Saint Martin
Nestling between the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, the island of St. Martin is a unique and deliciously captivating territory full of surprises. Easily accessible from most major international airports, Saint Martin offers its guests an unspoilt natural environment between land and sea. Come and explore the natural beauty of the island’s landscapes and authentic sight-seeing locations. The “Friendly Island” will also charm you with its joyous, multicultural atmosphere, festive nightlife, and fusion cuisine of French, Creole, and other exotic flavors. With 37 beaches on the island, treat yourself to a culinary or action-packed adventure, or just some rest and relaxation in the Caribbean sun!
Gourmets, hikers, dreamers, and adventurers all find what they’re looking for on the aptly-nicknamed Friendly Island that has so many riches to offer. The perfect climate and heavenly settings make the charming island of Saint Martin the ideal destination at any time of year, to get away alone or with a partner, family, or friends, for a relaxing break, a chance to explore, or an action-packed vacation.
Everyone finds their own recipe for an unforgettable stay on one of the most appealing islands in the entire Caribbean.”
Dining
Good food is an integral part of the joys of Saint Martin. As a melting pot of 120 different nationalities, the island’s wealth lies in its diversity and unique character. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey around a flavorful world where local specialties are served alongside international dishes. For the locals, the melting pot of peoples has always been the heart and soul of their culture, and their sense of togetherness naturally comes with their principles of hospitality and sharing. Indeed, the essence of a culture is reflected in its cuisine; it’s where paths and local traditions intersect. The West Indies benefit from an exceptional climate that promotes a diversity of produce rich in flavour and colour.
Saint Martin provides the perfect backdrop for its world-famous cuisine, allowing top chefs to showcase their undeniable creativity. You’re in the right place if you want to immerse yourself in the island’s culture, preserve ancient legacies, and rediscover French traditions along the way.
With its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant culture, Saint Martin is truly a paradise for food lovers and adventurers alike. Whether you’re indulging in fresh seafood at a beachside restaurant, exploring local markets filled with exotic fruits and spices, or savoring a gourmet meal prepared by a world-renowned chef, every bite tells a story of the island’s rich history and cultural diversity.
Quick Facts
Languages spoken: French, English, Creole
Banking & Banking Hours: In the French part of Saint Martin, you’ll find several major banks, including Banque Européenne Crédit Mutuel (BECM) and various branches of Crédit Agricole. Most banks are generally open from Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 1:30pm.
Currency: The Euros, but the USD is widely accepted
Climate: Saint Martin enjoys an average temperature of 27C year round
Dress Code: In French Saint Martin, the dress code is generally relaxed and casual, especially during the day and on the beach. However, for more formal occasions like fine dining, a smart casual look is preferred.
Driving: Driving is on the right-hand side of the road; valid Canadian driver’s licenses are accepted.
Electricity: 220V/60Hz – European sockets; adapters are required.
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time, Daylight Savings Time is not observed. In the winter, Saint Martin will be an hour ahead of EST, while in the summer, Saint Martin has the same time zone as EST (GMT -4)
Activities
On this island, there’s plenty to do and lots to explore, both on land and at sea. Between heavenly beaches, watersports, and enchanting landscapes, some fabulous discoveries are waiting to be made. Walks in the Nature Reserve or treetop adventures under the canopy at Loterie Farm, the green lung of the island. On Saint Martin, you can do something different every day, from exploring in the mangroves by kayak to taking a boat to the uninhabited island of Tintamarre.
When the sun is shining, you can indulge in snorkeling and diving adventures in the crystal-clear waters, where vibrant coral reefs teem with marine life. For adrenaline lovers, there are thrilling jet ski rides, parasailing experiences, and windsurfing sessions along the coast. And if you prefer a more relaxed pace, you can simply lounge on the pristine beaches, soaking up the sun and sipping on refreshing cocktails.
With its perfect blend of natural beauty and thrilling activities, Saint Martin offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re seeking excitement on the water or tranquility on the shore, this island paradise has something for everyone to enjoy.
