Beacon Hill (Dutch side), St. Martin Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Why Beacon Hill (Dutch side), St. Martin?

  • Beacon Hill is part of the Dutch side of St. Martin, which is known for its duty-free shopping.
  • The area is home to picturesque beaches, including Cupecoy Beach and Mullet Bay.
  • Beacon Hill is home to two casinos, the Hollywood Casino and the Paradise Plaza Casino.
  • Beacon Hill is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, restaurants and clubs.
  • The area is home to the Salt Pickers Monument, a tribute to the men and women who harvested salt from the nearby salt pans.

Beacon Hill (Dutch side), St. Martin Weather/Climate

Average Temperatures

January
84° F
° F
February
84° F
° F
March
85° F
° F
April
76° F
° F
May
87° F
° F
June
89° F
° F
July
89° F
° F
August
89° F
° F
September
89° F
° F
October
89° F
° F
November
86° F
° F
December
85° F
° F

Average Rainfall

January
1.35 inches
February
1.25 inches
March
0.88 inches
April
1.76 inches
May
1.77 inches
June
1.68 inches
July
1.93 inches
August
2.39 inches
September
2.49 inches
October
2.91 inches
November
3.78 inches
December
1.78 inches
Orient Bay

You can't miss the culture at Orient Bay...from windsurfing to

Orient Bay is the most developed and popular beach on St. Martin. The bay stretches for 2 miles and divided into 5 main beaches all side-by-side -- Kontiki, Kakao, Bikini Beach, Waikiki and Coco Beach (named for their respective bars). Recognized as a marine reserve, and protected by Atlantic winds, Orient Bay is a fabulous spot for snorkeling. You can also go parasailing, waterskiing or just rent a beach chair and soak up the sun. You'll see some topless sunbathers. There are a bunch of restaurants, live music and local hangouts. Another attraction is the nude beach and St. Martin's only naturist resort at the south end of Orient Bay.

Carnival

Party in the Streets of Marigot at Carnival

Carnival is celebrated in St. Martin's capital city of Marigot two weeks prior to Lent. Similar to other Carnival celebrations around the world, Saint Martin's features exotic costumes, colorful street parades, festive music, and lots of food. This is an ideal time to sample Caribbean cuisine and experience St. Martin's unique culture.

Ocean 82

Voted top restaurant by the Caribbean Journal 2023

Refined French cuisine with a magnificent ocean view is the mix of senses Chef Franck and owner Romain would like you to experience. Situated in the heart of Grand Case village, Ocean 82 offers you a wide variety of seafood products served all year long like oysters and various fish, as well as more traditional meals like braised lamb shanks. Diversity is not what is missing at Ocean 82, as it also accommodates a special gluten-free and vegetarian menu.

Transportation on Beacon Hill (Dutch side), St. Martin

Getting to Beacon Hill (Dutch side), St. Martin and getting around. Our transportation tips will help make your trip smoother. More good sand advice.

Entry Documents

  • Passport: Valid for the duration of your stay.
  • Visa: Not required for UK citizens and most other nationalities for stays up to 90 days.
  • Return or Onward Ticket: Proof of departure from St. Martin is required.
  • Travel Authorization: No pre-arrival authorization is needed for most visitors, but travelers may need to complete an entry form or health declaration depending on current regulations.

Departure Tax

There is no departure tax on St. Martin.

Driving

  • License: Visitors can drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to 90 days.
  • Permit: A temporary driving permit is required on the French side, obtainable at the local police station.
  • Driving Side: Right-hand side of the road.
  • Road Conditions: Generally good, with paved roads and clear signage.
  • Speed Limits: Typically 25-40 mph (40-64 km/h) in urban areas and higher speeds on highways.
  • Traffic Rules: Be mindful of local traffic regulations, pedestrians, and driving customs. Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in busy areas.

Know Before You Go...® - Beacon Hill (Dutch side), St. Martin Travel Tips

Before making their way to Beacon Hill (Dutch side), St. Martin , vacationers like to know a little bit of helpful information to make them feel more at home during their stay. Take a look at our travel tips to make your time in villas in Beacon Hill (Dutch side), St. Martin even more relaxing.

Capital: 1 wordPhilipsburg
Population: 2018Approximate
Size: 2017Unknown.
Electric Current: 110/220
Official Language: The official language spoken in Beacon Hill (Dutch side) is Dutch, while the secondary language is English. Dutch is the primary language used for government and business, while English is commonly spoken among locals and used for tourism. Both languages
Currency: Beacon Hill, located on the Dutch side of the island of St. Maarten, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere, and variety of dining and shopping options. As a result, there are numerous currency and payment options available in this area to accommodate the needs of both locals and visitors. The official currency in Beacon Hill is the Netherlands Antillean guilder, also known as the Florin. However, US dollars are widely accepted and often preferred by businesses and tourists. Many establishments in Beacon Hill will also accept major credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. In terms of payment options, cash is the most commonly used method of payment in Beacon Hill. There are several banks and ATMs located throughout the area, making it convenient for visitors to withdraw cash in either US dollars or guilders. It is recommended to have a combination of both currencies on hand, as some businesses may only accept one o
Tipping and Taxes: Beacon Hill, located on the Dutch side of the island of St. Maarten, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, stunning views, and vibrant nightlife. As with most tourist destinations, tipping and taxes are an important aspect of the local economy. Tipping in Beacon Hill is expected but not mandatory. It is customary to tip 15-20% in restaurants, bars, and for services such as tours or spa treatments. Many establishments will automatically add a service charge to the bill, so be sure to check before adding an additional tip. Tipping for housekeeping in hotels is also common, with a few dollars per night being the norm. In terms of taxes, visitors to Beacon Hill can expect to pay a 5% government tax on goods and services. This tax is usually already included in the price of items, such as meals or souvenirs, but it is always a good idea to check. Additionally, there is a 10% service charge added to hotel and resort bills, which covers things like housekeepi
Dress Code: The dress code in Beacon Hill (Dutch side) is likely to be smart casual with a touch of tropical flair.
Topography: Beacon Hill on the Dutch side of the island is a flat area with a sandy beach, rocky cliffs, and low-lying hills, offering scenic views of the Caribbean Sea.
Telephone: +1 721

Beacon Hill (Dutch side), St. Martin Weddings and Honeymoons

In St. Martin, the process of getting married is straightforward. Couples must apply for a marriage license at the local registry office. Required documents include:

  • Valid passports for both parties.
  • Birth certificates for both parties.
  • Proof of marital status: If divorced, a final divorce decree; if widowed, a death certificate of the spouse.
  • Proof of residence in St. Martin (if applicable).
  • Affidavit of no impediment to marriage (a statement affirming both parties are legally eligible to marry).

The marriage license costs approximately €100 (French side). Additional fees for the officiant can range from €200 to €500 (approximately US$220 to US$550), depending on location and type of ceremony. It is recommended to apply for the license at least 2-3 business days before the intended wedding date.