Saint Martin travel guide
Saint-Martin is the French northern part of a Caribbean island shared with the Netherlands, an overseas collectivity of France with French food, beaches and a relaxed pace. The southern part is Sint Maarten, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, covered in its own guide; you can cross freely between the two. The French side suits beach lovers, food lovers and visitors who want a quieter base on the island.
Places worth the trip
Grand Case
A small seaside town known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean, with French restaurants along its main street and simple open-air grills called lolos serving ribs, lobster and johnnycakes.
Marigot
The capital of the French side, with a waterfront market, a marina and the ruins of Fort Louis on the hill above, which offer views over the town and towards Anguilla.
Orient Bay
A long, sandy bay on the east coast with beach clubs, watersports and calm, clear water protected by a reef, sometimes described as the island's Saint-Tropez.
Pinel Island
A small island a short ferry ride from Cul-de-Sac, with shallow, clear water for snorkelling, beach restaurants and walking trails.
Tintamarre and the marine reserve
An uninhabited island off the east coast within the national nature reserve of Saint-Martin, reached by boat trips, with beaches, turtles and the wreck of an old tugboat to snorkel over.
Pic Paradis and Loterie Farm
The island's highest point rises above the French side. Loterie Farm, on its slopes, has forest hiking trails, zip lines and pools among tropical trees.
Friar's Bay and Happy Bay
Two quieter west-coast beaches near Marigot; Happy Bay is reached by a short walk from Friar's Bay and has no facilities.
Interesting facts about Saint Martin
- The island has been divided between France and the Netherlands since the Treaty of Concordia in 1648, making it one of the smallest areas of land shared by two nations.
- There are no border controls between the French and Dutch sides; a simple monument marks the boundary on the main road.
- Saint-Martin became a separate overseas collectivity of France in 2007, after previously being part of Guadeloupe.
- The French side uses the euro, while the Dutch side, Sint Maarten, uses the Caribbean guilder and the US dollar.
- A local legend says the border was set by a race between a Frenchman and a Dutchman walking in opposite directions around the island.
Best time to visit Saint Martin
December to April is the dry season and the busiest time, with sunny days and trade winds. May and June are quieter and still largely dry. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, peaking from August to October; the island was badly damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017, and some businesses close in September and October. Carnival on the French side takes place in the weeks before Lent.
Getting around
Most visitors arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side; L'Espérance airport near Grand Case handles small regional flights. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore, though traffic can be heavy around Marigot, Simpson Bay and Philipsburg. Minibuses run along the main roads between Marigot, Grand Case and Philipsburg. Taxis have set fares; confirm the price and currency first. Ferries go from Marigot to Anguilla, and boats run to Pinel and Tintamarre.
Practical details
- Capital
- Marigot
- Currency
- Euro (EUR); US dollars are widely accepted
- Languages
- French
- Plug types
- C, E
- Voltage
- 220 V, 60 Hz
- Emergency
- 112 (also 15 medical, 17 police, 18 fire)
- Driving side
- right
- Tipping
- Service is often included in restaurant bills, as in France; check the bill. Leaving a little extra is appreciated.
Staying online in Saint Martin
Mobile coverage is good across the island, with 4G in most areas. Because the island is split, French and Dutch-side networks overlap, and your phone may switch between them without you noticing, which can matter for roaming charges. Wi-Fi is common in hotels, villas and restaurants. Saint-Martin remains an outermost region of the EU, but check with your provider how your plan treats it. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you have data on both sides of the island.
Saint Martin eSIM plans
1 GB
1GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Saint Martin, V2
Ilimitados
Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Saint Martin, V2
Ilimitados
Unlimited Plus eSIM Data for 1 Day for Saint Martin, V2
3 GB
3GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Saint Martin, V2
Useful apps
- Google Maps: Directions across both sides of the island.
- Google Translate: French translation for menus and signs on the French side.
- Windy: Sea and wind forecasts for boat trips to Pinel and Tintamarre.
- XE Currency: Converts between euros, US dollars and Caribbean guilders, all used on the island.
Saint Martin travel FAQs
They are the two halves of the same island. Saint-Martin, in the north, is French and uses the euro; Sint Maarten, in the south, is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and uses the Caribbean guilder and the US dollar. You can cross between them freely.
Usually yes, especially in tourist businesses, but prices are often in euros and the exchange rate used varies. Paying by card in euros can be better value.
Yes, coverage is good. Phones can switch between French and Dutch networks, which may cause unexpected roaming charges. A travel eSIM that covers the island gives you predictable data while keeping your own number.
Yes, widely, as English is the everyday language of much of the island. French is the official language, and a few words are appreciated.