Island Info

Your local guide to St. Maarten & St. Martin.

Years of island know-how, gathered for our guests — from driving and traffic rules to airports, fuel, groceries, safety and the best of island life. The common thread: it's all easier with a rental car.

Driving & Roads

4 min read

Traffic Rules on Sint Maarten – Saint Martin

Two countries on one 37-square-mile island never aligned their traffic laws. Here's what to know — and why driving is still simple.

4 min read

The Traffic Dilemma of St. Maarten

Bridges, rush hour and road quality all conspire against a quick trip. Plan around the lagoon bridge schedule and you'll be fine.

4 min read

Fuel & Gas Stations on Sint Maarten

Stations are everywhere — but the currency on the pump can cost you up to 20% if you're not careful. Here's how to fuel up smart.

3 min read

The Dutch King and the Potholes

A light-hearted look at island road maintenance — and a heartfelt plea to treat the potholes (and our cars) with respect.

Getting Around

4 min read

Why St. Maarten Visitors Should Rent a Car

No island in the Lesser Antilles rewards exploration by car like St. Maarten / St. Martin. Here's why a rental is the key to your trip.

3 min read

Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)

The busy, beautiful gateway to St. Maarten — and how to go straight from the runway to the road with Leisure Car Rental.

3 min read

Grand Case Airport (SFG) — The Second Airport

The charming French-side gateway, officially L'Espérance Airport, is the island-hopper's favorite.

Island Life

4 min read

The Secrets of Grocery Shopping

Where the locals shop, why the French side is cheaper, and how to avoid overpaying by up to 20% at the till.

4 min read

Police on St. Maarten – St-Martin

Two nations means several police forces — all of them notably visitor-friendly. A few simple tips to stay trouble-free.

3 min read

Safety Tips for St. Maarten

The US State Department rates the island a safe destination. A little common sense keeps it that way.

4 min read

Are There Tourist Traps on St. Maarten?

Good news: very few. A wealthy local population keeps prices honest — use the price of a beer as your gauge.

3 min read

Caribbean Animals — Smarter Than You Think

Stray dogs, roaming goats, the odd group of monkeys — meet the island's road-savvy wildlife, and how to share the road.

3 min read

Where to Exercise and Stay Fit

Beat 'sand gravity' and the rum-punch slump — padel, golf, tennis, running and gyms, all reachable by car.

3 min read

Talking to Experienced St. Maarten Travelers

Janet and Mike, repeat timeshare owners, share hard-won advice: don't skimp on the car, and don't keep Janet waiting.

4 min read

Recovering From Hurricane Irma

On September 5, 2017, Irma destroyed 90% of our fleet. This is the story of rebuilding — and of an award that arrived mid-crisis.