Saint Martin
Tucked between the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the deep blue of the Atlantic Ocean, the island of Saint Martin is one of the most unique destinations in the world. Just 37 square miles in size, it is the smallest landmass shared by two nations: France and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This rare dual-nation identity makes Saint Martin a cultural mosaic where European charm meets Caribbean warmth.
On the French side, visitors will find a blend of refined living and laid-back island life. The capital, Marigot, is known for its colorful markets, sidewalk cafés, and French bakeries serving croissants with ocean views. Scenic drives lead to quiet coves like Friar’s Bay and Baie Rouge, while the culinary village of Grand Case serves up world-class cuisine in a welcoming, beachside atmosphere. French is the official language, but English and Creole are widely spoken, reflecting the island’s diversity and openness.
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Life on the island moves to a relaxed rhythm, but there is no shortage of things to see and do. Saint Martin offers stunning beaches, from family-friendly Orient Bay to the secluded shores of Happy Bay. The island is also a haven for water sports lovers, snorkeling, sailing, paddleboarding, and diving are all within easy reach. Inland, lush hills and scenic trails invite nature lovers to explore on foot or by bike. Historic sites like Fort Louis provide panoramic views and a glimpse into the island’s past.
Saint Martin is a destination that celebrates life through food, music, and shared experiences. The island’s gastronomy is a highlight in itself, blending French techniques with Caribbean ingredients to create something truly unique. From five-star restaurants to roadside grills, every meal is an invitation to discover the island’s flavor. Throughout the year, cultural festivals and weekly events bring the community together with music, dance, and celebration, offering visitors a chance to join in the island’s vibrant spirit.
The island also offers great convenience for travelers. The euro is the official currency, though the U.S. dollar is widely accepted. American driver’s licenses are valid, and electricity uses the European standard (220V). Saint Martin enjoys warm weather year-round, with average temperatures around 27°C (80°F), making it an ideal escape in any season.
While Saint Martin’s beaches, landscapes, and culinary scene are unforgettable, what truly sets the island apart is its people. The warmth and friendliness of the local community create an atmosphere that makes visitors feel welcome from the moment they arrive. Whether you’re shopping for handmade crafts, sipping cocktails at sunset, or simply relaxing to the sound of the waves, Saint Martin offers an experience that is both effortless and enriching.
More than a destination, Saint Martin is a feeling, a blend of culture, beauty, and authenticity that stays with you long after your trip ends. Visit our website
Dining
Saint Martin is widely regarded as the culinary powerhouse of the Caribbean. From beachside lolos serving grilled lobster and saltfish fritters to elegant bistros offering refined French-Caribbean fusion, every meal is a discovery. Local markets burst with tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and spices that define the island’s bold flavors. Be sure to sample signature dishes like conch stew, johnny cakes, and guavaberry rum, a true taste of Saint Martin’s cultural melting pot.
Quick Facts
Languages spoken: French, English, Creole
Banking & Banking Hours: In the French part of Saint Martin, you’ll find several major banks, including Banque Européenne Crédit Mutuel (BECM) and various branches of Crédit Agricole. Most banks are generally open from Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm.
Currency: The Euros, but the USD is widely accepted
Climate: Saint Martin enjoys an average temperature of 80F year round
Dress Code: In French Saint Martin, the dress code is generally relaxed and casual, especially during the day and on the beach but not in town centers or restaurants. For more formal occasions like fine dining, a smart casual look is preferred.
Driving: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road; valid American driver’s licenses are accepted.
Electricity: 220V/60Hz – European sockets; adapters are required.
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (GMT -4), Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
Activities
Adventure meets relaxation in Saint Martin. Spend your days sailing the turquoise waters, snorkeling with sea turtles, or parasailing above white-sand beaches. Nature lovers can hike to Pic Paradis for panoramic views, explore Loterie Farm’s lush trails, or visit the butterfly farm. Culture seekers will enjoy discovering art galleries, historic Fort Louis, and vibrant village markets. For ultimate tranquility, unwind with a beachside massage or sunset cruise. There’s something for every traveler, from thrill-seekers to beach bums.
