What is the difference between St. Maarten and Sint Maarten?

St. Maarten Spellings Even public institutions can't agree on how to spell Sint Maarten. The dual identity of our island causes confusion about the correct spelling of the name: the Dutch side as part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is correctly called Sint Maarten, the French side Saint Martin.



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There is no physical border between the French and Dutch territories and people and goods may travel freely between both sides of the island.

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The island was sighted on November 11, 1493, by Christopher Columbus, who named it in honour of St. Martin of Tours, whose feast day it was. Valued for its natural lakes of salt, a scarce commodity in Europe, the island changed between Dutch and Spanish hands several times.

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The Spanish finally relinquished Saint Martin to the French and Dutch, who divided it between themselves in 1648. Friction between the two sides caused the border to frequently fluctuate over the next two centuries, with the French eventually holding the greater portion of the island (about 61%).

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A famous jet-set getaway, Sint Maarten is known as one of the more expensive islands in the Caribbean. Gary Meenaghan proves it's possible for a family to stay, and enjoy, for a month without breaking the bank.

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The Antillean Guilder or Florin is the official currency in St. Maarten, which is divided into 100 cents. US dollars are accepted at the majority of businesses on the Dutch side of the island. On the French side, the euro is the official currency.

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While Sint Maarten has the upper hand in nightlife, the French side of the island is known for having the more pristine beaches. Notoriously white sands edge up against crystalline turquoise oceans on the shorelines along the island's northern face.

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If you want to talk about worst area, then we can talk about Sandy Ground and Agrement (both in Marigot). Best Area : The French Low lands, Orient Bay residencial Park and Oyster Pond..

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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.

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Book at least 1 week before departure in order to get a below-average price. High season is considered to be February, March and April. The cheapest month to fly from the United States is September.

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St. Maarten (and its French counterpart, St. Martin) is considered the melting pot of the Caribbean. Three days are enough time to experience the island's rich diversity of cultures and activities, and even venture farther afield in the Lesser Antilles.

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There is no physical border between the French and Dutch sides of the island and people and goods may travel freely between the two.

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On March 1801 the British took full control of both sides of Saint-Martin/Sint Maarten, as well as Sint Eustatius, Saba and the Danish colonies of St. Thomas, St. John and St.

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Saint-Martin, also spelled Saint Martin, overseas collectivity of France on the island of Saint Martin, in the Lesser Antilles, eastern Caribbean Sea.

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