Sint Maarten Travel Information

Sint Maarten is a Caribbean island located in the northeastern part of the Lesser Antilles. This beautiful island is shared by two countries, the Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin. It boasts beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant nightlife. With so much to see and do, here are the top 10 things to do in Sint Maarten:

1. Visit Philipsburg

Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten and is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk, check out the local markets, and relax on the beach.

2. Explore the French side

Take a day trip to the French side of the island, Saint-Martin. Here you can find beautiful beaches, gourmet restaurants, and high-end shops.

3. Relax on the Beach

Sint Maarten is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. Some of the most popular beaches include Maho Beach, Orient Beach, and Cupecoy Beach.

4. Take a Boat Tour

Book a boat tour and explore the island's beautiful coastline, and stop at some of the nearby islands.

5. Visit the Butterfly Farm

The Butterfly Farm is a unique and educational experience, where visitors can see a wide variety of butterflies from all over the world.

6. Go Shopping

Sint Maarten is a shopper's paradise, with a wide variety of shops, markets and boutiques. From high-end designer shops to local crafts and souvenirs, there's something for everyone.

7. Visit the Fort Amsterdam

Fort Amsterdam is a 17th-century fort that offers great views of Philipsburg and the surrounding area. It is also a great spot for taking pictures.

8. Go Parasailing

Experience the thrill of parasailing and see the island from a different perspective.

9. Take a Jeep Tour

Take a jeep tour and explore the island's rugged terrain, and visit some of the more remote areas.

10. Enjoy the Nightlife

Sint Maarten is known for its vibrant nightlife, with a wide variety of bars, clubs, and casinos. Visitors can enjoy live music, drinks, and dancing until the early hours of the morning.

Overall, Sint Maarten offers a wide variety of activities and experiences, from relaxing on the beach to exploring the island's culture and history, and with its beautiful beaches, delicious food and outstanding nightlife, Sint Maarten is the perfect destination for travelers looking for a Caribbean getaway.

Climate

Sint Maarten has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The island's dry season runs from January to April, with temperatures averaging around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and around 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. The island's rainy season runs from May to December, with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. The island experiences occasional hurricanes, mainly between June and November.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sint Maarten is during the island's dry season, which runs from January to April. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the island. This is also a great time to visit if you're planning to spend most of your time on the beach.

However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can visit the island during the rainy season, which runs from May to December. During this time, the island is less crowded and you can find great deals on accommodation and activities. Just be prepared for occasional rain and bring an umbrella.

Overall, the best time to visit Sint Maarten depends on your personal preferences and the type of vacation you're looking for. If you want to enjoy the island's beautiful beaches and warm weather, it's best to visit during the dry season. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, or if you don't mind the occasional rain, you can visit during the rainy season.

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.

Sint Maarten offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are a few options:

Hotels

Sint Maarten has a wide variety of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Visitors can choose from all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, and bed and breakfasts. Most hotels are located on the beach and offer a variety of amenities such as restaurants, bars, and swimming pools.

Vacation rentals

Vacation rentals are a popular option for visitors looking for a more private and homely experience. Visitors can choose from villas, apartments, and houses that offer a variety of amenities such as kitchens, living rooms, and private pools.

Camping

Camping is not a common option in Sint Maarten but there are some RV campground available.

Yachts and Catamarans

For visitors looking for a unique and adventurous experience, renting a yacht or catamaran can be a great option. Visitors can explore the island's coastline and anchor in secluded bays and coves. Some yacht and catamaran rentals include a crew, while others can be rented bareboat.

Overall, Sint Maarten offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Visitors can choose from hotels, vacation rentals, camping and yachts. With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay for your next visit to Sint Maarten.

Sint Maarten offers a variety of transportation options for visitors to get around the island. Here are a few options:

Car rental

Car rental is a popular and convenient option for visitors who want to explore the island at their own pace. Visitors can rent a car, SUV, or scooter from one of the many car rental agencies on the island.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available on the island and can be found at the airport, hotel lobbies, and popular tourist areas. Taxis are metered and fares are based on distance traveled.

Public Bus

A public bus service is available on the island, it is cheap and covers most of the island, it is not however the most reliable option as the bus schedule is not always respected.

Bicycles and Motorbikes

Renting a bicycle or motorbike is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the island. Visitors can rent a bicycle or motorbike from one of the many rental agencies on the island.

Ferry

Ferry service is available between Sint Maarten and neighboring islands like Anguilla, St. Barths, Saba and St. Eustatius. It is a great option for visitors who want to explore these islands as well.

In conclusion, Sint Maarten offers a variety of transportation options for visitors to get around the island, including car rental, taxis, public bus, bicycles, motorbikes and ferries. Visitors can choose the option that best suits their needs and budget.

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.