Size: 16 square miles St. Maarten (Dutch side), 21 square miles St. Martin (French side)

Population: 35,000 (Dutch side), 30,000 (French side)

Capital: Philipsburg (Dutch side), Marigot (French side)

Currency: The dollar is widely accepted on the island. The official currencies are Euros on the French side and Guilders on the Dutch side. Some French side businesses accept dollars and Euros at par if you pay cash—just ask.

Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted, but not everywhere.

ATMs: Can be found at island banks, including Windward Islands Bank (WIB), Scotia Bank and RBBT Bank.

Driving: Same as U.S., on the right side of the road

 Electricity: Adapters not needed for American appliances on the Dutch side. Adapters are needed on the French side.

There are several large grocery stores on the island. MATCH is a market just north of Marigot. There also is a good market in Cole Bay, on the Union Road between Philipsburg and Marigot, next to the Burger King. RAMs, on Cay Hill, is also a decent market.

 For quick stops, you can try the Peli Deli in the Pelican Resort complex and the Seven Alive on Airport Road in Simpson Bay.

The two primary areas for shopping are Marigot and Front Street, Phillipsburg. You will find art galleries, tourist shops, and high-end clothing and jewelry shops in Marigot. Phillipsburg, which is a cruise ship destination, offers more than 200 jewelry stores as well as clothing and tourist shops. If you are looking for jewelry, our recommendation is Shoppers Haven in Phillipsburg. They are in the ground floor of the Horizon View Hotel.

There are plenty of boat cruises, day and sunset, that offer snorkeling. They all are fairly similar. If you want to take a boat cruise, the best place to inquire  is at the Lady C or check the phone numbers in the Destination magazine. Same for jet ski rentals.

 There are plenty of full or half day boat trips available on the island. Try a day trip to one of the neighboring islands and hideaways. Voyager and Rapid Explorer offer regularly scheduled trips to St Barths, (from Marigot or Oyster Pond Marina) 0590 871-068 (Voyger) or 0590 276-033 (Rapid Explorer, from Chesterfield Marina). Edge I and II are high speed ferries going to Saba or St. Barths, as well, contact Aquamania Adventures 544-2640 (leaving from Pelican Marina in Simpson Bay). For more, see also Sailing Day charters, power and sail boat rentals for professional skippers are available at Any Way Marine in Marigot, 0590 879-141. Aquaworld is a boat rental and charter on the Dutch side (Simpson Bay) 545-4533. Another exciting trip is guaranteed on the catamaran Scoobidoo to St. Barth or Anguilla, incl. snacks and bar 0590 520-253.

A ferry runs from Marigot to the neighboring island of Anguilla. The ferry station is located in Marigot. It runs about every half hour. You will need your passport. In Anguilla, there are plenty of taxis to take you around the island.

 You can fly or boat to St. Barth’s. The boat leaves from Phillipsburg and the flights are from Princess Juliana airport.

A wonderful experience for all ages. Best to go early in the morning. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and admission is $12. The Butterfly Farm is located a few minutes walk from Orient Beach. On the road to Club Orient, go straight toward Embouchure/LeGalion beach instead of taking the last left turn at Club Orient.

Sputters Miniature Golf is located on Airport Road, heading toward Marigot. It’s about a five minute ride from the villa.

There is a great 18 hole championship golf course at the Mullet Bay Resort on Dutch Sint Maarten, surrounded by water and palm trees. The Golf course is located between the Simpson Bay Lagoon and the Caribbean sea. The Club organizes national and international tournaments on a regular basis. Call the Golf pro shop at 545-2801 before 4pm for tee off times and for more information.

For the best views and photos in St. Maarten, go to Pic Paradis. You will see the road leading up the hill between Marigot and Grand Case. As you enter, you will see the Loterie Farm on the right. This hiking area has been described as an “ecological wonder.”

Loterie Farm is St. Martin’s 135 acre private nature reserve and historical site. Here you’ll enjoy lounging in nature, hiking miles of groomed trails, traversing through the trees in the treetop adventure park or enjoying lunch or dinner in the highly acclaimed restaurant. 

Visitors are also welcome to explore property’s many miles of hiking trails on their own. The most popular trail is an hour and a half loop that takes you into the forest. The hike leads you up a zig-zag trail that has a rope to guide you. The height of your journey brings you to spectacular views of Anguilla and Marigot and then back down to where you started.

