Oyster Pond (Dutch side), St. Martin Guide
Know Before You Go...®
Why Oyster Pond (Dutch side), St. Martin?
- Oyster Pond is the only border crossing between the French and Dutch sides of the island.
- The area around Oyster Pond is home to a variety of wildlife, including iguanas, geckos, and various species of birds.
- Oyster Pond is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.
- The Dutch side of St. Martin is known for its relaxed atmosphere and laid-back lifestyle.
- The Oyster Pond Marina is the only full-service marina on the Dutch side of the island.
Oyster Pond (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
|
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.
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.
Watching jumbo jets scream overhead at Maho Beach
Maho Beach is at the southern-end of the Princess Juliana airport (SXM). Visitors come here to watch jumbo jets zip overhead. This thrilling experience can't be matched. Boeing 747s literally pass just a few yards above Maho Beach. You'll see the most air traffic Sunday afternoon between 2:00 p.m and 4:00 p.m. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available for rent if you feel like hanging for a while. There are a few people who come to Maho Beach for the white, powdery sand and snorkeling. There are also several resorts, hotels, beach bars and restaurants near-by.
Transportation on Oyster Pond (Dutch side), St. Martin
Getting to Oyster Pond (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...® - Oyster Pond (Dutch side), St. Martin Travel Tips
Before making their way to Oyster Pond (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 Oyster Pond (Dutch side), St. Martin even more relaxing.
| Capital: |
St. MaartenPhilipsburg |
| Population: |
2021Unknown |
| Size: |
2017Unknown |
| Electric Current: |
110/220 |
| Official Language: |
The official language spoken in Oyster Pond, located on the Dutch side, is Dutch. However, English is also widely spoken as a secondary language due to the island's history as a former British colony. This allows for easy communication with tourists and v |
| Currency: |
Oyster Pond, located on the Dutch side of the Caribbean island of St. Maarten, is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, water activities, and vibrant nightlife. For visitors planning a trip to Oyster Pond, it is important to understand the currency and payment options available in this area.
The official currency in Oyster Pond (Dutch side) is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), also known as the Florin. However, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted and often preferred by many businesses, especially in the tourist areas. It is recommended to have both currencies on hand when visiting Oyster Pond, as some establishments may only accept one or the other.
Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Oyster Pond. However, it is always a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with international transactions. It is also worth noting that some smaller busines |
| Tipping and Taxes: |
Tipping and taxes in Oyster Pond, located on the Dutch side of the island of St. Martin, are an important part of the local economy and culture. Here are some key things to know about tipping and taxes in Oyster Pond:
1. Tipping is expected in most establishments: Tipping is a common practice in Oyster Pond, and it is expected in most restaurants, bars, and hotels. The standard tip is 15-20% of the total bill, but it is always appreciated to tip more if you received exceptional service.
2. Some restaurants may include a service charge: Some restaurants in Oyster Pond may include a service charge of 10-15% in their bill, so it is important to check before adding a tip. If a service charge is included, it is not necessary to tip additionally, but you can still leave a little extra for exceptional service.
3. Taxis and drivers expect a 15% tip: Tipping is also expected when taking a taxi or hiring a driver in Oyster Pond. The standard tip is 15% of the total fare, but you can rou |
| Dress Code: |
The dress code in Oyster Pond (Dutch side) is casual and relaxed, with an emphasis on comfortable and practical clothing suitable for warm weather. |
| Topography: |
Oyster Pond on the Dutch side is a small, scenic bay surrounded by lush hills and dotted with islands, offering calm waters and beautiful views of the ocean. |
| Telephone: |
Country code: +1
Area code: 721 |
Oyster Pond (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.