Travel Essentials
Flight Information
Visitors arrive on the Dutch side of the island after a short 4 ½ hour flight from Toronto and Montreal.
From Toronto:
Air Canada: In high season, Air Canada offers five weekly direct, non-stop flights (Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays).
WestJet: WestJet offers year-round service from six flights per week in high season (every day except Saturday), to three flights in low season.
Transat: In high season, Transat offers one weekly direct, non-stop flight on Saturdays.
From Montreal:
Air Canada: In high season, Air Canada offers up to four weekly direct, non-stop flights (Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays & Sundays).
WestJet: In high season, WestJet offers one weekly direct, non-stop flight on Thursdays.
Transat: In high season, Transat offers four weekly direct, non-stop flights (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays).
Entry Requirements for Canadians
NEW! Effective October 8th, all travellers must complete a digital entry form BEFORE boarding their flight to SXM (Princess Juliana International Airport). Click HERE to access the form.
Canadian tourists do not require a visa to enter Saint Martin. Valid passports are required and it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Saint Martin. You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket. As International flights arrive on the Dutch side of the island, Canadians must clear immigration and customs at the Princess Juliana Airport (and must complete the new digital entry form noted above). There are no additional customs required to enter the French side of the island from the Dutch side.
For additional information, consult your Travel Advisor or The Government of Canada’s Entry and Exit Requirements: English / French
Long Stays
Coming Soon
Getting Married
Couples who come from across the world get married on Saint Martin have usually already had their civil ceremony in their country of origin. It is however possible to organize a non-religious ceremony. If this is what you’re looking for, come and bring to life an original, personalized ceremony and let your imagination run wild.
Those who are lucky enough to have a vacation home on the island, can have their civil ceremony at the Hôtel de la Collectivité.
To get married on Saint Martin, if you are a French citizen, you will have to provide photocopies of proof of identity for you and for your three witnesses, an official copy of your birth certificate (dating less than 3 months), a photocopy of proof of residence and your prenuptial agreement (if there is one). Citizens of other countries will also need to provide a declaration of marital status, dating less than 3 months, a certificate of no impediment and a certificate of national custom.
On the Dutch side of the island, the official ceremony can take place in any place or specific site outdoors. The marriage officer will come to the chosen place, and the marriage is legally binding.
A religious wedding is also possible. A Christian wedding can only be held at a church. However, for a Protestant or Jewish wedding, the religious officer can come to another place to hold the ceremony.
Cultural/Annual Events
Throughout each year, Saint Martin has exciting events and festivals planned. Here a few popular events…see out calendar for more!
Les Mardis de Grand Case: (aka Harmony Night) is a street fair where locals sell food and arts/crafts. Occurs every Tuesday night (6:00-10:30 pm) from January to April.
Saint Martin Carnival: Every year, the island of Saint Martin vibrates to the rhythm of the two carnivals. The first takes place in February on the French side, and the second is in April on the Dutch side. The festivities go on for weeks, between the seafront and the shopping streets.
SXM Music Festival: The SXM Festival is the biggest electronic music festival in the Caribbean. Visitors can enjoy five days of electronic music bliss with festivities at beach clubs, VIP villas, and private beaches throughout the island. A lineup of talented DJs and international artists will take participants on an exciting musical journey.
Festival de la Gastronomie : Held annually in November, the Saint Martin Culinary Festival allows visitors to rediscover the island’s local cuisine and culinary diversity.
Public and Government Holidays observed throughout the year:
(Please note that on holidays, most stores remain open at least until midday however, restaurants are open. Government-run establishments are closed on all of the holidays listed below.)
