Travel Gems
Saba Scuba-diving
The small island of Saba has outstanding scuba-diving across a splendid assortment of dive sites. Enthusiastic divers will be in their element, thanks to the extraordinary underwater experiences on offer. There are sites that are suitable for divers of all ability levels, and superb guides can ensure the experience is fantastic and memorable. Saba Marine Park provides a great diving service that can take guests to a variety of different dive sites.
Heineken Regatta
The Heineken Regatta is a fantastic annual event that takes place at the beginning of March and sailors from all over the world come to St Martin to take part in the largest regatta in the Caribbean. The standout event is the Big Boat Class, which features beautiful sailing yachts. There is also a festival atmosphere, with parties and nightly feasts adding to the enjoyment. In 2016, Heineken Regatta takes place from 3rd to 6th March.
Boating Around the Island
There are numerous boating options around St Martin, including trips to neighbouring islands Anguilla, St Barths and Saba. Visitors can also enjoy boating trips to the uninhabited islets that surround St Martin. Experienced sailors will find opportunities to hire their own boat, for a personalised boating trip with luxury and excitement.
Butterfly Farm
Butterfly Farm is a sizeable enclosure of lush rainforest, where visitors can marvel at beautiful flowers and plantlife, as well as picturesque waterfalls and ponds. There are also hundreds of exotic butterflies, comprising a stunning and beautiful selection of different species. Visitors to Butterfly Farm will find an experience that is both fun and educational.
Leeward Islands Yacht Charter
For an exquisite and luxurious yacht charter, the Leeward Islands are a superb choice. Sailors can savour the beautiful collection of islands, which offer a variety of attractions, including secluded beaches and chic, boutique shopping. Snorkelling and diving opportunities are plentiful, allowing guests to enjoy the glorious marine life and coral, as well as the possibility of spotting dolphins. As well as St Martin, some of the well-known islands incorporated in this charter are St Barths and Anguilla. Yachts that offer this charter include OCEAN Independence’s Athena, a spectacular sailing yacht that can accommodate up to ten guests at a time in traditional nautical style.
Climate
A hot, tropical climate tempered by cooling Trade Winds. Temperatures remain high year-round.
Hurricanes
There is a ‘hurricane season’ in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, Central Mexico and South Eastern seaboard of America between June and November, the months of August and September being particularly susceptible.
Average monthly rainfall (mm)
Average daily temp (c)
Flight Information
Flight Information
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick (via Antigua), with onward connecting flights to St Martin. Private charter flights available on request.
Flight Time
From London Gatwick to St Martin: 10 hours.
Documentation
Travelling With Children or Without an Adult
Children travelling without both parents should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. Please contact the relevant Embassy for the county you are travelling to for further information.
Visa and Advance Passenger Information
All passengers must ensure they have a valid, acceptable passport, any required visa and any other documentation for both the final destination and any stop-off points en route. Please make sure that Advance Passenger Information is submitted in advance to travel for all destinations. Failure to hold correct documentation or submitting incorrect details with Advance Passenger Information or Visa applications may result in refusal of carriage or entry into a country. Please check with the relevant Embassy regarding visa requirements well in advance of your travel date. Charges may apply for some visas.
Passengers not travelling on a British Passport are advised to contact their relevant Foreign & Commonwealth office for individual Visa requirements.
For up-to-date resort information, visit www.fco.gov.uk
Health
Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and you should take health advice about your specific needs from your general practitioner or a specialist clinic as early as possible before travel. Those planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to assess their risk of infection with Zika. For information about Zika, other mosquito-borne diseases (such as Dengue fever and Chikungunya), Lyme Disease (caused by tick bites), and to receive advice on mosquito bite avoidance measures, please visit Insect and tick bite avoidance.
In addition, we highly recommend that you seek specialist advice from your doctor and, where recommended, obtain vaccinations or tablets for protection against, for example: Malaria, Hepatitis A, Polio and Typhoid. In some cases, treatments for Malaria should begin well in advance of travel. Travellers may also be required to show Yellow Fever Certificates on arrival in certain destinations i.e, some African countries. Please note that you are strongly advised against scuba-diving for 24 hours before travelling by air. We would also like to draw your attention to the risk of DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and recommend that you consult with your doctor before travelling.
Visit the FCDO website and select your destination country for the very latest travel advice: Foreign Travel Advice. Additional sources of information include: Public Health England, The National Travel Health And Network Centre, Foreign And Commonwealth Office and your General Practitioner or a specialised clinic.
For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.
Cases of Chikunyunga virus have been confirmed in St Maarten and the number of reported cases in the region is increasing. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. For more details about this outbreak, see the website of the National Health Network and Centre. View the travel advice in full here: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/st-maarten