Clearing into St. Maarten/St. Martin

[ryanh]

Hi,
I have been to St. Maarten many times, each time flying into the airport on the Dutch side and staying on the Dutch side. I understand that when you fly into the Dutch side, you don't have to be cleared into the French side after. I now want to move to the Caribbean and spend most of my time in St. Maarten, but don't want to go through the hassle and cost of getting residency there. So my question is, is it possible for me to clear into the Dutch side (6 month max stay uninterrupted), leave the island for a few days and then clear into the french side (3 month max stay)? Or does the entire island share the same immigration laws? I'm sorry if my question is a little unclear, but any input would help.
Thanks!
-Ryan H

[MarkJ]

Yes you can take the day ferry to Anguilla or St Barts.

[ryanh]

Thanks for the quick response! So to clarify, I can leave the island for the day and come back and my 6 months will restart?