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ST. MARTIN
The Facts For Your St. Martin Vacation
The islands of St. Maarten/St. Martin is the smallest space to be shared by two countries. For over three centuries, these Caribbean countries have co-existed so peacefully that a St. Martin vacation guests can cross the border from one nation to the other without realizing it.
St. Martin vacation guests find that the French half of this divided island, is the more relaxed half. The Dutch side of St. Maarten has experienced a sudden growth spurt over the last few years. St. Martin travel guests go to St. Maarten for its bustling, busy lifestyle geared towards tourists and the tourism industry. St. Martin, officially a part of the French-Caribbean territory of Guadeloupe, is known for its French culture, with top-notch French cuisine and a distinctly French sophistication. The French culture here makes it a great spot for St. Martin vacation guests. Expect to see signs in French and greet people with a friendly"Bonjour!".
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Getting To Your St. Martin Vacation
St. Martin vacation guests may arrive on either side of the island. Princess Juliana Airport welcomes visitors to the Dutch side, while l'Aeroport de l'Esperance welcomes St. martin travel guests on the French side. St. Martin cruises are also a part of the trave industry.
St. Martin vacation guests arriving on the French side will most likely connect through Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadeloupe). Direct flights from the U.S. and Canada to Princess Juliana Airport are generally available, as it is the second busiest airport in the Caribbean. Flights to Princess Juliana Airport will generally connect through San Juan if they originate outside the U.S.
Taxi fares for St. Martin travel guests from Princess Juliana Airport to Marigot on the French side to most of the St. Martin resorts and St. Martin hotels are approximately $12(USD). Fares are generally higher between 10:00 p.m. and Midnight.
Entry Requirements
St. Martin vacation guests that are U.S. citizens can gain entry to St. Martin with two forms of government-issued ID, but a valid passport is very strongly preferred for all St. martin travel visitors. A valid passport is required for all other St. Martin travel guests, including those from within the Caribbean. All visitors must also show an ongoing or return ticket.
St. Martin Weather
St. Martin vacation guests find the island as a whole experiences about 42.3 inches of rain per year, making it one of the more tropical islands in the Caribbean. Temperatures are pleasant and mild year round, with January temperatures ranging from 73 to 81, and July temperatures ranging from 78 to 86 (all in degrees Fahrenheit). Great weather is present year round for the great St. Martin beaches.
Geography
St. Martin is the northern half of this island shared by the Dutch and French. The St. Martin beaches lie on the Atlantic Ocean, while the Dutch half lies on the Caribbean Sea. Both countries share the Simpson Bay Lagoon. St. Martin is the larger half of the island, covering approximately 20 square miles.
Health and Safety
St. Martin vacation guests find the water is safe to drink throughout the island. As on St. Maarten, it is advisable for St. Martin travel visitors to avoid night driving, and even wiser to avoid deserted, poorly lit back roads at night. Isolated beaches are usually isolated for a reason - don't go out seeking an adventure. St. Martin vacation guests are advised to use the buddy system. Beyond that, follow basic safety rules of traveling, such as keeping an eye on your possessions both in your St. Martin hotel and on St. Martin beaches.
People
St. Martin vacation guests The people of St. Martin are proud of their French nationality. Towns and roads have French names, and the food is an interesting blend of French sensibility and Caribbean flavor; a great fare for all St. Martin travel visitors. French is the official language and the one most often spoken, but Creole is also prolific on the island. Locals consider their culture to be distinctly more French than other French territories in the Caribbean that have more thoroughly blended French and Caribbean culture.
