Quick Navigation show

St Martin Travel Guide — Explore Culture, Nature and Island Life

Explore St Martin Travel Guide

Split between French sophistication and Dutch energy, St. Martin is one of the Caribbean’s most unique destinations. On this island, you can wander Parisian cafés by morning, party in Dutch beach bars by night, and swim in crystal-clear bays all day in between. It’s an island of contrasts — and that’s what makes it unforgettable.

Start planning your journey with our complete St. Martin Travel Guide — discover the best time to visit, travel cost in St. Martin, top places to explore, and unforgettable St. Martin tours on land and sea.

For a seamless trip, browse top-rated St Martin tours and curated activities that highlight the best things to do on the island.

Exploring St Martin

💡Quick Facts:
Destination: Saint Martin — French overseas collectivity in the Lesser Antilles, sharing the island with Sint Maarten (Dutch constituent country).
Area: 53 km² / 20 mi² (Institut national de la statistique et des études économiques – INSEE).
Population: ≈ 32,500 (2024 estimate).
Capital: Marigot.
Official language: French (FR).
Currency: Euro (EUR) (Banque de France).
Time zone: UTC −4 (Atlantic Standard Time).
Main airport: Grand Case – Espérance Airport (SFG).
Climate: Tropical marine; warm trade winds year-round; hurricane season June–November.
Known for: Binational tourism with Dutch Sint Maarten, Orient Bay beaches, Marigot market, French-Caribbean cuisine.
Major religions: Predominantly Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant).

🛂Arrival Info:
Entry requirements (U.S. traveler): Saint Martin follows French entry rules; short stays ≤ 90 days visa-free within the Schengen zone (France Diplomatie – Visas).
Border note: Land crossing with Sint Maarten is open and uncontrolled; immigration applies only on arrival by air or sea.
Customs: French Customs rules apply; import limits for alcohol/tobacco as within France (Douane Française).
Port entries: Marigot Harbour and Marina Fort Louis handle international arrivals (Port de Marigot Authority).

🏥Health Info:
Vaccinations: Routine vaccines recommended; no specific requirements for direct arrivals from the U.S.
Health care: CH Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital (Marigot) is the main public facility (ARS Guadeloupe Saint-Martin Saint-Barthélemy).
Tap water: Generally treated and potable in urban areas; bottled water readily available.
🚑 Check travel insurance options for travel emergencies, delays, and medical needs abroad — Get coverage here
💉 Stay Informed with Official Updates: WHO – International Travel & Health | CDC – Travel health updates

🚨Travel Advisory:
Current risk level: Exercise normal precautions.
Risks: Hurricanes June–Nov; occasional petty theft in tourist zones.
Civil rights: French law applies; same-sex marriage legal since 2013 (Légifrance).
🌍Track Real-Time Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice | Government of Canada | NZ SafeTravel

🥳Holidays:
1 Jan — New Year’s Day.
29 Mar — Good Friday (movable).
31 Mar — Easter Monday (movable).
1 May — Labour Day.
8 May — Victory in Europe Day.
9 May — Ascension Day (movable).
19 May — Whit Monday (movable).
14 Jul — Bastille Day (National Holiday).
15 Nov — Saint-Martin Day (local).
25 Dec — Christmas Day.

💰Visitor Info:
Currency use: Euro accepted island-wide; U.S. dollars widely taken in tourist zones.
Tipping: Included in most bills (“service compris”); additional 5–10% optional.
Tourist tax: Small accommodation levy added to room rates (Collectivité de Saint-Martin).
Average daily budget: Budget €80–120 / Mid-range €150–250 / Luxury €350+.

🛫Airports:
Princess Juliana Int’l Airport (SXM): Major hub on Dutch side
Famous for planes landing over Maho Beach
Flights from U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean
Grand Case–Espérance (SFG): Regional airport on French side
🧳 Delayed or canceled flight? Check if you’re eligible for compensation

🚍Transport:
Driving: Right side of road; EU/International licence accepted.
Public transit: Minibuses and taxis operate between Marigot and Orient Bay; no rail service.
Car rental: Widely available; comprehensive insurance recommended.
Port ferry: Daily links to Anguilla and St Barthélemy (Port).
🚗 Book reliable airport transfers and in-city rides in advance. Reserve your ride here

🛰️Connectivity:
Mobile carriers: Orange Caraïbe, SFR Caraïbe.
SIM / eSIM: Available at airports and retailers in Marigot.
Power: 230 V / 50 Hz; Type E plug (French standard).
🛜 Stay connected abroad with affordable eSIM data packs. Get your eSIM here

📜Laws & Etiquette:
Drinking age: 18.
Smoking: Banned in enclosed public places (Service-Public.fr).
Dress: Beachwear only on beaches; cover up in town and markets.
Drones: Permit required for commercial use (Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile).

