Further information

Sint Maarten-St Martin is located in the northeast Caribbean 1,371 miles (2,207km) from Miami, FL and approximately 150 miles (240 km) east of Puerto Rico. This island is the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations. Only 37 square miles in total, the island is owned by France and the Netherlands Antilles. The Dutch and the French agreed more than 350 years ago that residents of either side of the island can be commercially active on the other side without any Red Tape or border difficulties. This contract of peaceful coexistence turns out to be the oldest active, undisputed treaty on our planet!

The French territory covers about two thirds of the island and is technically a part of Europe and the European Community. The Dutch side is a member island of the Netherlands Antilles and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but not considered European territory. There is no real border, just modest monuments and signs. The island is known as an almost perfect holiday environment; beaches and nightlife are spectacular, shopping and dining are the best in the Caribbean.

Weather

Hot but tempered by cooling trade winds. The annual mean temperature is 27°C (80°F), varying by no more than two or three degrees throughout the year.

Required Clothing

Tropicals and cottons are worn throughout the year. Umbrellas or light waterproofs are advisable. Water temperature is steady year round and averages 27C (80F) so no need for divers to bring wetsuits.

What to bring

Please pack as lightly as you can. Most of our guests wear only a fraction of what they bring! All you really need are shorts, tee shirts and beachwear. In addition to this perhaps something a little more dressy for the two evenings you will be dining ashore. Soft luggage is preferable if you have it. We have some limited storage onshore for your empty bags, but please bring as little as you are comfortable with. Between meals, fresh fruit is available. If you like to eat more between meals, please feel free to bring snacks with you.

It is advisable to bring a change of clothes and toiletries in your hand luggage. If your luggage gets lost enroute it will not be able to be delivered to you until days later.

Dutch immigration require that you show your return ticket when disembarking. If you have an e-ticket please print off and bring with you the e-ticket and the itinerary.

What shoes shall I bring?

You only need sandals or other shoes for the nights on shore as you will be barefoot whenever you are aboard.

Dry bags

You will be around water for the week. If you are concerned about getting your purse, wallet or watch wet, bring a small dry bag. These can be purchased from sports and outdoor vendors. Some of them roll up and trap the air inside which has the added benefit of making the bag float.

Fishing

All of our yachts have limited fishing gear onboard - we usually troll a line when sailing from island to island and will often catch yellow fin, wahoo, mahi-mahi or similar ...... which might become lunch!

Travel insurance

We strongly advise that all guests cruising with us have fully comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all eventualities such as hotel accommodation, lost baggage, theft, changes to flights or even cruise cancellation within TradeWinds 90 day period.

Please read our travel insurance recommendations for more information.

Electricity

Most hotels in St. Maarten are wired as in the U.S.: 110 volts, 60 cycles. On the French side, all run on 220 volts, 60 cycles so a converter and adaptor plugs are needed for travel appliances.

Currency

As U.S. dollars are widely accepted on both the Dutch and the French sides, visitors do not need to exchange their U.S. money for a visit to the island. Official currency of the Dutch side is the Netherlands Antilles florin or guilder (NAF). Official currency of the French side is the Euro, as in France or in other French holdings around the world. Nearly all prices are listed in U.S. dollars as well as the local currency, so there's no need for calculating exchange rates.

Banks on the Dutch side are normally open from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. On Saturday, some banks open from 8:30 a.m. until noon. French side banks generally are open from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on weekdays. Automatic teller machines are available at several locations throughout the island.

  • First Caribbean International
  • RBTT
  • Scotia Bank
  • Windward Island Bank
  • Currency Converter

Hotel accomodation

If you wish to stay for one or more days prior to sailing we recommend the Hotel at Port de Plaisence.

Visas and restrictions

For U.S. and Canadian citizens a valid passport and a return/continuing ticket.

For European Community citizens a valid passport and a return/continuing ticket.

For other countries, kindly contact your closest Dutch Embassy/Consulate or a St. Maarten Tourist Office. Please see Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs for your closest Dutch Embassy/Consulate or a St. Maarten Tourist Office.

Prohibited items

For Travelers to St Martin:

  • Sharp Objects
  • Sporting Goods
  • Guns and Firearms
  • Tools
  • Martial Arts and Self Defense Items
  • Explosive and Flammable Materials, Disabling Chemicals and Other Dangerous Items
  • Other Items

Taxes/Service Charges

Government law requires a 5 percent room tax on all hotel rates. Most hotels and guest houses add 10 percent to 15 percent service charge in lieu of tipping. Some also add an energy surcharge.

Tipping

Most hotels and restaurants add between 10 percent and 15 percent to the bill as a service charge, and this is almost always posted in writing at the entrance, on the menu, etc. Travelers can tip more for special service. Taxi drivers expect 50 cents or $1 for short runs and more for an extended narrated tour. Airport porters should receive $2 per bag.

Member all-inclusive fees

For payment of your all-inclusive fee travellers cheques are accepted without fees. "Travel Money" cards, or similar, will incur the normal credit card fees that are passed to us from the bank.

 

Useful links

Please note that all pricing was correct at the time of publication.