Eastern Caribbean
St. Maarten
Sint Maarten / Saint-Martin (Netherlands / France)
A rare island split between two countries, St. Maarten packs an outsized punch for a 37-square-mile rock in the Caribbean Sea. The Dutch side delivers duty-free shopping and lively nightlife; the French side offers Gallic charm, topless beaches, and serious food. And somewhere in the middle, a 747 will fly twenty feet over your head at Maho Beach.
beachesshoppingfoodnightlifeunique experiencesPier dock
6.8
Safety
6.5
Walk
7.2
Family
Explore the Port
A rare island split between two countries, St. Maarten packs an outsized punch for a 37-square-mile rock in the Caribbean Sea. The Dutch side delivers duty-free shopping and lively nightlife; the French side offers Gallic charm, topless beaches, and serious food. And somewhere in the middle, a 747 will fly twenty feet over your head at Maho Beach.
Quick Facts
6.8
Safety
6.5
Walk
7.2
Family
Dock Typepier
Walk to Town10 min
CurrencyUSD accepted
LanguageEnglish / Dutch / French
Port Hours7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cell Servicelikely
Tap WaterSafe
Tipping15% at restaurants on Dutch side, often included on French side — check the bill
Highlights
- Maho Beach and the famous low-flying planes from Princess Juliana Airport
- Duty-free shopping on Front Street in Philipsburg
- Crossing from the Dutch side to the French side with no passport or border control
- Excellent French cuisine and beach bars at Orient Bay
- Great Bay Beach steps from the cruise pier