Travel Essentials
Flight Information
Multiple airlines offer direct flights from the United States to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side of the island. This airport is well-connected to major U.S. cities, making it accessible for travelers across the country to connect to gateways on the eastern side of the U.S.
- American Airlines offers direct flights from Miami, Charlotte, Philadelphia and Chicago
- Delta Airlines offers flights from New York (JFK), Atlanta, and Minneapolis.
- United Airlines offers seasonal flights from Newark, Washington, D.C., and Chicago
- Jet Blue operates flights from Fort Lauderdale, Boston and New York.
- Frontier Airlines offers flights from Atlanta.
- Southwest offers flights from Orlando, and Baltimore.
Saint Martin also has an International airport in Grand Case, which accepts private jets as well as flights from neighboring islands.
Entry Requirements for Americans
NEW! Effective October 8th, all travelers must complete a digital entry form BEFORE boarding their flight to SXM (Princess Juliana International Airport). Click HERE to access the form.
Americans do not require a visa but must have a valid passport with 6 months validity and a return or onward ticket.
As larger International flights arrive on the Dutch side of the island, Americans must clear immigration and customs at the Princess Juliana Airport (and must complete the new digital entry form noted above). There are no additional customs required to enter the French side of the island from the Dutch side.
Private charters and some smaller flights do arrive on the French side of the island at Grand Case Esperance Airport; customs and immigration will then be cleared on the French side.
Consult your Travel Advisor, or for more information, follow this link:: US State Department/Saint Martin
Getting Married
Couples who come from across the world get married on Saint Martin have usually already had their civil ceremony in their country of origin. It is however possible to organize a non-religious ceremony. If this is what you’re looking for, come and bring to life an original, personalized ceremony and let your imagination run wild.
Those who are lucky enough to have a vacation home on the island, can have their civil ceremony at the Hôtel de la Collectivité.
To get married on Saint Martin, if you are a French citizen, you will have to provide photocopies of proof of identity for you and for your three witnesses, an official copy of your birth certificate (dating less than 3 months), a photocopy of proof of residence and your prenuptial agreement (if there is one). Citizens of other countries will also need to provide a declaration of marital status, dating less than 3 months, a certificate of no impediment and a certificate of national custom.
On the Dutch side of the island, the official ceremony can take place in any place or specific site outdoors. The marriage officer will come to the chosen place, and the marriage is legally binding.
A religious wedding is also possible. A Christian wedding can only be held at a church. However, for a Protestant or Jewish wedding, the religious officer can come to another place to hold the ceremony.
Cultural/Annual Events
Throughout each year, Saint Martin has exciting events and festivals planned. Here a few popular events…see out calendar for more!
Les Mardis de Grand Case: (aka Harmony Night) is a street fair where locals sell food and arts/crafts. Occurs every Tuesday night (6:00-10:30 pm) from January to April.
Saint Martin Carnival: Every year, the island of Saint Martin vibrates to the rhythm of the two carnivals. The first takes place in February on the French side, and the second is in April on the Dutch side. The festivities go on for weeks, between the seafront and the shopping streets.
SXM Music Festival: The SXM Festival is the biggest electronic music festival in the Caribbean. Visitors can enjoy five days of electronic music bliss with festivities at beach clubs, VIP villas, and private beaches throughout the island. A lineup of talented DJs and international artists will take participants on an exciting musical journey.
Festival de la Gastronomie : Held annually in November, the Saint Martin Culinary Festival allows visitors to rediscover the island’s local cuisine and culinary diversity.
Public and Government Holidays observed throughout the year:
The Government of Saint Martin observes the following holidays each year: (Please note that on holidays, most stores remain open at least until midday however, restaurants are open. Government-run establishments are closed on all of the holidays listed below.)
