No destination in the Lesser Antilles is better suited to be explored by car than St. Maarten / St. Martin. The island is dotted with small towns and villages, each with its own beaches, beach bars, and restaurants — and the freedom of your own vehicle is what lets you reach them at your own pace.
Driving here is easy
As in North America and continental Europe, you drive on the right — no adjustment needed for most visitors. The roads are wide enough for relaxed driving, and local drivers are courteous and patient with vacationers finding their way.
St. Maarten is the smallest landmass in the world administered by two governments: the southern third is Dutch, the north is French. One main road circles the entire island — a non-stop loop takes under two hours, so it's almost impossible to stay lost.
A few highlights for your first drive
- Maho Beach — watch the famous low jet landings right over the sand.
- Loterie Farm — a private nature refuge with a lagoon-style pool in the mountainous center of St-Martin.
- Orient Beach — St. Martin's signature beach, 1.3 miles of sand lined with elegant beach bars.
- Grand Case — the island's gourmet village; Philipsburg & Marigot for duty-free shopping.
Use common sense as you would anywhere: don't leave valuables in the car, avoid no-parking zones (the tow trucks are quick), and if you're driving, remember plenty of bars serve virgin cocktails too.
Reserve a clean, late-model car with VIP airport meet & greet.