St. Maarten Drone Laws: Ultimate Guide To Fly On The Dutch & French Side

Can you fly a drone in St. Maarten / Saint-Martin?

Yes — but only if you follow the rules.

On the Dutch side (Sint Maarten), drones face some of the strictest limits in the Caribbean:

• 3 km no-fly zone around Princess Juliana Airport and Maho Beach
• Additional bans over Simpson Bay Lagoon, Mullet Bay, and other popular areas
• Insurance and visible ID labels are mandatory
• Permits required for commercial work or flights inside restricted zones

On the French side (Saint-Martin), EU drone regulations apply:

• Most camera drones must be registered on AlphaTango
• Maximum altitude is 120 meters
• Always check the official Géoportail map for geozones
• Publishing footage of people requires their consent

Bottom line: You can fly a drone in St. Maarten in 2025 — but only outside the restricted areas, with paperwork in order, and by respecting both Dutch and French laws.

How the island is split (and why rules differ)

St. Maarten is unusual because it’s governed by two countries. The southern half is Dutch Sint Maarten, while the northern half is French Saint-Martin. There’s no border control when you drive across, but the drone laws change the moment you cross the line.

• Dutch Sint Maarten: Rules come from the Sint Maarten Civil Aviation Authority (SMCAA).
• French Saint-Martin: Follows EU/DGAC drone regulations.

For travelers, that means one island but two sets of rules. Always confirm which side you’re on before launching, and plan flights accordingly.

Sint Maarten (Dutch side): what’s legal and what’s not

The Dutch side has some of the strictest drone laws in the Caribbean. If you plan to fly here, pay close attention to the limits:

Core rules for all flights (Dutch Sint Maarten)

• No need to register your drone if you are flying recreationally outside restricted zones
• Insurance is mandatory (liability coverage)
• Drone must be clearly marked with operator’s name, address, and telephone number
• Maximum altitude: 120 meters (400 ft) AGL
• Drone must stay within 500 meters (1,640 ft) of the operator
• Always keep the drone in visual line of sight (VLOS)
  • If using FPV goggles, a second person must act as the visual observer
• Never fly at night or in bad weather (clouds, fog, heavy wind/rain)
• Do not fly over:
  • Airports, heliports, and aircraft flight paths
  • Crowds or large gatherings of people
  • Security-sensitive areas or critical infrastructure (police, parliament, hospital, banks, prison, port, marinas, etc.)
  • Other people’s property lower than 20 m without the owner’s consent
• Always keep clear of manned aircraft and maintain safe separation from other drones and people
• Do not operate a drone under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Do not modify your drone beyond manufacturer’s specifications
• Respect privacy: no photos, videos, or audio recordings of people or property without consent
• Minors must be supervised by an adult at all times when operating a drone
• Commercial flights or operations in no-fly zones require SMCAA authorization

Tip: Even recreational pilots should carry proof of insurance and ID labeling — inspectors may ask for it if you’re stopped.

Official no-fly zones

The 2019 regulation defines several areas where drones cannot fly:

• 3 km radius around Princess Juliana International Airport (TNCM) — this includes Maho Beach
• Simpson Bay Lagoon (and over the Lagoon)
• Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay Beach, Kimsha, Beacon Hill, Cay Bay
• Critical facilities and standoff distances:
  • Police, Courthouse, Parliament, Hospital, Central Bank, Coast Guard, Fire, Telecom: 50 m
  • Prison: 100 m
  • Port: 500 m
  • Marinas: 100 m

Good to know: DJI’s in-app GEO zones don’t always match the official law. Always cross-check with the SMCAA regulation before flying.

Permits and exemptions in Sint Maarten

On the Dutch side, permits are mandatory for:

• Any commercial drone operations
• Any flight inside a restricted zone (for example, Maho Beach, Simpson Bay Lagoon, or near the port)

There is no need for a permit if you are flying as a hobby.

How to apply:

1. Contact the SMCAA (Sint Maarten Civil Aviation Authority) — applications are handled directly by their office.
2. Submit required documents:
   • Pilot details and qualifications
   • Drone make, model, and serial number
   • Flight dates, times, and exact locations
   • Proof of insurance
   • Safety plan and risk mitigations
3. Wait for authorization — approvals come in the form of an official letter, outlining conditions such as altitude limits, time windows, and operational boundaries.

Key points:

• Processing time is usually faster now that the authority has delegated exemption approvals to the SMCAA director.
• Even with a permit, you must follow all general rules (120 m ceiling, VLOS, no crowds, ID label).
• Carry a copy of your authorization letter with you while flying — inspectors may ask for it.

For more info, download the official drone regulation PDF from the Sint Maarten government.

