St Maarten/St Martin Island Information
Facts and Figures of the "Friendly Island"

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Airports (SXM)

The main airport is Princess Juliana International Airport (code SXM), on the Dutch side of the island. It has direct flights to/from cities in Europe, USA and Canada. The airport position is at Longitude 63.1W and Latitude 18.3 N.A new airport terminal is in operation since November 2006. The airport is being developed for its role as a major hub in the Caribbean. More info at airport website.

Photo shows development Phase II by Airport Authorities.

Airport Flight Information: (599) 545-5757
Airport Information Desk: (599) 545-4211

The small airport of "Esperance" is located in Grand Case on the French side, code SFG, for inter island connections with Air Caraïbes, Air Antilles and others, serving mainly Martinique, Gouadeloupe, St. Barth's, and Santo Domingo (DR).

Airlines

International Airlines serving Sint Maarten:
From USA: American Airlines (daily), Continental Airlines, US Air, United, Delta, Spirit
From Canada: Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat (charter)
From France: Air France (daily), Corsair.
From Holland: KLM (now in conjunction with Air France)
Charter Airlines: Linear Air
For a detailed list of airlines flying to SXM, click!

Advertising

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Banks

Banks on St. Martin and St. Maarten are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 3pm on both, the French and the Dutch side. You will find Automatic Teller Machines (ATM's) at most of the banks, and elsewhere. ATM' s usually accept Visa, MasterCard, and Cirrus. The Dutch ATM's usually dispense US-$, the French ATM's Euros.

Border

The Border between the French and the Dutch side is marked by a few signs along the road saying "Bienvenue dans la partie Francaise" (Welcome to the French Side), and "Welcome to the Dutch side". Otherwise, the border is invisible, and only marked on maps.

Beaches

There are over 30 beautiful white sandy beaches on St. Maarten and St. Martin. The French beaches reflect a more liberal attitude with some being topless or nude beaches. The Dutch side has some topless beaches, and one nude beach at Cupecoy.

Click on photos for description & pictures of beaches!

Blogs

Blogs or weblogs about the island. We recommend this blog for collecting personal island impressions.

Boats

Boats can be rented with skipper, difficult to get without captain, more on the expensive side. See more under Activities.

Brothels

Yes, there is the rumor of about 8 on the Dutch side of the island, mostly called "Club ...". In addition, there are some suspicious bars, which also cater to a similar audience. Keep in mind, AIDS is an issue!

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Capital

The Capital of Dutch Sint Maarten is Philipsburg, and the Capital of French Saint Martin is Marigot.

Casinos

see "Nightlife".

Cellular phones

There are several digital cell phone systems in place. Telem and UTS on the Dutch side have GSM services. The French side has GSM services through Orange (France Telecom) and Amigo (Dauphin). Buying a prepaid phone card is easy. Many shops, supermarkets and gas stations sell pre-paid phone cards.

Climate

St Maarten/St Martin has a great variety of landscape including the mountain of Pic Paradis (424m/1400 ft). It benefits from a typical tropical climate, predominantly dry with average temperatures of 80F or 27C. Sun and trade winds year round. Actual Temperature, see here.

Clothing Optional

There are a several clothing optional or nude beaches on the island. The most well known is Orient Bay, especially at its section of their famous "Club Orient", see also under "Nude Beaches"

Currencies

Although the official currency of Dutch St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antilles Florin (NAF, or guilder), most shops are set up to charge in USD. The Euro (€) is the official currency for French St. Martin. One US dollar equals approx. $1.80 NAF (June 2008). The exchange rate Euro to US-$ moves up and down, according to the daily official exchange rate. US Dollars are accepted almost everywhere including the French side. Exchange booths are available, dealing in the major currencies. US traveler checks as well as most major credit cards are widely accepted. A good currency converter is here.