👮Emergency Info:
Emergency numbers: Police 17 / Fire 18 / Medical 15 (112 from mobile).
Prefecture contact: Préfecture de Saint-Barthélemy et Saint-Martin.
Tourism office: Office de Tourisme de Saint-Martin.
U.S. Embassy: Embassy of the United States in Paris – Overseas Territories Coverage.
U.K. Embassy: British Embassy Paris.
🗺️US/UK Embassies Abroad: US Embassies | UK Embassies
🏛️ Embassy locator tools: Embassies Worldwide

🌞Weather:
Average temperature: 26–31 °C / 79–88 °F year-round.
Rainfall: Dry season (Feb–Jun) ≈ 60 mm/month; wet season (Jul–Dec) ≈ 180 mm/month.
Severe weather: Hurricane season June–November — monitor updates from Météo-France Antilles-Guyane.
🌦️ Stay prepared—check the weather forecast for your destination — Weather Forecast

St Martin by Region — Where to Go

Though small — barely 53 km² — St Martin is remarkably varied. Its north coast faces the Atlantic, carved by cliffs and trade winds; the south opens to the Caribbean Sea, calm and bright. Each corner offers a distinct rhythm.

Marigot & Baie Nettle

The island’s French capital blends colonial facades with market bustle. The waterfront market sells spices, rum, and woven baskets beneath Fort Louis’s watchful ruins. Nearby Baie Nettle hosts upscale resorts and beach clubs that stretch toward Simpson Bay Lagoon.

Marigot Waterfront: Stroll the marina at golden hour for pastel reflections and fresh baguettes from Boulangerie de La Marina.
Fort Louis: A short climb rewards travelers with sweeping views of Anguilla and turquoise bays. Best at sunrise.
Baie Nettle Beach: Calm shallows, perfect for families, and dotted with open-air restaurants like La Cigale.

Grand Case & Anse Marcel

The island’s culinary heart, Grand Case, pairs Creole flair with French gastronomy. Its lolos — family-run barbecue huts — sit beside fine-dining terraces where lobster sizzles beside champagne flutes.

Grand Case Boulevard: Every Tuesday night from January to April, “Mardi de Grand Case” fills the street with music, artists, and food stalls.
Anse Marcel: A curved bay enclosed by green hills; the sheltered waters attract catamaran day trips and honeymooners seeking seclusion.

Orient Bay & Cul-de-Sac

Facing the Atlantic, this area delivers St Martin’s most dynamic coastline. Windsurfers, kitesurfers, and beach bars line the 2-km stretch of Orient Bay.

Orient Beach: A social hub where turquoise surf meets European-style cafés. Sections range from family-friendly to naturist.
Cul-de-Sac Bay: Launch point for kayaking and ferry shuttles to Îlet Pinel, a protected nature islet with walking trails and resident iguanas.

Pic Paradis & Rambaud

The island’s highest point (424 m) rises above dense tropical forest. Cooler air, mango trees, and hillside trails make this area ideal for morning hikes.

Pic Paradis Lookout: Offers panoramic views of both the Atlantic and Caribbean sides.
Loterie Farm: A lush private reserve with zip-lines, nature paths, and an open-air lounge by a spring-fed pool.

Top Places to Visit in St Martin

1. Marigot Market

A sensory immersion in Creole life. Vendors sell cinnamon sticks, Guadeloupean rums, and fresh fish. Arrive before 10 a.m. for the liveliest trade.

2. Fort Louis

Built in 1789 to guard the harbor, its restored cannons face the sea. An easy climb from downtown Marigot, perfect for golden-hour photos.

3. Grand Case Beach

A ribbon of pale sand lined with restaurants that earned St Martin its nickname “the Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean.”

4. Îlet Pinel

Reachable in five minutes by ferry from Cul-de-Sac. Excellent snorkeling among parrotfish and seagrass beds; two rustic beach cafés serve grilled mahi-mahi.

5. Anse Marcel Marina

A calm, yacht-filled cove framed by forested hills, combining luxury and tranquility.

