The beautiful Airport beach of St. Maarten
Maho Beach
The beautiful Airport beach of St. Maarten

Maho Beach

The beautiful Airport beach of St. Maarten

14 ST. MAARTEN Attractions You Can't Miss! | FREE or CHEAP Things to do in St. Maarten
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Sint Maarten Travel Information

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Key facts

Capital:

Philipsburg

Location:

Caribbean, located in the Leeward Islands (northern) group; Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin in the Caribbean Sea; Sint Maarten lies east of the US Virgin Islands

Currency:

Netherlands Antillean guilders (ANG)

Area:

34 sq km

Population:

44,564 (July 2021 est.)

Languages:

English (official) 67.5%, Spanish 12.9%, Creole 8.2%, Dutch (official) 4.2%, Papiamento (a Spanish-Portuguese-Dutch-English dialect) 2.2%, French 1.5%, other 3.5% (2001 est.)

Religion:

Protestant 41.9% (Pentecostal 14.7%, Methodist 10.0%, Seventh Day Adventist 6.6%, Baptist 4.7%, Anglican 3.1%, other Protestant 2.8%), Roman Catholic 33.1%, Hindu 5.2%, Christian 4.1%, Jehovah's Witness 1.7%, Evangelical 1.4%, Muslim/Jewish 1.1%, other 1.3% (includes Buddhist, Sikh, Rastafarian), none 7.9%, no response 2.4% (2011 est.)

TimeZone:

UTC-4

Tel Code:

+1721

Things to Do

  • 1. Maho Beach

    Maho Beach is famous for its proximity to the Princess Juliana International Airport. Watch airplanes fly just a few feet above your head as they land or take off from the runway.

  • 2. Loterie Farm

    Enjoy a day at Loterie Farm, a nature reserve and eco-tourism park located on the slopes of Pic Paradis. Go hiking, ziplining, and swimming in the natural pools surrounded by lush greenery.

  • 3. Fort Amsterdam

    Explore the historic Fort Amsterdam, a 17th-century fort that offers panoramic views of Great Bay. Learn about the island's colonial past and visit the onsite museum.

  • 4. Sint Maarten Museum

    Discover the history and culture of Sint Maarten at the Sint Maarten Museum. The museum houses a collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits showcasing the island's heritage.

  • 5. Mullet Bay Beach

    Relax on the white sands of Mullet Bay Beach, known for its crystal clear waters and stunning sunsets. Swim, sunbathe, or enjoy water sports like snorkeling and jet skiing.

  • 6. Frontstreet

    Stroll along Frontstreet, the main shopping and dining district in Philipsburg. Browse local boutiques, shop for souvenirs, and sample delicious Caribbean cuisine.

  • 7. Orient Bay Beach

    Visit Orient Bay Beach, a popular spot for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Relax on the soft sand, swim in the turquoise waters, or try activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.

  • 8. Tintamarre Island

    Take a boat trip to Tintamarre Island, a stunning uninhabited island known for its pristine beaches and abundance of marine life. Snorkel, swim, and explore the island's natural beauty.

  • 9. Rainforest Adventures

    Experience an adrenaline rush at Rainforest Adventures, an eco-park offering zip-lining, hiking, and aerial tram tours. Discover the tropical rainforest from a unique perspective.

  • 10. Great Bay Beach

    Enjoy the lively atmosphere of Great Bay Beach, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Relax on the sandy shores and soak up the Caribbean sunshine.

Weather

Climate

Sint Maarten has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The island's dry season runs from January to April, with temperatures averaging around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and around 24 degrees Celsius (75 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. The island's rainy season runs from May to December, with temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. The island experiences occasional hurricanes, mainly between June and November.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sint Maarten is during the island's dry season, which runs from January to April. During this time, the weather is sunny and dry, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the island. This is also a great time to visit if you're planning to spend most of your time on the beach.

However, if you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can visit the island during the rainy season, which runs from May to December. During this time, the island is less crowded and you can find great deals on accommodation and activities. Just be prepared for occasional rain and bring an umbrella.

Overall, the best time to visit Sint Maarten depends on your personal preferences and the type of vacation you're looking for. If you want to enjoy the island's beautiful beaches and warm weather, it's best to visit during the dry season. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, or if you don't mind the occasional rain, you can visit during the rainy season.

