Skip to content
Territory of France

Caribbean

Saint MartinTravel guide

Explore Saint Martin visa rulesCommon scams in Saint Martin

Saint Martin is a Caribbean island shared by French Saint-Martin in the north and Dutch Sint Maarten in the south. It has sandy beaches, rocky coves, busy shopping streets and a wide choice of restaurants.

Why go

  1. Explore beaches, harbours and quiet rocky coves.

  2. Visit Marigot and Grand Case for French food and shops.

  3. Shop along Front Street in Philipsburg.

  4. Enjoy views from Fort Louis and Pic du Paradis.

  5. Find nightlife in Maho, Cupecoy and Simpson Bay.

Best time to go: December through April is high season. Accommodation costs considerably less during the rest of the year.

Getting there

By air

  • Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is on the Dutch side. It is the island's larger airport and gets especially busy on weekends.
  • Grand Case-Espérance Airport (SFG) is near Grand Case on the French side. It mainly handles flights between islands.
  • The departure tax for international flights is US$30 unless included in your airfare. Certain airline passengers, transit passengers and children under two are exempt.

By land

  • There is an open border between the French and Dutch sides, marked by signs and monuments. There is no routine passport control, but you must still meet each side's entry requirements.

By sea

  • Most cruise ships dock in Philipsburg on the Dutch side. The docks are about a 1.6-km walk from the east end of Front Street.
  • Taxis and water taxis serve the Philipsburg cruise docks. Water taxis stop near Front Street shopping and the beach.

Customs

  • Shopping is duty free on both sides of the island. This does not give you special customs allowances when returning home.
  • When declaring wine or spirits on your return, calculate the total litres carefully. Bottle sizes vary.

Getting around

  • Rental car

    Rental companies have a dedicated area outside Princess Juliana International Airport. Roads are narrow and sometimes in poor condition. Traffic is often heavy between Philipsburg and Marigot. Scooters and motorcycles may pass on either side. Hold a steady line and let them pass. Parking is limited in Philipsburg, and tow zones are poorly marked. Leave no valuables in parked cars. Rental cars are often broken into.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and cars with guides are available near the Philipsburg cruise docks. Call a taxi if you have been drinking. Driving after drinking is especially dangerous on the island's roads.

  • Water taxi

    Boats run between the Philipsburg cruise area and two stops near Front Street. You can buy a single-trip wristband or pay slightly more for unlimited travel that day. Lines grow when several cruise ships arrive, but more boats are added to meet demand.

What to see and do

  • Simpson Bay Lagoon

    The Caribbean's largest inland lagoon crosses the French-Dutch border. It has two small islands and varied underwater life.

  • Fort Louis

    This 18th-century French fort overlooks Marigot.

  • Marigot waterfront market

    Browse souvenirs and spices at the open-air market. Wednesday and Saturday mornings are especially good for the lively exchanges between vendors.

  • Orient Beach

    This French-side beach has a clothing-optional section at its far southern end. Bright yellow umbrellas mark that section.

  • Visit Pic du Paradis

    The island's highest point is 427 m high and has two viewing areas. The steep, isolated road requires four-wheel drive, and visiting with a tour is safest.

  • Explore Loterie Farm

    This 150-acre nature area offers hikes, nature tours and zip lines, including a children's course. Wear closed shoes for the zip lines and call ahead about prices and cruise-tour crowds.

Food and drink

  • Grand Case

    Known for French dining and seafood. In spring, Tuesday evenings bring street vendors, a carnival atmosphere and restaurants open late.

  • L'Auberge Gourmande

    A restaurant highlighted for its French dining.

  • Marigot

    Offers gourmet meals alongside interesting shops.

  • Dutch-side restaurants

    Offer a wide range of cuisines from different countries.

  • Loterie Farm

    Has a restaurant and a lounge serving tapas. The restaurant and lounge also open in the evenings.

  • Privé

    A bar and lounge with an open terrace overlooking the Simpson Bay strip and lagoon. It opens daily from 18:00 to 03:00.

Money

Euros and US dollars are commonly accepted on both sides. The Dutch side also uses the Caribbean guilder (XCG), officially fixed at 1 US dollar = 1.79 guilders.

  • Ask whether cards are accepted before buying. Some places accept only cash.
  • Carry small notes for transport and small purchases. Change may be given in local currency.
  • Prices on the French side are often in euros. Compare the total after converting currencies.
  • Check electronics warranties before paying. Some products have no warranty.