Contact information

For specific questions about drone flying and authorization for commercial operations, contact the Sint Maarten Civil Aviation Authority (SMCAA) directly at:

• Phone: +1 721 542-2337 or +1 721 545-0111
• Email: maritimesxm@sintmaartengov.org

Saint-Martin (French side): EU drone rules in plain English

On the northern side of the island, French Saint-Martin follows EU and French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) regulations. The framework is different from the Dutch side, but just as important to follow.

Core rules for recreational pilots

• You must register your drone (see below)
• Maximum altitude: 120 meters (400 ft)
• Keep the drone within visual line of sight
• Avoid flying directly over people, unless your drone and category specifically allow it
• Stay away from airports, heliports, and sensitive areas shown on the official geozone map

Registration and training

• Most drones with cameras (and any drone over 250 g) must be registered on AlphaTango, the French drone operator portal
• Registered pilots receive an operator ID (FRA-XXXX) that must be marked on the drone
• Online training and a knowledge test may be required, depending on the drone and category

How to register your drone on AlphaTango

If you’re flying on the French side of Saint-Martin, any drone over 250 g or with a camera (so the DJI Mini series as well) must be registered on AlphaTango, the official French drone portal. Here’s how:

1. Create an account
   • Go to AlphaTango
   • Sign up as an “exploitant d’aéronef télépiloté” (UAS operator)
2. Add your drone
   • Enter the make, model, and serial number
   • Confirm if it has a camera
3. Get your operator ID
   • Once registered, you’ll receive an ID starting with FRA-XXXX
   • This ID must be stuck visibly on your drone (print or engrave a label)
4. Complete the training (if required)
   • For drones over 800 g, you’ll need to pass an online training course and quiz on AlphaTango
   • Keep the certificate with you when flying
5. Check geozones before each flight
   • Use the Géoportail UAS map to confirm where flights are allowed
   • Restrictions appear near airports, heliports, and the Nature Reserve

Tip for tourists: Registration is free and takes only a few minutes online. Do it before your trip so you’re ready to fly as soon as you arrive.

Where to check airspace

• The Géoportail UAS geozones map is the official source for no-fly areas on the French side
• It shows restricted zones near Grand Case Airport (TFFG), the Nature Reserve, and other sensitive sites

Privacy and publishing

• French law protects privacy: you cannot publish or share footage of people without their consent
• Breaking privacy rules can result in fines or legal action

Local enforcement

• The Prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy & Saint-Martin manages local drone matters and points pilots to DGAC’s AlphaTango system for procedures
• The Nature Reserve also actively enforces restrictions, especially in protected wildlife areas

Permissions

If you need a permission to fly near the airport, contact Direction Générale de l’Aviation Civile (DGAC):

• Phone: +33 596 30 05 17

For flying in the French nature reserve, contact La Réserve Naturelle:

• Phone: +590 0690 579 555
• Email: reservenat.alexina@yahoo.com 

Airports, beaches, and iconic shots: what’s allowed?

Maho Beach & Princess Juliana International Airport (Dutch side)

• Completely off-limits. The entire beach sits inside the 3 km no-fly zone around Princess Juliana (TNCM).
• Even launching from nearby rooftops or boats is illegal.
• Enforcement is strict because of low-flying aircraft and heavy crowds.

Simpson Bay Lagoon (Dutch side)

• Full ban. All drone flights over or inside the Lagoon are prohibited.
• This rule exists to protect the marina, port traffic, and privacy of residential areas.

Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay Beach, Kimsha, Beacon Hill, Cay Bay (Dutch side)

• All of these popular tourist spots are named no-fly areas under the 2019 regulation.
• No recreational or commercial flights are allowed without an official exemption.

Grand Case Airport / L’Espérance (French side)

• The smaller French airport (TFFG) is also protected by no-fly zones shown on the Géoportail map.
• Always check the UAS geozone map before launching anywhere near Grand Case or Orient Bay.

Nature reserves & wildlife areas (French side)

• The Saint-Martin Nature Reserve actively enforces drone restrictions.
• Flying is generally prohibited in the reserve to protect birds and marine life.
• Patrols do issue compliance reports, so expect enforcement.

Takeaway: The beaches and airport zones that make St. Maarten famous are usually no-fly zones. For safe flights, stick to less crowded areas outside the 3 km airport buffer and double-check geozones before every launch.

Where you can fly a drone in St. Maarten for nice shots

Even with strict restrictions, there are still spots where tourists can legally and safely enjoy aerial views.