6. Pic Paradis Trail

Dense forest trails climb from Loterie Farm to the island’s summit; views extend to St Barthélemy and Anguilla.

7. Happy Bay

Accessible only by a 10-minute coastal walk from Friar’s Bay. An untouched crescent favored by locals for its peaceful vibe.

8. Friar’s Bay Beach Bar

Live reggae evenings and sunset mojitos; families during the day, music lovers after dusk.

How to Choose Where to Go in St Martin

For Beaches & Relaxation: Stay around Orient Bay or Baie Nettle, where resorts face calm lagoons.
For Culture & Cuisine: Grand Case delivers authentic Creole life, from street festivals to Michelin-style dining.
For Adventure: Choose Pic Paradis for hiking or Cul-de-Sac for kayaking to Îlet Pinel.
For Couples: Anse Marcel’s secluded bay and boutique hotels balance privacy and comfort.
For Families: Baie Nettle and Friar’s Bay offer shallow entry beaches and nearby dining.

Getting Around St Martin — Transport & Travel Tips

By Air: St Martin is served by Grand Case – Espérance Airport (SFG) with flights to Guadeloupe, Martinique, and St Barthélemy. International travelers often connect via Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side, then cross by taxi or car.
By Car: Renting a compact car is the best way to explore. Driving is right-hand; EU licenses are accepted. Parking in Marigot can be tight — use the waterfront lot early.
By Bus/Taxi: Shared minibuses link Marigot, Grand Case, and Orient Bay. Fares average €1.50–€3.00. Taxis are unmetered; agree on prices first.
By Ferry: Short ferries connect Cul-de-Sac → Îlet Pinel and Marigot → Anguilla (ferries every 45 minutes; passport required).
Apps & Navigation: Google Maps and Maps.me work offline. Download Taxi St Martin for local drivers.

Travel Budget & Costs

Budget Travelers: €60–€90 per day — guesthouses, lolos, and bus rides.
Mid-Range: €120–€220 — beach hotels, car rental, dinners at seaside restaurants.
Luxury: €300 + — villa stays, private sailing, fine wines in Grand Case.

Money-Saving Tips

Visit in May or June, between peak and hurricane seasons.
Dine at lolos — communal barbecue stalls where fresh fish costs under €15.
Stock up at Super U Marigot supermarkets instead of resort stores.

Best Time to Visit St Martin

Winter (Dec – Apr): Dry, breezy, 25–28 °C; peak season for European visitors. Book early for Grand Case Carnival and hotel deals.
Spring (May – Jun): Warm seas, fewer crowds, excellent for snorkeling and sailing.
Summer (Jul – Aug): Hot (30 °C) and lively with local festivals; occasional rain.
Autumn (Sep – Nov): Off-season with potential storms; best hotel discounts.

Festivals & Cultural Events

Carnival de Marigot (Feb–Mar): Parades, drums, and costumes celebrating French Caribbean heritage.
Mardi de Grand Case (Jan–Apr): Weekly night market merging art, music, and food.
Fête de la Mer (June, Grand Case): Maritime festival featuring boat races and seafood fairs.
Bastille Day (July 14): French National Day with fireworks over Marigot Bay.
Christmas Village (Dec): Festive booths, Creole carols, and crafts at the waterfront.

Must-See Experiences Across St Martin

Snorkel at Îlet Pinel: Shallow reefs ideal for beginners; rent gear from the beach kiosk.
Hike to Pic Paradis: Begin at Loterie Farm’s trailhead; bring water and admire orchids along the way.
Taste at Lolos in Grand Case: Sample conch stew or ribs grilled over coconut shells.
Shop Marigot Market: Pick up guava jam or local art directly from artisans.
Sail Baie Nettle Lagoon: Half-day catamaran tours offer views of mangroves and pelicans.
Relax on Happy Bay: Bring snacks — no bars, just palms and waves.
Zipline at Loterie Farm: Gentle canopy runs through rainforest for all ages.
Sunset Cocktails at Fort Louis: Watch light spill across the harbor’s pastel boats.

For a seamless trip, browse top-rated St Martin tours and curated activities that highlight the best things to do on the island. We may earn a commission if you book through our links — at no extra cost to you.

