St. Maarten Half-Day Tour of French & Dutch Sides
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Saint Martin
The island of Saint-Martin is located in the Caribbean Sea, 250 km north of Guadeloupe and 240 km east of Puerto Rico.
The island is only divided by a symbolic border between two distinct nations: Saint Martin (overseas collectivity of France) and Sint Maarten (Dutch).
Formerly inhabited by the Arawak Indians (also called Tainos), it is the smallest in the Caribbean Sea and was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1493 and later colonised by Europeans.
The Dutch part is known to be rather festive, with a large number of clubs in the western part, unlike the French part, which is more renowned for its lazy and relaxed atmosphere with its many beaches.
As the map shows, Saint Martin is an island divided between France and the Netherlands. The French part (Saint Martin) is a French Overseas Collectivity, while the Dutch part (Sint Maarten) is an autonomous country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
This island with a dual personality therefore also has two distinct capitals: Marigot for the French part and Philipsburg for the Dutch part.
The Caribbean island of Saint Martin boasts some of the most spectacular beaches in the Caribbean. Each bay has its own distinctive character, from lively, equipped beaches to wild, secluded coves.
Orient Beach is considered the queen of Saint Martin’s beaches. This stretch of white sand over two kilometres long offers turquoise waters perfect for swimming and windsurfing. The beach is equipped with numerous beach clubs offering sunbeds, umbrellas and beach restaurants. The southern part is reserved for naturists.
World-famous Maho Beach offers a unique spectacle: planes landing just a few metres from the beach. Despite its small size, this bay on the Dutch coast attracts visitors from all over the world for its breathtaking plane spotting. The Sunset Beach Bar is the perfect spot to observe the landings.
Mullet Bay enchants with its crescent shape and crystal-clear waters. This beach offers the perfect balance of amenities and tranquillity. The moderate waves make it ideal for bodyboarding, while the palm groves provide natural areas of shade. On weekends it is very popular with residents.
Accessible only by a short path, Happy Bay is a little hidden paradise. The pristine beach offers calm waters and golden sand, with few facilities but plenty of tranquillity. The atmosphere is relaxed and you can often have the bay almost to yourself.
Baie Rouge owes its name to the pinkish hues of the sand. This quiet beach offers crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkelling and a natural cave to explore. The bay is framed by cliffs that create an intimate atmosphere.
On the east coast, Dawn Beach is renowned for its exceptional snorkelling. The coral reef not far from the shore is home to a rich marine life. The calm, crystal-clear waters make it easy to observe colourful tropical fish.
Reached by a short boat crossing, Pinel Island offers three distinct beaches. The main one is equipped with beach restaurants, while the others are wilder. The shallow waters and coral reefs make it perfect for snorkelling and kayaking.
Friar’s Bay is a lovely sheltered beach ideal for families. The calm waters and soft sand make it perfect for children. The two beach bars offer a relaxed atmosphere and great local food.
To see photos and discover the location of each beach, read Best beaches in Saint Martin.
Straddling the Atlantic and Caribbean Seas, Saint Martin is only 93 square kilometres in size but is packed with scenery and activities for those who want to spend a busy week’s holiday.
Less than an eight-hour flight from Paris, this coriander emerging in the heart of the West Indies boasts enchanting spots, including lively towns, fishing villages and picture-postcard beaches.
A true treasure of the Caribbean, the Nature Reserve is located in the north-east of the island of Saint-Martin. It is a marine protected area of 30 km2 and preserves five main ecosystems: coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, ponds and coastal dry forest.
This incredible biodiversity is protected to ensure the sustainability of this rich ecosystem. Therefore, the rules for visitors are strict and stringent.
Marigot owes its name to the numerous marshes, the marigots, that were once found in this area. Strolling through the streets of the city centre, the capital of the French territory, you will have the pleasure of admiring the old Creole huts that have been restored and now house numerous luxury boutiques.
The island is known for its free tax, perfect for shoppers. Don’t forget to visit Fort Louis: built in 1789, it overlooks Marigot Bay, opposite Anguilla. Also not to be missed is a trip to Marigot Market, the largest open-air market in the Caribbean.
Stroll along Front Street and Back Street, the two main streets of Philipsburg, to take advantage of numerous shopping opportunities.
Immerse yourself in history by exploring the ancient streets of Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side. Colourful buildings, lively markets and quaint shops create a cosy atmosphere. Take a stroll along Old Street, a magnificent boulevard, a colourful recreation of a vintage Dutch street.
