Logistics · Destination Guide
One island, two marine rulebooks, reefs and historic wrecks.
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), on the Dutch side, is the primary international gateway; Grand Case-L'Esperance (SFG), on the French side, handles regional service. Ground transfers can reach Grand Case, Marigot, Simpson Bay and Philipsburg. Most visitors cross the land border freely by road but must meet entry requirements at the arrival point and, where applicable, the French territory. Local boat excursions to Pinel, Tintamarre and Creole Rock are in scope; international boats to Anguilla or Saint Barthelemy have separate country entry and clearance procedures and are not included as local day boats.
Princess Juliana International Airport
SXM • TNCM
Main international airport in Dutch Sint Maarten, close to Simpson Bay and Maho. Arrivals are governed by Sint Maarten immigration and entry-card requirements.
Transport: Official airport taxis, Pre-booked private transfer, Car rental
Grand Case-L'Esperance Airport
SFG • TFFG
French-side airport for regional Caribbean services, including French Antilles connections; not the primary long-haul gateway.
Transport: Taxi, Pre-booked pickup, Car rental
Renting a car or booking a taxi simplifies mixed dive and non-diver travel. Tourist minibuses cover parts of the main road corridor, but do not assume they reliably connect a specific harbor, early dive departure or isolated beach. Drive on the right, allow for bridge congestion and town traffic, and verify rental permissions across the border. Pinel requires a shuttle from the French Cul-de-Sac pier; Tintamarre is a boat trip. Tour boats can depart from Grand Case, Simpson Bay, Philipsburg or other marinas depending on the provider.
The island is two jurisdictions, even though ordinary road movement is generally open. For SXM arrivals, the airport says international visitors need a valid passport, Sint Maarten Entry Form, onward/return ticket, lodging and sufficient funds; visa conditions depend on nationality. For the French side, France-Visas confirms Saint Martin is outside Schengen, so a Schengen visa alone does not give a visa-required traveler entry rights to this overseas territory. Passport validity and visa exceptions vary; consult both jurisdictions and your carrier. Visitors departing to Anguilla, Saint Barthelemy or other islands must satisfy separate immigration and vessel-clearance conditions. U.S. travelers should check the August 2026 State Department entries for both sides, rather than treating one island as a single passport zone.
SXM Divers publishes guided trips including tanks, weights and guides, while individual providers vary on rental fins, wetsuits, nitrox, insurance and marine tags. Reserve technical cylinders, full-size gear and specialty equipment only after direct confirmation. Bring certification evidence, prescription mask needs, dive computer, SMB and spare straps. Ask whether boat pickup is at a dock or beach and whether the shop provides secure gear storage. For freediving, request instructor-provided safety floats, lines and rescue cover; do not assume scuba boats can accept freedive trainees.
Caribbean guilder (Dutch side); euro (French side), with US dollar widely accepted (XCG)
The Dutch-side official currency is the Caribbean guilder, XCG, introduced in 2025; NAf is no longer legal tender. The French side uses EUR. Many island businesses quote or accept USD, but exchange practices and card currency conversion can differ. Check whether tax and service charges are included before paying. Do not assume operators' older NAf pricing indicates current legal tender.
Banks and ATMs exist in the main towns and tourist districts on both sides. Carry some cash for local boats, small eateries and transport; verify the operator's accepted currency and card fees.
Approximately 110-120V on Dutch side; approximately 220V on French side (some facilities vary) • 60Hz generally; check accommodation and device • A, B, C, E
Dutch-side outlets are commonly North American type A/B; French-side outlets commonly European C/E. A physical adapter does not convert voltage. Use dual-voltage chargers or verify appliance compatibility.
Communications
Dutch Sint Maarten uses country calling code +1 721, while French Saint Martin uses +590. Mobile networks and roaming plans are jurisdiction-specific despite the open road border, and a European roaming allowance should not be assumed to extend to Sint Maarten. Guesthouse and resort Wi-Fi is widespread but may not work on boats or protected islets. Save guides' contact numbers and offline maps.
Language
English is widely used for tourism and frequently heard across the island; French is official on the French side and Dutch plus English are official on the Dutch side. French, English, Dutch, Spanish and Caribbean Creole varieties may be heard. Verify the instructor's working language for a certification or safety briefing.
Insurance
Check that travel medical insurance covers scuba to your actual planned depth, evacuation to another island, recompression, storm-related cancellation and non-diver companions. Dedicated dive coverage may fill gaps. Carry insurer/DAN contact information and confirm the operator has emergency oxygen and a current local evacuation plan. Do not assume a nearby recompression chamber on Saint Martin/Sint Maarten.
Packing list
Bring a rash guard, broad-brim hat, reef-conscious sun protection, mosquito repellent, water shoes, dry bag, drinking bottle, comfortable hiking shoes and lightweight rain protection for wet months. Divers should pack their certification, dive computer and gear fit-critical items. Freedivers need appropriate safety supervision, not merely long fins. Bring adapter plugs for both jurisdictions, and a dual-voltage charger.