What's the difference between St. Martin and St. Maarten?
What's the difference between St. Martin and St. Maarten? 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 time of year 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.
What is the cheapest month to go to St. Maarten?
High season is considered to be February, March and April. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is September. Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest St. Maarten flight deals.
What is special about St Martin?
The beaches on Saint Martin are undoubtedly among the finest in the Caribbean. The sand is as fine as powder and the calm, shallow water has a rich ecosystem of coral and fishes just offshore. Many beaches on the south of the island (the Dutch side) have shallow seas that are suitable for families.
When not to go to St Martin?
Hurricane season is generally June through November though historically and statistically, more hurricanes occur in September than any other month. If it's more important to you to avoid hurricanes and rain than people, the best time to head to St. Maarten might be from December to May.
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.
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.
What money should I bring to St. Maarten?
The euro is used in the North (in St. Martin). Despite having two different official currencies, the US Dollar is accepted on both sides, with St. Maarten using the US Dollar the most.
Do you need a passport for St Maarten?
Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements 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).
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 cruise ships stop in St Martin?
On the French side, Galisbay Port is located near Marigot. On the Dutch side, the St-Maarten Port Authority is Pointe Blanche, near Philipsburg. Every year, around 2 million cruise passengers come through the two ports of 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.
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.
Do you need a Covid test to enter St Martin?
No. As of August 1, 2022, Saint Martin no longer has COVID entry requirements for any travelers. There are NO testing or vaccine requirements.