St. Maarten

WHAT CAN I EXPECT?

St. Maarten, a vibrant island in the Caribbean, is renowned for its stunning beaches, lively culture, and unique blend of Dutch and French influences. This island paradise, shared between the Netherlands and France, offers a diverse range of experiences from bustling markets and gourmet dining to tranquil coves and vibrant nightlife. With its scenic beauty and welcoming atmosphere, St. Maarten is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Beaches

St. Maarten boasts an array of beautiful beaches, each with its own unique charm and activities.

Maho Beach: Famous for its close-up views of planes landing at Princess Juliana International Airport, perfect for thrill-seekers and photographers.
Orient Bay Beach: A lively and popular spot with clear waters, beach bars, and water sports.
Mullet Bay Beach: Known for its pristine sands and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Cultural Heritage

St. Maarten’s culture is a dynamic blend of Dutch and French influences, offering a rich tapestry of traditions and celebrations.

Phillipsburg: Explore the Dutch side’s capital, known for its duty-free shopping, historic sites, and vibrant boardwalk.
Marigot: Visit the French side’s capital for its charming markets, French bakeries, and historic Fort Louis.
Carnival: Experience the island’s most colorful festival with parades, music, and dancing, held annually on both sides of the island.

Adventure and Activities

St. Maarten is a playground for adventure seekers and those looking to explore its natural beauty.

Water Sports: Enjoy sailing, jet skiing, and windsurfing in the island’s clear waters.
Hiking: Discover scenic trails such as the hike to Pic Paradis, the highest point on the island.
Diving and Snorkeling: Explore vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life around the island.

Culinary Delights

St. Maarten’s culinary scene is a fusion of Caribbean flavors with French and Dutch influences, offering a delightful gastronomic experience.

Local Dishes: Savor traditional Caribbean dishes like johnnycakes, conch fritters, and jerk chicken.
Gourmet Dining: Enjoy French cuisine at bistros in Grand Case, known as the “Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean.”
Beachside Eateries: Relax at beach bars and restaurants, sampling fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.

Accommodation

St. Maarten offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s preference and budget.

Luxury Resorts: Experience upscale amenities and stunning ocean views at properties like Belmond La Samanna and Sonesta Ocean Point Resort.
Boutique Hotels: Enjoy personalized service and unique charm at smaller hotels like Hotel L’Esplanade and Holland House Beach Hotel.
Vacation Rentals: For a more home-like experience, consider renting a private villa or beachfront condo.

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is between December and April, when the weather is warm and dry.
Getting Around: Renting a car is recommended for exploring the island, though taxis and local buses are also available.
Language and Currency: Dutch and French are the official languages, but English is widely spoken. The Euro is used on the French side, and the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) on the Dutch side, though US dollars are accepted everywhere.

WHY SINT MAARTEN

St. Maarten captivates visitors with its unique blend of Dutch and French cultures, offering a rich and diverse travel experience. The island’s stunning beaches, such as the famous Maho Beach and the serene Mullet Bay, provide idyllic spots for relaxation and adventure. St. Maarten’s vibrant culinary scene, with gourmet dining in Grand Case and lively beachside eateries, caters to every palate. Whether you’re exploring historic sites in Philipsburg and Marigot, enjoying water sports, or hiking scenic trails, St. Maarten promises a dynamic and unforgettable vacation. With a variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts to charming boutique hotels, the island caters to all travelers. Discover why St. Maarten is the perfect destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion in a Caribbean paradise.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN ST. MAARTEN/ST. MARTIN

Maho Beach, St. Maarten: Famous for its close-up views of low-flying airplanes landing at Princess Juliana International Airport, this beach offers a thrilling and unique experience for visitors,

Orient Bay Beach, St. Martin: A lively and picturesque beach known for its vibrant atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of water sports and beachfront dining options.

Fort Louis, St. Martin: This historic 18th-century fort offers stunning panoramic views of Marigot Bay and the surrounding area, providing a glimpse into the island’s colonial past.

Grand Case Beach, St. Martin: Renowned for its calm turquoise waters and gourmet dining, this charming beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and savoring exquisite French-Caribbean cuisine.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS IN ST. MAARTEN / ST. MARTIN

Maho Beach

Maho Beach, St. Maarten: Famous for its close-up views of low-flying airplanes landing at Princess Juliana International Airport, this beach offers a thrilling and unique experience for visitors, with planes soaring just feet overhead as they descend onto the runway—it's a paradise for aviation geeks and adrenaline junkies alike. The beach itself has soft sand and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for sunbathing or grabbing a cocktail at a nearby beach bar while watching the sky show.

