St Maarten Overview
This popular destination in the former Netherlands Antilles is lined with a stunning coastline, and is a popular destination for sailing enthusiasts and divers.
The island's most prominent geographical feature is Mount Flagstaff, an extinct volcano.
| PUBLIC HOLIDAYS |
|
|
| 01-Jan |
New Year's Day |
21-Jul |
Schloelcher Day |
| 16-Apr |
Start of Carnival |
21-Oct |
Antillean Day |
| 22-Apr |
Good Friday |
01-Nov |
All Saint's Day |
| 30-Apr |
Queen's Birthday |
11-Nov |
St Maarten Day |
| 02-May |
May Day |
15-Dec |
Kingdom Day |
| 02-Jun |
Ascension |
25-Dec |
Christmas Day |
| 13-Jun |
Whit Monday |
26-Dec |
Boxing Day |
| 14-Jul |
Bastille Day |
|
|
| Climate |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
| Average Temperature (C) |
27 |
27 |
28 |
28 |
29 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
31 |
30 |
29 |
28 |
| Average Rainfall (mm) |
63 |
33 |
41 |
58 |
58 |
97 |
97 |
89 |
94 |
110 |
97 |
94 |
GMT -4. Daylight Savings Time is not observed.
St Maarten Things to do
DIVING
The excellent diving conditions feature striking coral reefs located close to the shore, and the wreck of HMS Proselyte, a British man-of-war which sank in 1801.
St Maarten Currency
Netherlands Antilles Guilder or Florin (ANG; symbol Æ) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Æ100, 50, 25 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Æ5 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.
There are also a large number of commemorative coins which are legal tender. US Dollars are widely accepted, and prices are usually quoted in both Dollars and Guilders.
The Antilles Guilder is linked to the US Dollar.
St Maarten Health
There is a general hospital, the St Maarten Medical Centre (543 1111) in Cayhill.
Medical care is good. Medical insurance is advised.
St Maarten Tipping
15% is included in hotel bills for staff gratuities plus government taxes of 5%. Porters expect $1 per bag. Taxi drivers expect up to $1.
St Maarten Transport
Taxis are readily available and will take you from one island to another; the prices are based on two passengers. There are surcharges for late night/early morning pick ups.
Buses are privately owned Jitneys, carrying up to 12 or 14 passengers. You can flag the buses down almost anywhere but this being the case may mean they are busy.
St Maarten Banks
Mon-Fri 0830-1130 and 1330-1630. Some banks are also open on Saturday.
St Maarten Electricity
110V 60HzHz. An elecrtrical converter plug will be needed
St Maarten 5 Day Weather Forecast