The Dutch side of St Maarten (officially: Sint Maarten) is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. However, the country has its own prime minister and government, but shares military and foreign affairs with the other countries in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The King of the Netherlands, Willem Alexander, is represented on island by the local head of state, his excellency the Governor.
Though this part of the island comprises of 40% of its landmass, it is more densely populated than the French side of the island. On the Dutch side you will find three times the amount of hotels rooms.
The most well known areas for tourists on Dutch side St Maarten are its seaside capital.
Philipsburg, seaside resort towns Simpson Bay, Maho, Indigo Bay, binational Oyster Bay and Cupecoy.
For a full overview of the Dutch side take a look at our interactive map!
• US dollars are being used mostly, but the national currency is National Antillean Florin (NAF).
• Whereas the country is part of the Netherlands, it is not part of the European union but has a special status of OCTA within this body.
• The borders with the French side are open and freely accessible
• Its airport Princess Juliana Airport, flight code SXM, serves the vast majority of traffic incoming to the island.
• Philipsburg ranks amongst the most visited ports of call for cruises in the world.
• Its most important yearly events are Carnival and the Heineken Regatta, attracting a large international crowd.
For daily activities and tours on land and at sea, see our menus!
For more fun facts, see our dedicated website. For more travel information, click here.
St Maarten / St Martin is culturally a Caribbean island, with a very special and distinct binational, multicultural culture mix of its own and many monuments but for those who are looking for a ”touch of Dutch”, the Dutch side of St Maarten has various hidden links. From the monument Fort Amsterdam or Peter Stuyvesant in de cruise port to Dutch cafes like: Dutch Blonde Beach bar. On the menu you will find Dutch pancakes and Dutch Blonde, a craft beer made by Caribbean Brewing company.
Go to Holland House Beach Hotel to try ”bitterballen” or to Dutch bar AMAsterdam with their own original Amsterdam tram in it’s so called ”steegje”. The Dutch Side of St Maarten is as Dutch as it can get!
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