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Overview
Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin is a small island of roughly 87 square kilometres in the northeastern Caribbean, making it one of the smallest landmasses in the world to be divided between two sovereign states. The southern portion, Sint Maarten, is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; the northern portion, Saint-Martin, is a French collectivity. Despite this political division, there is no border control between the two sides, and travelers move freely across the unmarked boundary.
Anguilla is a separate British Overseas Territory located just 8 kilometres north of Saint-Martin. It is reached by ferry or small aircraft and is known for its exceptionally calm, shallow turquoise waters, long stretches of fine white sand, and a low-key atmosphere relative to the busier island to its south.
Together these destinations offer a compact but genuinely varied Caribbean experience: duty-free commerce and casino culture in Philipsburg (Sint Maarten's capital), French-influenced gastronomy and fashion boutiques in Marigot and Grand Case (Saint-Martin), and near-pristine quiet beaches and coral reefs on Anguilla. The combination draws everyone from cruise passengers on day visits to villa renters spending several weeks.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Entry requirements differ by side of the island. Sint Maarten falls under Dutch/Kingdom of the Netherlands immigration rules, while Saint-Martin follows French and Schengen-adjacent regulations. Anguilla, as a British Overseas Territory, has its own entry requirements. Because rules vary by nationality and change periodically, do not rely on secondhand summaries — check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official immigration authorities of Sint Maarten, the French collectivity of Saint-Martin, and the Anguilla government before you travel.
Health
- No routine vaccinations are specifically required for entry, but consult your doctor or a travel health clinic about standard Caribbean precautions (hepatitis A, typhoid, updated routine vaccines).
- Mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue fever are present in the region; use repellent and wear long sleeves at dawn and dusk.
- Travel health insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation is strongly recommended; serious cases may require airlift to Puerto Rico or the US mainland.
- Tap water safety varies; many visitors drink bottled water to be safe. Verify locally.
Practical Prep
- Hurricane season runs June through November; late August through October carries the highest statistical risk. Travel insurance covering weather disruption is advisable if visiting during this window.
- The island was significantly impacted by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and has substantially rebuilt, but it is always worth verifying the current status of specific hotels or attractions you plan to visit.
- Dress is casual throughout, but beachwear is generally kept to the beach and pool. The French side's restaurants can be slightly more formal in the evenings.
Getting There
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)
The main gateway is Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side, one of the busiest airports in the Eastern Caribbean. It receives direct flights from several North American cities (including New York-JFK, Miami, Atlanta, and Boston on various carriers — verify current routes and schedules with airlines or your booking platform) as well as connections from Europe and other Caribbean hubs. The airport sits adjacent to Maho Beach, famously close to the runway threshold.
Grand Case Airport (SFG)
The French side has a smaller airport, L'Espérance Airport (also called Grand Case Airport), primarily handling inter-island propeller and turboprop flights within the Eastern Caribbean. It can be a convenient option for travelers connecting from nearby islands.
Getting to Anguilla
From the French side of Saint-Martin, ferry services depart from Marigot Harbour to Blowing Point, Anguilla. The crossing takes approximately 20–25 minutes. Departure fees and schedules change seasonally — verify current times and costs locally or through your accommodation. Small charter flights also connect Princess Juliana/Grand Case to Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport in Anguilla.
Getting Around
Within Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin
Renting a car is the most practical way to explore both sides of the island. Most international rental companies operate out of Princess Juliana Airport. Traffic moves on the right side of the road on both sides of the island. Roads in hilly areas can be narrow; check current road conditions after any recent storm activity. A valid driver's license from your home country is generally accepted — verify this for your nationality before travel.
Taxis are widely available but are not metered; agree on a fare before starting your journey. Licensed taxi stands are located at the airport and in Philipsburg and Marigot. Ride-hailing apps available in other destinations are not reliably available here — confirm locally.
Local minibus services (often simply called 'buses') run along main routes between major towns at low cost and are used by residents and budget-conscious visitors alike. Routes and schedules are informal; ask locally about stops and frequency.
Within Anguilla
Anguilla has no public bus system in the conventional sense. Taxis meet ferries at Blowing Point and are the standard means of getting around. Car rental is available for longer stays. As on Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin, agree on taxi fares in advance.
Things to See & Do
Beaches
The island is consistently cited for the quality and variety of its beaches. On the Dutch side, Maho Beach (famous for low aircraft approaches), Great Bay in Philipsburg, and Dawn Beach on the eastern coast are popular. On the French side, Orient Bay is the largest and liveliest, with water sports concessions; Friar's Bay and Happy Bay offer a quieter atmosphere. Baie Rouge and Baie aux Prunes (Red and Plum Bays) on the western French coast are known for good snorkeling and sunsets.
Anguilla's Beaches
Anguilla is home to roughly 33 beaches. Shoal Bay East is widely considered one of the finest in the Eastern Caribbean — shallow, calm, and lined with soft pale sand. Meads Bay, Barnes Bay, and Little Bay are also frequently praised. Because the island sits on a coral shelf, waters are typically very clear and calm on the leeward west and south coasts.
Water Activities
Snorkeling, diving, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, and deep-sea fishing are all available on Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin. Several operators offer dive trips to sites around the island and to nearby Tintamarre islet. In Anguilla, the waters around Little Bay and Dog Island are popular dive and snorkel sites. Verify operator credentials and current availability locally.
Cultural and Historic Sites
- Fort Louis (Marigot, Saint-Martin): A ruined 18th-century French fortification overlooking the lagoon and Marigot Bay. Free to climb; offers good views.
- Fort Amsterdam (Sint Maarten): Near the airport, one of the oldest Dutch fortifications in the Caribbean; partially ruined. Verify access conditions locally.
- Marigot Market: A waterfront produce and craft market in the French capital, busiest on weekends.
