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

What is the difference between St. Martin and St. Maarten? Why the two spellings? Well, this 37-square-mile-island is governed by both France and the Netherlands. The French side of the island refers to itself as Saint Martin, while the Dutch side is known as Sint Maarten.

Is St Maarten a party island?

Maarten is known for its exciting nightlife where the guava berry liqueur flows, and the casinos invite you in for a night of luck.

Is the Dutch side of St Martin safe?

Most visits to the Dutch Caribbean are trouble-free. However, petty theft and street crime occur. There is violent crime amongst members of the illegal drugs world, but this rarely affects tourists. The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions.

Is St. Martin safe for solo female Travellers?

Yes, St Maarten is generally safe for solo female travelers. However, as with any destination, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety. Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and keep your valuables secure.

Where not to stay in St Maarten?

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.

Do people in St Maarten speak Dutch?

Dutch is the official language of Sint Maarten, used in legal documents and throughout the court system. To confuse matters a little further, the language of the Dutch West Indies with the larger islands to the South of Aruba and Curaçao is Papiamento.

Is it better to stay on the French or Dutch side of St. Martin?

The Dutch side is known for having nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, and casinos. The French side has plenty of restaurants, but that is where the night ends. VERDICT: If nightlife matters, the Dutch side is the clear winner.

Why is St Maarten so popular?

Martin is a must-visit. Its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and fusion of French and Dutch cultures create a unique experience. The island's charm, warm hospitality, and diverse activities make it well worth the trip.

Can you travel freely between St. Martin and St Maarten?

Many cruise ships visit the island on a weekly basis, docking at the Port of St. Maarten in Philipsburg. You will need a passport to travel to and from St. Martin but rest assured that you can travel freely between the island's French and Dutch sides.

Can you swim in Saint Martin?

Baie Rouge The beach offers wonderful views of Anguilla in the distance as well as the cliffs that protect the beach on the west. Baie Rouge Beach in St Martin is perfect for swimming snorkelling and also bird watching. There are two beach bars located on Baie Rouge.

When not to go to St. Martin?

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.

Is St Maarten safe to walk around?

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.

Which side of St. Martin has better beaches?

The traveler hoping to relax and recharge away from the hustle and bustle of an active tourist strip would be best served picking this side of the island for their Saint Martin stay. While Sint Maarten has the upper hand in nightlife, the French side of the island is known for having the more pristine beaches.

Is St. Martin or St Lucia better?

I live on SXM and absolutely love St Lucia. It is probably the most beautiful island in the Caribbean. That said, SXM has nicer beaches and a more international flavor and definitely better restaurants. If you love beaches and great food, then St Maarten is the choice for you.

Can you swim in St Maarten?

Maarten's northeastern shore is a well-known stretch of soft white sand offering watersports, relaxation, snorkeling, and pristine waters for wading and swimming. This beach is famed as the St. Tropez of the Caribbean and among the largest on the island.