Overview of Saint Martin

Quick Overview

Though not very large—less than 100 km²—Saint Martin Island is divided into two parts: a French section in the north (Saint Martin) and a Dutch one in the south (Sint Maarten). Together, they attract over 2.5 million visitors annually, making it one of the Caribbean’s top 5 destinations—at least until the island was hit by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

Beyond tourism, the island thrives on its status as a "tax haven" and, in its Dutch part, on American investments.

Key Facts

• Type of place: territory.

• Location: in the Caribbean, east of Puerto Rico and northwest of Guadeloupe.

• Latitude/longitude: 18.05' N, 63.57' W.

• Local time: Heure : 2645

• Highest point: Pic Paradis (424 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 70 km (entire island).

• Driving: on the right.

French part (Saint Martin)

• Capital: Marigot.

• Territory status: French overseas collectivity.

• Official language: French.

• Currency: euro.

• Population: 35,107 (2014).

• Area: 53.2 km².

• Density: 660 inhabitants/km².

Dutch part (Sint Maarten)

• Capital: Philipsburg.

• Territory status: autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

• Official languages: Dutch and English.

• Currency: Netherlands Antillean guilder.

• Population: 37,284 (2014).

• Area: 34 km².

• Density: 1,094 inhabitants/km².

Tourism

With 2.5 million visitors per year, Saint Martin ranks among the most visited islands in the Caribbean. Tourism accounts for a significant share of resources on both the French and Dutch sides. Its beaches, duty-free zones, and casinos attract primarily American and French visitors. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of cruise passengers stop over—usually for just a few hours—on the Sint Maarten side.

Hit by Hurricane Irma in 2017, the island’s tourism industry has since declined sharply.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travelers.

• By air: France–Saint Martin round trip for 500 to 950 €.

• Entry requirements: passport + return ticket (Dutch side); ID card or passport (French side).

• Currency to bring: euro (and some US dollars for the Dutch side).

• Exchange rate:

• Daily backpacker budget:

• Best for accommodation:

• Best for getting around:

• Risks:

• Best time for climate/crowds/prices: April–June and late November–early December.

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★; Adventure ⊘; Culture ★; Relaxation/Holidays ★★★★

Addresses in France

Saint Martin Tourist Office: 54 rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris. Tel.: +33 1 53 29 99 99.

Addresses in Belgium, Switzerland, and Quebec