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Driving

Traffic is on the right with international signs on St. Martin and St. Maarten. Foreign and international driver licenses are accepted when renting a vehicle. Patience and a sense of humor are helpful while driving on island: natives often take time to stop and greet a friend, or to drop off or pick up passengers or deliveries. So, be aware of frequent stopping. It is common to use the horn or high beams to greet or thank another driver for the right of way. Be aware of radar speed controls on the French side !

Departure Tax

Introduced in 2006, the US-$ 30.00 departure tax is nowadays integrated in most airline ticket prices. Same is true for the new airport facility tax of $5.00, applied since late 2007. If not integrated in your ticket price, you'll have to pay $5,00 at your airline counter at the airport (e.g. United Airlines). If you travel from St. Maarten to another island in the Netherlands Antilles, the tax is US-$ 6.00 to pay in cash, unless already included in your local airline ticket. There is no departure tax from the French airport of Esperance (SFG) in Grand Case!

Approaching SXM airport on Maho Beach

Duty Free

Yes, it´s true. The island enjoys Duty Free and Tax Free Status, see our Shopping section. Especially low are prices for liquor and cigarettes. Electronics and jewelry require some bargaining capabilities for truly lower prices.

Electricity

Dutch Sint Maarten runs on 120 Volt, 60 cycles (American outlets). French Saint Martin runs on 220 volts, 60 (!) cycles (French or European outlets). Most hotels and vacation properties have converters available, if needed. Some frequency sensitive equipment for 220V/50hz (European standard) does not run well with the unusual 60 hz frequency.

Formalities

When entering the country you will need a valid passport. US citizens may also enter by providing a birth certificate with raised seal and photo ID and a return/continuing ticket. NOTE: US citizens need a passport to re-enter the USA! Some nationals who are not part of Northamerica or the European Union will need a visa, see Entry Requirements. For those travelling with animals, health certificates are required.

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Gas Stations

Gas or petrol stations are found all over the island. Prices are moderate compared to Europe or the USA. Presently (6/2008) around $1.25/liter.

Gay Visitors

Despite a mixed reputation because of a widely published incident in 2006, the island is considered friendly to other lifestyles.

Geography

the island is 37 square miles, of which the French side is 21 square miles. The French part has approx. 35,000 inhabitants. The Dutch side is 16 square miles, populated by approx. 40,000 people. To the East of St. Maarten/St. Martin lies the Atlantic Ocean, to the West the Caribbean Sea. The island lies at the crossroads of the Greater and Lesser Antilles, approximately 144 miles/300 km Southeast of Puerto Rico. The island is mostly volcanic. There are several mountains with the tallest being Pic Paradis (424 m/1400 ft) on the French side. St Maarten was never an island with lush vegetation, which is due to a lack of rain and rivers. However, the island enjoys of an abundance of beautiful white beaches.

Government

Both the Dutch and French side are self governed by democratic institutions. French St. Martin as being a Départment of France, soon to be a "Collectivité Territoriale ", is member of the European Union (EU).The Dutch part is NOT member of the EU! It has a strong relation to the other Dutch Antilles islands (ABC-Isles), and is partially dependent on the Netherlands, but is not integrated into the European Union.

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Hospital

The hospital on Dutch St. Maarten, SMMC, (The Medical Center) can be contacted at (599) 522-300 or (599) 543-1111. On the French side, there is the Marigot Hospital located in Concordia, (590) 590 295-757.

Holidays

The following are national holidays on the island: New Year's Day January 1, Epiphany Jan. 6 (French side), Carnival early February (French side) and in late April (Dutch side), Good Friday & Easter Monday April, Labor Day May 1, Ascension Day early May, Bastille Day July 14 (French side), Schoelcher Day July 21 (French side). Assumption Day August 15, All Saints Day November 1. Concordia Day & St Martin Day November 11. Christmas Day & Boxing Day December 25 & 26.

Hotspots

Wireless Internet access, i.e. Hotspots, are available, but not well documented. These hotspots are mainly in the Simpson Bay area, in the marinas and at SXM airport. See here for the main provider of hotspots (Caribserve) or check our section on Wifi Access .

