Saint Martin
| Government |
Overseas Collectivity of France |
 |
| Capital |
Marigot |
| Currency |
€ Euro |
| Area |
54.4km2 |
| Population (2009) |
29,820 |
| Language |
French |
| Islands |
1 (main island) |
| Economy |
Tourism (85%) and light industry/services |
| GDP per Capita |
$4,102 (n.a., France 23rd worldwide) [2008 Data] |
| Links |
CIA Factbook, Wikipedia Page |
|
View Larger Map |
The map at the right shows the French part of the island in green. The border between Saint Martin and the Dutch Sint Maarten is an open one, the only thing you notice when crossing is a little sign at the side of the road.
Saint Martin has a large airport with direct flights from Europe and is thus a premier vacation destination. It has casinos (on the Dutch side) and large resort hotels. Being part of France the cuisine is excellent and while the Euro is the official currency the US$ is also accepted everywhere - sometimes even at parity! I spent a long time on the French side, anchored very close to the ferry dock in Marigot.
The island has a lot to offer, particularly as both sides are declared duty free zones and it has the best prices for staple goods, luxuries as well ship's chandleries in the northern Caribbean. The town of Grand Case north of Marigot is renowned for the many restaurants serving delicacies and I tested out this reputation several times and found it well-deserved! The east coast of Saint-Martin has several nice beaches and the enclosed bay of Oyster Pond is a great anchorage.
For a map with clickable pictures from this site displayed geographically please click here
 This is the immigration booth at the ferry terminal in Marigot, St. Martin. I've since found out that the official in there is not official, but charges a fee for letting you clear in; this can be done for a fraction of the price at the marina around the corner Oh well.
[18°4'8.25"N 63°5'9.32"W (facing S)] | | Immigration Office door | |
 East coast of St. Martin
(2009-04-18 16:33:46 DSC-N2 [f/8.0, 10/5000s] ISO 160) | | East coastline of St. Martin | |
 Fort St. Louis, Marigot
[18°4'4.96"N 63°5'11.69"W (facing N)] | | Fort de France in Marigot | |
 Zanshin I anchored in Marigot
(2009-02-13 17:15:59 DSC-N2 [f/16.0, 10/2500s] ISO 160) | | Zanshin I anchored off Marigot | |
 My hangout in St. Martin with fresh bread and good coffee - La Sucriere in Marigot.
| | La Sucriere, my daily hangout | |
