St. Maarten / St. Martin
Sint Maarten, Dutch/French Territory
Overview
Two countries on one island — the Dutch side delivers Vegas-style beach parties while the French side serves Michelin-caliber cuisine, with the most dramatic plane-spotting beach on earth connecting them
Airport
SXM
From/day
$110
Best months
Dec, Jan, Feb
Local Tips
Safety
Generally safe in tourist areas. Lock valuables in hotel safes, avoid isolated beaches at night, and be cautious in Philipsburg and Marigot after dark.
Cultural Norms
The island is split: Dutch side (Sint Maarten) and French side (Saint-Martin). You can cross freely — no passport check at the border. The French side is more European and relaxed; the Dutch side more American and commercial.
Language
English and Dutch on the Dutch side; French on the French side. English is widely understood everywhere.
Currency
Dutch side uses Netherlands Antillean guilder (ANG) but USD accepted everywhere. French side uses euros but also accepts USD. Cards widely accepted on both sides.
Tipping
Dutch side: 15-18% at restaurants (often included). French side: service charge usually included; round up for good service.
Getting Around
Public Transit
Walkability
Neighborhoods
Philipsburg (Dutch Side)
The capital of Sint Maarten with duty-free shopping on Front Street and a long boardwalk beach where cruise ships dock.
Best for: Duty-free shopping, cruise port, Great Bay Beach, and casinos
Maho Beach (Dutch Side)
World-famous beach where jets fly just meters overhead on approach to Princess Juliana Airport.
Best for: Plane spotting, beach bars, and the iconic Sunset Bar & Grill
Marigot (French Side)
The charming French capital with a marina, open-air market, and bistros serving French cuisine.
Best for: French dining, the Wednesday/Saturday market, and Fort Louis views
Grand Case (French Side)
A small village known as the 'Gourmet Capital of the Caribbean' with a string of beachfront restaurants called lolos.
Best for: Fine dining, beachfront lolos (BBQ shacks), and Creole cuisine
Orient Bay (French Side)
A stunning 2-km white sand beach with beach clubs, watersports, and a clothing-optional section.
Best for: Beach days, watersports, beach clubs, and kitesurfing
Activities & Interests
How St. Maarten / St. Martin scores across 15 travel interests
Suggested Itineraries
3-Day Trip
Dutch Side Discovery
- •Watch planes land at Maho Beach from the Sunset Bar & Grill — one of the most unique beach experiences in the world
- •Explore Philipsburg's Front Street for duty-free jewelry, electronics, and liquor
- •Dinner and nightlife along the Philipsburg boardwalk or Simpson Bay strip
French Side Elegance
- •Browse the Marigot waterfront market for spices, rum, and local crafts
- •Spend the afternoon at Orient Bay beach with a beach club lunch and watersports
- •Dine at a beachfront restaurant in Grand Case — try fresh lobster or Creole specialties
Island Adventure
- •Take a boat trip to Pinel Island for snorkeling in crystal-clear water and a grilled lobster lunch on the beach
- •Hike to the top of Pic Paradis (424m), the highest point on the island, for 360-degree views
- •Farewell sunset drinks at a beach bar on Simpson Bay
7-Day Trip
Arrival & Maho Beach
- •Watch planes land at Maho Beach and take iconic photos
- •Walk along Simpson Bay and explore the restaurant strip
- •Sunset drinks at Karakter Beach Lounge on Simpson Bay
Philipsburg & Shopping
- •Explore Front Street for duty-free shopping in Philipsburg
- •Walk the boardwalk and swim at Great Bay Beach
- •Visit the Sint Maarten Museum for island history
Grand Case & French Dining
- •Morning at Happy Bay beach (short hike to reach this secluded gem)
- •Lunch at a beachfront lolo in Grand Case
- •Evening fine dining at one of Grand Case's French-Creole restaurants
Orient Bay & Pinel Island
- •Morning at Orient Bay beach with watersports — kayaking, jet skiing, or kitesurfing
- •Take the 5-minute ferry to Pinel Island for snorkeling and a grilled seafood lunch
- •Afternoon relaxation at a beach club back on Orient Bay
Marigot & Pic Paradis
- •Explore Marigot's waterfront market and walk up to Fort Louis for views of the harbor
- •Hike Pic Paradis, the island's highest peak, through tropical forest
- •Dinner at a Marigot marina restaurant overlooking the yachts
Boat Day & Snorkeling
- •Full-day catamaran cruise around the island with stops for snorkeling at Creole Rock and Tintamarre Island
- •Swim with sea turtles at the marine reserve
- •Return for a sunset rum tasting at a local distillery
Relaxation & Departure
- •Morning at Mullet Bay Beach, one of the island's most beautiful stretches of sand
- •Last-minute duty-free shopping or a final beach club lunch
- •Farewell rum punch at Maho Beach watching the afternoon departures
Flights
Estimated round-trip prices from major US hubs
MIA
Round-trip estimate
$180
Best priceJFK
Round-trip estimate
$260
ATL
Round-trip estimate
$280
ORD
Round-trip estimate
$380
LAX
Round-trip estimate
$520
Prices are estimates based on historical data. Check airlines for current fares.
Daily Budget
Estimated daily cost per person including accommodation, food, transport, and activities
Budget
$110
per day
Moderate
$230
per day
Luxury
$580
per day
7-Night Trip Estimate (1 person)
Budget
$950
incl. flights from MIA
Moderate
$1,790
incl. flights from MIA
Luxury
$4,240
incl. flights from MIA
When to Go
Jan
✓
Feb
✓
Mar
✓
Apr
✓
May
—
Jun
—
Jul
—
Aug
—
Sep
✗
Oct
✗
Nov
—
Dec
✓
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 28° | 22° | 12d | Warm and breezy with occasional showers. High season with dry spells. |
| Feb | 28° | 22° | 9d | Driest month. Perfect beach weather with comfortable trade winds. |
| Mar | 29° | 22° | 8d | Dry and sunny. Great for watersports and outdoor activities. |
| Apr | 29° | 23° | 9d | Still dry. Warm days and pleasant evenings. |
| May | 30° | 24° | 11d | Shoulder season begins. Brief afternoon showers become more frequent. |
| Jun | 31° | 25° | 10d | Start of hurricane season but storms are rare this early. Hot and humid. |
| Jul | 31° | 25° | 10d | Hot and humid. Trade winds provide some relief. |
| Aug | 32° | 25° | 12d | Peak of hurricane season. Hot with more frequent rain. |
| Sep | 32° | 25° | 13d | Highest hurricane risk month. Heavy rains possible. |
| Oct | 31° | 24° | 13d | Still rainy but hurricane season winding down. Lower prices. |
| Nov | 30° | 24° | 13d | Transition to dry season. Occasional showers but improving. |
| Dec | 29° | 23° | 12d | High season begins. Warm with trade wind breezes. |
Temperatures in Celsius. Rain days = days with measurable precipitation.
Nearby Destinations
St. Lucia
Trade flat beaches for dramatic Piton mountains, volcanic hot springs, and lush rainforest
Aruba
Another Dutch Caribbean island with guaranteed sunshine, white sand, and great nightlife
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Historic Old San Juan, bioluminescent bays, and vibrant Puerto Rican culture
Similar Destinations
Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic
From $60/day
Beach · Snorkeling · Nightlife
Nassau & Paradise Island
Bahamas
From $90/day
Beach · Snorkeling · Nightlife
Miami
USA
From $90/day
Nightlife · Beach · Fine Dining
Cancun & Riviera Maya
Mexico
From $60/day
Beach · Snorkeling · Nightlife