Overview
Saint Martin (French: Saint-Martin) is a French collectivity occupying the northern roughly 60% of a small Caribbean island it shares with the Dutch territory of Sint Maarten. Together the island covers about 87 km², making it one of the smallest landmasses in the world divided between two sovereign entities. The border between the two sides is open and unmarked, a consequence of the 1648 Treaty of Concordia, and crossing it requires no passport check.
The French side is quieter and more residential in character, with a laid-back European atmosphere in the main town of Marigot. It is known for its beaches—including the clothing-optional Orient Bay area—French-influenced cuisine, and a relatively unhurried pace compared to the busier Dutch capital Philipsburg. Despite its small size the island draws visitors from across the Americas and Europe, largely because of its accessibility, beach quality, and the novelty of two cultures coexisting on a single island.
Hurricane Irma caused severe damage in September 2017, and reconstruction has been substantial, though some infrastructure and properties took years to fully recover. Travelers should verify the current status of specific attractions, hotels, or services before visiting, as development on the island continues.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Saint Martin (the French collectivity) is part of France and follows French immigration rules, though it is not part of the Schengen Area. Entry requirements therefore differ from mainland France and the European Union. Do not assume Schengen visa rules apply here. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official French immigration authority for current requirements specific to your nationality.
Health
No mandatory vaccinations are required for most travelers, but consult your doctor or travel health clinic well in advance. The island has had periodic reports of mosquito-borne illnesses (dengue, chikungunya, Zika); use repellent and wear long sleeves at dusk. Tap water quality can vary; many visitors opt for bottled water. Travel health insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly recommended, as serious cases may require transfer to a larger medical facility off-island.
What to Pack
- Lightweight, breathable clothing and reef-safe sunscreen
- A light layer for air-conditioned restaurants and evening breezes
- Euros and US dollars (ATMs and banks are available but can have queues)
- Adapter if your devices use non-French plugs (Type E sockets on the French side)
- Documents: confirm what identification, if any, is required when crossing to the Dutch side
Getting There
By Air
The primary gateway to the island is Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), which sits on the Dutch side in Sint Maarten. It receives direct flights from several North American cities and European hubs, as well as connections through other Caribbean islands. The French side does not have a commercial airport. From SXM it is a short taxi or bus ride across the open border into Saint Martin (French side).
By Sea
Ferry services connect the island with nearby islands including Anguilla, St. Barths, Saba, and St. Eustatius. Schedules and operators vary by season; verify current timetables locally or through ferry company websites before travel. Cruise ships call at Philipsburg on the Dutch side; many passengers visit both sides during their port day.
Practical Note
When booking flights, note that SXM is the IATA code for the shared island airport on the Dutch side. There is no separate airport for the French collectivity.
Getting Around
The island is small enough that most locations are reachable within 20–30 minutes by car under normal traffic conditions, though congestion around Philipsburg and in the Marigot area during peak hours can extend journey times noticeably.
Taxis are available at the airport and in both Marigot and Philipsburg. Rates are regulated but verify fares before starting your journey, as meters are not always used. Shared minibus routes (locally called 'buses') operate between major towns and settlements and are an affordable option, though schedules are informal—verify routes and frequency locally.
Car rental agencies operate on both sides of the island and allow driving across the open border. A valid driving license from your home country is generally accepted; verify this with your chosen agency. Traffic drives on the right. Roads in some areas, particularly smaller inland routes, can be narrow or uneven.
Water taxis serve some beach areas and are a practical way to reach spots like Pinel Island. Verify availability and pricing on arrival.
Things to See & Do
Beaches
The French side is home to several well-regarded beaches. Orient Bay (Baie Orientale) is the most famous, a long crescent of sand with calm conditions and beach restaurants; part of it has a long-standing clothing-optional area. Other beaches worth visiting include Friar's Bay, Happy Bay (a short hike from Friar's Bay), and Grand Case Bay. Conditions and facilities at each beach vary; ask locally about current access and amenities.
Marigot
The capital of the French side, Marigot has a small marina, an open-air market (Wednesday and Saturday mornings are traditionally the busiest—verify locally), and Fort Saint-Louis, a ruined 18th-century fortification on the hill above town offering views across Simpson Bay Lagoon. The town has a pleasant French-Caribbean character with a modest selection of restaurants, cafés, and boutiques.
