Island FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Your trip to St.Maarten offers many opportunities for added fun. Hike along lush scenic trails. Kayak along our gorgeous waters and enjoy your numerous cycling routes along both roads and mountain trails.

The island has several stables which rent horses. Arrangements for guided tours through the hills and on the beaches should be made at the stables.

The island offers excellent diving and snorkelling locations with so many multicoloured tropical fish, you'd think Picasso had been painting them. Underwater visibility runs from 75 to 200 feet depending on conditions. Windsurfing, sailing, and jet skiing have enjoyed rapid growth over recent years and instructors are usually available.

Charters, available for half or full day hire, usually including tackle, bait, food, and refreshments. Your hotel will tell you where the best fishing is.

Internationally renowned for hosting the famed Heineken Regatta and 12-meter Challenge, St. Maarten fascinates boaters of all sorts with crystal-blue waters, brisk trade winds, secluded beaches, and first-rate mariners services. St. Maarten also offers various yacht chartering services, from day-trips to neighbouring islands to sunset cruises boasting the best view of the island.

One of the joys of vacationing in St.Maarten is that it is duty-free! Great values can be had because prices are among the lowest in the region. The best places to shop on the Dutch side are Philipsburg's Frontstreet and Old Street, Simpson Bay, and Maho Reef. Wherever you go, you'll find clothing, leather goods, jewellery, gold, watches, perfumes, cosmetics, china, and crystal from around the world. All famous names are well represented. St. Maarten also plays host to a number of fascinating art galleries and studios featuring the finest local and Caribbean works.

U.S. citizens entering St. Maarten for three months or less must bring a valid passport or proof of U.S. citizenship. Return travel tickets, documents for next destination, and sufficient funds are also required. Canadian citizens entering St. Maarten for 14 days or less must bring a valid passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate. Return travel tickets, documents for next destination, and sufficient funds are also required. United Kingdom citizens or British-protected person entering St. Maarten for three months or less must bring a valid passport, return tickets, documents for next destination, and sufficient funds. Citizens of other countries should check with a travel agent on the appropriate documents necessary to enter St.Maarten.

The island is serviced by a number of major carriers and charter flights.

Princess Juliana International Airport is located on the Dutch side, west of Philipsburg near Simpson Bay.

Flight Information : 599-545-5757

Information Desk : 599-545-4211

Both international and foreign licenses are accepted. We drive on the right-hand side of the road on this island.

8:30am to 3:30pm from Monday to Friday. (Hours vary from bank to bank.) ATM machines are available throughout the island.

Dutch side: U.S. dollars or Antillean guilders
French side : Euros
US Dollars are accepted on both sides of the island.

Annual averages: Temperature : 80 degrees, rainfall : 40, water temperature : 78 degrees.

Purified tap water. Local and imported bottled water also widely available.

Dutch side: 110 volts (50 cycles).
French side: 220 volts (60 cycles).

St. Maarten: Dutch
St. Martin : French
English is widely spoken on both sides.

The Dutch side is 16 square miles. The French side is 21 square miles. St. Maarten is located 195 miles from San Juan, 1,690 miles from New York, 1,989 miles from Montreal, 2,008 miles from Toronto, 2,065 miles from Sao Paulo, 1,225 miles from Miami, 3,612 miles from Buenos Aires, and 4,314 miles from Amsterdam.

Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

It's adventure.
It's excitement.
It's cool, it's hot.
It's surprising.
It's friendly.
It's romantic.
It's beaches and mountains.
It's island at sea.
It's bargains and treasures, all duty-free.
It's casinos and discos.
It's nightlife with a beat.
It's culinary wonders,
and Caribbean treats.
Here's history, here's mystery on an Island of fun.
It's Dutch and it's French,
Two cultures in one.
Best of all?
It's the friendliest Island under the sun.