On the Dutch side (Sint Maarten)

• Guana Bay – Scenic and usually quiet, with rugged coastline views outside the airport buffer.
• Dawn Beach – Faces St. Barth, outside the main no-fly zones, good for sunrise footage.
• Indigo Bay – A sheltered cove between Cay Bay and Simpson Bay, but check your exact launch point to avoid restricted zones.
• Philipsburg hillside – Flying from the hills above town can give sweeping shots of the Great Bay, as long as you stay clear of the port’s 500 m buffer.

On the French side (Saint-Martin)

• Baie Rouge – Wide, open beach with dramatic cliffs, well outside airport restrictions.
• Happy Bay – A hidden gem accessible by trail, excellent for aerial landscapes.
• Baie Orientale (Orient Bay) – Popular with tourists, but legal to fly when respecting the 120 m ceiling and geozones.
• Pic Paradis – The island’s highest point; flying nearby offers panoramic island views.

General tips

• Stay away from airports, ports, and crowds.
• Always double-check Géoportail (French side) or the SMCAA regulation (Dutch side) before flying.
• Early morning flights are safest and least disruptive.

Tip for creators: If you want iconic beach or lagoon shots, the only legal way is to apply for an exemption (Dutch side) or confirm an open geozone (French side). Otherwise, explore the quieter coastlines — they often give the best footage without hassle.

Visiting by cruise? What you need to know

St. Maarten is one of the Caribbean’s busiest cruise ports, and many visitors want to bring a drone ashore for the day. Here’s how the rules play out:

Cruise line policies

• Royal Caribbean – Drones may be brought onboard, but must be stored with security. You can only use them in port, never onboard or at private islands.
• Carnival – Similar policy: drones are held by security and only released when you go ashore.
• Norwegian Cruise Line – Often bans drones completely, so check before you pack.
• Other lines vary — always confirm with your cruise operator.

Port area restrictions (Dutch side)

• The Port of Sint Maarten has a 500 m no-fly buffer, so you cannot launch directly near the cruise terminal.
• Plan to take your drone further inland or to an approved beach outside restricted zones.

Practical tips for cruise passengers

• Check both sides of the island — the French side may offer more legal flight options depending on where your ship docks.
• Travel light — only bring batteries you’ll actually use; they must be carried in your hand luggage.
• Know the rules — local enforcement is active, and confiscation is possible if you fly in a banned zone.

Penalties and enforcement

Breaking drone laws in St. Maarten can lead to fines, confiscation, or worse. Both sides of the island take enforcement seriously:

Dutch side (Sint Maarten)

• Flying inside a no-fly zone (like Maho Beach or Simpson Bay Lagoon) without authorization can result in your drone being seized and your flight shut down.
• Commercial flights without a permit are not allowed — operating one risks fines and being blacklisted for future permits.
• Authorities regularly patrol high-risk areas, especially around the airport and cruise port.

French side (Saint-Martin)

• Violating privacy laws by publishing footage of people without consent can bring civil fines and legal action.
• Flying in restricted geozones (like near Grand Case Airport or the Nature Reserve) can also result in fines and confiscation.
• Enforcement is carried out by the Prefecture and the Nature Reserve patrols, and checks do happen.

Good to know: Tourists are not immune. Even one illegal flight at Maho Beach can cost you your drone — and possibly your vacation.

Drone travel checklist for St. Maarten

Batteries & power

• Carry all lithium batteries in your hand luggage — never checked baggage
• Tape over terminals or use battery bags to prevent short circuits
• Most airlines allow 2–3 spare drone batteries under 100 Wh each (DJI Mini/Air batteries are safe)

Packing & transport

• Use a hard case or padded bag to protect your drone in transit
• Bring ND filters — bright Caribbean sunlight makes them essential for video
• Pack a small landing pad if you’ll be flying on sandy beaches
• Keep a dry bag if you’ll be near boats or water launches

Apps & prep

• Download DJI Fly app updates before your trip
• Save links to SMCAA regulations (Dutch side) and the Géoportail UAS map (French side)
• Have a PDF or photo of your insurance certificate and AlphaTango registration in your phone gallery for quick access

Documents to carry

• Passport/ID
• Insurance papers (Dutch side requirement)
• AlphaTango operator ID if flying on the French side
• Any SMCAA permit/exemption letters if approved for commercial or restricted-area flights

Final thoughts

St. Maarten drone laws in 2025 are clear but strict. The Dutch side bans flights in famous spots like Maho Beach, Simpson Bay Lagoon, and the port area unless you hold a permit, while the French side follows EU rules that require AlphaTango registration and respect for geozones and privacy laws.

For travelers, that means you can still capture stunning aerial footage — just do it legally, with insurance, paperwork in order, and by choosing safe spots outside restricted areas. Follow the rules, and you’ll leave St. Maarten with unforgettable shots instead of fines or a confiscated drone.