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Search 25 islands by vibe, season, language, or sustainability.
Search 25 islands by vibe, season, language, or sustainability.
locally: Saint-Martin
The gourmet French side — Grand Case lolos, protected reefs, and barefoot chic.
The French half of the island and the culinary capital of the northeastern Caribbean, Saint-Martin swaps cruise bustle for the restaurants of Grand Case, the protected reefs of the Réserve Naturelle, and quiet coves like Happy Bay and Pinel Island. Same island as Sint Maarten — just softer, slower, and a little more Provençal.
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Currency
EUR
USD accepted
Language
French
+ English
Power
Type C/E
230V · 50Hz
Driving
Right
US-style
Airport
SFG
Grand
Emergency
112
Police · Fire
Réserve Naturelle Nationale de Saint-Martin (protected marine reserve)
Les Fruits de Mer conservation association
Coral reef monitoring programs
Plastic reduction initiatives
Monthly breakdown
Hurricane risk: HighJan
Best
Feb
Best
Mar
Best
Apr
Best
May
—
Jun
—
Jul
—
Aug
Rain
Sep
Rain
Oct
Rain
Nov
Rain
Dec
Best
Major events
Carnaval de Saint-Martin
Les Mardis de Grand Case
Fête de la Musique
Fête de la Gastronomie
18.12°N, 63.02°W
A car-free islet a short boat ride off Cul-de-Sac — shallow turquoise water, beach bars, and easy snorkeling.
18.07°N, 63.12°W
A secluded beach reached by a short trail past Friar's Bay — no crowds, no development.
18.07°N, 63.09°W
Hilltop French fort ruins above Marigot with panoramic views across to Anguilla.
Smoky ribs, chicken, and johnny cakes from the open-air 'lolo' grills lining Grand Case beach.
Crispy salted-cod fritters — the classic French-Caribbean appetizer.
A French-Antillean curry of chicken or goat in fragrant colombo spice, served with rice.
Transport
Drive on the right — the border with Dutch Sint Maarten is open and unmarked, so crossing is seamless.
Nature
East-facing beaches like Orient Bay can collect sargassum seaweed in summer; west-coast bays stay clearer.
Nature
Hurricane season runs June to November; Saint-Martin was hit hard by Irma in 2017 — check forecasts in peak months.
General
The euro is the currency, but US dollars are widely accepted and cards work in most restaurants.
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