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Essential items our readers always pack for St. Maarten.

Latest St. Maarten Interesting

Family in a hurricane shelter - what to do in a hurricane

What To Do In A Hurricane: Step-By-Step Safety Guide & Checklist

Clear steps for hurricane prep, riding out the storm & post-storm safety — plus what to do in a hurricane on a Caribbean vacation with insurance tips in 2025.

Clear steps for hurricane prep, riding out the storm & post-storm safety — plus what to do in a hurricane on a Caribbean vacation with insurance tips in 2025.

St. Maarten drone laws for flying in 2025

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

Everything you need to know about drone laws in St. Maarten / Saint-Martin: no-fly zones, permits, French vs. Dutch rules & cruise tips — updated for 2025.

Everything you need to know about drone laws in St. Maarten / Saint-Martin: no-fly zones, permits, French vs. Dutch rules & cruise tips — updated for 2025.

Brown pelican, a signature species of St. Maarten wildlife in 2025

St. Maarten Wildlife: Where To Spot Turtles, Pelicans & More

Sea turtles, pelicans, mangroves and reef life — here’s where to spot St. Maarten wildlife on land and sea, plus the best seasons and ethical tips in 2025.

Sea turtles, pelicans, mangroves and reef life — here’s where to spot St. Maarten wildlife on land and sea, plus the best seasons and ethical tips in 2025.

Complete guide to the best hotels in St. Maarten in 2025

Best St. Maarten Resorts: Top Hotels & Hidden Gems

Discover the best hotels in St. Maarten, from luxury resorts to charming boutique stays. Explore where to stay on the French or Dutch side in 2025.

Discover the best hotels in St. Maarten, from luxury resorts to charming boutique stays. Explore where to stay on the French or Dutch side in 2025.

Hurricane aftermath in St. Maarten's capital, Philipsburg

St. Maarten Hurricanes In History & How To Stay Safe

Explore St. Maarten’s hurricane history, latest storms & essential safety tips for 2025. Learn when to visit, what to expect, and how to prepare.

Explore St. Maarten’s hurricane history, latest storms & essential safety tips for 2025. Learn when to visit, what to expect, and how to prepare.

caribbean packing list 2025

Caribbean Packing List: 8 Handy Items & 5 Everybody Forgets

Caribbean packing list 2025: the complete, gadget-forward guide with snorkel gear, smart suitcases, kids’ essentials, photography tech, and more for her & him.

Caribbean packing list 2025: the complete, gadget-forward guide with snorkel gear, smart suitcases, kids’ essentials, photography tech, and more for her & him.

Hurricane Irma destruction 2017

Hurricane Irma: 2017's Deadly Catastrophe We Won't Forget

Hurricane Irma was one of the strongest Atlantic storms ever. Learn about its impact, path, damage, and the lessons it taught in disaster preparedness in 2017.

Hurricane Irma was one of the strongest Atlantic storms ever. Learn about its impact, path, damage, and the lessons it taught in disaster preparedness in 2017.

Devastating hurricane forming

Worst Hurricanes Ever: Top 10 DEADLIEST Hurricanes in History

Discover the TOP 10 worst hurricanes ever recorded in history in the Caribbean and North America, such as Katrina, Maria or the historical Galveston hurricane.

Discover the TOP 10 worst hurricanes ever recorded in history in the Caribbean and North America, such as Katrina, Maria or the historical Galveston hurricane.

How to find cheap flights in 2025

How to Find Cheap Flights: Save EXTRA 5.7% On Every Booking!

Exploit this simple Kiwi.com TRAVEL HACK that unlocks an extra 5–6% discount! Plus expert tips & tricks on how to find cheap flights in 2025!

Exploit this simple Kiwi.com TRAVEL HACK that unlocks an extra 5–6% discount! Plus expert tips & tricks on how to find cheap flights in 2025!

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Luxurious Caribbean Resort, Eden Rock, with yacht in 2025

Most Luxurious Caribbean Resorts: Hotel For $32,537/Night?!

START SAVING! These are the 20 BEST Caribbean resorts in 2025: family-friendly, all-inclusive hotels & the most exclusive, adults-only luxury villas.

START SAVING! These are the 20 BEST Caribbean resorts in 2025: family-friendly, all-inclusive hotels & the most exclusive, adults-only luxury villas.

Don’t leave these at home!
Essential items our readers always pack for St. Maarten.

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Interesting Things To Know About St. Maarten: Facts, Tips & Things You Didn't Know

The St. Maarten Interesting blog is where we share quirky facts, surprising insights, and practical tips that make traveling the island easier — and more fun. St. Maarten isn’t just beaches and duty-free shopping; it’s full of stories, oddities, and details that visitors often miss in 2025.

We write about unique curiosities, like how the island is the smallest landmass in the world shared by two nations (France and the Netherlands), or how Princess Juliana International Airport became famous for its low-flying planes. We also cover useful traveler details: how duty-free shopping really works, when to avoid cruise ship crowds in Philipsburg, and how taxis and ferries connect the two sides of the island.

For fun trivia, we highlight facts like how the island has 37 beaches, why iguanas are considered a delicacy in traditional cooking, and where to see the oldest historical sites. If you want deeper context, UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register includes documents related to the Caribbean’s colonial past, while the St. Maarten Nature Foundation offers insight into marine life and conservation efforts.

This section mixes curiosity with practicality, giving you the kind of knowledge that makes your trip smoother while also helping you see St. Maarten in a new light.

Frequently asked questions

Yes — the island is divided between Dutch St. Maarten (south) and French Saint-Martin (north), making it the world’s smallest territory shared by two nations.

There are 37 official beaches, ranging from famous ones like Orient Bay and Maho Beach to small, hidden coves.

Maho Beach is located right at the end of the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport, where jets fly just overhead as they land.

Yes — St. Maarten is a duty-free zone, making jewelry, liquor, and electronics cheaper than in many other destinations.

Marine life includes turtles, rays, and colorful reef fish. On land, iguanas and tropical birds are common, and conservation groups protect many species.

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