Day Trips and Water Activities
Pinel Island (Îlet Pinel), a short water-taxi ride from French Cul de Sac, is a popular day excursion with snorkeling and beach restaurants. Snorkeling, kitesurfing (Orient Bay is a known spot), sailing, and paddleboarding are widely available. Operators and rental outfits cluster around the main beaches; compare options on arrival.
Crossing to Sint Maarten
Visiting the Dutch side is easy and free; there is no formal border post. Philipsburg's Front Street shopping strip and the famous Maho Beach (where aircraft pass extremely close overhead on approach to the runway) are among the most visited spots on the Dutch side.
Food & Drink
Saint Martin has a disproportionately strong culinary reputation for its size, frequently described in the Caribbean context as an island with a high density of quality restaurants. The French side leans toward French-Creole cooking—fresh seafood, classic French techniques, and local produce—while the island-wide dining scene reflects its multicultural makeup with Creole, Indian, Indonesian, and American influences also present.
Grand Case, a village on the French side, is particularly known for its concentration of restaurants along a single beachfront boulevard (Boulevard de Grand Case). Lolos—informal open-air barbecue stands—in Grand Case serve grilled fish, ribs, and local sides at more accessible price points than the sit-down restaurants nearby; they are a practical and enjoyable option for budget-conscious travelers.
Fresh fish, lobster, and conch are staple ingredients. Local rum-based drinks and French wine are widely available. Supermarkets on the French side stock a reasonable range of French and European goods.
Shopping
The French side offers duty-free shopping, particularly in Marigot, with perfumes, cosmetics, jewelry, and clothing among the common categories. Prices and selection are generally more modest than on the Dutch side's Philipsburg, which has a larger concentration of duty-free shops catering to cruise passengers.
The Wednesday and Saturday morning market in Marigot is a good place to find locally made products, spices, and handicrafts, though the range of genuinely local artisan goods is limited by the island's small population. Verify market days and hours locally before planning your visit.
Practical Information
Money
The official currency on the French side is the Euro, but US dollars are almost universally accepted across the island. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, though smaller establishments and lolos may prefer cash. ATMs are available in Marigot and other populated areas; verify your bank's international withdrawal fees before travel.
Communications
Mobile phone coverage is generally good across the island, but note that the French and Dutch sides are in different countries with different calling codes (+590 for the French side, +1-721 for the Dutch side). Roaming charges can apply when crossing between sides depending on your carrier and plan. Purchase a local SIM if you plan an extended stay. Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and many restaurants.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency service numbers on the French side follow French metropolitan practice (15 for SAMU/medical, 17 for police, 18 for fire, 112 European emergency number). Verify current local numbers on arrival or with your accommodation, as local contact details can differ from metropolitan France.
Electricity
Sockets on the French side are Type E (230V, 50Hz). Travelers from North America will need adapters and potentially voltage converters for sensitive electronics.
Safety
Saint Martin is a generally safe destination for tourists, but petty theft and opportunistic crime do occur, particularly around busy tourist areas and beaches. Do not leave valuables unattended on beaches or in vehicles. Use hotel safes for passports and excess cash.
Road safety deserves attention: some roads are narrow and in variable condition, and driving habits can be assertive by some visitors' standards. Drive carefully, especially on unfamiliar inland routes at night.
Hurricane season runs from June through November, with the statistical peak in September. Travel insurance that covers trip interruption and weather-related cancellations is advisable if visiting during this period. Monitor official weather forecasts (such as those from Météo-France) if you are on-island during the season.
For current safety advisories, consult your home government's official travel advisory service before and during your trip.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Saint Martin's culture is a blend of French Caribbean, Creole, and a wide range of influences brought by people from across the Caribbean and beyond who have settled on the island over generations. The local Creole language and traditions coexist with a strong French administrative and cultural presence.
The island has a relaxed approach to the open border with Sint Maarten, and many residents move freely between both sides for work and daily life. This binational reality shapes the island's identity in a way that is genuinely unique in the Caribbean. French national holidays are observed on the French side, while Sint Maarten celebrates Dutch and local holidays separately.
Dress is casual at beaches and informal restaurants. Upscale restaurants in Grand Case and Marigot appreciate smart-casual attire in the evening. Nudity is accepted in designated areas at Orient Bay but is otherwise not appropriate in towns or family beach areas.
