The French Side occupies about two thirds of the island and is technically a part of Europe and a European Community. While the Dutch side is only one third of the island, is a member of the Netherlands Antilles and part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, but not considered European territory. No real border separates these 2 territories, just monuments, signs, and an invisible border line which makes this island so unique. Being able to enjoy 2 styles of living on one island is known as an almost perfect holiday environment; with 36 beaches and endless nightlife are nothing but spectacular, while shopping and dining is to be considered the best in the Caribbean.
The largest lagoon in the Caribbean is located right here in a town or district call Simpson Bay. The Simpson Bay Lagoon has 2 narrow channels with draw bridges, and the Lagoon is large enough to be called home to a giant fleet of yachts. St. Maarten is the yachting center of the Caribbean, and home port for some of the greatest mega yachts in the World today. 
Sint Maarten/Saint. Martin boasts 140 different nationalities. With a population of 80,000 to 100,000 people, it was always strange to consider that the majority of people lives on the smaller Dutch Side of the island. A possible reason for such may be that the smaller Dutch Side of the island is more developed than the more cultural and environmentally conscious French Side.Vacationing is sunny and warm year-round, with some cooling from trade winds. The average temperature during the winter season is 80F (27C) and a few degrees warmer in the summer, with some Occasional showers all year round.
Travelling to and from the island Requires:
* US citizens need a valid passport effective December 31, 2006 and a return/continuing ticket. * Naturalized citizens must show an original naturalization certificate with photo identification.
* Green Card holders must have a valid passport and a return/continuing ticket.
* Canadian citizens need a valid passport and a return/continuing ticket.
* Landing on the island requires a "Landing permit" with valid passport and return/continuing ticket.
* European Community is required to have a Valid passport and a return/continuing ticket.
* No vaccination certificates are required unless arriving from an area experiencing an epidemic.
* Airport Departure Tax for International destinations: there is a tax of US$30.00 for those age 2 and up.
* Islands within the Netherlands Antilles, the departure tax is US$10.00.
Sint Maarten is the only completely duty-free port in the Caribbean.
Island accommodations range from resort facilities, condominiums, intimate guest houses, timeshares, and apartments. With over 2,000 rooms on the island, there is a property to suit every taste.
Dining on this island can be compared to the best in the world, even to Paris or New York. Diners can select from more than 300 restaurants offering French, Dutch, Caribbean, Italian, Chinese, Indonesian, Creole, American food and more.
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