The Lagoon and Two-Nation Island

One of the most fascinating features of Saint-Martin is the island itself, the smallest inhabited landmass in the world shared by two nations, divided amicably for centuries between French Saint-Martin in the north and Dutch Sint Maarten in the south, with an open, unmarked border you can cross freely. At its heart lies the great Simpson Bay Lagoon, one of the largest lagoons in the Caribbean, a sheltered expanse of calm water that forms a huge marina, alive with yachts, sailing and watersports. Exploring the island reveals a delightful contrast of cultures, French chic and cuisine on one side, Dutch-Caribbean liveliness on the other, all on a single sun-drenched island ringed by beaches. The two-nation island is a genuinely unique place.

What you'll find

• The open border - the free crossing between two nations.
• Simpson Bay Lagoon - the vast sheltered marina lagoon.
• The two cultures - the French and Dutch-Caribbean contrast.
• The yachting - the sailing and watersports on the lagoon.

When to go

December to April, the dry season, brings the sunniest weather and the island's high season, ideal for exploring both sides, the lagoon and the beaches; the tropical climate is warm year-round with quieter shoulder months. Calm days are best for the lagoon and boat trips.

Things to know

The island is busy and developed, with the differences between its two sides subtle rather than dramatic, and it has rebuilt after past storms, so its charm is its unique shared status and cultural blend more than pristine wilderness. As the world's smallest inhabited island shared by two nations, with a great marina lagoon and a delightful French-Dutch-Caribbean mix, though, Saint-Martin is a genuinely unique and fascinating place.

Nearby

Marigot, Orient Bay and the Dutch side of the island lie around it.