Saint Martin & Saint Barthélémy
Country/State Data
Regions
1
Breaks
15
Cost of living
Capital
Gustavia (SB), Marigot (SM)
Security
Health
Positives
- Good reefs and pointbreaks
- Multiple wind and swell combos
- Small sized Islands
- Uncrowded with friendly locals
Negatives
- Short groundswell season
- Wind sensitive breaks
- Fickle best breaks
- Very expensive
Where to surf in Saint Martin & Saint Barthélémy
Together with Anguilla, St Martin and St Barthélemy are the northernmost eastern Caribbean islands. Traditionally frequented by posh yachties and rich tourists these days the watersports sector is catching up on the smallest island in the world to be shared by two governments.
The hilly interior is hemmed by 36 white sandy beaches, which fill a 60km long strip of bays and coves. Good exposure to northern swells and a mixture of sand, rock and coral breaks, make these islands a quality Caribbean surf trip, if you can afford it.
St. Maarten is the smallest island in the world to be shared by two sovereign governments, with French Saint Martin taking-up about two-thirds of the landmass to the north and Dutch Sint Maarten to the south. The border is almost imperceptible but each side has managed to retain much of the distinctiveness of its own national culture. St. Maarten is more commercially developed with the major airport, a busy port and the largest resorts on the island. St. Martin has smaller hotels, more beaches and a general emphasis on comfort and elegance.
Surf spots in Saint Martin & Saint Barthélémy
Research the 15 surf breaks in Saint Martin & Saint Barthélémy and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Saint Martin & Saint Barthélémy.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Saint Martin & Saint Barthélémy
- jan
- feb
- mar
- apr
- may
- jun
- jul
- aug
- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 200,000
- Population
- 48,543
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- EUR
- Exchange rate
- $1 = 0.7 EUR EUR
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +590
- Dialing out
- 011
- Language
- French, English, Dutch.
Electricity
- Plug Type
- e
Visas
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa for their entry to St Marteen. St Martin and St Barths are subject to French immigration.
Getting There
St Marteen is the main gateway to St. Barths through Juliana Airport (SXM). From St. Maarten, 10mn flights land on the tiny airstrip of St. Barths. Powerboats get there in 1 1/2h and cost $50 r/t.
Getting Around
Motorcycles are popular on St Barths. Rates are about $30/d while a car is $50. St Martin has a well-developed network of mini-buses with marked stops along the roadside.
Accommodation
St Martin is about big resorts and hotels while half the beds in St Barths are in privately owned villas and apartments. Moderate to very expensive - no budget options. In St Barths, the surf season is tourist season with top rates. Try La Plantation in St Martin (Orient Bay, fr$120), Maho Beach hotel in St Maarten ($240-$600) or Les Mouettes in St Barths (fr$155).
Activities
Naturalists will enjoy Eden Park and the Butter Fly Farm, naturists Orient Beach. There's great diving and fishing in St. Barths, but the accent is on civilised living like shopping and eating.
Hazards & hassles
Some reefs are shallow and the coral is sharp - take booties. Respect the growing local populations and the strong sunshine.
Handy Hints
Rentals and lessons on St Martin at Le Galion (SXM), Orient Bay or check Soul Seeker Surf Shop. On St Barths there's Hookipa Surf Shop in Saint Jean and Totem Surf, in Gustavia. Each island has their own currency but US$ are accepted everywhere.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.
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