Climate on St. Martin St. Maarten
The weather on Sint Maarten Saint Martin is awesome. It is, on average, 80-85 degrees all year round with gentle trade winds which keep the humidity low. The only deviation is in the summertime when the water temperature is higher. This consistent weather forecast of blue skies and clear waters bring smiles to the faces of the people who live and visit Sint Maarten Saint Martin. The water temperature will range from 78-80 degrees in the winter and 82-84 degrees in the summer. The winds blow a fairly regular 15 knots from mid-November to mid-April, and in the summer thermal effects and tropical waves frequently bring a bit stronger drafts. As in all tropical environments, rain showers are to be expected. They can be intense, but are typically brief. There is no defined rainy season, but one does exist for hurricanes. During the time between July through November, the whole of the Caribbean is on watch for possible hurricanes. Although infrequent, all the islands must remain prepared. Marine weather information is available on a day-to-day basis at every marina's harbormaster's office.

Island Wear for St. Martin St. Maarten
The island is a recreational tourism island. This does lead to a more casual atmosphere. Some places may require you to wear a collar shirt and closed toed shoes but for the most part, sandals are fine. If you are planning any special activities, don't forget to bring the appropriate clothing and footwear. In the winter months, it can get a bit cool at night with the tropical breeze (70-75 degrees). You may want to bring a light cover up.

Languages on St. Martin St. Maarten
English, French and Dutch are the most commonly used languages, then Spanish, Creole and Papiamento. Over 80 nationalities are represented on the friendly island of Sint Maarten Saint Martin.

Currency and Banks on St. Martin St. Maarten
The US dollar and US travel's checks are accepted and welcomed on both sides of the island as well as most major credit cards. On the Dutch side, the official currency is the Netherlands Antilles Florin (N.A.F.). One U.S. dollar equals approximately $1.80 N.A.F. On the French side, the official currency is the French franc and Euro. One dollar equals approximately 6-7 francs. The rate on exchange will fluctuate. Exchange booths are available, dealing in most currencies. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm on both the Dutch and French sides. You will find Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) at most of the banks and around the island that accept Visa, MasterCard, and Cirrus.

Location and Time Zone of St. Martin St. Maarten
Sint Maarten Saint Martin is located right in the center of the Northern Caribbean Islands. The Capital of the Dutch side is Philipsburg and the Capital of the French Side is Marigot. The Time Zone is -4 hours from Universal Time, +1 hour from Eastern Time in the winter and same time in the summer, or -5 hours form Paris Time in the winter and -6 hours in the summer.

Electricity on St. Martin St. Maarten
The Dutch side runs on 120 voltage (60 cycles) and the French side runs on 220 volts (50 cycles). Most Hotels have converters available if needed.

Drinking Water and Health on St. Martin St. Maarten
The island's water desalination plants provide you with safe purified tap water. The island has a broad range of medical services available to you. Including emergency clinics, hospitals and pharmacies.

Get married in Paradise
Now couples from anywhere in the world can get married right here on St. Maarten. A recent change in a 127-year-old law, which prohibited non-residents from getting married, has now been amended. Weddings are becoming as poplar as honeymoons. To qualify, couples must be 21 years of age, make a written request to the Lieutenant Governor for a temporary tourist permit (the permit may not exceed three months). The couple must also submit birth certificates, valid return tickets to their country of origin or other destination outside the Netherlands Antilles. Divorced persons must provide appropriate papers indicating a valid divorce certificate (divorced women may remarry after 306 days have passed). An official sworn translator or notary to the public must translate all documentation into Dutch, then sign, stamp, and seal must be included. Although, legal matters must be handled on the Dutch side, the religious ceremony may take place on either side. The Island has a variety of churches; Catholic, Baptist, Anglican, Methodist, Adventist and Pentecostal. Get married barefoot on the beach, on a scenic hillside, at an open-air Caribbean style church, at a hotel or private villa. What ever you choose, it is sure to be a day to remember! Fax your letter of request to the Lt. Governor, Government Administration Building, at 5995-24 884. Registration with the office of Civil Registry is to take place at least 10 days prior to the planned wedding date. For more information please call, 5995-22 457 or fax 5995-24 267.