2026 Public Holidays
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
Friday, April 3, 2026 – Good Friday (stores closed)
Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Easter Sunday
Monday, April 6, 2026 – Easter Monday
Friday, May 1, 2026 – Labour Day
Friday, May 8, 2026 – Victory Day (Commemorates the end of WWII in Europe)
Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Ascension Day
Monday, May 25, 2026 – Whit Monday
Thursday, May 28, 2026 – Abolition Day (Commemorates the abolition of slavery in French colonies)
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 – Bastille Day / French National Day (Marks the date of the French Revolution/storming of the Bastille)
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – Victor Schoelscher Day (Birth of politician who advocated for the abolition of slavery)
Saturday, August 15, 2025 – Assumption Day
Sunday, November 1, 2026 – All Saints’ Day
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 – Armistice Day (Commemorates the armistice signed at the end of WWI) / Saint Martin Day
Friday, December 25, 2026 – Christmas Day
Medical & Dental Information
MEDICAL CARE:
Louis Constant Fleming Medical Center of Saint Martin
BP 381 – Spring Concordia
Admissions Tel: +590 590 52 25 25
Urgent Care Tel: +590 590 52 25 29
Learn more about the medical services available.
In case of emergency, the medical system operates like on mainland France:
Ambulance (SAMU): dial 15
For Police: dial 17
For the Fire Department: dial 18
There are multiple pharmacies available on the French side of the island, and all common medications can be found.
EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE:
SXM Dental Clinic: Phone: +590 690 66 55 55
Cabinet Dentaire des Caraîbes: Phone: +590 590 29 21 01
Divers should be aware that there is no hyperbaric chamber. If you require treatment for decompression illness you will have to go to Saba or Guadeloupe.
Accessibility
French Saint Martin has significantly improved access for visitors with physical disabilities, particularly since Hurricane Irma in 2017, which led to new regulations requiring all hotels on the French side to be accessible. Many hotels, restaurants, and attractions now feature ramps, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces. Public transportation options are also becoming more accommodating, with some services offering wheelchair access. Additionally, airports have staff trained to assist passengers with reduced mobility, providing necessary support from check-in to boarding.
Please ensure that your airline is aware of any special needs travel prior to departure from the United States.
Airport Services
Visitors from the U.S. traveling on a national carrier will arrive on the Dutch side at Princess Juliana International Airport. The airport located on the French side in Grand Case does welcome private jets as well as flights from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Lucia, the Dominican Republic, St. Barths, Miami, and Paris, France.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM): Learn More
Airport transportation companies (see contact information below) provide assistance upon request, but must be arranged in advance. Additional services provided include:
- Accessible restrooms – all washrooms offer wheelchair accessible stalls
- Wheelchair Assistance: available at the airline counters
- Elevators and ramps are available
Grand Case Espérance Airport (SFG): Learn More
The Grand Case airport follows European regulations with all services pertaining to wheelchair accessibility.
- Accessible restrooms – all washrooms offer wheelchair accessible stalls
- Wheelchair Assistance: available at the airline counters
- Ramps are available
It is possible to be picked up from outside the terminal from the intercom in the main car park to your seat on the plane (or from the exit of the plane to outside the terminal).
Marigot Ferry Terminal
At the ferry terminal in Marigot, staff are available to help those requiring special assistance to get on and off the boat. The terminal area is relatively flat with no steps (no ramps are required). Learn more.
- Accessible restrooms – all washrooms offer wheelchair accessible stalls
Transportation & Activities:
Airport Transfers and wheelchair accessible activities can be organized through the following companies (please note that these companies service both the French and Dutch sides of Saint Martin):
Connors Wheelchair Services
Tel: +590 690 40 40 45
Email: connorswcs@gmail.com
St. Maarten Disability Tours
Tel: (721) 554-8409
Website: St.Maarten Access a Tour
Accessible Ventures
Tel: (721) 542-0411
Email : reservations@accessibleventures.sx
Website: Accessible Ventures
For accessibility information at hotels located in French Saint Martin please consult the hotel’s individual websites.
Brochures
Our Practical Guide to Saint Martin has a lot of information for you and your clients. As well, The Friendly Cuisine (link below) highlights our Gastronomy Festival held each year in November.
The Friendly Cuisine Restaurant Guide