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Information

Tourist information can be obtained at the Tourism Offices. Dutch side: Vineyard Building, W.G. Buncamper Rd, Philipsburg,
(599) 542-2337, Website: (That's the new website as of May 2008. Old website still operational at: www.st-maarten.com)
French side: Route de Sandy Ground, Marigot, opposite the cemetery (590) 590 875-721, Website:

Internet

Internet access is available in several Internet Cafés on both sides of the island. Most of those Cybercafés are offices (not cafés!) with scheduled opening hours on weekdays only.

Island Tour

Take our map guided tour, click here!

Jewelry

The island enjoys the reputation as a shopper´s paradise (remember, it´s all duty free!), which is also true for jewelry. You will find a fantastic selection of fine jewelry, loose diamonds, an other precious gem stone mainly in the boutiques and Shopping areas of Philipsburg and Marigot.

Jeeps

Yes, definitely, you can rent Jeeps, and it makes sense due to the bumpy roads! Click for Car Rental page.

Jet Skis: are available, e.g. on Orient Bay and at Divi Resort on Little Bay. For more info, go to our Activities page.

Kids & Kites

You can bring both of them along with you to St Maarten or St Martin! There´s lots to do and to see for kids, such as visiting the Zoo or going to a family beach. Some beaches, e.g. Le Galion on the French side, are ideal for preschool kids due to their shallow calm waters.

Kitesurfing

There is also Kitesurfing on the island. See our activity section.

Language

The official language of St. Maarten is Dutch, while the language of St. Martin is French. English is widely spoken, especially on the Dutch side. Spanish is often spoken, too. The local dialect is Papiamento, the original language of St. Maarten, or Creole, widely spoken by the large Haitian community.

Location

The island is located at 18N, 63W or 144 miles/300km Southeast of Puerto Rico. It is located in the Leeward Islands of the West Indies, or right in the center of the Northern Caribbean islands.

Lolo's: Small open air food places or roadside stands for snacks. The most famous one is "Johnny under the Tree" in Cole Bay, and the Lolo's in Grand Case.

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Massage  

Several choices are available. The most unique is at Cupecoy, right in the shade of the cliffs with a great view. Next to Cliffhanger Bar in Cupecoy. Swedish massage specialist Varda can be reached at (599) 580-5967, or click for email . Other massage resources are Patrick Bourgarel on Orient Bayl (590) 690-619-000, or click for email: . Or Tricia at (590) 690-500-860, or click for email: or Website:

Mobile Phones

See under C for Cellular Phones

Movie Theatres

On the Dutch side, you will find the modern movie center "Megaplex" at Simpson Bay with 7 showrooms featuring contemporary US movies in English. Philipsburg Theatres in Philipsburg, Pondfill Rd (next to Subways) show mostly movies from Europe, special international movies etc. in original sound with English subtitles. On the French side, you can watch movies at the cinema MCJ in Sandy Ground (note: temporarily closed in May 2008 for fire safety reasons!).

Museums

There is currently one museum on the island. It's on the Dutch side and holds the Sint Maarten Museum, open from 10am to 4pm Monday-Friday, and from 10am to 12 pm on Saturday. The French "On the trail of the Arawaks" Museum closed down in 2006, and is now home to the Air Caraibes office.

Money

See Banks or Currency

Nationalities

There are over 100 nationalities represented on the island, primarily French, Dutch, Haitian, Dominican, Jamaican, African, American and Canadian. There is also a strong Indian community.

Naturists

There are a several naturist or nude beaches on the island, the most well known is Orient Beach. For Naturist friendly vacation rentals and villas, click here.