- Philipsburg: The Dutch capital's Front Street is the commercial and cruise hub, with a boardwalk along Great Bay.
Casino and Nightlife
Sint Maarten has several licensed casinos in and around Philipsburg and along the Simpson Bay strip. The French side does not permit casinos. Nightlife is concentrated around Simpson Bay Lagoon (Dutch side) and at bars and restaurants in Grand Case and Orient Bay (French side).
Food & Drink
Dining Culture
Food is a genuine highlight across this destination. The French side, particularly the village of Grand Case — sometimes called the 'gourmet capital of the Caribbean' — has a concentration of restaurants along its main boulevard ranging from casual lolos (local barbecue shacks) to more polished French-Creole dining rooms. Reservations are advisable at popular Grand Case restaurants during peak season.
What to Eat
- Lolos: Roadside grills serving barbecued chicken, ribs, fresh fish, and local sides such as rice and peas, plantain, and Johnny cakes. An affordable and authentic option.
- Fresh seafood: Wahoo, mahi-mahi, snapper, lobster, and conch are commonly found. On Anguilla, crayfish (spiny lobster) and fresh-caught fish are staples.
- French-Creole fusion: Blends classic French technique with Caribbean ingredients; prevalent on the Saint-Martin side.
- Dutch and Indonesian influences: Rijsttafel (Indonesian rice table) and Dutch snacks reflect the Netherlands' colonial culinary history and appear on some Dutch-side menus.
Drinks
Local rum punches and cocktails made with regional spirits are ubiquitous. The island is also a duty-free zone for spirits, so a wide selection of international liquors is available at competitive prices. Several beachside bars operate all day.
Anguilla Dining
Anguilla has developed a reputation for quality dining disproportionate to its size. Restaurants range from casual beach bars to upscale establishments. Sandy Ground, the main settlement, has a cluster of bars and casual restaurants. Prices on Anguilla tend to be higher than on Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin.
Shopping
Sint Maarten is one of the Caribbean's major duty-free shopping destinations. Philipsburg's Front Street and the surrounding area offer jewelry, electronics, watches, spirits, tobacco, and perfume, often at prices lower than in North America or Europe due to the absence of import duty. Compare prices before purchasing, as not all 'duty-free' prices are automatically the best available.
Marigot (French side) has a more boutique-oriented shopping scene, with French cosmetics, fashion, and European goods. The Marigot waterfront market sells local crafts, spices, and produce.
Anguilla has minimal commercial shopping infrastructure by design; the island has prioritized low-density tourism. Small craft vendors and a few boutiques exist, but do not travel to Anguilla primarily for shopping.
Practical Information
Money
US dollars are accepted almost universally across Sint Maarten, Saint-Martin, and at most tourism-facing businesses in Anguilla (which officially uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar, XCD). ATMs are available in Philipsburg, Marigot, Simpson Bay, and in The Valley on Anguilla. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and most restaurants; smaller lolos and market vendors may be cash only.
Communications
Mobile networks cover both sides of the island and Anguilla. Check roaming rates with your provider before travel; purchasing a local SIM in Philipsburg is an option for longer stays. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and many restaurants.
Electricity
- Sint Maarten: 110–120V / 60Hz, US-style plugs (Type A/B).
- Saint-Martin (French side): 220V / 60Hz, European round-pin plugs (Type C/E). Adapters are useful if moving between sides.
- Anguilla: 110V / 60Hz, Type A/B plugs.
Emergency Contacts
For any emergency, dial the relevant emergency number for the jurisdiction you are in. Emergency numbers differ between the Dutch side, French side, and Anguilla — note them down or keep them accessible before you need them. Verify current numbers with your accommodation upon arrival.
Tipping
Tipping norms follow a broadly North American model on the Dutch side and a French model on the French side (where a service charge may already be included). Check your bill before adding a tip. On Anguilla, 10–15% is customary where service is not included.
Safety
Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin and Anguilla are generally considered among the safer Caribbean destinations, but standard precautions apply in any tourist environment.
- Petty theft, including bag-snatching and theft from vehicles and beaches, occurs, particularly in busier areas of Philipsburg and at crowded beaches. Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach or visible in a parked car.
- After dark, exercise the same awareness you would in any unfamiliar urban environment. Avoid poorly lit or isolated areas late at night, especially in Philipsburg.
- The sea can present hazards: rip currents exist at some exposed beaches, and the Atlantic-facing eastern coastline is rougher than the Caribbean-facing west. Observe posted warning flags and heed local advice.
- Anguilla is generally regarded as very low-crime; nonetheless, basic security awareness is always appropriate.
- Check your government's current travel advisory for Sint Maarten, Saint-Martin, and Anguilla before departure, as conditions can change.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The island's dual nationality has produced a genuinely hybrid culture. French and Dutch administrative traditions coexist with a population that is largely of African Caribbean heritage, alongside significant communities of migrants from across the Caribbean and beyond — Haitian, Dominican, Jamaican, and many others — as well as long-established communities of American, European, and South American residents. This demographic mix is reflected in the music (zouk, reggae, soca, and kompa are all heard), the cuisine, and the languages spoken on the street.
Anguilla, as a British territory, has a distinct identity rooted in its Afro-Caribbean heritage and its history of self-determination (notably, Anguillans reversed an unwanted political federation with Saint Kitts in the late 1960s). The island takes considerable pride in its tranquility, its sailing tradition, and its culinary reputation. Anguilla Day (May 30) and August Monday celebrations mark key points in the local calendar.
Respect for local norms matters across all three jurisdictions: beachwear is for the beach, not for walking into shops or restaurants; volume levels at residential areas at night are expected to be moderate; and the French side in particular observes a Sunday calm that differs from the commercial bustle of the Dutch side.