Tipping: Some restaurants add 15% labelled as Tax or SC, meaning service charge. There is no dining tax, and you can treat that 15% as your tip.

Typical costs

  • Hotel rooms generally cost US$100 a night or more, before taxes and service charges.
  • Bottled water in restaurants can cost US$4–5 per bottle.
  • International flight departure tax is US$30 when it is not included in the airfare, with some exemptions.
  • Flight departure tax to islands such as Saba and St. Eustatius is US$10.

Language

  • English is widely spoken on both sides, especially in tourist areas.
  • French is the official language on the French side.
  • Dutch and English are official languages on the Dutch side.

Staying safe

  • Stay aware of your surroundings, lock doors and avoid deserted areas. Keep money and jewellery out of sight.
  • Leave nothing valuable in a parked rental car. Organised groups can break into cars easily.
  • Stay clear of aircraft jet blasts at Maho Beach. Air, sand and water thrown by engines can cause serious injury or death.
  • Do not drive after drinking. Roads can run close to cliffs and the sea, so call a taxi if in doubt.
5 common scams in Saint Martin, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Check dress rules before visiting expensive restaurants or nightclubs.
  • Wear clothing over swimwear when leaving the beach or pool.
  • Keep clothing-optional beach use to the identified section at the southern end of Orient Beach.

Don't

  • Do not wear only a swimsuit away from the beach or pool. This is illegal and considered disrespectful.
  • Avoid very revealing clothing away from beach settings, as it can attract unwanted attention.

Staying healthy

  • Use sunscreen and reapply it as directed, especially after swimming. Pay attention to your feet, neck and the backs of your knees.
  • A wide-brimmed hat, light clothing and an umbrella offer extra sun protection.
  • Tap water is made by removing salt from seawater and is drinkable. Many residents still filter it or buy bottled water.
  • Pharmacies are marked with a cross, usually lit in neon.

Phone and internet

  • Tequila sports bar in Simpson Bay offers free wireless internet.

Where to stay

  • Hotel rooms generally start around US$100 per night and often cost much more. Taxes and service charges are added.
  • December through April is high season. Accommodation is considerably cheaper during the rest of the year.
  • For a last-minute stay, call and ask for the local rate. It can be lower than the walk-in rate.
  • Check that your hotel accepts your particular credit card. Not every hotel accepts all major cards.

Outdoor adventures in Saint Martin

Saint Martin has sandy beaches, rocky coves and a marine reserve where you can snorkel. Explore the island on foot, by bike or kayak, or join a sailing trip and try the forest zip lines.

  • Maho Bay Beach

    BeacheDutch side

    Visit the beach at the end of the airport runway to watch aircraft land.

    • Keep clear of the airport fence. Departing aircraft can throw sand, gravel and debris with enough force to cause serious injury or death.
    • Watch for approaching and departing aircraft.

  • Orient Beach

    BeacheFrench side

    Visit Orient Beach for swimming and sunbathing.

    • Use sunscreen and reapply it as directed, especially after swimming.

  • Mullet Bay Beach

    BeacheDutch side

    Visit Mullet Bay, just beyond Maho Bay. Beach loungers can be rented there.

    • Use sunscreen and reapply it as directed.

  • Pic du Paradis viewpoint excursion

    More to doFrench side

    Join an excursion or tour along Route de Pic du Paradis from Friars Bay Beach. The road requires a four-wheel-drive vehicle.

    • The road is steep and isolated.
    • The area is safest visited as part of an excursion or tour.

  • Orient Bay marine reserve

    SnorkellingFrench side

    Head to Orient Bay, where snorkelling is available in the underwater marine reserve.

    • Reapply sunscreen as directed after swimming.

  • Loterie Farm hikes and ecotours

    HikeFrench side

    Visit Loterie Farm on Route de Pic du Paradis for hikes and ecotours in its 150-acre preserve. Call ahead for prices and to check for visiting cruise-ship groups.

  • Loterie Farm: The Fly Zone

    More to doFrench side

    Visit Loterie Farm on Route de Pic du Paradis for its zip lines and obstacle course in the trees. Call ahead for prices and crowd information.

    • Wear closed shoes. Flip-flops are not allowed.

  • Loterie Farm: Ti' Tarzan

    More to doFrench side

    Visit Loterie Farm on Route de Pic du Paradis for this children's zip-line course. Call ahead for prices.

    • Wear closed shoes. Flip-flops are not allowed.

