Orient Bay (French side), St. Martin Guide

Know Before You Go...®

Why Orient Bay (French side), St. Martin?

Orient Bay is a beautiful white-sand beach located on the French side of St. Martin.
It is the most popular beach on the island, and is well-known for its clear blue waters, lively atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife.
Orient Bay features a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, parasailing, banana boat rides, and more.
The beach is also home to Club Orient, a clothing-optional naturist beach resort.
Orient Bay is surrounded by a number of restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a great place to spend the day.

Orient Bay (French 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

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.

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.

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

Transportation on Orient Bay (French side), St. Martin

Getting to Orient Bay (French 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...® - Orient Bay (French side), St. Martin Travel Tips

Before making their way to Orient Bay (French 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 Orient Bay (French side), St. Martin even more relaxing.

Capital:	Saint MartinMarigot
Population:	2021Unknown
Size:	Saint MartinApproximately 2.8 square miles.
Electric Current:	110/220
Official Language:	The official language spoken in Orient Bay, located on the French side of the island of Saint Martin, is French. However, due to its proximity to the Dutch side, many residents also speak Dutch or English as a secondary language. This allows for a diverse
Currency:	Orient Bay, located on the French side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, offers a variety of currency and payment options for visitors. The official currency in Saint Martin is the Euro, but US dollars are also widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted at most establishments in Orient Bay, including hotels, restaurants, and shops. The most commonly accepted credit cards are Visa and Mastercard. However, it is always recommended to check with the establishment beforehand to ensure that your credit card will be accepted. ATMs can be found in Orient Bay, allowing visitors to withdraw Euros or US dollars. However, it is important to note that there may be fees associated with using foreign ATMs. Traveler's checks are not widely accepted in Orient Bay, and it is recommended to exchange them at a bank before arriving on the island. For those who prefer to use cash, there are several currency exchange offices located in Orient Bay. These offices offer competitive exchange
Tipping and Taxes:	Orient Bay, located on the French side of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin, is a popular destination for tourists due to its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and variety of restaurants and shops. Like many tourist destinations, there are certain customs and practices related to tipping and taxes that visitors should be aware of in order to have a smooth and enjoyable experience. Tipping in Orient Bay is not mandatory, but it is generally expected in restaurants, bars, and other service industries. The standard tip for good service is around 10-15% of the total bill. In some cases, a service charge may already be included in the bill, so it is important to check before adding an additional tip. Tipping is also common for hotel staff, such as housekeeping and bellhops, with a few euros being the typical amount. In terms of taxes, there is a 4% tourism tax that is added to the cost of accommodation in Orient Bay. This tax is collected by the French government and is used to
Dress Code:	The dress code in Orient Bay (French side) is likely to be casual and laid-back, with a focus on beachwear and resort wear.
Topography:	Orient Bay on the French side is a stunning and diverse landscape that features a long, sandy beach, lush green hills, and a protected bay perfect for water sports and leisurely strolls.
Telephone:	Country code: +590 Area code: 590

Orient Bay (French 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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