Guana Bay (Dutch Side), St. Martin Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Why Guana Bay (Dutch Side), St. Martin?

Guana Bay is the only beach located in Dutch St. Martin that is open to the public.
Guana Bay is well known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear waters.
Guana Bay is a great spot for snorkeling, as it is home to an abundance of marine life.
Guana Bay is also home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and bars that offer visitors a variety of dining and entertainment options.
The nearby Simpson Bay Lagoon is a popular spot for jet skiing and other watersports, and is a great place to watch the sunset.

Guana Bay (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

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.

Zip over treetops at loterie farm's private nature reserve

Located near the foot of Paradise Peak, Loterie Farm's private nature reserve offers days of fun activities the whole family will enjoy including horseback riding, hiking, eco-tours, mountain climbing, yoga and much more. This peaceful 135-acre preserve also has a kids' area with suspended bridges and rope swings. Our favorite is "The Fly Zone". Get a birds-eye-view of the forest canopy and soar above tree tops on the adrenaline-pumping zip-line. Loterie Farm hiking trails travel 1400 feet to the top of St. Martin's highest point. You can't beat the panoramic view. If you're hungry, relax at the Hidden Forest Café. Bon Apetit magazine raved about this tree house-like eatery in February 2007. Or you can enjoy tapas and tropical drinks at The Tree Lounge. Both use ultra-fresh ingredients found on the island and garnished with flowers picked right inside the nature reserve.

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 Guana Bay (Dutch Side), St. Martin

Getting to Guana Bay (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...® - Guana Bay (Dutch Side), St. Martin Travel Tips

Before making their way to Guana Bay (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 Guana Bay (Dutch Side), St. Martin even more relaxing.

Capital:	St. MaartenPhilipsburg
Population:	2021Unknown
Size:	2019Unknown
Electric Current:	110/220
Official Language:	The official language spoken in Guana Bay (Dutch Side) is Dutch, as it is part of the Dutch Caribbean. However, English is also widely spoken as a secondary language due to the island's close proximity to English-speaking islands. Other languages, such as
Currency:	Guana Bay, located on the Dutch side of the island of St. Martin, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views. As with many Caribbean destinations, the official currency in Guana Bay is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), also referred to as the Dutch Caribbean guilder. However, the US dollar is also widely accepted and often preferred by tourists. When it comes to payment options, most establishments in Guana Bay accept major credit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard. Some may also accept American Express and Discover, but it is always best to check with the establishment beforehand. It is important to note that while credit cards are widely accepted, some smaller, local businesses may only accept cash. If you plan on using cash, it is recommended to exchange your currency to the ANG before arriving in Guana Bay. While some establishments may accept US dollars, the exchange rate may not be favorable and you may end up paying more for
Tipping and Taxes:	In Guana Bay, located on the Dutch side of St. Maarten, tipping and taxes are an important aspect of the local culture and economy. Here is a summary of how tipping and taxes work in this area: 1. Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in Guana Bay, but it is appreciated and expected for good service. Most restaurants and bars include a service charge of 10-15% in the bill, but you can leave an additional tip of 5-10% if you are satisfied with the service. It is also common to tip hotel staff, tour guides, and taxi drivers, usually around 10% of the total cost. 2. Sales tax: The sales tax in Guana Bay is 5%, which is added to the price of goods and services. This tax is included in the advertised price, so you do not have to calculate it separately. 3. Accommodation tax: In addition to the sales tax, there is also an accommodation tax of 5% on hotel rooms and vacation rentals. This tax is usually included in the total cost of your stay, but it is always best to confirm with the acc
Dress Code:	The dress code in Guana Bay (Dutch Side) is casual and relaxed, with beach attire being appropriate for most occasions.
Topography:	Guana Bay on the Dutch side is a hilly area with a rocky coastline and a long, narrow beach.
Telephone:	+1 721

Guana Bay (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.

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