introduction

Astrokey44: Map of the Caribbean island of Saint Martin divided in half, 7 February 2006

Saint Martin is a tropical island in the northeast Caribbean, roughly 300 km east of Puerto Rico. The area of the island is divided between France and the Netherlands Antilles. The island has approximately a total resident population of 85,000. The official population on the Dutch side is 50,000 while on the French side is 35,000.

Saint Martin is the smallest inhabited sea island divided between two nations. The main towns are Philipsburg (Dutch side) and Marigot (French side).

surfing

Gruepig: St Martin Harbour; 2007

The Caribbean, she is a harsh mistress. All of the islands in the Greater and Lesser Antilles share at least some aspect towards the North Atlantic and therefore are exposed to any passing fronts that generate of the East American Coast and transit the North Atlantic. These fronts often pass a good way to the north and swell decay can be a problem.

Regular windswell is a constant on the east coast of all of the island groups and hence there is almost always something to keep you occupied and off the rum for a few hours. too much wind can be a bad thing though and onshore days are very common, no matter how early in the morning you manage to peel yourself out of your cot and stumble down to the beach.

The third source of swell in the region are from passing hurricanes. Some of the strongest storm ever recorded on the planet file through here regularly. Technically the season spans June to November with early September being the peak. The ideal scenario is for the hurricane mass to pass clear of any inhabited areas and sit well offshore in the deep Carribean for a few days prior to disipating. The result is typically 3-5 days of western swell that lights up the hidden western points and reefs of the Caribbean. The persistant NE/E trade winds will gently fan these breaks all day long. It is then that some of the rarer points and breaks of Saint Martin come to life. Surf exploration doesent get any better than this.

where to stay

Kevin James: Marigot Market in Saint Martins, 8 May 2008

St. Martin's hotel rooms are generally over US$100+ per night in both sides of the island you go to
On the french side, there are quite a few resorts available on the beach and far from the airport, so it will be quiet and peaceful. Occassionally, rooms would include a kitchen and mostly hotels offer a swimming pool and onsite cafe.

On the dutch side, most of the hotels you find will be on, or in walking distance to Philipsburg.  Again, you'll find some resorts on the beach and some will even offer beach and watersports on-site, with snorkeling and other watersports gear available for hire!

Although there are quite a few properties available, you should definitely book before coming to Saint Martin's, especially during the high season (from December - April).

what to pack

Rich Niewiroski Jr.: 62 mm ultra-violet, fluorescent, and polarizing lens filters; April 9, 2007

Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti histamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar and cost more. By the way, getting a trip medical insurance would be a good idea.

Bring your essential items as you may want to bring back many souvenirs when you return. Most items that you will be needing in your daily life can be purchased quite cheaply but if you are worried about using unfamilar brands, you may want to bring along a travel pack of shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste.

If you are bringing any electronics, remember that the plug will be different and you will need a plug/power convertor.