Sint Maarten

Overview

Covering just 34 km² on the southern half of a bi-national island, Dutch Sint Maarten charms visitors with duty free shopping, vibrant nightlife, and the thrill of low flying jets at Maho Beach.

Geography & Nature

Rolling limestone hills, the salt water Simpson Bay Lagoon (one of the Caribbean’s largest), and more than 30 beaches define the landscape. Offshore reefs offer accessible snorkeling and diving, while trails up Sentry Hill provide sweeping vistas.

Economy & Resources

The economy revolves around cruise tourism, duty free retail, casinos, and yachting. A post Irma reconstruction boom prioritised hurricane resilient architecture and solar micro grids. E-commerce and fintech enterprises enjoy tax incentives in the e-Zone.

Culture & People

Over 120 nationalities call Sint Maarten home, creating a cosmopolitan tapestry of languages, cuisines, and festivals. Carnival in April and the Heineken Regatta in March attract global audiences.

Cuisine

• Guavaberry rum liqueur
• Dutch pancakes with Caribbean toppings
• BBQ “lolo” ribs in Cole Bay
• Johnny cakes and saltfish
• Fresh mango smoothies from roadside shacks

Events & Highlights

• Heineken Regatta (March)
• Sint Maarten Carnival (April)
• SXM Festival (electronic music, March)

10 Fascinating Facts About Sint Maarten

1. Drives on the right—unique among Dutch territories.
2. Princess Juliana runway (2 180 m) is world famous for plane spotting.
3. Lagoon spans 1 800 ha and borders both nations.
4. Rebuilt with “build back better” green codes post 2017.
5. Home to one of the Caribbean’s busiest cruise ports.
6. Great Salt Pond historically fueled a salt trade empire.
7. Immigration policy offers four year investor residency.
8. Hosts an annual billfish tournament for sport fishing.
9. Motto: “The Friendly Island,” shared with French side.
10. Philipsburg’s boardwalk was expanded with recycled plastic lumber in 2023.

Conclusion

Sint Maarten pulses with energy—offering cosmopolitan streets, thrilling beach landings, and seamless cultural fusion in a compact paradise.