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Orient Bay Beach

Orient Bay Beach, St. Martin: A lively and picturesque beach known for its vibrant atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of water sports and beachfront dining options. Often called the “St. Tropez of the Caribbean,” it’s lined with colorful umbrellas, beach clubs, and laid-back bars where music and ocean breezes set the mood. From windsurfing and jet skiing to sipping cocktails in a cabana, this beach blends energy and elegance for the perfect island day.

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Fort Louis

Fort Louis, St. Martin: This historic 18th-century fort offers stunning panoramic views of Marigot Bay and the surrounding area, providing a glimpse into the island's colonial past. Originally built to protect the harbor's warehouses from pirates and invaders, the fort now stands as a scenic and cultural landmark. A short hike to the top rewards visitors with sweeping vistas and a peaceful spot to reflect on the island’s rich history.

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Grand Case Beach

Grand Case Beach, St. Martin: Renowned for its calm turquoise waters and gourmet dining, this charming beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and savoring exquisite French-Caribbean cuisine. Often considered the culinary capital of the island, Grand Case blends beachside relaxation with world-class flavors from its famous “lolos” and upscale restaurants. It’s the ideal spot to float in the sea by day and indulge in fresh lobster and fine wine by night.

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FRIENDLY TIPS FOR TRAVEL TO ST. MAARTEN

Airport VIP Service

You can find a few places that will help you through the airport in St. Maarten, but I’m going to be honest; it’s such a small airport that it isn’t worth the money. It took about 20 mins to get through immigration coming in, and I was there about 2 hours before my flight and had plenty of time. One thing I found odd was that we didn’t have to fill anything out for their customs; I just slid through with my passport.

Car Rentals

You could go both ways on this. Depending on where you stay or if you are cruising, you can avoid renting a car as I did. Hire JoJunie Tours for your airport transportation or your cruise ship excursion, and they will do all the driving! Or, do your own exploring and grab a car from one of the local car rental places.

Currency

Technically, Antillean Guilder is the official currency for the Dutch side, and Euros are the official currency on the French side. However, both sides are more than happy to take the US Dollar. I did find that American Express is not widely accepted, and in general, it’s just easier to pay with cash.

Drinking Water

From what I understand, the water on the Dutch side is safe to drink but has a gross flavor. I was told whatever you do, don’t drink the water on the French side. So, I just erred on the cautious side and drank bottled water. I found them to be very reasonably priced at the mini market that was across from the Hilton.

Electricity

This one is fun! If you are staying on the Dutch side, the plugs are the same that you would find in the U.S. & Canada. However, if you are on the French side, you’ll need to bring a converter. Their plugs are similar to those used in Europe.

It's Illegal To...

On the Dutch side of St. Martin (Sint Maarten), carrying mace or any form of pepper spray is illegal and considered a weapon under local laws. Individuals found in possession of such self-defense sprays can face legal consequences, including fines or detention, as these items are strictly regulated to ensure public safety.

Language

English is widely spoken throughout both the Dutch and the French sides, however, Dutch is the official language that is used. They also pepper in Papiamento and Spanish too, so it’s a good mixture of all of them.

National Dish

They love their BBQ in St. Maarten, and man o man, it was delicious! One thing to note, when we say BBQ, we usually mean there’s a sauce that comes with it, but in St. Maarten, they mean grilled or smoked meat. It’s so good, though; it doesn’t need sauce!

Time Zone

St. Maarten is located in the Atlantic Time Zone, which is the same as Eastern Standard. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time.

When to Visit

St. Maarten does sit in the Hurricane Belt, so it’s best to visit outside of hurricane season. The dry season (December thru April) is the best so you can really enjoy the sun and beautiful waters. It usually starts to rain a little in May.

The Jetsetter’s Guide to St. Maarten

This free digital guide is your no-stress, no-fluff ticket to experiencing St. Maarten like a seasoned traveler. Inside, you’ll find curated beach recommendations, must-try local eats, day trip ideas, travel hacks, and Bee’s personal picks from both the Dutch and French sides. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, this mobile-friendly guide helps you skip the guesswork and savor every sun-soaked moment.

DOWNLOAD YOUR COPY NOW FOR FREE

Sint Maarten/St. Martin Map

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