Driving on St. Martin St. Maarten
Foreign and International driving licenses are accepted when renting a vehicle on Sint Maarten Saint Martin. Traffic is on the right with International signs. Patience and good humor are required while driving on island where locals still take time to stop and greet a friend or to drop off their delivery. Be aware of frequent stopping. It is common to use the horn or high beams (during the day) to greet another driver or to thank them for the right of way. The carefree 'No Problem' attitude is the way to drive as you tour around the lovely Sint Maarten Saint Martin Island.

Buses and Taxis
The island has a very well developed network of mini-buses. There are marked stops along the roadside but you can be picked up and dropped off virtually anywhere on their main route. For a truly personalized tour around the island, taxis are the transportation of choice. Taxis are not metered; rates are set by the government. Charges are based on carrying two passengers per trip and on the destination. A fee will be added for each additional passenger. The Dutch side Taxi association has Taxis on call 24 hours a day; a dispatcher can be reached at 147 (local Dutch phone). The French side Taxi service can be reached at 590 590 87 56 54. Although both sides have their own Taxi service, they both pick up and delivery anywhere you want to travel on the island. Ask the driver the fare in advance.

Business Hours on St. Martin St. Maarten
Stores in Philipsburg are typically open 7 days a week in high season and closed on Sundays in low season. They are open from 9am to 6 pm. In Marigot, the shops are generally open from 9am to 7pm and tend to close between 1pm and 3pm. Most are closed on Sundays. Plan your activities accordingly.

Postal Services on St. Martin St. Maarten
There are Post offices on both sides on the island with other branch office throughout the island. They sell colorful postage stamps that make great souvenirs. You may want to think twice before putting that postcard in the regular island mail, as you will most likely beat it home. It can take up to six weeks to be delivered through the local mail system. There are many services on the island that send the mail out by air to the US twice a week. It is a bit more expensive, a little over US$2 for each piece or if you have many pieces, US$7 per pound, but this will get your mail into the US mail systems within days. Ask your Hotel front desk for assistance.

Airports on St. Martin St. Maarten
Princess Juliana International Airport is located on the Dutch side. It is linked to 3 continents and most Caribbean islands. L'Esperance Grand Case regional Airport is located on the French side. It is for inter-island transfers.

Departure Tax leaving St. Martin St. Maarten
Visitors departing on an international flight from St. Maarten's Juliana International Airport pay a US$20 departure tax at the airport; the tax is collected at a separate window you will find on the way to the departure lounge. If traveling to another island in the Netherlands Antilles, the tax is only US$5.

Conservation on St. Martin St. Maarten
It is important to continue to keep our island clean! We need your help in preserving our coral reefs and wildlife. Please do not buy souvenirs made from our protected plants and animals. These include products made from sea turtles, reptiles, wood (especially carvings from the lignum vitae tree) and black coral jewelry. When in doubt, check with the local authorities.

Government on St. Martin St. Maarten
Both the Dutch and French sides are self governed by democratic institutions.

Panoramic Views on St. Martin St. Maarten
Sit back and enjoy a virtual tour of Sint Maarten Saint Martin with our QuickTimeVRs (WebTV panoramics coming soon). We will help you explore the island with our 360 degree panoramic views that will start your vacation senses flowing!Click Here to explore!

Pets
It is simple to travel with your pet to the island. All you need is a 'clean bill of health' certificate from your veterinarian stating good health and current vaccinations. Should you fall in love with an island animal, the Association Protectrice Animaux and the Saint Martin Dog Club can help you with adopting a Sint Maarten Saint Martin animal. The island animals are in need of good homes, find out how you can help.

Tourism Offices on St. Martin St. Maarten
Both sides have tourist offices as well as websites. Click on either logo to open a NEW window into their offical website. Close the window to return here.