Are all beaches in St. Martin public?
Are all beaches in St. Martin public? St. Maarten / St. Martin has 37 stunning beaches, all of which are public. Regulations vary according to the beach and which side of the island governs it.
How do you get around St. Maarten without a car?
Traveling by public bus (more like a minivan) is a reasonable means of transport on St. Maarten/St. Martin if you don't mind a bit of inconvenience and overcrowding. Buses run daily from 5am to midnight and serve most major locations on both sides of the island.
Is it better to stay on the French or Dutch side of St. Martin?
The Dutch side is known for having nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and casinos. The French side has plenty of restaurants, but that is where the night ends. VERDICT: If nightlife matters, the Dutch side is the clear winner.
What is the best season in St. Martin?
The dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant. This is also the peak season for tourists who come to enjoy the agreeable weather and summer temperatures. The sunshine is almost constant during this period, with hardly any rain.
What is the secret beach in Saint Martin?
Plum Bay or Baie aux Prunes beach is secluded and not so frequent a destination for tourists. Golden sands and clear turquoise water are enhanced by the peace and quiet that this beach offers. The calmer seas around this wild beach are the perfect locations for snorkeling and sometimes for surfing.
Can you walk to a beach in St. Maarten?
Dutch Side Beaches: Great Bay Beach (Near the Philipsburg cruise port) Little Bay Beach ($6 by Taxi or 20 minutes walking)
Which is more of a party side in St. Maarten?
On the Dutch side there's an immense amount of Casinos and nightlife options to choose from. From Karaoke, Rock & Roll, and Piano to Caribbean Soca, Reggae, or even clubbing and Gentlemen's clubs. On the Dutch side of St. Maarten you get to start at 4 pm and end at 7 in the am.
Is there an entry fee for Maho Beach?
The ferry will take you to Cruz Bay on St. John where you can rent a vehicle or grab a taxi to Maho Bay, which is 5.5 miles northeast. Be aware the taxis only take cash. There is no entry fee to get onto the beach and the vendors there take both cash and credit card.
Do you have to pay to go to Freedom beach?
Tourists can't just walk to Freedom Beach, but savvy travelers can use the following tips to gain access to this hidden gem. Keep in mind also that the beach spot can only be visited during high season, between December and June, and entry costs 200 THB per person.
Which side of St. Martin has better beaches?
The traveler hoping to relax and recharge away from the hustle and bustle of an active tourist strip would be best served picking this side of the island for their Saint Martin stay. While Sint Maarten has the upper hand in nightlife, the French side of the island is known for having the more pristine beaches.
What is the best currency to use in St. Maarten?
Despite having two different official currencies, the US Dollar is accepted on both sides, with St. Maarten using the US Dollar the most. It is not unusual to receive change in US Dollar even when payment is made with the guilder.
Is it safe to leave the resort in St Martin?
The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions. Avoid remote areas at night. Do not take valuables to the beach. Make sure purses and handbags are closed and not easy to snatch.
Are there private beaches in St Martin?
Personal Villas has compiled a list of the top 5 private beaches in St. Martin so travelers can indulge in secluded stretches of sand and avoid crowded tourist traps at all costs. During your stay on the island, don't miss the chance to relish the tranquil, Caribbean ambiance of Happy Bay.
Can you travel freely between St. Martin and St. Maarten?
Many cruise ships visit the island on a weekly basis, docking at the Port of St. Maarten in Philipsburg. You will need a passport to travel to and from St. Martin but rest assured that you can travel freely between the island's French and Dutch sides.
What is the calmest beach in St Martin?
Galion Beach It is the favorite family beach of Saint-Martin families because its water is calm and shallow. Remember to take masks and snorkels to enjoy the beautiful seabed.
Is it OK to drink the water in St. Maarten?
-Note: many (but not all) hotels and restaurants include a 15% service charge, in which case no further tipping is necessary (otherwise, add 15% to the bill). The tap water in Sint Maarten/St. Martin is safe to drink in most places. Many establishments serve desalinated water.
Is there a free beach at St Maarten?
Located on the island's southwest tip, Cupecoy is a set of three beaches surrounded by limestone cliffs. It's also the last beach on the Dutch side before crossing the northern French border.
What is the least crowded beach in St Maarten?
Simpson Bay – Once famous for the families who made their living from fishing, Simpson Bay is a long sandy beach just south of the airport on the west end. The sand is soft and the waves are generally calm. This beach is never crowded and offers a wonderful spot to watch the sunsets.
How many days do you need in St. Martin?
St. Maarten (and its French counterpart, St. Martin) is considered the melting pot of the Caribbean. Three days are enough time to experience the island's rich diversity of cultures and activities, and even venture farther afield in the Lesser Antilles.