All the trails at Loterie Farm begin at the base of the 1,400 ft mountain and lead to the top of St Martin’s highest point, Pic Paradis. This hardcore climb takes approximately 3½ hours up an back but the reward that you get is breathless views of the Dutch side of the island, Orient Beach and panoramas from St. Barth’s to Anguilla and the airport. It is a truly fantastic experience. 
Loterie Farm’s newest addition is also the eastern Caribbean’s most exciting adventure. The “Fly Zone” will suspend you high above the properties’ private forest reserve where you’ll soar between majestic 200 year old mango and mahogany trees. After being fitted with a harness and a safety briefing by expert cable guides, you’ll get to experience the exhilarating traverse course and speedy zip-line runs. The treetop adventure lasts approximately 1½ hours and is guaranteed to leave you in a state of euphoria. To participate on the Fly Zone you must be at least 4-ft tall but the fun doesn’t stop there if you don’t meet this requirement... 

Ti’Tarzan is a specially designed version of the Fly Zone for kids, complete with suspended bridges, swinging ropes and much more for little Tarzan’s and Janes. Children are always within the protective reach of the certified guides at all times. Adults are welcome to accompany their children on the Ti’Tarzan course or simply chaperone them from the ground.

The Zoo boasts 200 animals, all of them exclusively from the tropics. The zoo is located just east of downtown Philipsburg. If you are driving north toward Orient Beach from the Phillipsburg area, you normally pass a red and white Food Fair market as you drive up a hill toward the French side. To get to the zoo, immediately BEFORE Food Fair bear right, passing the market which will be on your left. Follow that road and you will come to the zoo. The number for the zoo is 011-599-543-2030.

Baie Orientale has lots of fun for everyone. It has a long white sand beach plus all the great watersports. It is a marine park so the snorkeling is incredible. It has lots of food and refreshment choices. It hosts the islands world famous naturist resort, Club Orient.

Friars Beach
Known for its legendary "Full Moon" parties, Friars beach brings lots of color to its shores by day and by night. With three beach bar/restaurants, a day at Friars can be fun for all members of the family.

Grand Case
This beach is lined with the restaurants that the French West Indies recognizes as its culinary Mecca. This beach has some nice snorkeling spots, and is also the perfect place for a sunset stroll. Keep in mind: while you are enjoying your walk, you can also get a firsthand look at all the restaurants and make your dinner plans for the evening! 

Baie Longue
Appropriately named, this beach is the longest white sand beach on the island. Starting at La Samanna located in the lowlands, this beach continues on to the western end of the island. With beautiful turquoise waters and plenty of privacy, the natural charm of this beach will keep you there all day! This is our favorite beach. 

Le Galion Beach
This is a wonderful beach for kids of all ages! Many local parents have rated Galion as the best beach for afternoon of sun and fun for their children. Coral reef surrounds the shallow water of Galion. This serves as a protection, providing very calm waters throughout the day. This is also a very popular spot for the older kids who enjoy a good day of windsurfing! Rentals and instruction are available daily.

Mullet Bay
Although the resort surrounding Mullet is closed, it has not affected its popularity! The white sands and active surf make this an attractive spot to local surfers and their friends on the weekend. Rocks line the shores of Mullet, providing its visitors with some nice snorkeling, and if you are up for a swim, there are some caves you can explore! This is a great beach, which is near the villa. 

Dawn Beach
Another famous spot for its views of sunrise and sunset, the white sands of this beach are worth a visit! Surrounded by coral reef, the calm waters of Dawn beach make for some fabulous snorkeling. This quiet beach is perfect for R & R and a special picnic lunch!

Maho Beach
Maho is a small beach, but its location is what attracts all of its visitors. Just of the touchdown point at Juliana Airport, this beach is the closest one could ever get to a 747 landing or take off! Bring your camera!

Baie Rouge
An ideal spot for a quiet afternoon! Local shacks offer excellent BBQ foods and nice cold drinks. If you are up for a swim or a walk, take a trip to Devil's Hole - a steep hole in the middle of the cliffs that water flows into. One of the most breathtaking beaches on trhe island. Calm waters, which makes it great for swimming. Another of our favorite beaches. 

Anse Marcel
Anse Marcel is a pleasant beach nestled in the Marina Port de Lonvilliers. The calm and shallow water on this beach is ideal for children. The marina is lined with fine shopping, restaurants and hotels. You don't want to forget your camera for the breathtaking view on the drive to Anse Marcel.

