Indigo Bay (Dutch Side), St. Martin Guide

Know Before You Go...®

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

  • Indigo Bay is home to one of the Caribbean's largest mangrove swamps.
  • The bay is a popular spot for water sports, such as kayaking, sailing, and snorkeling.
  • Indigo Bay is home to many species of sea life, such as sea turtles, parrotfish, and barracudas.
  • The bay has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, with white sand and crystal-clear waters.
  • The bay is surrounded by lush jungles, making it a perfect spot for wildlife watching.

Indigo 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
Casino Royale

Nightlife on St. Martin extends in to the wee hours of the morning at the casinos in Cupecoy.

Casino Royale in St Maarten is the largest on the island, boasting 14,000 square feet of gaming and a full theater for events and shows. With 30 tables of gaming, you can choose from roulette (American and French), craps, baccarat, blackjack and poker (Three Card Poker, Let It Ride, Caribbean Poker and Texas Hold em). The 400 slot machines include a variety of classics and modern video slots. Casino Royale also has a private "high-roller" area with the highest table limits on the island. Open every day from 1 pm to 4 am, gambling is made easy any time you feel a surge of luck come on. Rhine Road #1, Maho Bay, St Maarten, Netherlands Antilles

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.

Le Cottage

Voted top restaurant by Caribbean Journal 2023

Le Cottage boasts island style French food and a stellar wine list. Chef David Hanquer has worked in several Parisian restaurants (including the one-Michelin-starred Nikko Hotel), and is inspired by the island’s bountiful ingredients and his classical training. From mahi-mahi in mango sauce to lobster bisque, foie gras and duck tataki or a fresh, goat cheese salad medley, the menu is sure to please every palate.

Transportation on Indigo Bay (Dutch Side), St. Martin

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

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

Capital: 2019Philipsburg
Population: 2021Unknown
Size: 2022Unknown
Electric Current: 110/220
Official Language: The official language spoken in Indigo Bay (Dutch Side) is Dutch, while the secondary language is English. Dutch is used for government and business purposes, while English is commonly used in daily communication and tourism. The prevalence of English in
Currency: Indigo Bay, located on the Dutch side of the island of St. Maarten, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. For those planning a trip to this stunning destination, it is important to understand the currency and payment options available in Indigo Bay. The official currency of the Dutch side of St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), also known as the florin. However, the US dollar is widely accepted and preferred by most businesses in Indigo Bay. This is due to the fact that the island is a popular cruise ship destination, and many tourists come from the United States. It is recommended to carry both ANG and USD when visiting Indigo Bay to avoid any inconvenience. Most businesses in Indigo Bay, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases an
Tipping and Taxes: Tipping and taxes in Indigo Bay, located on the Dutch side of the island of St. Maarten, follow similar practices as other Caribbean destinations. In general, tipping is expected in the service industry and taxes are levied on goods and services. Tipping in Indigo Bay is not mandatory, but it is common practice to tip 10-15% of the total bill in restaurants, bars, and for taxi services. Some establishments may include a service charge in the bill, so it is important to check before adding an additional tip. It is also customary to tip hotel staff, such as housekeeping and bellhops, a few dollars per day. Tour guides and drivers also appreciate a tip for their services. Taxes in Indigo Bay include a 9% government tax on goods and services and a 5% sales tax on all purchases. These taxes are typically included in the price of goods and services, but it is important to check to avoid any surprises. Some hotels and resorts may also charge an additional room tax, which can range from
Dress Code: "Indigo Bay (Dutch Side) has a casual dress code that allows for comfortable and relaxed attire, while still maintaining a stylish and put-together appearance."
Topography: Indigo Bay (Dutch Side) has a varied topography, featuring a mix of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, and lush tropical forests, with the highest point being Mount Ami-Ama at 360 meters.
Telephone: The telephone country code for Indigo Bay (Dutch Side) is +1-721, and the area code is 54.

Indigo 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.