St Martin & St Maarten - Page two

St Martin / St Maarten

page 2

More St Martin
and St Maarten
tips & insights

Geography

The island is the smallest landmass shared by two countries.

Border crossings

There are no manned or gated borders. Simply drive through.

Island's name

The entire island is properly called St Martin when you are on the French and Sint Maarten when you set your foot on the Dutch side. Either way, both names are more-or-less pronounced the same (saynt mahr'-tihn).

Name origin

The name was bestowed by Christopher Columbus when he discovered the island in 1493 on Saint Martin's day.

Curarency

The official currencies are the Euro in St Martin and the Antillian Florin in St Maarten. The US Dollar is widely accepted.

Cruise ships

Only small cruise ships are small enough to visit St Martin's main port, Marigot. Large cruise ships must go to the mammoth wharf at Philipsburg, St Maarten.