Which St. Martin is Dutch?

km (37 sq. miles), about half the area of Washington, D.C. An island divided between the Netherlands and France, St. Maarten (Sint Maarten) is the Dutch half, and St. Martin is French.



The southern part of the island, known as Sint Maarten, is the Dutch side. It is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The northern part, Saint Martin, is a French overseas collectivity. In 2026, the Dutch side is famous for being the "livelier" half, hosting the major international airport (Princess Juliana/SXM), large casinos, duty-free shopping in Philipsburg, and the world-famous Maho Beach where planes fly low over sunbathers. While the French side is known for gourmet dining and a "European-village" feel, the Dutch side is the commercial hub. There is no hard border between the two, allowing 2026 tourists to drive freely between the "French flair" and "Dutch fun." A supportive tip: while the Euro is the official currency in French St. Martin, the Dutch side uses the Antillean Guilder but almost exclusively transactions in US Dollars in 2026.

People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Best beaches on Saint Martin, the French side Orient Bay : Often called the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean, this is one of the most famous beaches in Saint Martin. It is also one of the largest on the island and is home to many restaurants and bars.

MORE DETAILS

Between 1627 and 1631, Holland decided to send settlers to St. Martin, to exploit the island's natural salt reserves. The French and the Dutch signed the Treaty of Concordia, also known as the Partition Treaty, on March 23, 1648. So the island was split into two parts and shared by France and Holland.

MORE DETAILS

One island and two countries! Between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, St. Martin is half French, half Dutch.

MORE DETAILS

Sint-Maarten is not considered as European territory. It is not part of the Schengen area, it is an independent state that is connected to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. For French citizens arriving at the Grand Case Esperance airport (code SFG), on the French side, a valid identity card is sufficient.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Maarten is one of the world's most stunning islands. Thousands of tourists return to the island year after year, basking in the bright Caribbean sun and clear turquoise waters. St. Maarten is a true tropical paradise, combining vibrant island culture with elegant European charm.

MORE DETAILS

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”.

MORE DETAILS