The Caribbean island of Saint Martin / Sint Maarten is only 87 km² in area and belongs to the island group of the Lesser Antilles. The island is unique: there is a border crossing between France and the Netherlands.

The northern part of the island Saint Martin (53 km²) belongs to the French department of Guadeloupe. The smaller southern part Sint Maarten (34 km²) is part of the Netherlands Antilles. Saint Martin is of volcanic origin.

The mountain with a beautiful name Pic Paradis forms the highest point of the island with an altitude of 411 meters. Perhaps you have heard of the special beach Simson Baai. It is located exactly in the approach lane of the Princess Juliana Airport and aircrafts fly extremely low.

The main town of the island in the north is the port town of Marigot with fantastic historic buildings from the colonial era. The north is a bit quieter than the south and offers with its many powder white sandy beaches the pure Caribbean feeling.

The clear turquoise water invites you to swim, snorkel or dive into the colorful undersea of corals filled with tropical fish. On some beaches, you can also do very good windsurfing. The southern and Dutch part of the island is with its 34 km² smaller than the French north.

The free port city Philipsburg is regularly controlled by cruise ships. Due to their status, neither taxes nor duties are collected. Rent a car and explore this varied tropical island.