Caribbean Destination Guide
Where Is St. Maarten? Location, Map & Travel Guide
St. Maarten is a beautiful Caribbean island located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, east of Puerto Rico and close to Anguilla, St. Barts and Saba.
St. Maarten is in the northeastern Caribbean, in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. The island is shared by two territories: Dutch Sint Maarten in the south and French Saint-Martin in the north.
At a Glance
St. Maarten Location Facts
Find Us in the Caribbean
Where Is St. Maarten on the Map?
St. Maarten lies in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean island chain. It is located east of Puerto Rico, south of Anguilla and northwest of St. Barts.
Use the interactive map to explore St. Maarten, Saint-Martin and the surrounding Caribbean islands.
Good to know: Although the island has two political jurisdictions, visitors can generally travel between the Dutch and French sides without routine border checkpoints.
One Island, Two Countries
Is St. Maarten Dutch or French?
Both! The island is divided into two territories with distinct governments, cultures and traditions. The southern part is Dutch Sint Maarten, while the northern part is French Saint-Martin.
Dutch Sint Maarten
The southern part of the island is Sint Maarten, a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- Capital: Philipsburg
- Airport: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)
- Currency: Caribbean guilder; US dollars widely accepted
- Languages: Dutch and English are official languages
- Popular areas: Simpson Bay, Maho, Mullet Bay and Philipsburg
French Saint-Martin
The northern part of the island is Saint-Martin, an overseas collectivity of France.
- Main town: Marigot
- Airport: Grand Case–Espérance Airport (SFG)
- Currency: Euro; US dollars may also be accepted
- Official language: French
- Popular areas: Orient Bay, Grand Case, Marigot and Anse Marcel
The two sides share an island of approximately 96 square kilometers (37 square miles), making St. Maarten one of the Caribbean's most distinctive destinations. Learn more about its history in our guide to St. Maarten and St. Martin: One Island Divided by a Border .
Understanding the Island
Is St. Maarten a Country?
Yes. Sint Maarten is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, alongside the Netherlands, Aruba and Curaçao. It has its own government and responsibility for many internal affairs.
French Saint-Martin, by contrast, is an overseas collectivity of France and is part of the French Republic.
Neither side is an independent sovereign state. Their constitutional relationships with the Netherlands and France are different, even though they share the same island.
Is St. Maarten Part of the United States?
No. St. Maarten is not a US territory. It is a Caribbean island shared between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin. American visitors are among the island's important tourism markets, and US dollars are widely used on the Dutch side.
Getting to the Island
How Do You Get to St. Maarten?
Most international visitors arrive by air through Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), located on the Dutch side of the island. St. Maarten is also a major Caribbean cruise destination, with cruise ships calling at Philipsburg.
Fly to St. Maarten
Princess Juliana International Airport connects the island with international and regional destinations. Flight routes and schedules vary by airline and season.
Explore Flights →Arrive by Cruise Ship
Cruise passengers typically arrive at the cruise facilities in Philipsburg, on the Dutch side of St. Maarten.
Explore Island Excursions →Travel Between Islands
Regional flights and ferry services connect St. Maarten with several nearby islands, depending on the destination and operating schedule.
Explore St. Barts Trips →Arriving at SXM Airport? Plan ahead with private airport transfers or compare St. Maarten car rentals for your vacation.
Island Hopping
What Islands Are Near St. Maarten?
St. Maarten is surrounded by several beautiful Caribbean islands, making it an excellent base for exploring the northeastern Caribbean.
Anguilla
Located just north of St. Maarten, Anguilla is known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can travel between St. Maarten and Anguilla by ferry.
Book the Anguilla Fast Ferry →St. Barts
Saint Barthélemy, commonly called St. Barts, lies southeast of St. Maarten and is known for beaches, restaurants, shopping and luxury travel. Ferry and air connections are available.
Explore St. Barts Trips →Saba
The Dutch Caribbean island of Saba lies southwest of St. Maarten and is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscape, Mount Scenery, hiking trails and diving. Travel between the islands is possible by ferry or regional flight.
Explore Saba Island Hopping →Planning Your Visit
What Is the Weather Like in St. Maarten?
St. Maarten has a warm tropical climate throughout the year, making it a popular destination for beach vacations. Temperatures are generally warm in every season, with wetter and drier periods.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30. Travelers visiting during this period should monitor weather forecasts and consider appropriate travel insurance.
Read Our St. Maarten Weather Guide →Essential Travel Information
Things to Know Before Visiting St. Maarten
| Time Zone | Atlantic Standard Time (UTC−4). St. Maarten does not observe daylight saving time. |
|---|---|
| Driving | Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road on both sides of the island. |
| Currency | The Dutch side uses the Caribbean guilder, while the French side uses the euro. US dollars are widely accepted, particularly on the Dutch side. |
| Languages | English is widely spoken. Dutch and English are official on the Dutch side, while French is the official language on the French side. |
| Border | Visitors can generally move between the Dutch and French sides without routine border checkpoints. |
| Entry Requirements | Passport, visa and entry requirements depend on your nationality and the jurisdiction you are entering. |
For more information, see our St. Maarten visa and entry requirements guide .
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is St. Maarten? FAQs
Where exactly is St. Maarten located?
St. Maarten is located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea, in the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, east of Puerto Rico.
Is St. Maarten in the Caribbean?
Yes. St. Maarten is a Caribbean island situated in the northeastern part of the region.
Is St. Maarten part of the USA?
No. Dutch Sint Maarten is a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. French Saint-Martin is an overseas collectivity of France.
What country owns St. Maarten?
The island is divided between Dutch Sint Maarten and French Saint-Martin. Sint Maarten is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while Saint-Martin is part of France.
Is St. Maarten the same as St. Martin?
Both names refer to the same Caribbean island, but they are also used for its two jurisdictions: Sint Maarten on the Dutch side and Saint-Martin on the French side.
What is the capital of St. Maarten?
Philipsburg is the capital of Dutch Sint Maarten. Marigot is the main town and administrative center of French Saint-Martin.
What airport do you fly into for St. Maarten?
Most international visitors fly into Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side.
What islands are closest to St. Maarten?
Nearby islands include Anguilla, St. Barts and Saba, along with other islands in the northeastern Caribbean.
Do you need a passport to visit St. Maarten?
International travelers generally need a valid travel document. Specific passport and visa requirements depend on nationality, residency and travel circumstances.
Can you drive between St. Maarten and St. Martin?
Yes. Roads connect the Dutch and French sides, and there are generally no routine border checkpoints. Rental car terms should be checked before crossing.
Ready to Discover St. Maarten?
Now that you know where St. Maarten is located, start planning your Caribbean vacation with accommodations, tours and transportation.
Find Hotels → Explore Tours → Rent a Car →Explore More St. Maarten Travel Guides
Things to Do in St. Maarten
Discover beaches, excursions, activities and attractions across the island.
Explore Things to Do →7-Day St. Maarten Itinerary
Plan a week of beaches, restaurants, adventures and island exploration.
View the Itinerary →St. Maarten Travel Guides
Browse practical information to help you plan and enjoy your island vacation.
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