St Maarten – Travel Guide
St. Maarten is a tropical paradise, known for its breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to explore the island’s stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforest. Dive into the rich marine life and stunning corals. Most visitors often say that it’s better to embrace the local creole culture with its colorful festivals, delicious cuisine, and vibrant nightlife for an one of a kind stay. Sample local delicacies and enjoy the island’s relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous getaway or a soothing escape, St. Maarten offers an unforgettable travel experience.
All about St Maarten
St Maarten FAQ
What is St. Maarten Island known for?
The tiny island nation of St Maarten (Dutch side) and St. Martin (French side) is known as the ‘Friendly Islands’ with a Dutch heritage, breathtaking beaches, endless underwater and on-water activities, festive nightlife, casinos, and delicious Caribbean cuisine. The tiny island is the smallest inhabited island in the world, divided between two nations, ruled on one side by the Dutch (Maarten) and the other by the French (Martin), living in harmony for over 200 years. The laid back tropical island is lined by endless stretches of golden white sand nicknamed ‘The Sun-Soaked Island’ or ‘The Culinary Capital of the Caribbean’ with dozens of different cuisines on the menu. Orient Bay is one of the most popular beaches on the island, but keep in mind it’s a clothing-optional beach! Moho Beach on the Dutch side of the island is famed for the low flying airplanes landing and taking off at the airport right across from the beach! The island is graced by beautiful mountains and lagoons where outdoor activities such as hiking through Pid du Paradis, and swimming and water sports in the sparkling waters of Great Bay. The island hosts plenty of things to see and do including world-famous shopping on Front Street, rum drinks with the islands sweet guavaberry juice, bumping nightlife options at beach bars, and casinos, ziplining over the treetops at Loterie Farm and the historical sites at Rue du Fort Saint Louis.
What are the best places to visit St. Maarten Island?
St. Maarten is a spectacular vacation destination boasting exotic beaches, stunning turquoise waters, island tours, fantastic shopping, and fascinating history. Dine on delicious haute cuisine, sip on a selection of tasty tropical rums, enjoy a wide range of water sports, and shore activities along with spectacular sunsets to end the day. The island is home to friendly people, laid back island energy with European and Caribbean flair.
How many days should I spend on St. Maarten Island?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around St. Maarten Island?
Renting a car when visiting St. Maarten island is the best way to travel around and navigate between the French and Dutch sides of the island. There are several international chain rental car companies found at the airport and across the island, renting a car can be one of the cheaper options to get around.
What is the currency in St. Maarten Island?
There are two official currencies on St. Maarten, the Euro is used on the French side and the Florin is used on the Dutch side of the island. US dollars are also widely accepted. There are ATMs found at the airports and throughout major cities on all three islands.
Do people speak English on St. Maarten Island?
The official languages spoken in St. Maarten is French and in St. Martin French its Dutch, many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. Most of the island’s inhabitants have a good comprehension of the English language. We recommend you get a good English-Dutch or English-French guidebook and learn common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit St Maarten
The tiny island of St. Maarten offers pleasant sunny weather all year round, the best months to visit are May and June and November through the middle of December. The consistent climate on the island makes it a great place to visit anytime with average daily temperatures ranging from 80-90 degrees and rarely drops below 68 degrees.
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The island has two seasons; wet and dry with more rain during the hurricane season which is June through November, usually during this time there will be afternoon tropical showers that are welcomed and cool things off. Peak season is from the middle of December through to mid-April with rates around the holidays being almost double, bookings for this time of year should be made well in advance. Summertime on the island brings sales for accommodations with offers up to 50% off, August can be a popular month to visit with plenty of discounts.
Tipping in St Maarten
The questions “when?” and “how much?” can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. This guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these “tips” will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in St Maarten
What is the currency in St. Maarten Island?
There are two official currencies on St. Maarten, the Euro is used on the French side and the Florin is used on the Dutch side of the island. US dollars are also widely accepted. There are ATMs found at the airports and throughout major cities on all three islands.
Top cities in St Maarten
What to expect while traveling
