St. Maarten and St. Martin, airport code SXM

Princess Juliana International Airport serves St. Maarten, the Dutch part of the island of St Martin. It is the second busiest airport in the Eastern Caribbean. The airport is famous for its short landing strip — only 2,180 metres/7,152 ft, which is barely enough for heavy jets. Because of this, the planes approach the island flying extremely low, right over Maho Beach. Countless photos of large jets flying at 10--20 m/30-60 ft over relaxing tourists at the beach have been dismissed as fakes many times, but are nevertheless real. For this reason as well it has become a favourite for plane spotters. Despite the difficulties in approach, there has been no records of major aviation incidents at the airport.

St.Maarten Map

SXM Map, click here

Caribbean Climate

St Martin and St Maarten weather is warm throughout the year. The high temperatures vary just slightly between the summer and winter months, and the humidity is manageable. Winter mornings and late evenings are somewhat cooler (December-March). Caribbean islands are all subject to the occasional hurricane (July-October) and moderate rainfall is commonplace during this period. Weather Updates

St Martin and St Maarten Beaches

St Maarten is blessed with 37 beaches--one for each of the island's 37 square miles. The dress code ranges from modest (on the Dutch side of the island) to nudist (on the French side). The island abounds with exciting water sports opportunities on both the French and Dutch sides, though French beaches tend to attract more sunbathers because of their 'top-optional' nature.

Arranging water activities at these beaches is very popular with visitors to St. Martin, and no location offers a better selection than Orient Beach, a sandy strip off the island's north-east coast. Orient Beach is St. Martin's best spot to see and be seen - tourists and French residents alike convene at Orient Beach to take advantage of its liberal bathing attitudes, exciting atmosphere, and great water sports facilities.

Ilet Pinel, every hour, brightly painted local ferry boats shuttle visitors the few hundred yards from the mainland to this tiny picture-perfect tropical paradise. There are several beaches surrounding Ilet Pinel, some unspoiled and private, which are ideal for sunbathing and snorkeling excursions. Two beach restaurants/bars offer fresh seafood dishes, grilled lobsters, and ribs and chicken.

Sint Maarten's Interactive Beach Map

Island Shopping

St. Maarten's economy went on an upswing after it became a duty-free port over fifty years ago and very little has changed since. Thousands of cruise ship passengers descend on St. Maarten each year specifically for the great deals to be had here, but tourists staying on the island are certainly welcome to get in on the St. Maarten shopping bargains as well. Duty-free St. Maarten shopping can save the buyer up to 50% regular North American prices, especially on luxury goods such as crystal, leather, jewelry, perfumes, and liquor.

Restaurants

Everybody agrees, no-where in the Caribbean will you find so many restaurants as on the half Dutch, half French island of St.Maarten/St.Martin! In just a week you can taste the World's best cuisine from creative chefs who offer world class quality, ambiance, and service. Visit one of our partner websites for restaurant reviews.

Nightlife

The excitement of St Martin/St Maarten's nightlife seems to just get started as the sun goes down. Much of the St Maarten/St Martin's nightlife is a combination of night clubs, restaurants, and late-night duty free shopping. Not to forget the island's discos that attract the international crowd as well as locals, all dancing to the latest hits. There are fun clubs and bars on both the French & Dutch sides of the island, but only the Dutch side offers casino play. St Martin nightlife is considered the best part of the Island by many of its guests. From hip clubs to local beach bars and thrilling casinos, the island really has something for everyone.

Facts and Figures

St. Maarten was discovered and named by Columbus in 1493. In the early 17th Century, the French and Dutch arrived, built small settlements and eventually drove the Spanish off the island.

Official Names
   Saint Martin: overseas collectivity of France
   Sint Maarten: a part of the Netherlands Antilles
   Saint Barthélemy : overseas collectivity of France

Populations
   St. Martin: 34,800
   St. Barth: 8,450
   Sint Maarten: 35,000

Capital Cities
   St. Martin: Marigot
   St. Barth: Gustavia
   Sint Maarten: Philipsburg

Languages
   St. Martin: French, English
   St. Barth: French, English
   Sint Maarten: Dutch, English

Latitude/Longitude
   St. Martin:17º 59N, 63º 10W
   St. Barth: 17º 92N, 62º 83W

Currency
   St. Martin: Euro
   St. Barth : Euro
   Sint Maarten: Netherlands Antilles florin and US Dollars.

Currency Converter here

Land Area (Island) 33 sq miles (85 sq km)
   St. Martin: 20 sq miles (52 sq km)
   Sint Maarten: 13 sq miles (33 sq km)

Landforms The island is famed for its white sandy beaches and secluded coves. The interior is a vibrant green mix of hills and valleys. The highest points are in the 1,200 ft. range.

2009 Public Holidays

St Maarten & St Martin

St Maarten and St Martin Island Info and Facts

St. Maarten and St. Martin, airport code SXM

St.Maarten Map

St Martin and St Maarten Beaches

Island Shopping