Adventure & Water Activities

Kayaking to Pinel Island: Rentals at Cul-de-Sac include snorkel gear. Spot sea turtles en route.
Windsurfing Orient Bay: Steady trade winds and shallow waters suit all levels. Local schools offer hourly lessons.
Sailing Excursions: Charter catamarans from Anse Marcel Marina for coastal sightseeing.
Diving Creole Rock: Near Grand Case; coral gardens filled with angelfish and rays.
Hiking Belle Creole Ruins: Quiet coastal trail with historic remnants and sea cliffs.

National Parks & Outdoor Adventures

Îlet Pinel Reserve: Protected marine zone managed by Réserve Naturelle de Saint-Martin. Observe iguanas, seabirds, and coral nurseries.
Étang aux Poissons: Wetland area attracting herons and mangroves; boardwalk trails ideal for birdwatchers.
Pic Paradis Forest: Tropical vegetation with endemic tree frogs; guided eco-walks available.
Baie de l’Embouchure (North Orient): Windswept dunes, kite-surfing, and scenic views.
Loterie Farm Reserve: Combination of forest preserve and adventure park promoting sustainable tourism.

History & Heritage

Pre-Columbian Roots: Indigenous Arawak people called the island “Sualouiga,” land of salt. Archaeological finds show trading links with South America.
European Settlement: Claimed by the French in 1635; plantations grew cotton and sugar using enslaved labor until 1848 abolition.
Colonial Marigot: Fort Louis and stone warehouses recall the 18th-century port era.
Modern Autonomy: Since 2007, St Martin has held Collectivité d’Outre-Mer status within France, managing its own tourism and environment.

St Martin at a Glance — Quick Travel Insights

Language: French (Creole widely spoken; English understood in tourism).
Currency: Euro (€). ATMs common; credit cards accepted.
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (UTC-4).
Electricity: 230 V, 50 Hz, Type E plugs.
Visa: EU and Schengen citizens enter freely; most others — including US and Canadian tourists — receive 90-day visa-free entry per French Overseas territory rules (France-Visas official site).
Emergency: 112 (General EU number) or 17 (Police Nationale).
Health: No mandatory vaccinations; mosquito protection recommended.
Water: Safe to drink; bottled available island-wide.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette

Health & Environment

Use reef-safe sunscreen; the Réserve Naturelle prohibits anchoring on coral. Tap water is treated and safe. Carry cash for small markets.

Scams & Petty Crime

St Martin is generally safe, but secure valuables on beaches. Use official taxis and avoid leaving bags in cars. Night areas of Marigot remain quiet but dimly lit — walk with companions.

Local Customs

Greetings matter: say “Bonjour” when entering shops. Topless sunbathing is common but nudity restricted to designated beaches. Tipping 10 % is customary if not included.

Driving & Laws

Seatbelts required; speed limits posted in km/h. Alcohol limit 0.05 %. Carry license and rental papers at all times.

Final Planning Checklist

Documents: Passport valid 6 months beyond stay; travel insurance recommended.
Money: Notify bank of foreign transactions; carry small euro notes.
Packing: Light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, bug repellent, water shoes for rocky coves.
Connectivity: Buy a local SIM (e.g., Digicel or Orange) for better data rates.
Health: Pack motion sickness pills for ferry rides; pharmacies are well stocked.
Transport: Reserve cars early in high season; download offline maps.
Safety: Register trip with your embassy if staying longer than 30 days.
Apps: Install Windy for weather alerts and Rome2Rio for route planning.

Plan Smarter, Travel Better

Plan each day around the rhythm of the island: markets in the morning, hikes before noon, and long meals at sunset. By combining local flavor with smart planning, you’ll uncover a side of St Martin that tour brochures can’t capture — from Creole villages to hidden bays reachable only by footpath. Let this guide be your starting map to the French Caribbean’s most charming isle.

Choose Your Next Adventure

Dominica: Adventure hub for hikers and divers; multi-day excursions available via Guadeloupe routes.
Guadeloupe: Island-hopping flights depart daily from Grand Case; explore volcanic trails and creole music festivals.
Martinique: Blend of French culture and rum heritage; connect via regional airlines.
St Barthélemy: Luxury neighbor reachable by 15-minute flight; ideal for a day trip.
Anguilla: Short ferry ride from Marigot Harbor; quiet beaches and culinary escapes.

It’s Time to Experience St Martin

Ready to plan your journey? Discover top-rated St Martin tours and travel ideas to make it happen. Some links may be affiliate-based — we only recommend trusted partners, and it never costs you extra.