Can you travel between the Dutch and French side of St. Martin?

Can you travel between the Dutch and French side of St. Martin? There is no physical border between the French and Dutch sides of the island and people and goods may travel freely between the two.

Is St. Martin safe for solo female Travellers?

Yes, St Maarten is generally safe for solo female travelers. However, as with any destination, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your valuables secure.

How long does it take to get from one side of St Maarten to the other?

You can drive from one end of the island to the next in as little as 30-45 minutes (without traffic), and explore the best things to do on St Maarten.

Which side is best in St Martin?

While Sint Maarten has the upper hand in nightlife, the French side of the island is known for having the more pristine beaches. Notoriously white sands edge up against crystalline turquoise oceans on the shorelines along the island's northern face.

Why is St. Martin half French and half Dutch?

Between 1627 and 1631, Holland decided to send settlers to St. Martin, to exploit the island's natural salt reserves. The French and the Dutch signed the Treaty of Concordia, also known as the Partition Treaty, on March 23, 1648. So the island was split into two parts and shared by France and Holland.

Do people in St Maarten speak Dutch?

Dutch is the official language of Sint Maarten, used in legal documents and throughout the court system. To confuse matters a little further, the language of the Dutch West Indies with the larger islands to the South of Aruba and Curaçao is Papiamento.

When not to go to St. Martin?

The island's weather is pleasant year-round, but these are times when rain showers are less likely. Summer and early fall are not good for a vacation; many hotels close in this offseason and there's a chance of hurricanes. Also avoid visiting in winter and early spring (mid-December to April) if you can.

Is St Martin or St Lucia better?

I live on SXM and absolutely love St Lucia. It is probably the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. That said, SXM has nicer beaches and a more international flavor and definitely better restaurants. If you love beaches and great food, then St Maarten is the choice for you.

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.

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.

Is Maho Beach on the Dutch or French side?

Maho Beach is a beach on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, in the territory of Sint Maarten.