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St. Maarten Travel Guide: Two Nations, Endless Caribbean Adventures

Intro to St Maarten Travel Guide

St. Maarten is one of the Caribbean’s most unique destinations — an island split between two cultures, two countries, and countless ways to experience paradise. On the Dutch side (Sint Maarten), you’ll find casinos, nightlife, and cruise-friendly beaches, while the French side (Saint-Martin) offers barefoot elegance, boutique markets, and culinary flair. Together, they create an island with double the flavor, style, and sunshine.

Start planning your trip with our complete St. Maarten travel guide — featuring region-by-region tips, top things to do, budgets, transportation, and unforgettable experiences on both sides of the island.

💡Quick Facts:
Destination: St. Maarten (Sint Maarten / Saint Martin – Dutch side)
Continent: North America (Caribbean)
Country: Kingdom of the Netherlands (Constituent Country)
Administrative Division: Southern half of the island of Saint Martin (the northern half is French: Saint-Martin)
Area: 34 km²
Population: ~43,000
Density: ~1,260 people per km²
Capital: Philipsburg
Regions/Subregions: Simpson Bay, Maho Beach, Cole Bay, Philipsburg, Oyster Pond, Cupecoy, Dutch Lowlands
Official & Regional Languages: Dutch (official), English (widely used), Spanish and French spoken locally
Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG); U.S. Dollar is the main transactional currency
Time Zone(s): Atlantic Standard Time (AST – GMT-4)
Airports: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM)
Climate: Tropical – hot and humid with distinct dry and wet seasons
Known For: Maho Beach plane landings, duty-free shopping, nightlife, cruise port, Simpson Bay Lagoon, beaches and lagoons

🛂Arrival Info:
– Visa-free for U.S., Canada, EU, UK, Australia, and many Latin American countries for stays up to 90 days
– Dutch Caribbean visa or Schengen not required for most tourists
– Passport must be valid for duration of stay
– Entry typically via Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) or cruise port
– St. Maarten Immigration Info

💉Health Info:
– No vaccines required unless arriving from a yellow fever country
– Recommended: Routine immunizations, Hepatitis A & B for long stays
– Clinics and pharmacies available across the island; private medical services are the norm
– Nearest full hospital: St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) in Cay Hill
– SMMC Health Info
✅ Check travel insurance options for travel emergencies, delays, and medical needs abroad — get coverage here
✅ Stay Informed with Official Updates: World Health Organization – International Travel and Health | Travel health updates

🚨Travel Advisory:
– Generally safe for tourists; exercise caution in isolated areas at night
– Petty theft and car break-ins can occur — lock doors and secure valuables
– Hurricane season from June to November may impact travel plans
✅ Stay Informed with Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice

📅Holidays:
– St. Maarten Day (November 11): Shared celebration with French side
– King’s Day (April 27): Dutch national holiday with parades and events
– Carnival (April–May): Colorful parades and parties in Philipsburg
– Emancipation Day (July 1): Commemorates abolition of slavery
– Christmas and New Year’s are widely celebrated with fireworks and island-wide events

💰Visitor Info:
– Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG); USD widely used and preferred
– Credit cards accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and shops
– ATMs dispense USD and sometimes ANG; carry small bills for taxis and local vendors
– Tipping: 10–15% expected at restaurants if not included
– Budget: $70–$110/day | Mid-range: $150–$220/day | Luxury: $300+/day
– Duty-free status makes shopping popular for jewelry, perfume, electronics, and alcohol

✈️Airports:
– Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM): Major Caribbean air hub
– Known for low-flying planes over Maho Beach
– Direct flights from U.S., Canada, Europe, and other Caribbean islands
– Serves both St. Maarten and neighboring islands like Anguilla, St. Barts, and Saba
– Ground transport: taxis, rental cars, hotel shuttles (no public buses at airport)
✅ Delayed or canceled flight? Check if you’re eligible for compensation