Don’t miss a visit to Fort Amsterdam for breathtaking views of the city and the ocean. You can also visit The Courthouse on the same street: it is one of the major historical monuments in the Dutch part of Saint Martin. Another must-see in Philipsburg is the Sint-Maarten Museum, which exhibits, among other things, objects from the Arawak people and where you can learn about the history of the island.
Its name comes from the Spanish tinta mare, colour of the sea. With its ochre cliffs, turquoise lagoon and golden sand, the islet with two beaches is a wild paradise of great beauty.
A magnificent oasis of peace and greenery, the islet of Tintamarre is located 4 km north-east of Saint-Martin. You can get there by boat, to spend a dream day between land and sea. During navigation, it is not uncommon to come across humpback and bottlenose dolphins, which frequent the area.
The 100 hectares of land are protected by the Nature Reserve and visitors are urged to respect this fragile ecosystem. The anchorage is located south-west of Tintamarre, opposite the paradisiacal beach of Baie Blanche which can be accessed by swimming, kayak, paddle board or dinghy. On land, it is the ideal place to play Robinson Crusoe in the shade of the trees.
Tintamarre is ideal for snorkelling enthusiasts who can encounter sea turtles in the crystal-clear waters. With its submerged wreck at a depth of 15 metres, it is also a popular site for scuba diving. Leaving the beach for a walk inland, you will see the remains of an airport, a railway line and a cotton farm. Several small paths cross the islet to a second wild, rather rocky beach, a nursery for numerous species of fish.
Pic Paradis is the highest point on the island of Saint-Martin. To access the viewpoint to the east of the island, follow the road indicated by the GPS until it is no longer paved. Park before the Boutique Hotel, just under 1 kilometre before arriving at the viewpoint. To find it, follow the ‘Vista’ sign, which takes you to the left of the path and then left again.
From the top of these 424 metres the view is superb: you can see France Mountain, Orient Bay, the salt flats and Oyster Pond. The best time to visit is on a clear cloudless day, to enjoy the view of the turquoise waters. You can also walk up from Loterie Farm in 45 minutes.
In just 45 minutes by boat, you can easily reach the famous French island of Saint Barth for a day trip. It is not an island of millionaires, but an island of billionaires, who spend their holidays here.
You will need your passport to pass immigration and arriving by boat, you can admire the sumptuous villas perched on the island.
The ferry will take you to Gustavia, the capital, where you can wander the picturesque streets full of designer boutiques, art galleries and charming cafés.
The phenomenon of Maho Beach attracts visitors from all over the world. Planes landing a few metres from the beach create a unique and unforgettable spectacle, turning this small bay into one of the most photographed attractions in the Caribbean.
The picturesque village of Grand Case is renowned as the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean. Gourmet restaurants alternate with traditional lolos, beachside kiosks where you can sample authentic Creole cuisine at affordable prices.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Saint Martin has a tropical climate: in all months of the year, you tend to find warm weather and lovely sea.
The real difference concerns the rainiest months. In fact, the dry period runs from December to April and coincides with the high season, with obviously higher prices and more tourists.
Instead, the rainy season runs from May to November. The cyclone season, which runs from August to October, should be avoided. September, in particular, is the month most prone to cyclonic episodes.
The island offers accommodation for every type of traveller, from the most exclusive luxury to the most economical solutions, you will certainly have no difficulty finding accommodation in Saint Martin. In high season (December-April), it is essential to book well in advance, especially in the most popular areas.
The French capital Marigot is perfect for those seeking an authentic atmosphere. The boutique hotels in the old town offer a distinctive experience, while the resorts on the Marina combine comfort with breathtaking views. The area is ideal for those who like to be close to restaurants and shops.
Orient Bay represents the tourist heart of the French side. The beachfront resorts offer direct access to the island’s most famous beach. The area is full of restaurants and activities, ideal for those looking for a dynamic yet elegant holiday.
The village of Grand Case is the perfect choice for food lovers. Small, charming hotels alternate with the best restaurants on the island. The atmosphere is more intimate and romantic, perfect for couples.
Book accommodation on the French sideThe capital of the Dutch side, Philipsburg, is a shopper’s paradise. The hotels are conveniently located near Front Street and the cruise port. The area is lively and well connected.
The Simpson Bay area offers some of the best resorts on the island. The area is full of restaurants, casinos and nightclubs. It is particularly suitable for those seeking entertainment and nightlife.
The Maho area is famous for its all-inclusive resorts. The Sonesta Maho Beach Resort dominates the scene, offering every comfort. Its location near the airport makes it convenient for short stays.
