Saint Martin Travel Information

Saint Martin is a Caribbean island located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, shared by France and the Netherlands. It is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife and cultural diversity. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start when planning a visit to Saint Martin. To help you make the most of your trip, here are the top 10 things to do on the island:

1. Visit Orient Bay Beach

Orient Bay Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island, known for its clear turquoise water, white sand and various water sports activities available. It is also known for its lively atmosphere and beach bars.

2. Explore the Marigot market

Marigot is the capital of the French side of the island and is home to a traditional market where visitors can find local crafts, spices, fruits, and clothing.

3. Visit the Fort Louis

Fort Louis is a historic fort located in Marigot and offers a great view of the island and the Caribbean Sea. Visitors can learn about the fort's history and take in the stunning views from the top.

4. St. Martin Butterfly Farm

The St. Martin Butterfly Farm is home to many species of butterflies from around the world. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the life cycle of butterflies and see them up close.

5. Visit the Maho Beach

Maho Beach is popular for its proximity to the Princess Juliana International Airport, where visitors can watch planes land just a few feet above the beach.

6. Explore the Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the capital of the Dutch side of the island and is known for its duty-free shops, restaurants, and casinos. Visitors can take a stroll along the boardwalk and take in the Caribbean atmosphere.

7. Visit the Loterie Farm

Loterie Farm is a nature reserve located on the island's hillside, where visitors can enjoy hiking, zip-lining and other outdoor activities.

8. Visit the Little Bay Beach

Little Bay Beach is a secluded beach located on the Dutch side of the island, known for its clear water and excellent snorkeling.

9. Visit the Guana Bay Beach

Guana Bay Beach is a long white sandy beach located on the Dutch side of the island. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking.

10. Visit the Gourmet Food

St Martin is a culinary paradise, with a mix of Caribbean, French and Dutch cuisine. Visitors can find a variety of restaurants and street vendors serving delicious local dishes such as roti, conch, and stews. Visitors can also take a gourmet tour to sample local delicacies and learn about the island's culinary heritage.

Climate

Saint Martin has a tropical climate with temperatures averaging around 80-90°F (27-32°C) year-round. The island experiences two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season typically lasts from December to April and is the most popular time to visit the island. The rainy season typically lasts from May to November and is characterized by higher humidity and occasional thunderstorms.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Saint Martin is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the chance of rain is low. This is also the peak tourist season, so visitors should expect higher prices and more crowded beaches. If you're looking for a quieter and more affordable trip, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of May and November, when the weather is still good, but the crowds are smaller.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels and Resorts

Saint Martin offers a wide range of hotel and resort options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. Visitors can find accommodations in the bustling towns of Marigot and Philipsburg or in quieter areas such as Grand Case and Orient Bay.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, such as villas, apartments and condos, are also a popular option for visitors to Saint Martin. These rentals offer more space, privacy and often come with a kitchen and other amenities. They can be found in various parts of the island, including popular tourist areas and quieter, more secluded locations.

Camping

Camping is not very common in Saint Martin, but visitors can find some campground on the Dutch side of the island, which can be a good option for budget-conscious travelers.

Yachts and Boat Rentals

For visitors looking for a unique and more adventurous way to experience the island, renting a yacht or boat can be a great option. Visitors can explore the island's bays and coves, snorkel and dive around the coral reefs, and enjoy the Caribbean Sea.

Air Travel

The Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is the main airport serving Saint Martin and is located on the Dutch side of the island. It is served by many major airlines with flights from North America, South America, Europe and other Caribbean islands.

Ferries

Ferries operate between the Dutch and French sides of the island, connecting Philipsburg and Marigot. This is a convenient and affordable option for visitors looking to explore both sides of the island.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available on the island and are a convenient option for getting around, especially for visitors without a rental car. Visitors can find taxis at the airport, hotels, and other major tourist areas.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are widely available on the island and are a convenient option for visitors looking to explore the island's many beaches, towns, and other attractions. Visitors should be aware that driving is on the right side of the road and that some roads on the island can be narrow and winding.

Buses

Buses are a cheap and convenient option for getting around on the French side of the island, connecting the major towns and beaches. Visitors can find bus stops in Marigot and other major towns.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.