Americas · CaribbeanUsable guideSmall island in the Caribbean
Photo: NASA, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Saint Martin is an island in the Caribbean that is split between the French collectivity of Saint-Martin and the Dutch country of Sint Maarten. Beauty abounds on the island, with bluffs overlooking pretty harbours, sandy-cliffed beaches and tranquil rocky coves where fish provide the beauty.
Answers to what travellers most often look up about Saint Martin.
Cards and cash
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but as there are many places that do not accept cards, you should ask.
Tipping
Some restaurants on the island will add 15% to your bill and it will be listed as Tax or SC (service charge).
French
English is by far the most spoken language on both sides of the island. Dutch and French are the official languages on their respective sides of the island.
Tap water comes from desalinization and is drinkable.
Pharmacies are denoted by a cross symbol, usually in neon, and there are hospitals with ambulance service on both sides of the island.
Dress codes are uncommon on St. Martin, but some high-end restaurants and night clubs do have them, so when in doubt, check in advance.
Attractions, food, stays and travel essentials, with ratings, reviews, opening hours and directions.
Grand Case is in the northern coast of Saint Martin. The Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean.
Philipsburg is the capital of "Dutch Side" Sint Maarten on the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean sea. It is a busy port for cruise ships and one of the Caribbean's best shopping spots.
Public transport and paid services in Saint Martin.
By minivan
Saint Martin has a bus system using small minivans. You can get most anywhere on the island for just a few dollars, usually US$2/persons, during the day between cities.50.
By car
Rental cars are available at Princess Juliana International Airport at a dedicated area outside of the airport. You'll find most of the major rental car companies available at the airport.
By motorcycle
Motorcycles, quads and scooters are also available for rent, however it is advisable that you have some experience on these vehicles before venturing into St. Maarten's sometimes very hectic traffic.
By taxi
Taxi cabs are usually SUVs or vans, which are geared towards servicing the cruise ship traffic. Most drivers are quite willing and able to hire-out as tour guides.
Apps for booking a taxi or a ride in Saint Martin.
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Other ways to travel:On foot
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Grand Case · Regional · SFG
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Calculated from climate averages: mild daytime highs and lower rainfall. It does not account for festivals, crowds or prices.
Average conditions in Marigot
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. high | 26° | 26° | 26° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 28° | 27° |
| Avg. low | 26° | 25° | 25° | 26° | 27° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 28° | 27° | 26° |
| Rainfall (mm) | 20 | 11 | 16 | 26 | 65 | 46 | 56 | 69 | 92 | 105 | 83 | 40 |
| Humidity | 76% | 76% | 76% | 77% | 79% | 79% | 79% | 79% | 79% | 78% | 78% | 77% |
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We do not label countries as safe or unsafe. Below is the official advice from two governments, with the date it was last updated. Always read the full advice before you travel.
US Department of State
Level 1 of 4Exercise normal precautions
Exercise normal precautionin French Saint Martin. French Saint Martin is generally a safe destination for travelers. French Saint Martin regularly experiences hurricanes. Review our information on Weather and Natural Disasters in French Saint Martin. Review our Travel Guidance for French Saint Martin to learn how to prepare for a safe trip.
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
No advice against travel. Read the full advice before you go.
Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: see general advice for women travellers read our guide on disability and travel abroad see general advice for LGBT+ travellers read about safety for solo and independent travel see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad Travel insurance If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. About FCDO travel advice The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Get travel advice updates Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. Follow FCDO: travel advice on X travel advice on Facebook Travel Aware on Instagram
Stories, itineraries and practical advice for travelling in Saint Martin.
Travel tipsCruise ships are large passenger sea vessels that make up a major part of the global tourism industry. You can take a cruise to every continent on earth, including Antarctica.
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ItinerariesThe GR 223 is a French hiking trail in the Grande Randonnée network.
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ItinerariesThe Route Romane d'Alsace (Romanesque Road of Alsace) is in Alsace, France.
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Travel tipsChristopher Columbus (Italian: Cristoforo Colombo; Spanish: Cristóbal Colón) made four voyages from Spain to the Caribbean from 1492 to 1503.
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Culture & historyThe Franks were a group of Germanic peoples who lived in western and central Europe during the Early Middle Ages.
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Culture & historyThe Fortifications of Vauban is a world heritage site comprising 12 fortifications, literally located around France.
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