Sint Maarten

Sint Maarten is the Dutch southern part of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, a small but lively destination known for its beaches, turquoise water and easygoing island atmosphere. It forms a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and shares the island with the French collectivity of Saint-Martin. Philipsburg, the capital, is the main hub with a cruise port, duty-free shops along Front Street and access to Great Bay. Simpson Bay, Maho and Cole Bay are other busy areas, with Maho Beach famous for low-flying aircraft approaching Princess Juliana International Airport. The island offers a dry, hilly landscape ringed by many sandy beaches, including Mullet Bay, Cupecoy and Great Bay. Dutch and Caribbean influences shape the local food, music and traditions, while sites such as Fort Amsterdam recall the island's colonial past. Tourism is central to Sint Maarten's economy, supported by cruise arrivals, resorts, restaurants, yachting and water sports. The island's port and airport also make it an important regional gateway for the northeastern Caribbean. Sint Maarten is compact and relatively easy to cross by car, taxi or shuttle. Princess Juliana International Airport connects the island to international destinations, while a road network links Philipsburg, Simpson Bay and other communities, supporting convenient journeys between the airport, hotels, beaches and the cruise port.