Two countries, one island, no border post
Dutch casinos and duty-free on one side, French beaches and bakeries on the other, ten minutes apart.
St. Maarten is two countries on one small island. The southern half is Dutch, the northern half is French, and you cross between them by road without a checkpoint. That is most of the appeal: Dutch-side casinos and duty-free shopping one day, French-side beaches and bakeries the next, on an island you can drive around in an afternoon.
Maho Beach sits directly under the approach to Princess Juliana airport, which is why the photographs of aircraft passing low over the sand exist. Orient Bay, on the French side, is the longer and quieter stretch.
All-inclusive at Maho Beach on the Dutch side, beside the airport approach.
On Orient Bay on the French side, the island's longest beach.
Valid passport required. Confirm current entry requirements before booking.
Netherlands Antillean guilder on the Dutch side, though US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Euros on the French side.
Standard travel precautions. Resort and beach areas are well used and busy.
No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers. Check closer to your date.
