Saint Martin / Saint-Martin & Sint Maarten – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in Saint Martin?
Saint Martin is an island located in the Caribbean Sea in North America. It is divided between France and the Netherlands. France calls their part of the island Saint-Martin, and as an overseas department of France it’s part of the European Union (EU). The Netherlands calls their part Sint Maarten, and it’s not part of the EU.
Saint-Martin has a population of around 31,000 people (2021), about one in five of whom live in the capital city, Marigot. Sint Maarten has a population of around 58,000 (2023), about 3% of whom live in its capital, Philipsburg.
The terrain across the whole island is mostly hilly with some low mountains. The highest peak is Pic Paradis, at 1,391 ft (424 m) above sea level.
Saint Martin relies heavily on tourism like many other Caribbean islands.
A bit about the history of Saint Martin
Saint Martin has a history marked by European colonisation, territorial disputes, and modern-day autonomy.
Early History
Before European arrival, the island was inhabited by the Arawak and Carib peoples. Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493 and named the island after Saint Martin. The Spanish initially claimed the island but left it largely uncolonised.
European Colonization
In the 17th century, both the French and Dutch began to establish settlements on the island. The French and Dutch divided the island in 1648 through a treaty, with the French controlling the northern part and the Dutch controlling the southern part.
French and Dutch Rule
Saint Martin remained divided between the two European powers for centuries. The French side was part of the French colony of Guadeloupe, while the Dutch side was part of the Dutch Caribbean. Throughout this period, the island’s economy was based on agriculture, particularly sugar production, and later tourism.
Modern Status
In 2007, Saint-Martin became an overseas collectivity of France, gaining greater autonomy from Guadeloupe. The Dutch side of the island is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands as Sint Maarten, a country within the Kingdom. Despite its political division, the island shares a vibrant tourism economy and cultural ties between the two sides. Today, Saint-Martin is known for its luxury tourism, beautiful beaches, and its unique blend of French and Dutch influences, with both sides maintaining distinct political and administrative structures.
Saint Martin road trip
The island of Saint Martin is our 13th planned stop on our road trip through the islands of the Caribbean. Having explored Saint Barthélemy, our next stop is Anguilla.
Travelling overland between the islands is quite prohibitive due to the lack of transportation options. Travelling between different island countries via ferry is possible, however, ferries only operate between some islands. Chartering private boats between islands is also possible, although travelling with a car in this way is prohibitive. Flying is another option, although again, flights only operate between some islands.
Map of our road trip through Saint Martin
This is a map of our planned route around the islands of Saint Martin, starting and ending in the capital of Sint-Maarten, Philipsburg.
Weather in Saint Martin
When is the best time to visit Saint Martin?
The best time to visit Saint Martin is from December to April. During these months, the islands have 8-9 hours of sunshine per day and rainfall of 1.8 – 4.0 inches (47 – 101mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 23 – 30°C (74 – 85°F).
When is the worst time to visit Saint Martin?
The worst time to visit Saint Martin is from July to November. During these months, the islands still have 8-9 hours of sunshine per day. However, humidity rises and it rains an average of 3.8 – 6.4 inches (97 – 162mm) per month. The temperature ranges from 25 – 32°C (77 – 89°F).
Hurricane Season in the Caribbean
Hurricane season in the Caribbean runs from June 1 to November 30. Storms tend to be more frequent and more severe in the latter half of the season.
Hurricanes are least likely during December, January and February.
Travel in and around Saint Martin
Ferries to other Caribbean island countries from Saint Martin
St Barts Ferry and Voyager Ferries travel between Saint Barthélemy and Saint-Martin several times a day, every day except bank holidays, and the journey takes 1 hour.
St Barts Ferry travels between Saint Barthélemy and Sint Maarten several times a day, every day except bank holidays, and the journey takes ¾ hour.
Calypso Ferries, GB Ferries and Funtime Charters travel between Sint Maarten and Anguilla every day, several times per day, including bank holidays, and the journey takes 20-30 minutes.
Makana Ferry Services travels between Sint Maarten and Saba, Sint Eustatius (Statia) and Saint Kitts several times per week.
What’s it like to drive in Saint Martin?
They drive on the right hand side of the road in Saint Martin. The majority of the roads in Saint Martin are in a fairly good condition, with most being maintained regularly.
Do you require an international driving permit in Saint Martin?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Can you use your UK driving license when driving through Saint Martin?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in Saint Martin?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
What are the speed limits in Saint Martin?
The speed limits for cars in Saint Martin are:
- 25 mph (40 km/h) for urban driving
- 35 mph (60 km/h) outside of built up areas
- 35 mph (60 km/h) on dual carriageways
- 35 mph (60 km/h) on motorways
What currency do they use in Saint Martin?
In Saint-Matin they use the Euro. In Sint Maarten they use the Netherlands Antillean guilder. Although on both side of the island, US dollars and Euros are also widely accepted.
Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted in tourist areas. Travellers cheques are not generally accepted. There are many ATMs in tourist areas, although not all accept foreign issued cards.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Saint Martin?
They speak French and Antillean Creole in Saint-Martin. English is also spoken widely.
They speak Dutch, English and Antillean Creole in Sint Maarten. Spanish is also spoken widely.
What time zone is Saint Martin in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Saint Martin?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in Saint Martin?
No, wild camping is illegal in Saint Martin.
What plug / socket type do they use in Saint Martin?
In Saint-Martin they use plug / socket type E.
In Sint Maarten they use plug / socket types A and B.
Health issues in Saint Martin
Is it safe to drink water in Saint Martin?
Yes, it is safe to drink tap water in Saint Martin. Bottled water is also readily available across the country.
What vaccinations are required for Saint Martin?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Saint Martin.
Phones in Saint Martin
What is the country calling code for Saint Martin?
The country calling code for Saint-Martin is +590
The country calling code for Sint Maarten is +1 721
What are the emergency phone numbers in Saint Martin?
- The emergency number for police in Saint Martin is: 17
- In Saint Martin, the emergency number for ambulance is: 15
- The emergency number for fire in Saint Martin is: 18
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!