2026 Public Holidays
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – New Year’s Day
Friday, April 3, 2026 – Good Friday (stores closed)
Sunday, April 5, 2026 – Easter Sunday
Monday, April 6, 2026 – Easter Monday
Friday, May 1, 2026 – Labour Day
Friday, May 8, 2026 – Victory Day (Commemorates the end of WWII in Europe)
Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Ascension Day
Monday, May 25, 2026 – Whit Monday
Thursday, May 28, 2026 – Abolition Day (Commemorates the abolition of slavery in French colonies)
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 – Bastille Day / French National Day (Marks the date of the French Revolution/storming of the Bastille)
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 – Victor Schoelscher Day (Birth of politician who advocated for the abolition of slavery)
Saturday, August 15, 2025 – Assumption Day
Sunday, November 1, 2026 – All Saints’ Day
Wednesday, November 11, 2026 – Armistice Day (Commemorates the armistice signed at the end of WWI) / Saint Martin Day
Friday, December 25, 2026 – Christmas Day
Medical & Dental Information
MEDICAL CARE:
Louis Constant Fleming Medical Center of Saint Martin
BP 381 – Spring Concordia
Admissions Tel: +590 590 52 25 25
Urgent Care Tel: +590 590 52 25 29
Learn more about the medical services available.
In case of emergency, the medical system operates like on mainland France:
Ambulance (SAMU): dial 15
For Police: dial 17
For the Fire Department: dial 18
There are multiple pharmacies available on the French side of the island, and all common medications can be found.
EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE:
SXM Dental Clinic: Phone: +590 690 66 55 55
Cabinet Dentaire des Caraîbes: Phone: +590 590 29 21 01
Divers should be aware that there is no hyperbaric chamber. If you require treatment for decompression illness you will have to go to Saba or Guadeloupe.
Accessibility
French Saint Martin has significantly improved access for visitors with physical disabilities, particularly since Hurricane Irma in 2017, which led to new regulations requiring all hotels on the French side to be accessible. Many hotels, restaurants, and attractions now feature ramps, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spaces. Public transportation options are also becoming more accommodating, with some services offering wheelchair access. Additionally, airports have staff trained to assist passengers with reduced mobility, providing necessary support from check-in to boarding.
Please ensure that your airline is aware of any special needs travel prior to departure from Canada.
Airport Services
Visitors from Canada travelling on a national carrier will arrive on the Dutch side at Princess Juliana International Airport. The airport located on the French side in Grand Case does welcome private jets as well as flights from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Lucia, the Dominican Republic, St. Barths, Miami, and Paris, France.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM): Learn More
Airport transportation companies (see contact information below) provide assistance upon request, but must be arranged in advance. Additional services provided include:
- Accessible restrooms – all washrooms offer wheelchair accessible stalls
- Wheelchair Assistance: available at the airline counters
- Elevators and ramps are available
Grand Case Espérance Airport (SFG): Learn More
The Grand Case airport follows European regulations with all services pertaining to wheelchair accessibility.
- Accessible restrooms – all washrooms offer wheelchair accessible stalls
- Wheelchair Assistance: available at the airline counters
- Ramps are available
It is possible to be picked up from outside the terminal from the intercom in the main car park to your seat on the plane (or from the exit of the plane to outside the terminal).
Marigot Ferry Terminal
At the ferry terminal in Marigot, staff are available to help those requiring special assistance to get on and off the boat. The terminal area is relatively flat with no steps (no ramps are required). Learn more.
- Accessible restrooms – all washrooms offer wheelchair accessible stalls
Transportation & Activities:
Airport Transfers and wheelchair accessible activities can be organized through the following companies (please note that these companies service both the French and Dutch sides of Saint Martin):
Connors Wheelchair Services
Tel: +590 690 40 40 45
Email: connorswcs@gmail.com
St. Maarten Disability Tours
Tel: (721) 554-8409
Website: St.Maarten Access a Tour
Accessible Ventures
Tel: (721) 542-0411
Email : reservations@accessibleventures.sx
Website: Accessible Ventures
For accessibility information at hotels located in French Saint Martin please consult the hotel’s individual websites.
Brochures
Our Practical Guide to Saint Martin has a lot of information for you and your clients and is available in both English and in French. As well, The Friendly Cuisine (link below) highlights our Gastronomy Festival held each year in November.
The Friendly Cuisine Restaurant Guide