Nightlife

There are over a dozen of Casinos where you can gamble Black Jack, Roulette, Poker, Craps, Baccarat and Hot Slots. The casinos are all located on the Dutch side of the island, mainly in Philipsburg, Maho Beach, Cupecoy and Simpson Bay. In the same areas, you will also find bars, night clubs, discotheques, and adult entertainment. On the French side, Casinos are not allowed by law. Here a few of the most popular bars, discotheques, entertainment and live music venues: The Bliss Disco and Sunset Beach Bar on Maho Beach, Sopranos Piano Bar and Cheri's Cafe in Maho, "Lady C" floating bar and grill on Simpson Bay Lagoon, Axum Art & Jazz Cafe and Bar on Front Street 7, Philipsburg.

Nudity

The island has a liberal lifestyle, and nudity is accepted at some beaches, Naturists represent a small minority on beaches. It is not accepted in the general public.

Nude Beaches There are a several nude or clothing optional beaches on the island, the most well known being Orient Bay.

Open Bridges

While getting around, try to avoid the following bridge opening hours, as they usually cause long waiting times and traffic jams:



Simpson Bay Bridge (Dutch side): 9am, 9:30am, 11am, 11:30am 4:30pm and 5:30pm, Monday-Sunday
Sandy Ground Bridge (French side): 8:15am, 2:30pm, (except Sundays and Holidays) 5:30pm.

Online News

and and

Police

For police on the Dutch side, call 111 for Police, 130 for an Ambulance, and 911 for an Emergency. The French police recently introduced an emergency number by calling 17 from the French side.

Population

The estimated population of Dutch St. Maarten is 45,000, and 40,000 for French St. Martin. The "Friendly Island" is recognized as the smallest piece of land shared by two countries.

Public Transportation

The island has a well developed network of mini-buses, primarily used by the local workforce as an inexpensive way to get around. Keep in mind that these buses frequent the main business and commercial areas of the island such as Philipsburg, Cole Bay, Marigot and Grand Case. Typical tourist destinations such as beaches are not served!

Quincailleries

Just in case if you run into a sign on the French side with that unpronouncable name: it´s simply a hardware store!

Radio Stations

Several island radio stations can be listened to by copying their web address for their streaming server into your favorite MP3 player. See here.

Rental Cars

Car rentals are available from many major international agencies, and local agents such as Alizes Car Rental at reasonable rates. For more information on renting a vehicle, click here.

Sandy

Sandy, shallow beaches are on St. Martin as well. Best shallow beaches: Le Galion and Pinel Island. Ideal for taking toddlers!

Seaworld Explorer - Semi-Submersible

Explore the stunning marine life of St. Martin in the cool comfort of the cruising, underwater observatory, the Seaworld Explorer! The semi-submarine leaves from the pier in Grand Case (almost) daily and takes you to "Creole Rock". Sea turtles, barracudas, and stingrays are just some of the amazing underwater creatures that you'll spot at the Reef around Creole Rock.

Sunsets

on St. Maarten and St. Martin - they are just gorgeous. Best places to watch are on the beaches of Pelican Key, Mullet Bay, Cupecoy, Long Bay & Plum Bay!

SXM

SXM is the international airport code for Princess Juliana INternational Airport on Dutch Sint Maarten.

SFG is the international airport code for the small inter-island airport "Esperance" in Grand Case on the French island side.

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Taxis

A comfortable way to tour the island. Most of them are air-conditioned. Taxis are not metered, but are required to display a list of fares. Rates are set by the government see rate table 2007 (PDF file). Charges are based upon two passengers and on the destination. Additional passengers cost extra. Both, Dutch and French Taxis pick up and drop off anywhere on the island, regardless which side you travel. Make sure to ask the driver the fare in advance. Taxi booths are located at the airports of Princess Juliana and Grand Case, at the port in Marigot (next to the Tourism Office), and in Philipsburg on Wathey Square and the Cruise Ship Pier. Taxi Hotline: # 9247 or (599) 543-7814.

