Island Information

Located at 18.02 latitude, 63.07 longitude, with the Caribbean Sea to the West and the Atlantic Ocean to the East, St Martin/St Maarten is strategically located in the island chain to serve as a central hub for all the surrounding islands earning it the name ‘The Gateway to the Eastern Caribbean’ The modern Princess Juliana International Airport makes traveling to and from the island easy with all the major carriers coming in from the United States and across the Caribbean region. Grand Case l’Esperance Airport located on the French side makes it even easier to island hop.

History

Like all the Caribbean islands, St Martin/St Maarten has a fascinating history. It was around 1200 BC when the first Amerindians arrived on the island making their way up the chain of islands from Latin America. Over the following centuries, the Arawaks made the island their home followed by the Carib Indians. ‘Discovered’ by Christopher Columbus on November 11th in 1438, he named the island after the patron saint of the day. ‘San Martin’ then went through many years of interchanging ‘ownership’ between the Spanish, Dutch and French. St Martin/St Maarten is now the smallest territory in the world to be shared by two countries, France and Holland the Spanish left the island in 1448 and left the French and Dutch to battle it out until the peaceful Treaty of Concordia in 1648 when the land was divided up to give the French 20.5 square miles and the Dutch 16.5. The island’s original Arawak name was Soualiga meaning ‘land of salt’ and the island’s main trade over the centuries was in salt due to the numerous natural salt ponds dotted around the island. During World War II, an airport runway was built opening the gateway to tourism after the war. Today St Martin/St Maarten is one of the most loved islands of the Caribbean with a thriving tourism product, a stable economy and a rich historical heritage.

Language & Culture

With a population of approximately 100,000 across both sides of the island, represented by almost 90 different nationalities, we are a truly international destination. The main languages spoken are French and Dutch (obviously!) but almost everyone speaks English, with Spanish, Creole and Papiemento being the most commonly spoken after that. As you journey round the island, enjoy the musical linguistic concert that speaks one language – I Love St Martin/St Maarten! Culturally, the island is one of a kind and is a veritable melting pot with traditions, customs, and food from across the globe. A trip to St Martin/St Maarten is like taking a world tour without ever leaving the island!

Landscape

The island’s topography features 37 beautiful white sand beaches, wild and wonderful mangroves, lush jungle and rolling hills. The highest point on the island is Pic Paradis (translated into English as Paradise Peak) which stands regally overseeing the island at 1,392 feet. Simpson Bay Lagoon on the Dutch side holds the record for the largest lagoon in the Caribbean and is home to much sea and bird life as well as being a centerpoint for activities, sailing and mega yachts, and plenty of lagoon side dining establishments.

The Capitals

The Dutch side Capital is Philipsburg featuring the ‘golden mile’ of jewelry stores as well as electronics and souvenir stores. The boardwalk on Great Bay beach is a great place to hang out and enjoy a fine meal or a cold beer overlooking the gargantuan cruise ships that come to dock at the AC Wathey pier. On the French side, the capital of Marigot is redolent with unique European boutiques, a striking shopping mall and more fine restaurants than you could imagine. There is also a colorful local souvenir market and a fresh produce market along the Front de Mer (seafront).

How Hot Does it Get?

The winter months on the island are favored by the Alizees (Trade Winds) so tend to be cooler at around 66-89 degrees Fahrenheit average. In summer, things really hot up with average temperatures at around 72-89 Fahrenheit, The official hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 1st but - touch wood - our island has been pretty lucky over the past decade of active hurricane seasons and has taken no serious blows.

Show me the Money!

The Euro is the official currency on the French side and on the Dutch side the Netherlands Antilles Guilder is the main local currency but across the entire island, the dollar speaks the national language. The Dollar and Euro are not tied to a fixed exchange rate so watch the daily fluctuations to make your greenbacks stretch as the Euro/Dollar exchange rate can get pretty scary at times. Keep your eyes open for establishments that bravely take 1 Euro for 1 Dollar. Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted across the island though American Express tends to be accepted only in larger hotels and restaurants. Tipping is not a town in China and good service should be rewarded accordingly – at around 10-15%. However, always check your restaurant bill as some places will already include a service charge.

Banks

Banking hours are generally 8.30am to 3.30pm on both sides of the island. There are numerous ATMs on both sides though the French side ones only give out Euros. The Dutch side ATMs offer you the choice of Dollars or Guilders. You can change money at hotels, casinos and change points - but shop around.

Getting Around

The island is redolent with rental agencies – cars, scooters, motorbikes – even bicycles so it’s easy to get your wheels. We drive on the right hand side keeping an eye out for the occasional pothole or herd of traversing goats! It’s a small island so take it easy on the speed and enjoy the scenery. Buses run throughout the day – you’ll recognize them as they say ‘bus’! Most sections of a bus journey (for example from Orient bay to Marigot or Philipsburg) should cost no more than 1 or 2 dollars so it is a very economical way of traveling and getting to meet the locals too. To hail a bus, simply stick your arm out at the side of the road if you are not at a bus stop and your chariot will pull over. There are battalions of taxis so if you are not comfortable driving on strange roads, no worries. For the more extravagant, there are a number of Limo and luxury car rental agencies which your hotel can advise you on.

Communications

To dial within the Dutch side, simply dial the 7 digit number. Within the French side, dial the six figure number preceded by 0590. When dialing between French and Dutch sides you must use the full international code - (00599) for Dutch numbers, (00590) for French. International calling cards are available from many of the small supermarkets or stores, and you can purchase a local sim card from any of the many telephone stores. There are wifi spots all over the island.

Health

The French side hospital, the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital, is in Concordia (590) 590 52 25 25. The St Maarten Medical Center (599) 543 1111 is in Cay Hill. There are a multitude of drop-in medical centers on both sides, and late night or weekend pharmacies. Check the daily newspaper for details.

St Maarten Tourist Bureau
Vineyard Office Park 33 WG Buncamper Road, Philipsburg
Tel: (599) 542 2337 Fax: (599) 542 2734


St Martin Office de Tourisme
Rte de Sandy Ground - Marigot
Tel:(590) (0) 590 87 57 21
Fax:(590) (0) 590 87 56 43