No other destination in the Lesser Antilles is better suited to be explored by rental car than St. Maarten.
The Antillean islands share the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, similar topographies, and many have white-sand beaches. Sint Maarten – Saint Martin stands out as a vacationer's favorite. The island is dotted with small towns and villages, each holding its own attractions.
The roads are wide enough and, disregarding the occasional pothole, allow for relaxed driving. As in North America and continental Europe, driving is on the right side. Compare this to many of the former British islands, which all have left-hand traffic and require some adjustment for first-time visitors.
SXM (as it’s frequently referred to, using the airport code) is the smallest landmass in the world to be administered by two governments. The southern third of the compact 37 square mile island belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, while the North is part of France.
Once you take your rental car to the road, you will discover that navigating is easy. Local drivers are courteous and patient in traffic. They are accustomed to the fact that vacationers might need some extra time to find their way. Even in dense traffic, it is easy to enter intersections and make turns. St. Maarten drivers are friendly – return the favor by giving them some space as well.
Some gas stations are open 24/7, so you won't have to worry about running out of fuel in the middle of your explorations.
The hotels in St. Maarten – St-Martin never focused on retaining their guests inside walled gardens at all costs – as some all-inclusive resorts in other destinations tend to do. No, here you are encouraged to take your rental car and discover the stunning variety of landscapes, the different beaches with their beach bars, the gourmet restaurants in the village of Grand Case, and the duty-free shopping in the Dutch side capital of Philipsburg.
One main road leads around the complete island. A circumnavigation without stops will take you less than two hours. Are you worried about getting lost? Don't be. 37 square miles of landmass is too small. Just continue driving, and sooner or later, you'll hit the main road again.
Here are some highlights to see for your first drive around St. Maarten:
Driftwood Boat Bar on Maho Beach for plane spotting
The runway of the Princess Juliana International Airport is one of the world's most famous locations for plane spotters. Countless videos on YouTube provide easy proof. The Driftwood Boat Bar is located right at the end of the runway and barely outside the infamous blast-zone. Enjoy cocktails made with fresh fruit and watch tourists getting sandblasted by starting jets.
Loterie Farm in the center of the island
Loterie Farm is a private nature refuge in the mountainous center of St-Martin. Experience the green soul of the island. Relax at the lagoon-style swimming pool among the tallest palms and mango trees. Take in the scenery while feasting on gourmet food and sipping champagne.
Orient Beach - St. Martin's most famous beach
Many say that Orient Beach is the island's signature beach. Stroll down the broad expense of sand, all 1.3 miles (2km) of it, and stop at one of the elegant beach bars for excellent food, cocktails, or wine. There are several watersport concessions, offering jet-ski rentals or small Hobby catamarans.
Enjoy driving on our safe and friendly island. But – as everywhere in the world – maintain some common sense. Do not leave any valuables inside the car. If you are the driver, remember that virgin drinks are available as well. Avoid 'no-parking' zones – the local tow-truck drivers have the same shark mentality as the ones in your home country.
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