St Maarten is a Caribbean island divided between the Netherlands and France, with the Dutch side called Sint Maarten and the French side called Saint-Martin. The island sits about 300 miles east of Puerto Rico.
The division is roughly 60/40, with the Dutch side comprising about 34 square miles and the French side about 21 square miles. The border runs through the island's central area, with the Dutch capital Philipsburg on the south coast and the French capital Marigot on the northeast coast.
This unique arrangement makes St Maarten one of the world's few places where you can cross international borders by foot or car without passport control, though ID is recommended.
| Dutch Side (Sint Maarten) | French Side (Saint-Martin) |
|---|---|
| More developed tourism infrastructure | More low-key, residential feel |
| Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) | Grand Case Airport (SFGF) |
| Famous for Maho Beach near the airport runway | Known for its gourmet restaurants in Grand Case |
Most visitors arrive at Princess Juliana International Airport on the Dutch side, which handles flights from major US cities, Canada, Europe, and other Caribbean destinations. The French side has its own smaller airport.
Cruise ships frequently dock in Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side. Ferries connect St Maarten to neighboring islands like Anguilla and Sint Eustatius.
Many travelers confuse St Maarten with other nearby islands. The Dutch side is part of the Netherlands, while the French side is an overseas collectivity of France. This is different from neighboring islands that are independent nations or US territories.
Another frequent mistake is assuming the entire island follows Dutch or French customs and laws. In reality, each side operates under its own legal system, though they share some services like tourism promotion.
When I visited St Maarten, I crossed between the Dutch and French sides several times during my stay. The most noticeable difference was the language - Dutch and English predominate on one side, while French is more common on the other. However, most businesses cater to tourists and offer multilingual service.
To experience the full diversity of the island, I recommend visiting both capitals. Philipsburg offers duty-free shopping and beachfront bars, while Marigot features charming French architecture and gourmet dining options.