Island of Pinel
This small island, located off the shores of French Cul de Sac, is a must see! The water is calm and shallow, accompanied by beautiful beaches and lovely snorkeling. There are two restaurants on this island...this is a quick trip to paradise!
Getting to and from Pinel: a ferryboat ($5) leaves frequently crossing from Cul de Sac to Pinel.

Little Bay is another picture perfect beach. It has lots of watersports and restaurants. It is also a great place for snorkeling.

Cupecoy is a beautiful beach lined with cliffs and caves. It has rough waters but the wind is blocked by the rocks.

Maho Beach has a view like no other. Located at the end of the Juliana Airport, it is a great place to watch incoming jets glide in. The beach is lined with rocks and the waters can be rough at times.

Simpson Bay is a mile long white sandy beach. It has watersports, yet it is still a quiet and relaxing beach. The waters can be rough.

Dawn Beach is a little hard to get to but well worth it. The snorkeling is absolutely incredible. The reefs are just off the shoreline.

Kimshaw Beach—just outside of Piccante restaurant. Easy to get to from the villa.

Casinos

There are several casinos on the island. One in the Pelican resort; one on airport road, just to the left after the Atrium; and another (Port de Plaisance) on the road to Marigot.

Lucky Stables takes riders around Cape Bay (Dutch side), one of the few undeveloped areas of St. Maarten, for a chance to experience the island how it was 50 years ago. 544-5255. Bayside Riding Stables on the road to Le Galion Beach (French side) is an Equestrian Center with horses and ponies for all courses. The ride s take trails through the Marine Reserve and along the shore of Le Galion Beach. Open 9am to 5pm. 0590 873-664. Oceanna Ranch at Baie Lucas, Oyster Pond is run by very friendly American Elizabeth, and her French husband.

Kayak tours are a great way to explore some of the hidden areas of the Simpson Bay Lagoon and coastline that you wouldn´t see otherwise. The Lagoon Explorer Tour offered by Tri-Sport, 545 4384, takes you along the mangroves on the Bellevue coastline, and makes a stop on the deserted beach at Grand Islet, a small island in the middle of the Simpson Bay Lagoon. Tri-Sport offers kayaks for rent for the ocean as well. Tropical Wave on Le Galion Beach also rents kayaks 0590 873-725, or check out Wind Adventures 0590 294-157.

Aquamania Adventures, located at Pelican Marina in Simpson Bay, organizes great trips for kids. Thursday afternoon, a mini catamaran takes the children into Simpson Bay Lagoon for a fun ride and sightseeing. They can water bomb the wreck near Explorer Island, and have fun with inflatable animals. On Fridays, the kids can participate at a "Survivor Trip" on a deserted beach with lot´s of games, races, prizes and fun.
544-2640

Sunset Beach Bar—this is a fun place where you can watch the planes fly in. A must for the first time visitor to St. Maarten.

Pizza Gallery—on the strip in Simpson Bay. Best pizza around Simpson Bay.

Lady C—floating bar. Ask for Brian.

Toppers—Great casual place with good food and drinks. On the strip in Simpson Bay.

La Main de la Pates—on the harbor in Marigot. Great pizzas, pasta and seafood.

Pineapple Pete’s—Airport Road, turn right when leaving Billy Folly Road. Casual fare, with nightly entertainment.

Breakfast: great French bakery when you turn right from Billy Folly Road onto Airport Road. On the left side, across from Cappuccino’s diner.  Next to the Fed Ex store. Order pastry and coffee and sit outside overlooking the harbor.

La Vista: You can walk from the villa.

Piccante: Close to the villa. Right on Kimshaw beach.

Temptations: best restaurant on the island. Reservations suggested. Just past Mullet.

Saratoga: Airport road to the right out of  Billy Folly Road. Great food, on the marina.

Tropicana: On the harbor in Marigot. Reservations needed.

La Laguna: Great Italian food with water views. Across from the airport.

Mary’s Boon: They have nightly specials. Served family style. At the end of the airport runway.

Halseys: Great food, comfortable atmosphere in the heart of Simpson Bay. On airport road.

Grand Case: Any restaurant there will be great.

La Sammana—in the La Sammana complex. Great food and service. 

La Santal—Rated one of the best on the island. Near Marigot. Scary road to get to the restaurant. Very, very good food and service.