What is the best way to get around in St Maarten?
What is the best way to get around in St Maarten? A car is the best way to experience and explore St. Maarten/St. Martin. And renting a car here couldn't be easier; car-rental agencies are a dime a dozen, with locations at the airports and throughout the island.
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.
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.
Does St. Maarten speak English?
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 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.
Can you island hop from St Maarten?
The airline operates several 20-minute daily flights from St. Maarten. Or hop aboard Great Bay Express. Located at Bobby's Marina in Philipsburg, the high-speed ferry offers regular trips to Statia, as well as other neighboring islands.
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.
What is the best month to go to St Maarten?
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.
Are taxis easy to get in St Maarten?
Getting a taxi in St Maarten is quite easy. They line the outside of the airport's terminal building and can take you anywhere you need to go around the island. Do keep in mind that once night time sets in, taxi rates tend to get a bit pricey and many taxis are not readily available.
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.
Can you drink tap water in St Maarten?
Maarten/St. Martin. Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended. High-SPF sunscreen is essential and recommended for those not used to intense sunlight.
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.
Where not to stay in St. Maarten?
If you want to talk about worst area, then we can talk about Sandy Ground and Agrement (both in Marigot). Best Area : The French Low lands, Orient Bay residencial Park and Oyster Pond..
Which side of St. Maarten is nicer?
Dutch Sint Maarten The Dutch side of the island is more developed. There are more amenities and services available, traffic tends to be heavier and the atmosphere is more animated, with a steadier flow of tourists who are more likely to be looking for a party atmosphere.
Do you tip taxi drivers in St. Martin?
Tipping : If the gratuity is not included in the final bill, then a 10 to 15 % tip is standard. In St. Maarten and St. Martin, airport porters generally expect a tip of about $1 USD per bag, taxi drivers usually get a $0.50 USD to $1 USD tip depending how long a taxi trip was taken, and if they handled any luggage.
Is St. Maarten safe to walk around?
St. 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 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.