General Information

Want to provision your boat? - Look no further! The mix of Dutch, French, Caribbean and American cultures has resulted in a choice of food and drink products that is virtually unmatched in the whole of the Caribbean.

Clean, modern supermarkets offer a variety of foodstuffs that would be virtually impossible to find anywhere else in the world in such close proximity. Fresh produce is imported directly from Holland, France, the USA, Britain and Italy, as well as from other Caribbean islands. Indian, Chinese and other eastern produce is also readily available.

Vehicles drive on the right side on both sides of the island. Traffic can get heavily congested and there are often delays. Local drivers tend to be very friendly and may stop without warning to greet a friend and have a chat, so it is advisable to drive with caution.

In keeping with international custom, traffic on roundabouts has priority over approaching vehicles - but vigilant. The quality of the roads has continued to improve in recent years; however there are still areas where the paved surface is full of pot-holes. The island is well serviced with gas stations.

Rental Cars
The island has quite a range of car rentals to choose from. Both internationally known companies such as Eurocar, Hertz, Budget and Avis and numerous locals firms can be found here.
Average rental prices are US$45 per day for a car or US$65 for a jeep.

The island is well serviced by both internationally known companies such as Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Budget and Avis and numerous local firms. Average rental prices are US$45 per day for a car or US$65 for a jeep.

The island is well serviced by fleets of minibuses and taxis. The absence of border controls means that vehicles can drive from the Dutch to the French side (and vice versa) without any restriction. Although there are designated bus stops, you can readily flag one down wherever you are.

All taxi fares are regulated by government. You are advised to check the fare with the driver before commencing your journey.

The island has two airports.

Princess Juliana International Airport

On the Dutch side there is Princess Juliana International Airport, the main lifeline for the whole island with numerous wide-bodied passenger jets, private aircraft and cargo planes arriving and departing every day. There are direct flights daily to locations throughout the Caribbean as well as to major cities in the United States, South America and Europe. The airport is undergoing major expansion and a new terminal building will be open soon.

L‘Esperance Airport

This airport is located at Grand Case on the French side of the island, and operates several flights by commercial light aircraft to other French islands in the Leeward and Windward Islands.

This is a small island and consequently it cannot provide a broad spectrum of specialist medical services, though with the continuing advance in techniques, this situation is steadily improving. The facilities on both the Dutch and French sides are excellent for basic illnesses, broken bones and minor surgery. However, for more serious, life threatening conditions, it is generally necessary to be evacuated to a hospital that has the appropriate facilities.

The cost of an air ambulance and subsequent medical treatment is high and therefore it is advisable that medical insurance cover be obtained.

On this and many other Caribbean islands there is a risk of being poisoned when eating certain kinds of local fish. Known as Ciguatera, this poisoning is caused by a toxin that occurs in certain coral formations. The poison finds its way into to small fish. It then makes its way up through the food chain as larger fish devour the smaller varieties.

The toxin cannot be neutralized and the fish, which are carrying it, look, smell and taste perfectly normal. The toxic effect on humans occurs with great rapidity and can last for several weeks, sometimes recurring many months later.

The poisoning causes acute nausea, vomiting and diarrhea accompanied by chills, headaches and dizziness. Other symptoms include a feeling of numbness coupled with a tingling sensation around the mouth, hands and feet. In extreme cases respiratory distress occurs, but less than 1 in 1000 cases proves fatal. Good restaurants on the island acquire their fish and seafood from Ciguatera free Regions and do not pose a threat.

Welcome to Party Central!

Whether you want to dance the night away or take a gamble at one of the island's many casinos, nights on St. Maarten/St. Martin are guaranteed to be full of fun and excitement.

Rhythms of Techno, Reggae, Meringue, Salsa and Zouk are just some of the sounds you can find here.
Open Air nightclubs showcasing world renowned dj's spinning the latest hits, piano bars starring entertainers from all over the world and lounge bars where one can sip on exotic cocktails in a VIP setting are just a few of your options.

Although a few bars and restaurants begin to wind down between 11:00pm and midnight, many of the clubs are just getting going while the adult entertainment clubs guarantee a party until the sun comes up.
Crews can unwind at the different crew bars. The imfamous Soggy Dollar Bar borders on crazy with its wild parties while the Sand Bar offers great food, drink specials and live entertainment.

On the Dutch side casinos inevitably top the list when it comes to all night entertainment and there are fourteen casinos to choose from.

Want to watch the action instead of taking part, then how about a night at the movies with Megaplex 7 in Cole Bay or Philipsburg Theatres in town.
Whatever your choice you are guaranteed the time of your life.

There is no official line on what one should or should not wear on this holiday island. However, swimwear should be confined to beaches, otherwise casual summer clothes are generally acceptable. Females are seen topless on virtually all beaches although officially topless bathing is not allowed on the Dutch side. Total nudity is permitted on certain of the French side beaches - in particular the Club Orient end of Orient Bay.