How many days do you need in St Martin?

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.

What is the rainiest month in St Maarten?

The wettest months on the island are from July to November. There are 145 days of rain a year on average and it rains usually the most in November (15 days). However, December, May and June are the transition months from dry to wet season.

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.

Can I use my US phone in St. Maarten?

Yes, you can use your cell phone on St. Martin to call inside the island or to anywhere else.

Is crime bad in St. Martin?

Most visits to the Dutch Caribbean are trouble-free. However, petty theft and street crime occur. There is violent crime amongst members of the illegal drugs world, but this rarely affects tourists. The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions.

What is the nicest part of St Maarten?

Simpson Bay is among the most popular towns in Sint Maarten, marked by a luxurious resort and marina that offers a Mediterranean vibe with exotic plant life, beaches, and adventure. You can choose from suites or villas at the resort itself, all of which have full amenities.

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 you need a US passport to go to St Maarten?

Upon arrival in Sint Maarten, you must have: a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay; a completed Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card). You can complete the ED-Card on the airplane en route to Sint Maarten or in advance by using ED-Card Online.

Is St. Martin safe for American tourists?

The dual-nation island is just as safe as other island getaways. Crowds are denser in St. Maarten, however, so travelers should exercise common sense when moving around the tourist areas; leave your valuables at home, and only carry small bills.

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.

Why is St Maarten so popular?

Martin is a must-visit. Its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and fusion of French and Dutch cultures create a unique experience. The island's charm, warm hospitality, and diverse activities make it well worth the trip.

Which side is better to stay on in St. Martin?

VERDICT: If you want more of a European feel, stay on the French side. If you want more of an Americanized feel, stay on the Dutch side. FYI, the cruise ships and the airport are located on the Dutch side.

What is the legal drinking age in St. Maarten?

The legal drinking age on St. Maarten/St. Martin is 18 years.

Is St. Martin a party island?

In St Maarten, we believe in the old saying, “work hard, play hard.” In fact, St. Maarten is known for its exciting nightlife where the guava berry liqueur flows, and the casinos invite you in for a night of luck.

Where do celebrities stay in Saint Martin?

On the westernmost point of the French side of St. Martin lies La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, St Martin, a full-service, 83-room resort whose private, secluded nature has attracted its fair share of celebrity guests (Oprah, Salma Hayek, Kevin Kline).

How long does it take to get through customs in St. Maarten?

When you arrive St. Maarten, you will pass through Immigration, which can take 10 minutes or 90 minutes, depending on which flights have arrived just prior to yours.

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 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.

How long does it take to drive around the entire island of Saint Martin?

We often get the question that how long does it take to drive around St. Maarten. Well, it depends very much on the traffic. Without any traffic, around 50-60 minutes, but roads can get very busy during peak hours in Simpson Bay, Cole Bay and Marigot.

Is St. Maarten expensive to visit?

A famous jet-set getaway, Sint Maarten is known as one of the more expensive islands in the Caribbean. Gary Meenaghan proves it's possible for a family to stay, and enjoy, for a month without breaking the bank.

Do you need a car to get around Saint Martin?

There are regular cabs available to get around from Marigot, from Philipsburg and from all tourist sites. There are regular cabs available at both airports (regional and international) seven days a week. If you do not want to rent a car on St. Martin, a cab is the ideal compromise.

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 swim in St Maarten?

Maarten's northeastern shore is a well-known stretch of soft white sand offering watersports, relaxation, snorkeling, and pristine waters for wading and swimming. This beach is famed as the St. Tropez of the Caribbean and among the largest on the island.