Pelican Key (Dutch side), St. Martin Guide
Know Before You Go...®
Why Pelican Key (Dutch side), St. Martin?
- Pelican Key is a popular spot for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
- It is renowned for its crystal clear waters and beautiful beaches.
- The island is home to a variety of tropical sea life, including stingrays, sea turtles, and tropical fish.
- Pelican Key is a popular spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- The island has a number of excellent restaurants and bars, offering a wide variety of cuisines.
Pelican Key (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
|
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.
Speed down the world's steepest zip line!
The Flying Dutchman is found in the Rockland Estate eco-adventure park operated by Rainforest Adventures, which also has a restaurant, the Schooner inner tube track, and equally-exhilarating canopy tour on site. To access the zip line, guests take the Sky Explorer chairlift all the way up Sentry Hill, and arrive to find a series of wooden walkways leading to what are hands-down the best views on the entire island. The panoramic vantage points look down over all of St Maarten and St. Martin, and even out to neighbouring islands like Anguilla, Saba and St. Barths. Then, up to four riders at a time are strapped into harnesses attached to the line, and suddenly find themselves zooming straight back down the hill!
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.
Transportation on Pelican Key (Dutch side), St. Martin
Getting to Pelican Key (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...® - Pelican Key (Dutch side), St. Martin Travel Tips
Before making their way to Pelican Key (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 Pelican Key (Dutch side), St. Martin even more relaxing.
| Capital: |
Sint MaartenPhilipsburg |
| Population: |
2021Unknown |
| Size: |
2021Unmeasured. |
| Electric Current: |
110/220 |
| Official Language: |
The official language spoken in Pelican Key (Dutch side) is Dutch. However, English is widely used as a secondary language due to the diverse population and the large influx of tourists. |
| Currency: |
Pelican Key, located on the Dutch side of the island of St. Maarten, is a beautiful and popular tourist destination. As such, it offers a variety of currency and payment options to cater to the needs of its visitors.
The official currency of St. Maarten is the Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG), also known as the florin. However, the US dollar (USD) is widely accepted and used in Pelican Key, as well as other major currencies such as the euro (EUR) and the British pound (GBP).
Many businesses in Pelican Key, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, accept credit and debit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash with you, especially for smaller purchases or transactions.
ATMs can be found throughout Pelican Key, allowing visitors to withdraw cash in the local currency or in USD. It is important to note that some ATMs may charge a transaction fee, so it is recommended to check with your bank beforehand.
Travel |
| Tipping and Taxes: |
Tipping and taxes are an important aspect of the culture and economy in Pelican Key on the Dutch side of the island of St. Maarten. As a popular tourist destination, it is important for visitors to understand the customs and regulations surrounding tipping and taxes in order to have a pleasant and smooth experience.
Tipping in Pelican Key is not mandatory, but it is greatly appreciated for good service. Most restaurants and hotels will automatically add a service charge of 15% to the bill, which is distributed among the staff. However, it is customary to leave an additional 5-10% in cash for exceptional service. In smaller establishments or for services such as taxi rides or spa treatments, a 10-15% tip is appropriate.
When it comes to taxes, there are two main types that visitors should be aware of: the general sales tax (GST) and the room tax. The GST is a 4% tax that is included in the price of most goods and services, such as meals, drinks, and souvenirs. The room tax, also k |
| Dress Code: |
The dress code in Pelican Key on the Dutch side is typically casual and relaxed, with a focus on comfortable and beach-appropriate attire. |
| Topography: |
Pelican Key on the Dutch side of St. Maarten is a hilly area with a mix of luxury villas, beachfront resorts, and small shops and restaurants, all overlooking the Caribbean Sea. |
| Telephone: |
Country code: +1
Area code: 721 |
Pelican Key (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.