  • Loterie Farm: The Fly Zone Extreme

    More to doFrench side

    Visit Loterie Farm on Route de Pic du Paradis for this zip-line experience. Call ahead for prices.

    • Wear closed shoes. Flip-flops are not allowed.

  • Cupecoy Beach

    BeacheFar western Dutch side

    Visit this small beach at the base of a cliff on the far western tip of the Dutch side.

    • Use sunscreen and reapply it as directed.

  • Philipsburg harbour beach

    BeacheDutch sidenear Philipsburg

    Visit the harbour beach in Philipsburg for swimming and sunbathing.

    • Check parking carefully. Tow zones in Philipsburg are poorly marked.
    • Leave no valuables in a parked rental car.

  • Renegades Sailing charters

    SailingDutch sidenear Cole Bay

    Day trips or longer inter-island trips

    Book a private sailboat charter with Renegades Sailing. Trips depart from the Port de Plaisance Marina waterfront in Cole Bay; pickups are also possible.

    • Use sunscreen and reapply it as directed while on the boat.

  • Trisport kayak tours and rentals

    KayakingDutch side and routes across both sides

    Arrange a kayak tour with Trisport, accessed through Dock Maarten Marina. Kayaks can also be rented separately.

    • Use sunscreen and reapply it as directed.

  • Trisport bike tours and rentals

    CyclingDutch side and routes across both sides

    Arrange a bike tour with Trisport, accessed through Dock Maarten Marina. Bikes can also be rented separately.

    • Use sunscreen and reapply it as directed.

  • Trisport walking tours

    HikeDutch side and routes across both sides

    Arrange a tour on foot with Trisport, accessed through Dock Maarten Marina.

    • Use sunscreen. A brimmed hat and light clothing offer more protection.

  • Twin Island Excursions ATV tours

    More to do

    Book an ATV tour with Twin Island Excursions. An ATV is a four-wheeled vehicle used for outdoor riding. Pickups are provided at your chosen location.

  • Twin Island Excursions catamaran combinations

    Sailing

    Book a tour combination that includes a catamaran excursion through Twin Island Excursions. Pickups are provided at your chosen location.

    • Use sunscreen and reapply it as directed while on the boat.

  • Mullet Bay golf course

    More to doDutch side

    Contact the Maho golf store about playing at the course along Mullet Bay Beach.

    • Use sunscreen. A brimmed hat offers more protection.

  • Prune Beach

    BeacheFrench side

    Visit Prune Beach for swimming and sunbathing.

    • Use sunscreen and reapply it as directed.

  • Rouge Beach

    BeacheFrench side

    Visit Rouge Beach for swimming and sunbathing.

    • Use sunscreen and reapply it as directed.

  • Harley Davidson motorcycle rental

    More to doDutch sidenear Cole Bay

    Experienced motorcycle riders can rent a Harley Davidson in Cole Bay.

    • This rental is intended for experienced riders.
    • Do not drive while impaired. Some roads run near cliffs or the ocean.

Airports, metros and trains in Saint Martin

Airports with scheduled flights

  • SFGGrand Case-l'Espérance AirportGrand Case

People and safety in Saint Martin

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 9 of 16 countries can visit Saint Martin easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required8
  • Freedom of movement1
  • Visa required7

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Americas6 of 7 countries
  • Europe2 of 3 countries
  • Asia1 of 6 countries

Questions

Is Saint Martin part of France?

Saint Martin is a territory linked to France, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit France.

Does a France visa let me visit Saint Martin?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for France may not cover Saint Martin. Check the Saint Martin visa page for your passport.

Can I move between the French and Dutch sides?

Yes. The border is open and marked by signs and monuments, with no routine passport control.

Will I manage if I only speak English?

English is widely spoken on both sides, especially in tourist areas. Language is usually not a barrier.

Can I pay by card everywhere?

No. Cards are widely accepted, but some places take only cash, so ask first and carry small notes.

Is tap water safe to drink?

Yes. Tap water is drinkable, though many residents filter it or buy bottled water.

How do I avoid paying for bottled water in restaurants?

Clearly ask for tap water. If you simply ask for water, restaurants usually assume you want bottled water.

When are hotel rooms cheaper?

Accommodation costs considerably less outside the December–April high season.

Can I safely stand near aircraft taking off at Maho Beach?

Getting too close is dangerous. Jet blasts can throw air, sand and water with enough force to cause serious injury or death.

What is the legal drinking age?

The legal drinking age is 18 on both sides of the island.

Reviewed by