Often asked: What To Do In Saint Martin?

What is Saint Martin known for?

St. Martin’s Dutch side is known for its festive nightlife, beaches, jewelry, drinks made with native rum-based guavaberry liquors, and casinos. The island’s French side is known for its nude beaches, clothes, shopping (including outdoor markets), and French and Indian Caribbean cuisine.

Is St Martin dangerous?

By and large, Sint Maarten and St – Martin are quite safe, although crimes of opportunity like pickpocketing and purse snatching do occur.

Is St Martin expensive?

The cost of staying in Saint Martin is much higher than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in Saint Martin due to very high property costs.

Which is better Dutch or French side of St Martin?

Along with its selection of bars and nightclubs, the Dutch side of Sint Maarten has a more animated vibe than its French counterpart, as a result of the number of nightlife options and amount of tourists consistently flowing into Philipsburg.

Which side is better St Martin?

For the Best Time American visitors might feel slightly more at home on the Dutch side, where the dollar is the de facto currency and English is the lingua franca, but you’ll find that many vendors on the French half also speak English and will offer you a competitive dollar-to-euro exchange rate, too.

What is the difference between Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin?

The French side, Saint – Martin, is 50% larger than the Dutch Sint Maarten. Sometimes, people refer to the whole island as “ St – Martin / St Maarten ” or “SXM,” which is the IATA airport code for the island’s main airport on the Dutch side, Princess Juliana International Airport.

What is the best time of year to go to St Maarten?

The best time to visit St. Martin and St. Maarten is May and June or between November and mid-December. These select weeks are times when hotels advertise their best rates.

Can you drink tap water in St Martin?

Water — The water on St. Maarten / St. Martin is safe to drink. In fact, most hotels serve desalinated water.

Are there sharks in St Maarten?

There’s only been one unprovoked and non-fatal bite reported in St. Martin, and it occurred in 2005, Tyler Bowling, manager of the Florida Program for Shark Research, told the AP. He said tiger sharks and bull sharks occasionally appear as well.

Are US dollars accepted in St Maarten?

The official currencies are the euro on the French side and the Netherlands Antillean guilder (called Naf) on the Dutch side, however the latter are not in circulation and the US dollar is effectively the main currency. US dollars are also accepted in St – Martin.

What should I buy in St Maarten?

Top 8 Things to Buy in St. Maarten

• Dutch Porcelain.
• Hot Sauces.
• Guavaberry Products.
• Flavored Liqueurs.
• Wine.
• Designer Clothing and Shoes.
• Perfumes and Cosmetics.
• Linens.

Does Amazon Ship to Sint Maarten?

No, Amazon does not offer free shipping to Sint Maarten. Most Amazon packages in Sint Maarten will be delivered by Postal Services St. Maarten.

What is the best area to stay in St Martin?

Best places to stay in St Maarten

• Dawn Beach. Dawn Beach sits on the eastern shores of St Maarten around 30 minutes’ drive from the airport.
• Simpson Bay. Simpson Bay on the south west side of the island has plenty to do during the day and in the evenings!
• Philipsburg.
• Lowlands.
• Cupecoy.

Who owns St Maarten Island?

It formerly belonged to the French overseas département of Guadeloupe but attained separate status as an overseas collectivity of France in 2007. Tourism developed rapidly in the late 20th century, and Saint -Martin is now a major Caribbean tourist destination. Trade flourishes in Marigot, the capital.

How much is the ferry from St Martin to Anguilla?

The ferry runs every day in 45-minute intervals. Anguilla to Marigot hours are from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm and Marigot to Anguilla hours are from 8:15 am to 7:00 pm. The cost each way is US$20 per adult (age 12 and over) and US$10 per child (age 2-11).