Saint Martin
St. Maarten is a unique Caribbean island divided into a French side (Saint Martin) and a Dutch side (Sint Maarten). These two distinct sides can make travelers feel that they are visiting two different countries.
The Dutch side is known for jewelry, casinos and nightlife, while the French side is known for its outdoor shopping markets, fine cuisine, and nude beaches.
Philipsburg is the capital and busy port city located on the Dutch side while Marigot, is the capital and port city of the French side.
Philipsburg
Great Bay Beach
Pelican Peak
Sentry Hill
Simpson Bay
Point Blanche Trail
Guana Bay
Many visitors like to see the spectacular airplane landings at Maho Beach, also known informally as “Airport Beach”. You can do so by island tour with driver, or by taxi or bus.
You can also get a day pass to the all inclusive Sonesta Resorts ( Maho Bay and Ocean Point) which are located on Maho Beach.
Mullet Bay Beach is also near Maho Beach and great for a visit. This is a quieter beach and known for its snorkeling.
Visit The Great Salt Pond where you will see the Salt Pickers statue depicting how the salt was harvested back in the day.
Take incredible photos and have amazing panoramic views from the top of Harold Jack Hill's lookout point between Cole Bay and Philipsburg. You can spot the Caribbean islands of Saba, St. Eustatius, and Anguilla in the distance.
At Simpson Bay Village, you can see the St. Maarten Yacht Club where the million-dollar yachts are docked in the bay and the Simpson Bay Fish Market.
Marigot
Grand Case Bay
Rotary Lookout Point
Orient Beach
Marigot Market
Fort Louis
Guana Bay
Plum Bay
Le Galion Beach
You can get to many surrounding islands by air, ferry, boat tours, and charters. Departures are typically from Simpson Bay marina and Philipsburg marina.
St. Barts- 45 minutes
Saba- 90 minutes
Statia - 20-minute hopper flight or 1.5-hour ferry
Anguilla- 25 minutes
The island features many dive sites.
Popular dive sites include:
Carib Cargo
Teigland
Fish Bowl
Mike’s Maze
HMS Proselyte
Just off the coast of St.Martin lies Creole Rock. Divers and snorkelers can explore the under water beauty that surrounds the rocky formation. The area is just a short boat ride from mainland.
Explore the unhabitated island of Tintamarre just a 30 minute boat ride away.
Pinel Island, just 10 minutes away by boat, is a quiet and serene island to visit for marine life, picnics, and walks along the shoreline.
Sail from Simpson Bay into an unforgettable sunset on a catamaran as you head up the coast to Long Bay.
Language
Although English is the primary language spoken here, the official languages are Dutch and French. Spanish, Papiamento, French Creole, and others are also spoken.
Currency
US dollars are accepted almost everywhere on both sides. The two official currencies are the euro on the French Side and the Netherlands Antillean guilder (called naf or florin) on the Dutch Side.
Electricity/Phone
French Side: 220 V/60 Hz
Dutch Side: 110 V and 220 V/60 Hz
American Conversions are common
Dutch : 721
French: 590
The best times to visit is from May to June or November to mid-December, with lower prices and less rainfall. The weather is generally good throughout the year, except for the rainy season from June to October.
