Welcome to the Caribbean isle bearing two names, a piece of paradise partitioned between nations—France (Saint Martin) and the Netherlands (Sint Maarten). The French opt for the quiet, mountain-ringed beaches of the north, while the Dutch pick up the pace with a bustling, luxurious seaside to the south. Whichever side suits you, expect breathtaking landscapes laced with the warmth and vibrancy of the island’s European and African heritage.
Visit Saint Martin/Sint Maarten: get started
Get into the mix of Saint Martin/Sint Maarten! Start planning and book Saint Martin all-inclusive vacations or resorts on the best beaches in Sint Maarten. Experience famous Maho Beach and find excursions to the best diving sites around the island. Pack up for your Saint Martin vacation with packages that include flights from Toronto and other top Canadian cities.
Saint Martin/Sint Maarten travel guide
Destination facts
Language
Officially French in Saint Martin and English and Dutch in Sint Maarten, but Spanish, Creole and Papiamento are also spoken across the island.
What to bring back
A bottle of Old Man Guavaberry Rum Liqueur, products from family-run Ma Doudou ( hand-painted bottles of rum, oils or hot sauces), other guavaberry products like jams, handmade jewellery and Dutch porcelains.
What to eat
Callaloo (a green leaf vegetable soup), BBQ ribs at traditional restaurants called lolos, conch with dumplings, locri (a chicken and rice dish), stuffed crabs, cod fritters and European-style pastries.
Fun fact
One of the island’s attractions is…its airport! The runway of the Princess Juliana International Airport is located literally steps away from Maho Beach, so the first sights you see are of sunbathers waving at you when you fly right over their heads. Talk about a warm welcome!
Important info
For more information on all necessary travel documents, visa, taxes and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page and the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism website.
