The smallest island in the world to be is shared by two sovereign governments-namely the Dutch and French. Its southern portion is named Sint Maarten and is part of the Netherlands Antilles, with Philipsburg as its capital; its northern portion is called Saint-Martin and is part of Guadeloupe (France).

Population - 25,000

Language - French, but English is spoken

Climate - Low 80s with constant trade winds

Currency - French franc

Departure tax - 20.00 usd

St. Martin, an amalgam of French and Caribbean influences, covers 21 square miles of the Northern half of a friendly 37 square mile island and features 37 pristine beaches. Though its location is decidedly tropical, the mindset of the
37,000 inhabitants of St. Martin is very European. St. Martin is a subprefecture of Guadeloupe -a region of France-. Well known as the dining capital of the Caribbean, the island is also a shopper's paradise because of its duty free status.
Marigot, capital of St. Martin, boasts worn facades of old colonial houses, refined softened luxurious boutiques, lively marina terraces and sea-front bars and multicolored street stalls. The market comes alive every Wednesday and
Saturday with a variety of vegetables and fish, the music and aroma all mixed to give the area a festive feeling.
Electricity is 220v, 50 cycles.
Wedding on this island requires a 6 month residency by one of the parties .

St. Maarten is renowned for its high-class Las Vegas and Monaco style casinos

Popular Beaches on St. Martin - St Maarten Island

1 - Long Bay

2 - Plum Bay, Terres Basses

3 - Baie Rouge

4 - PETITE BAIE

5-6 - NETTLE BAY

7 - GRAND ILET (EXPLORER ISLAND)

8 - GALISBAY BEACH

9 - LOVERS BEACH

10 - FRIAR'S BAY - ANSE DES PÈRES

11 - HAPPY BAY

12-GRAND CASE BAY
Considered the restaurant capital of the Caribbean, Grand-Case features more than two dozen eateries on its mile-long main street.

13 - PETITE PLAGE

14 - ANSE MARCEL

15 - PETITES CAYES

16 - GRANDES CAYES

17-18- TINTAMARRE ISLAND

19-20- PINEL ISLAND - Cul-de-Sac - beach lovers two beach bars for the price of one, Karibuni and Yellow Beach beach bars

21- ORIENT BAY BEACH

22- GREEN CAY

23 - LE GALION

24- BAIE DE L'EMBOUCHURE

25- BAIE LUCAS

26 - Dawn Beach

29 - GUANA BAY

28 - GENEVE BAY

29- Great Bay

30 - Little Bay

31 - CAY BAY

32 - PELICAN CAY

33- Simpson Bay Resorts

34 - BURGEAUX BEACH

35 - Maho Beach Resorts

36 - MULLET BAY

37 - CUPECOY

THE ISLAND OF 37 BEACHES

37 beaches to choose from, each are veritable pearls and among the most renowned of the Caribbean. Whether you like deep-sea diving, surfing, or simply beach lolling and sunning on the warm sand, you're bound to find a beach that suits your style.

THE ULTIMATE SAILING DESTINATION

A paradise for those who love the water, and has become one of the most spectacular places to sail in the Caribbean. Cradled by tradewinds, the island offers ideal conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing and other sailing sports. Sailing classes are available on many of the island's beaches, and if sailing isn't your style, you can enjoy the calming waters on a catamaran.

ROMANTIC ESCAPES

White sand, turquoise waters, quiet corners… It's the setting that makes St. Martin an exquisite getaway for couples. Whether you choose a luxurious hotel, charming villa, or pretty guesthouse, you and your loved one will surely find your little piece of paradise on a St. Martin retreat just for two.

SURPRISE YOUR TASTE BUDS

Truly cosmopolitan, the island of St. Martin has adopted, and sometimes adapted, the cuisines of many countries. Chefs of renowned gourmet restaurants combine rich local traditions with their gastronomical know-how. The island specialty is French cuisine with Caribbean flavors, a taste of the diversity of influences that will ravish your taste buds and surprise your senses.

For more information go to St. Martin

Special Note:

We direct travelers to our travel insurance provider, and point out that U.S. insurance plans seldom cover health costs outside the U.S., nor do Medicare and Medicaid.