What island is half Dutch?
What island is half Dutch? One island and two countries! Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, St. Martin is half French, half Dutch.
Which is better Dutch or French 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.
Is Aruba still a Dutch colony?
In 1986 Aruba pulled out of the Netherlands Antilles - a federation of Dutch Caribbean territories - and obtained separate status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Dutch government controls defence and foreign affairs while the island's government handles local matters.
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.
Which Caribbean island is half Dutch?
One island and two countries! Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, St. Martin is half French, half Dutch.
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 Barbados a Dutch island?
Barbados was first occupied by the British in 1627 and remained a British colony until internal autonomy was granted in 1961. The Island gained full independence in 1966, and maintains ties to the Britain monarch represented in Barbados by the Governor General. It is a member of the Commonwealth.
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 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.