Dawn Beach is ideal for those seeking tranquillity. Boutique hotels and private villas offer privacy and spectacular views. The area is more isolated but perfect for a relaxing holiday.
Book accommodation on the Dutch side
Renting a car in Saint Martin/Sint Maarten is practically indispensable.
Princess Juliana Airport on the Dutch side is home to major car rental companies, including Hertz, Europcar and Avis, while local companies such as Leisure Car hire and Kenny’s Car hire often offer more competitive rates.
Book early during the high season (December-April), when prices can easily double. Basic rates start at around EUR 35-40 per day for a small car.
The road network is generally in good condition, so a compact car is more than enough to get around the island and will allow you to park easily in the narrow streets of Marigot or Philipsburg.
Special attention should be paid to insurance: make sure it is valid on both sides of the island. While driving between the two sides is very easy, insurance policies may have territorial limitations as they are in fact territories of two different countries. Opt for comprehensive coverage, considering that many coastal roads are narrow and busy.
When crossing the island’s invisible borders, road signs change language, but driving remains right-handed on both sides.
If you have decided to rent a car, we recommend that you use the form below which will allow you to compare the rates and availability of all car rental companies in real time and with a single search.
The island of Saint Martin can be reached by direct flights from the airports of Paris, Amsterdam and London, in about 8/9 hours.
The main access point to the island is Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side, famous for its spectacular landings on Maho Beach.
On the French side, the smaller Grand Case-Espérance Airport serves mainly regional flights to and from Guadeloupe, St. Barth and other French Caribbean islands.
Once you have landed, we recommend hiring a car for maximum freedom of movement and the possibility of reaching the island’s many, otherwise inaccessible beaches.
For EU/EEA citizens, requirements vary depending on the part of the island visited.
For Saint-Martin (French part), an identity card would suffice, but a passport is strongly recommended, especially if you plan to visit the Dutch part as well.
For Sint Maarten (Dutch part), in fact, a passport with a residual validity of at least 6 months from the date of entry is compulsory and an identity card is not accepted.
For both parts of the island, no tourist visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.
The European Health Card (EHIC ) is only valid in the French part of the island. For the Dutch part, and in general for the entire stay, it is highly recommended to take out travel health insurance that covers any medical expenses on both parts of the island.
The currency situation reflects the dual nature of the island. In the French part (Saint Martin) the official currency is the Euro, while in the Dutch part (Sint Maarten) it is the Netherlands Antilles Forint (ANG). However, the US dollar is widely accepted throughout the island and is the most widely used currency in the tourist industry. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
As far as electricity is concerned, there are also differences between the two parts of the island:
Although English is commonly spoken throughout the island, linguistic diversity is a distinctive feature of the island of Saint Martin.
Saint Martin follows the UTC-4 time zone, which means that, compared to Great Britain, you have to calculate 5 hours less time during the winter and 4 hours less during the summer. This can take a few days to adjust, but allows you to enjoy beautiful sunsets at perfect cocktail hours.
Temperatures remain pleasant all year round, ranging between 24°C and 32°C.
The high season is from December to April, when the climate is drier and less humid, ideal for those who want to escape the European winter. The low season, from May to November, may have some rain and the risk of hurricanes, but offers cheaper prices.
The sea maintains an inviting temperature of around 26°C throughout the year, making the island a paradise for beach lovers in any season.
Renting a car is undoubtedly the best option for exploring the island. Taxis are readily available but can be expensive, while local buses offer a cheap alternative but with unreliable timetables. For those wishing to explore the neighbouring islands, convenient ferry services are available.
Most hotels and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi. For calls, it is advisable to check with your operator about roaming charges before departure. A practical alternative is to purchase a local SIM card for data and calls, which is available at numerous sales outlets on the island.
It is advisable to drink bottled water, even if tap water is drinkable. Sun protection is essential all year round, given the strong Caribbean sun.
Mosquitoes can be annoying, especially in the evenings, so it is good to have repellent. Medical facilities are of a good standard in both parts of the island, but travel insurance is always recommended.
Shopping in Saint Martin is particularly attractive due to the duty-free prices, especially on the Dutch side. Shops are generally open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but hours may vary. Keep in mind that public holidays may differ between the two parts of the island, so it is advisable to check shop openings in advance.
Saint Martin is an island located in the heart of the Eastern Caribbean, in the northern part of the Lesser Antilles arc , about 240 km east of Puerto Rico and only 25 km south of Anguilla. It is divided between two distinct nations: Saint-Martin (France) and Sint Maarten (Netherlands).
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