St. Maarten travel guide
St. Maarten Tourism | St. Maarten Guide
You're Going to Love St. Maarten
Situated on the southern section of the breathtaking Caribbean island of Saint Martin, the Dutch constituent country has a bustling economy and cultural vibrancy. There are plenty of charismatic resorts sprinkled around the gorgeous bays, while beachside bars and restaurants provide the perfect setting to relax. Folk dancing and reggae musicians light up the starry sky and create a cheerful environment.
What to do in St. Maarten
1. Zipline at Rockland Estate
The eco-adventure park is home to one of the steepest ziplines in the world: a 1,600 ft descent from the peak of the island's lush rainforest.
2. Check Out the Yoga Guy Movie Exhibit
The museum houses set memorabilia from "Star Wars" and a host of other classic films, such as "Terminator," "Alien," and "Men In Black."
3. Explore Fort Amsterdam
Originally constructed in 1631, the historic fortress was occupied by Spanish, English, and French forces in addition to the Dutch. The area is also a breeding reserve for many native birds, such as brown pelicans.
4. Watch Planes Fly Over Maho Beach
Princess Juliana International Airport has developed global recognition due to how low aircraft are when they pass over Maho Beach.
5. Shop Till You Drop on Front Street
Sint Maarten is regarded as one of the best shopping destinations due to an abundance of duty-free stores. Jewelry retailers and international fashion chains line Front Street, while native arts and crafts offer local souvenirs.
When to visit St. Maarten
The ideal time of year to travel is during the dry season between December and May when temperatures hover around 81-84°F. Rainfall outside of this period should not be a reason to avoid visiting as, on average, there are only 10-12 days of rain per month. January and February also see Sint Maarten celebrate Carnival with street barbecues and concerts.
How to Get to St. Maarten
Entry requirements
Nationals from the Netherlands, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Schengen Area can enter without a visa. Residents of further countries, such as Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Venezuela, can enter for up to 90 days.
Plane
Nonstop flights are possible from a range of European (Paris, Amsterdam), Western Caribbean (Kingston, Port-au-Prince, San Juan), North American (New York, Miami, Toronto), Eastern Caribbean (Antigua, Saint Thomas, Curaçao, Guadeloupe), and Central American (Panama) destinations. Domestic carrier Winair operates numerous routes within the Caribbean, while major airlines, such as Air France, American Airlines, KLM, and JetBlue, offer long-distance services.
Car
Crossing the border from the French side of Saint Martin is hassle-free as long as vehicle documents are shown.
Bus
Services constantly run between Marigot on the French side of the island and Philipsburg, with tickets costing approximately 5.20 ANG (3 USD).
Popular airports in St. Maarten
Popular airlines serving St. Maarten
Where to stay in St. Maarten
Simpson Bay has plenty of resorts and is the busiest tourist area with a bustling nightlife and dining precincts. Travelers looking to embrace the Dutch heritage should stay in Philipsburg where colonial architecture is most prevalent. There is a small number of beachside hotels at Dawn Beach on the eastern side of the island, which offers a calmer atmosphere removed from the tourist crowds.
Where to stay in popular areas of St. Maarten
How to Get Around St. Maarten
Public Transportation
Minibuses can be caught across town but do not have reliable schedules, making taxis and bicycles preferable modes of transport for short trips.
Bus
Services can be caught all across Sint Maarten stopping in Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, and Philipsburg. Buses can be hailed from designated stops as well as on the side of the road. Tickets cost between around 1.70-3.50 ANG (1-2 USD) and are payable upon disembarking.
Car
Globally recognized rental agencies, such as Budget, Avis, and Hertz, have offices located at Princess Juliana International Airport. Daily prices sit around 69-86 ANG (40-50 USD) and it's best to get prior approval that you can cross to Saint-Martin if that's in your travel plans. It's advised to drive with caution and pay extra attention when parking.
The Cost of Living in St. Maarten
Eating out can be expensive and a sit-down dinner at a standard restaurant costs roughly 69 ANG (40 USD) per person. Credit cards are widely accepted at restaurants and shops, though it's recommended to carry cash to pay for buses and taxis. There are ATMs available, but fees may incur for international withdrawals.