How do you get around St Maarten without a car?
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.
Which side of St Maarten is nicer?
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.
Is St. Martin walkable?
Even though it's only 37 square miles in size (and you can drive all around the small island in a mere 2 hours), it's not very walkable. Of course, you can walk around the capital cities and villages. And there are some incredible hikes. But outside of that, it's best to rent a car.
Are there sharks around St Maarten?
You will mainly see Caribbean Reef Sharks and Nurse Sharks, and occasionally Hammerhead sharks are sighted.
Where not to stay in St Maarten?
I would avoid anything in Marigot, Sandy Ground, Nettle Bay, Dutch and French Quarters, Lower and Upper Prince Quarter, Cole Bay, Mary's Fancy, etc. These are locals areas and not much there for tourists. I am not sure there ARE AirBnBs in those areas but there could be.
Is there a difference between St Maarten and St. Martin?
Why the two spellings? Well, this 37-square-mile-island is governed by both France and the Netherlands. The French side of the island refers to itself as Saint Martin, while the Dutch side is known as Sint Maarten.
Do we need a car in St Maarten?
Martin and St. Maarten is in a rental car. But really, outside of walking, just about any means of navigating between the French and Dutch sides of the island is manageable. Having a car will allow you more mobility and you'll find reasonable rental rates.
Are there Ubers on St Maarten?
There are no Uber services in St Maarten nor any other rideshare options here. You'll have to take a taxi, use public transport or book a car rental in St Maarten.
Can you go to both sides of St. Martin?
There is no physical border between the French and Dutch territories and people and goods may travel freely between both sides of the island. The Dutch side's official currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) while the official currency of the French side is the euro (EUR).
What is the best month to go to 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 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 St Maarten safe to walk around?
Maarten is generally considered a safe place to visit, but as with any tourist destination there are some general safety precautions you should take. St. Martin is one of the safest warm weather climate (outside US) locations to visit.
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.
Do they speak English in St Maarten?
English is the most commonly spoken language along with a local dialect. The official languages are French for Saint-Martin, and both Dutch and English for Sint Maarten.
How do you get around Philipsburg St. Maarten?
Don't worry about getting around, the city has a variety of options for transportation, such as the local bus options, several taxi stations, bicycle-guided tours, and even ATV tours. Whether you're here for a day or a week, Philipsburg has plenty to offer its visitors.
How many days do you need in St Maarten?
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.
When not to travel to St. Maarten?
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.
What is the crime in Sint Maarten?
Sint Maarten's principal crime challenges are trafficking in drugs, firearms, people, counterfeits, in addition to money laundering and bulk cash smuggling.