Located in the Lesser Antilles in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean sea, the island of Saint Martin is a unique island, shared between France and the Netherlands, offering a captivating blend of European and Caribbean cultures. With its paradise beaches, varied water activities, and lively nightlife, the island of Saint Martin is a must-visit Caribbean destination.

The island of Saint Martin is divided into two parts:

• the French side, called Saint Martin, is located in the north and is known for its quiet beaches, gourmet restaurants, and chic yet relaxed atmosphere. You will discover charming towns such as Marigot with its colorful market and elegant shops, as well as Grand Case, known as the gastronomic capital of the island
• the Dutch side, called Sint Maarten, is located in the south and offers a more dynamic atmosphere with casinos, bars, and its famous cruise port. The town of Philipsburg is a major duty-free shopping hub, while Maho Beach is famous for the spectacular low-altitude landings of planes flying just above the beach and sunbathers

The island of Saint Martin, both the northern and southern parts, meaning both the French and Dutch sides, offers many paradise beaches, each with a different atmosphere and experience:

• Orient Bay beach (Saint Martin) is located in the northeast and is nicknamed the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean. This lively beach offers many water sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing. You will also find stylish beach restaurants and bars to relax in the sun
• Maho Beach (Sint Maarten) is located in the southwest of the island and is much more than just a beach. In fact, it is world-famous for being located at the end of the runway of Sint Maarten airport and for the extremely low-altitude flyovers of aircraft, a must-see spot for adrenaline lovers!
• Baie Rouge beach (Saint Martin) is located in the northwest of the island and is bordered to the east by majestic ochre cliffs

The island of Saint Martin is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. In addition to its beautiful beaches, you can explore marine life in the coral reefs while snorkeling or scuba diving.

The northeastern tip of the island is home to the Saint Martin National Nature Reserve, a protected marine area that stretches from Pointe des Froussards in the northwest to Babit Point in the southeast, passing by Tintamarre island in the northeast. It also includes a terrestrial zone mainly made up of part of the coastal strip bordering this marine area, as well as nearby islets such as Rocher Créole or included ones such as Ilet Pinel and Tintamarre Island.

But that's not all, the island also offers many boat excursions to nearby islands such as nearby Anguilla island to the north and the more distant Saint Barthélemy island to the southeast.

Finally, the calm waters around the island are perfect for day trips by catamaran to Tintamarre island or Ilet Pinel, jet ski outings, or paddle boarding in its protected lagoons.

The island of Saint Martin is a true cultural crossroads where French, Dutch, Caribbean, and African influences meet. Every year, the island of Saint Martin comes alive with its two carnivals: the first takes place in February on the French side, and the second in April on the Dutch side, with festivities lasting several weeks between the seafront and the shopping streets.

The island of Saint Martin, meaning the northern French side, is often considered the gastronomic capital of the Caribbean, with the village of Grand Case known for its refined restaurants offering a fusion of French and Caribbean cuisine, featuring grilled lobster, local fish, and tropical fruit desserts.

For a more authentic experience, don't miss the lolos, small traditional local eateries where barbecue is central. You can enjoy Caribbean specialties such as chicken or crab colombo, grilled fish, spicy ribs, fricassee of conch, stuffed christophines, fresh grilled catch of the day, spiced shrimp, and the famous crab and rice. On the side, you will find plantains, Creole rice, or curry rice.

The island of Saint Martin is accessible by plane via the Princess Juliana International Airport located at the western tip of the Dutch side of the island. This airport receives direct flights from North America and Europe.

The island of Saint Martin is also accessible by sea by ferry from neighboring islands such as Anguilla or Saint Barthélemy. Ferries departing from Gustavia port on Saint Barthélemy island reach Philipsburg in 45 minutes, the fastest crossing, compared to 1 hour to Marigot.

The Pointe Blanche cruise terminal southeast of Philipsburg is a stop for cruise ships touring the Caribbean islands.

The island of Saint Martin is a duty-free zone, making it a shopping paradise. In Philipsburg, along the waterfront, you will find a wide range of shops offering luxury goods, jewelry, designer clothing, and electronics at attractive prices. Marigot, on the French side, also hosts local craft markets where you can buy souvenirs.

The island of Saint Martin is nicknamed Friendly Island due to the large number of different nationalities living together on the island.

Sint Maarten, the Dutch part of the island of Saint Martin, concentrates most of the island's tourism.