Maarten/St. Martin. Tap water is safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended. High-SPF sunscreen is essential and recommended for those not used to intense sunlight.
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DRINKING WATERTap water on the island comes from desalinated seawater and is drinkable. We do recommend drinking bottled water which is readily available throughout the island.
Despite having two different official currencies, the US Dollar is accepted on both sides, with St. Maarten using the US Dollar the most. It is not unusual to receive change in US Dollar even when payment is made with the guilder.
Despite having two different official currencies, the US Dollar is accepted on both sides, with St. Maarten using the US Dollar the most. It is not unusual to receive change in US Dollar even when payment is made with the guilder.
The short answer is: yes. Hotels follow the same drinking water standards as other businesses and homes. With the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in effect, there is a specific process to decontaminate water supplies to a level that's deemed safe to drink.
The island's weather is pleasant year-round, but these are times when rain showers are less likely. Summer and early fall are not good for a vacation; many hotels close in this offseason and there's a chance of hurricanes. Also avoid visiting in winter and early spring (mid-December to April) if you can.
I would avoid anything in Marigot, Sandy Ground, Nettle Bay, Dutch and French Quarters, Lower and Upper Prince Quarter, Cole Bay, Mary's Fancy, etc. These are locals areas and not much there for tourists. I am not sure there ARE AirBnBs in those areas but there could be.
Maarten is generally considered a safe place to visit, but as with any tourist destination there are some general safety precautions you should take. St. Martin is one of the safest warm weather climate (outside US) locations to visit.
Maarten's Guavaberry. This refreshing beverage is the national drink of both the French and Dutch sides of the island. It is made from the small guavaberry fruits that grow on the island and are used in a variety of mixed drinks and cocktails.
Spanish Tap Water FAQsAll water in Spain is considered safe to drink. That said, if you're not used to it, it can taste a bit off in some areas (mainly coastal cities like Malaga and Barcelona). If that's where you're headed, go for bottled—the water won't make you ill, but the taste can be off-putting.
Tap water in the U.S. is generally safe because it's regulated by the Safe Drinking Water Act. If you are unsure about the quality of the tap water in your hotel, experts recommend using portable options such as water filters and purifiers or opting for bottled water.
Dutch Sint MaartenThe Dutch side of the island is more developed. There are more amenities and services available, traffic tends to be heavier and the atmosphere is more animated, with a steadier flow of tourists who are more likely to be looking for a party atmosphere.