VERDICT: If you want more of a European feel, stay on the French side.If you want more of an Americanized feel, stay on the Dutch side. FYI, the cruise ships and the airport are located on the Dutch side.
People Also Ask
While Sint Maarten has the upper hand in nightlife, the French side of the island is known for having the more pristine beaches.
The shores of northeastern St.Maarten are home to the well-known Orient Bay Beach, a well-loved stretch of sand on the island. Also referred to as the “St. Tropez” of the Caribbean, this beach is the largest in St.
Currently, the island is divided into Sint Maarten (the southern half of the island, part of the Netherlands) and the Collectivity of Saint Martin (the northern half of the island, part of France).
Orient Bay (or “Baie Orientale” in French) beach is a must-see while you're staying on the island of St. Martin. This beach on the north-west side of the island is one of the biggest and most popular.
Martin's biggest beaches, Orient Beach. Measuring one and a half miles, this long stretch of white sand is a popular choice for a beach day. Home to many excellent restaurants, plenty of watersports, powdery soft sand and its famous nude beach area, there is so much to love about Orient Bay.
There is no physical border between the French and Dutch territories and people and goods may travel freely between both sides of the island. The Dutch side's official currency is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) while the official currency of the French side is the euro (EUR).
Many people prefer Dutch Sint Maarten since it is more developed. This indicates that the amenities and services are more plentiful on this side of the island. However, those who choose a more relaxed setting stay at French Saint Martin. In addition, it has a more “Caribbean vibe”.
You can drive from one end of the island to the next in as little as 30-45 minutes (without traffic), and explore the best things to do on St Maarten. When it comes to transportation options for getting around St Maarten, there are a few.
VERDICT: If you want more calm and laid-back properties, stay on the French side. If you want convenience and easy access to nightlife, stay on the Dutch side.
The 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.
The dry season, from December to April, is the most pleasant. This is also the peak season for tourists who come to enjoy the agreeable weather and summer temperatures. The sunshine is almost constant during this period, with hardly any rain.
The main tourist areas are generally safe, but you should take sensible precautions. Avoid remote areas at night. Do not take valuables to the beach. Make sure purses and handbags are closed and not easy to snatch.
Friar's Bay Beach (French Side)Friar's Bay Beach is another of St. Martin's best beaches that is well-protected from winds and large surf. Because of its calm waters and wide stretches of sands, it's a top beach in St Maarten for families with young children, including those learning to snorkel.
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..
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.
Dollars are accepted all over the island of St Maarten/St Martin. You can use Euro's on the Dutch side many places, but it will not be a favorable exchange rate.
Simpson Bay – Once famous for the families who made their living from fishing, Simpson Bay is a long sandy beach just south of the airport on the west end. The sand is soft and the waves are generally calm. This beach is never crowded and offers a wonderful spot to watch the sunsets.
Plum Bay or Baie aux Prunes beach is secluded and not so frequent a destination for tourists. Golden sands and clear turquoise water are enhanced by the peace and quiet that this beach offers. The calmer seas around this wild beach are the perfect locations for snorkeling and sometimes for surfing.
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.