St. Maarten Information

St. Martin or St. Maatren is a Caribbean Island in the northern West Indies. For it's relatively small size, 38 square miles, this Island has more flights from U.S. and foreign gateways than any other in this region. St. Maarten and St. Martin have two governments - hence the two names and two characters.

The southern Dutch side - St. Maarten - is more commercially developed. It has the major airport, seaport, extensive shopping, casinos and the largest resorts on the Island. The northern French side - St. Martin - has more hotels, smaller resorts, more beaches and is better suited for the more laid back visitor. The French side is naturally more represented by French/Creole restaurants and also offers great shopping opportunities. Because of its small size and ease of getting around - one can stay just about anywhere and experience all aspects of what this unique Island has to offer. I also feel it is the most Americanized Island in the Caribbean. English is the most widely spoken language in the resort areas and dollars are accepted everywhere.

Because of the unique governments - each side does their own promotions in the U.S. and in Europe. St. Maarten and St. Martin has not received the exposure other single Islands have received. Word of mouth from Travel Agents, Timeshare Owners and past visitors have also helped to promote the Island. However, nothing will match the exposure St. Maarten/ St. Martin will have on the Internet - as well as other Caribbean Islands and Worldwide destinations. Hence - my goal is to represent the Best of Both Sides of the Island as a Single Destination - which in reality - it truly is.

Quick Facts

Banking Hours:
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
(Hours may vary from bank to bank.)
*ATM machines are available throughout the island.

Capitals:
There are two capitals, being that this island has two forms of government.

* French: Marigot
* Dutch: Philipsburg

Climate:
Temperatures, 80 degrees F (27 degrees C); rainfall 40 inches; water temperature, 78 degrees

Currency:
U.S. Dollars or Antillean Guilders. (U.S. Dollar = 1.82 Naf.) Euros, French Frans and all major credit cards are accepted

Cruise lines visting the island:

* Aida
* Carnival Cruise Lines
* Celebrity Cruise Line
* Costa Cruises
* Cunard Line
* Disney
* Holland-America
* Norwegian Cruise Line
* P&O Cruises
* Princess Cruises
* Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
* Windstar Cruises

Drinking Water:
Purified tap water. Bottled water also widely available in stores

Driving:
Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Foreign and international licenses accepted.

Electricity:
Dutch side: 110 volts (50 cycles) / French side: 208/200 volts (60 cycles)

Etiquette:
The island has a strong religious ethic. Dress conservatively when in public (except on the beach, where appropriate beach wear is the norm), and be polite and courteous in your dealings with locals.

Languages:

* St. Maarten: Dutch
* St. Martin : French
* English and Spanish area also spoken throughout.

Pet Regulations:
Temporarily admitted to island. Must have a health certificate dated no more than 10 days before visit and a record of inoculations, including a rabies shot administered no more than 30 days prior to the visit.

Population:

* St. Maarten (Dutch): 39,000
* St. Martin (French): 35,000

Shopping Hours:

* Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Size:

* Dutch side: 16 square miles
* French side: 21 square miles.

Time Zone:

* Atlantic Standard Time year-round.