Don’t leave these at home!
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 2026.

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 2026.

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 2026.

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 2026.

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 2026.

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 2026.

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 2026. Learn when to visit, what to expect, and how to prepare.

Explore St. Maarten’s hurricane history, latest storms & essential safety tips for 2026. 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.

Bioluminescence, a magical hidden gem in the Caribbean in 2025

10+1 Caribbean Hidden Gems: Magical Places You Won't Believe

Uncover some unique Caribbean hidden gems in 2026. Explore 10 magical secrets, from bioluminescent bays to mysterious caves, that showcase the islands' beauty.

Uncover some unique Caribbean hidden gems in 2026. Explore 10 magical secrets, from bioluminescent bays to mysterious caves, that showcase the islands' beauty.

Woman in traditional carnival outfit - Caribbean fun facts in 2025

69 Caribbean Fun Facts: Magic & Secrets On Every Island

Wondering what the Caribbean is known for in 2026? Discover the top 69 Caribbean fun facts and interesting things to know for kids and adults.

Wondering what the Caribbean is known for in 2026? Discover the top 69 Caribbean fun facts and interesting things to know for kids and adults.

St. Maarten travel fun facts in 2025

69 St. Maarten Fun Facts: Not Even Locals Know Them All

There are many interesting things to know about St. Maarten making it a unique Caribbean destination in 2025. Here are 69 St. Maarten fun facts to find out why!

There are many interesting things to know about St. Maarten making it a unique Caribbean destination in 2025. Here are 69 St. Maarten fun facts to find out why!

Plane lands over Maho Beach in St. Maarten in 2025

Princess Juliana International Airport: SXM's Top Attraction

The Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten and Maho Beach are iconic attractions popular among aviation fans, travelers and thrill-seekers.

The Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten and Maho Beach are iconic attractions popular among aviation fans, travelers and thrill-seekers.

Woman at a dangerous Caribbean airport in 2025

5 CRAZY Caribbean Airports & Flights: You Will Rather Walk

Experience the thrill of 5 unique Caribbean airports that offer breathtaking views, thrilling landings, as well as spectacular & dangerous take-offs in 2025.

Experience the thrill of 5 unique Caribbean airports that offer breathtaking views, thrilling landings, as well as spectacular & dangerous take-offs in 2025.

Beach camping in 2025

Beach Camping: Tips, Tricks & Essential Gears NOT To Forget!

Whether you yearn for adventure or tranquility, beach camping is an unforgettable experience. Follow our guide and packing list for the best experience in 2025.

Whether you yearn for adventure or tranquility, beach camping is an unforgettable experience. Follow our guide and packing list for the best experience in 2025.

Couple having a romantic beach picnic in 2025

Beach Picnic: Ideas & Step-by-Step Guide For A Perfect Setup

Key to a successful and enjoyable beach picnic includes a well-chosen spot, safeguarded snacks, and a cozy atmosphere for a romantic, relaxing time in 2025.

Key to a successful and enjoyable beach picnic includes a well-chosen spot, safeguarded snacks, and a cozy atmosphere for a romantic, relaxing time in 2025.

Lionfish in the Caribbean in 2025

Caribbean Lionfish: The Beautiful Eco-Disaster

Not native but strikingly beautiful, the invasive Caribbean lionfish population threatens local marine life, biodiversity & ecosystem. What can you do in 2025?

Not native but strikingly beautiful, the invasive Caribbean lionfish population threatens local marine life, biodiversity & ecosystem. What can you do in 2025?

Stay out of water sign because of beach dangers in 2025

13+1 Beach Dangers & Hazards: Be Extra Careful With Nr. 8!

The Caribbean Sea may pose several beach dangers & marine hazards. Learn to recognize and avoid these risks and injuries for a safer seaside experience in 2025.

The Caribbean Sea may pose several beach dangers & marine hazards. Learn to recognize and avoid these risks and injuries for a safer seaside experience in 2025.

St. Maarten shark attack possibility in 2025

St. Maarten Shark Attacks: Statistics & Safety Tips In 2026

Statistics confirm only 3 reported St. Maarten shark attacks, which makes the island one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean in 2026.

Statistics confirm only 3 reported St. Maarten shark attacks, which makes the island one of the safest destinations in the Caribbean in 2026.

Woman works out on a beach in 2025

Beach Workout To Stay Fit On Holiday - Only 15 Mins A Day!

Maximize your fun with a beach workout designed to keep you fit in only 15 minutes, so you can fully enjoy your Caribbean vacation activities in 2025.

Maximize your fun with a beach workout designed to keep you fit in only 15 minutes, so you can fully enjoy your Caribbean vacation activities in 2025.

Caribbean shark attack in 2025

Caribbean Shark Attacks: Incidents & Beaches To Avoid In 2026

Learning about Caribbean shark attacks and precautions can help ease worries while enjoying the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Islands in 2026.

Learning about Caribbean shark attacks and precautions can help ease worries while enjoying the beautiful waters of the Caribbean Islands in 2026.

Man drowns from rip current in the Caribbean in 2025

Rip Currents In The Caribbean: Danger Behind 80% Of Rescues

Knowing how to spot rip currents allows for safer beach visits and greater peace of mind. Stay vigilant, and enjoy Caribbean waters responsibly.

Knowing how to spot rip currents allows for safer beach visits and greater peace of mind. Stay vigilant, and enjoy Caribbean waters responsibly.

Woman smell perfume at Tijon in 2025

The manifestation of the French Caribbean lifestyle: Tijon Perfumery

French sophistication meets tropical freshness in the handcrafted perfumes of Tijon to create a signature style that reflects the French Caribbean lifestyle on St. Martin. Create your own formula!

French sophistication meets tropical freshness in the handcrafted perfumes of Tijon to create a signature style that reflects the French Caribbean lifestyle on St. Martin. Create your own formula!

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.

DISCOVER THE CARIBBEAN ISLANDS

Travel ideas for your next Caribbean holiday