Telecommunications

Now, that´s a pretty cumbersome procedure due to the fact that two countries share the island! Calling within "your side" is easy: on the Dutch side dial the 7 digits starting with 5. On the French side dial the 10 digits starting with 0590 (fix) or 0690 (cell phones). If you want to call from one side to the other, you have to dial the full international code, which gives the following:
To call from the Dutch to the French side:
dial 00590 + 590 + six digits local number (fix line)
dial 00590 + 690 + six digits local number (cell phone)
To call from the French to the Dutch side :
dial 00599 + seven digits local number (start all with a '5')
To call the US from the Dutch or French side:
dial 001 + area code + phone number
To call from the US to Dutch St. Maarten:
dial 011 + 599 + local number (7 digits)
To call from the US to French St. Martin:
dial 011 + 590 + 590 + six digit local number
dial 011 + 590 + 690 + six digit local cell number
For many people, the French phone numbers are very confusing, which is basically due to the fact that the country code 590 is the same as the first part of fix phone numbers. You end up with dialing, yes, twice 590 590!

Prepaid calling cards are available at several locations on both sides, e.g. InterCard at Dauphin Telecom in Marigot.

Time Zone

St. Martin and St. Maarten are in the Atlantic Time zone, which is -4 hours from Universal Time UTC (GST). During the winter +1 hour from Eastern Standard Time, in summer on same as EST. -5 hours from Paris or Frankfurt in winter, and -6 hours in the summer.

Umbrellas and beach chairs

You´ll definitely need them on some beaches! Several beaches on the island are not serviced. If you'd like to travel light, book your umbrellas and beach stuff in advance at: Pack light, or simply buy a cheap one when you are here, e.g. at Cost-U-less.

Vacation Villas

You will find a broad range of vacation villas and villa rentals on both, Dutch and French St. Maarten/St. Martin. There is everything, from small 1 bedroom villas to luxury, large vacation homes. Click to log onto our link to Villa Rentals and Vacation homes !

Vegetarian

Especially Asian Cuisine in the Philipsburg and Simpson Bay area feature a broad selection of vegetarian meals. See our Restaurant section !

Water

Tap Water on St. Maarten is processed by a desalination plant on the island, or from individual water tank systems. Bottled water is is available from international brands such as Evian, Volvic, Pellegrino or Perrier. Please help to save water, it is very precious on the island!

Watertaxi (Simpson Bay Lagoon)

Deepbleu offers a relaxing alternative to get around the Simpson Bay Lagoon, Dutch or French side. Take a ride to your favorite lagoon-side restaurant or shopping place or just ride around the lagoon taking in all the sights, like those unbelievable mega yachts! Rates are comparable to the land taxis and each boat is rain-protected with deep seating for 12 passengers. For pick up anywhere on the Lagoon call (599) 580-3314 or contact per website Deepbleu Water Taxi.

WiFi - Wireless Internet Access

Some areas of Dutch St. Maarten have wireless coverage for Internet access. The Boardwalk area of Philipsburg has a trial for free WiFi access by SmitComs. CaribServe is a wide area WiFi and Hotspot provider for subscription and prepaid services. The PJIAE airport facilities have currently also free WiFi (in the departure area).

X-rated entertainment

In the area of Simpson Bay and the airport are several night clubs, which feature adult entertainment.

The "Platinum Room", Golden Eyes, and several other, often Casino related establishments, offer shows on weekends, and are open late night all week long.

Girls at the Platinum Room

Yachting

Besides Simpson Bay, Marigot-Marina Royale and Anse Marcel, it seems that Oyster Pond is becoming more and more popular for mooring yachts and boats, because of its safe shelters and lower fees and taxes. More on boat rental can be found on the activities page under "boat trips" or click below for private Yacht charter with Beauty III.

Zoo

One of the many attractions of St. Maarten is its Zoological and Botanical Garden "St. Maarten Park", which is home to over 80 animals of 35 species, and 100 plant species of South America and the Caribbean Basin. Click for Zoo!

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