Where Is St. Martin Island
Wondering where St Martin is located?
This Caribbean island is unique — it’s shared by two countries, France and the Netherlands, and sits between Anguilla and St Barts.
Located about 300 km (186 miles) east of Puerto Rico, St Martin is part of the Leeward Islands in the northeastern Caribbean.
But beyond its location on the map, what makes St Martin truly special is how easy it is to explore — and how much there is to discover around it.
Map of St Martin Island
An Island Shared by Two Nations
One of the most unique aspects of St Martin is that it’s divided between two countries.
The northern side, Saint-Martin, is part of France, while the southern side, Sint Maarten, belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Despite this division, there are no border controls. Visitors can move freely between both sides, experiencing a mix of European and Caribbean influences in just a few minutes.
Planning your budget for St Maarten? While US dollars are widely accepted, many of the island’s top experiences — boat trips, snorkeling tours and day trips — can vary in price depending on demand.
The most popular activities often sell out in advance, especially during peak season.
Booking early is the best way to secure availability and avoid last-minute price increases.
Is St Martin a Caribbean Island?
Yes — St Martin is a Caribbean island located in the northeastern part of the region.
It belongs to the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles and is surrounded by some of the most well-known Caribbean destinations, including Anguilla and St Barts.
Because of its location and accessibility, St Martin is often considered one of the easiest Caribbean islands to reach from the United States and Europe.
Geography and Nearby Islands
St Martin covers approximately 87 square kilometers (34 square miles) and is surrounded by some of the Caribbean’s most popular islands.
Just north lies Anguilla, known for its white sand beaches. To the southeast is St Barts, famous for its luxury villas and beach clubs.
Other nearby islands include Saba, St Eustatius and St Kitts, making St Martin a central hub for exploring the northeastern Caribbean.
How to Get to St Martin
St Martin is easy to reach thanks to its well-connected international airport.
Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), located on the Dutch side, is the main gateway and is famous for its low-flying planes over Maho Beach.
The smaller Grand Case Airport (SFG), on the French side, mainly serves regional flights.
Average flight times:
– New York: around 4 hours
– Miami: around 3 hours
– Montreal: around 5 hours
– Paris: around 8 hours
– Amsterdam: around 9 hours
The island is also a popular stop for Caribbean cruises, with ships arriving in Philipsburg.
St Martin is easy to reach thanks to its well-connected international airport.
Most visitors arrive via Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM), located on the Dutch side.
If you’re planning your trip, it’s worth taking a moment to compare options and find the best routes and prices.
→ Flights to St Maarten: search and compare flights
Frequently Asked Questions About St Martin Island
St Martin is located in the northeastern Caribbean, about 300 kilometers east of Puerto Rico, between Anguilla and St Barts.
Yes. St Martin is part of the Leeward Islands in the Lesser Antilles, in the northeastern Caribbean.
St Martin is shared by two countries. The northern side, Saint-Martin, is French, while the southern side, Sint Maarten, belongs to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
St Martin is close to Anguilla, St Barts, Saba, St Eustatius and St Kitts, making it a great base for exploring nearby Caribbean islands.
Most visitors arrive via Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on the Dutch side. Regional flights also use Grand Case Airport (SFG) on the French side.
Why St Martin’s Location Matters
St Martin’s location in the Caribbean makes it more than just a destination — it’s a gateway to multiple islands, cultures and experiences.
In just a short distance, you can explore Anguilla, St Barts or nearby hidden islands, making it one of the most versatile travel bases in the region.
For many travelers, understanding where St Martin is located is the first step — but discovering everything around it is what truly defines the experience.