Food

Keshi Yena

Keshi Yena

Keshi Yena is a traditional Dutch and Caribbean dish that consists of a hollowed-out wheel of Gouda or Edam cheese filled with a savory mixture of spiced meats, olives, peppers, and raisins. The cheese is then baked until gooey and delicious, creating a hearty and flavorful meal.

Johnny Cake

Johnny Cake

Johnny Cake, also known as journey cake, is a popular deep-fried or baked flatbread made from a simple dough of flour, water, and salt. It is a staple food in Sint Maarten, often served alongside stews, soups, or fried fish, and it is loved for its crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.

Souse

Souse

Souse is a tangy and spicy soup made with pickled pig trotters or other parts of the pig, typically flavored with onions, peppers, vinegar, and various spices. It is often enjoyed as a comforting and warming dish and is believed to have both culinary and medicinal benefits.

Salt Fish and Dumplings

Salt Fish and Dumplings

Salt Fish and Dumplings is a classic dish featuring dried and salted cod fish, boiled until tender and flaky, served alongside fluffy, dense dumplings made from flour and water. The dish is seasoned with fragrant herbs and spices, offering a satisfying and hearty meal with a rich history in Caribbean cuisine.

Frog Legs

Frog Legs

Frog Legs, also known as

Accommodation

Sint Maarten offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are a few options:

Hotels

Sint Maarten has a wide variety of hotels, from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Visitors can choose from all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, and bed and breakfasts. Most hotels are located on the beach and offer a variety of amenities such as restaurants, bars, and swimming pools.

Vacation rentals

Vacation rentals are a popular option for visitors looking for a more private and homely experience. Visitors can choose from villas, apartments, and houses that offer a variety of amenities such as kitchens, living rooms, and private pools.

Camping

Camping is not a common option in Sint Maarten but there are some RV campground available.

Yachts and Catamarans

For visitors looking for a unique and adventurous experience, renting a yacht or catamaran can be a great option. Visitors can explore the island's coastline and anchor in secluded bays and coves. Some yacht and catamaran rentals include a crew, while others can be rented bareboat.

Overall, Sint Maarten offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Visitors can choose from hotels, vacation rentals, camping and yachts. With so many options available, you're sure to find the perfect place to stay for your next visit to Sint Maarten.

Transportation

Sint Maarten offers a variety of transportation options for visitors to get around the island. Here are a few options:

Car rental

Car rental is a popular and convenient option for visitors who want to explore the island at their own pace. Visitors can rent a car, SUV, or scooter from one of the many car rental agencies on the island.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available on the island and can be found at the airport, hotel lobbies, and popular tourist areas. Taxis are metered and fares are based on distance traveled.

Public Bus

A public bus service is available on the island, it is cheap and covers most of the island, it is not however the most reliable option as the bus schedule is not always respected.

Bicycles and Motorbikes

Renting a bicycle or motorbike is a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the island. Visitors can rent a bicycle or motorbike from one of the many rental agencies on the island.

Ferry

Ferry service is available between Sint Maarten and neighboring islands like Anguilla, St. Barths, Saba and St. Eustatius. It is a great option for visitors who want to explore these islands as well.

In conclusion, Sint Maarten offers a variety of transportation options for visitors to get around the island, including car rental, taxis, public bus, bicycles, motorbikes and ferries. Visitors can choose the option that best suits their needs and budget.

Money

Currency

  • The official currency of Sint Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG).

Cash And Cards

  • Cash is widely accepted in Sint Maarten, especially in smaller establishments.
  • Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops.

ATMs

  • ATMs are readily available throughout Sint Maarten.
  • It is advisable to withdraw cash in small amounts to avoid any inconvenience in case of theft or loss.

Tipping

  • Tipping is not mandatory in Sint Maarten but is appreciated.
  • It is customary to leave a 10-15% tip for good service at restaurants and bars.

Cost Of Living

  • The cost of living in Sint Maarten is relatively high, especially when it comes to accommodation and dining out.
  • Grocery shopping and cooking your meals can help save money.

Scams

  • Be cautious of street vendors selling counterfeit or imitation products.
  • Avoid engaging in street gambling or betting games as they often involve scams.