Why is it called Sint Maarten?
Why is it called Sint Maarten? 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.
What is the drinking age in St Maarten Dutch side?
The legal drinking age on St. Maarten/St. Martin is 18 years.
What is the best time of year to go to St Maarten?
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.
How long does it take to drive from one side of St Maarten to the other?
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.
What is the main source of income in St. Martin?
Sint Maarten's economy is mainly tourism dependent. Sint Maarten primarily caters to cruise tourists, with the island's only deep-water port in Philipsburg. About 80 percent of the visitors to the island are short-stay cruise tourists.
Is crime bad in St. Martin?
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.
Which is better the French side or the Dutch side of St. Maarten?
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.
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.
Can US citizens travel to St Maarten without a passport?
Upon arrival in Sint Maarten, you must have: a U.S. passport valid for the duration of your stay; a completed Embarkation and Disembarkation Card (ED-Card). You can complete the ED-Card on the airplane en route to Sint Maarten or in advance by using ED-Card Online.
Is St. Martin a third world country?
1.20 Is St Maarten – St Martin a third-world country? No, certainly not. But because the Dutch side became more Americanized and did not adopt the European system like the French side of SXM there is a huge diversity in income level.
What was the first country to escape slavery?
That honor instead goes to Haiti, the first nation to permanently ban slavery and the slave trade from the first day of its existence.