🚍Transport:
– Taxis available island-wide but not metered — confirm fare in advance
– Minibus “vans” operate semi-fixed routes and are very affordable
– Rental cars popular for exploring beaches and both sides of the island
– Driving is on the right; U.S. and EU licenses accepted
– Roads are narrow and hilly; expect traffic near Philipsburg and Simpson Bay
✅ Book reliable airport transfers and in-city rides in advance. Reserve your ride here

📶Connectivity:
– Local SIMs available from TelCell and Flow at the airport and shops
– 4G/LTE coverage reliable across Dutch side; patchier near the French border
– Wi-Fi available in most hotels, cafés, and marinas
– Roaming charges vary — U.S. travelers often covered under Caribbean add-ons
– eSIM support limited; best to purchase a local SIM for data
✅ Stay connected abroad with affordable eSIM data packs. Get your eSIM here

📜Laws & Etiquette:
– Legal drinking age: 18
– Casual dress accepted, but beachwear should be reserved for beaches only
– LGBTQ+ travelers welcome — tolerant atmosphere, especially in tourist areas
– Marijuana is illegal; penalties apply for possession and use
– Island culture is laid-back — greetings and politeness appreciated in shops and restaurants

🛡️Emergency Info:
– Emergency: 911 (general), 912 (ambulance), 999 (police)
– Hospital: St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) – +1 (721) 543-1111
– U.S. citizens can contact U.S. Consular Agent on nearby islands (e.g., Barbados or Curaçao)
– Tourist information offices in Philipsburg and Simpson Bay
✅ Use embassy locator tools: Embassies Worldwide

🌦️Weather:
– Dry season: December to May – best time to visit; warm, sunny, and breezy
– Wet season: June to November – higher humidity, tropical downpours, and hurricane risk
– Average temps: 25–32°C (77–90°F) year-round
– Peak tourist season: mid-December to mid-April
✅ Stay prepared—check the weather forecast for your destination — Weather Forecast

St. Maarten by Region – Where to Go

Though the island is only 37 square miles, it’s home to diverse neighborhoods with distinct personalities. Here’s how to navigate by area:

Philipsburg (Dutch Capital)

A duty-free shopping hub and cruise port with beachfront bars, jewelry stores, and a lively boardwalk. Visit Great Bay Beach, Old Street, and the historic Courthouse.

Simpson Bay & Maho (Dutch Side)

The entertainment core of Sint Maarten. Known for beach bars, live music, casinos, and Maho Beach — famous for planes landing just overhead. Simpson Bay Lagoon is also the island’s main sailing base.

Cole Bay & Cay Hill

Suburban but central, with quick access to both coasts. Great for villas with views, quiet residential streets, and a local feel close to nightlife.

Marigot (French Capital)

A relaxed harbor town with bakeries, markets, and colonial architecture. Visit Fort Louis for panoramic views and shop at the local produce and craft markets.

Grand Case (French Side)

The gastronomic heart of the island. Famed for its beachfront bistros (lolos), Creole cuisine, and vibrant evenings with music, dancing, and street food.

Orient Bay

The island’s most popular beach on the French side, known for soft sand, water sports, nudist areas, and upscale beach clubs.

Anse Marcel & Cul-de-Sac

Quiet, lush corners in the north with boutique hotels, family-friendly beaches, and ferry access to Pinel Island.

Terres Basses & Mullet Bay

The island’s luxury villa zone and home to the postcard-perfect Mullet Bay Beach — a favorite for sunset swims and body surfing.

Top Places to Visit in St. Maarten

Each side of the island offers something unique — French elegance or Dutch flair, family beaches or party towns.

Iconic Beaches

Maho Beach: Watch planes land just feet above your head
Orient Bay: French-side favorite for water sports and beach lounging
Mullet Bay: Calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming
Pinel Island: Day trip-worthy islet with snorkeling, trails, and calm lagoons
Baie Rouge & Plum Bay: Secluded, upscale beaches in Terres Basses

Culture & Local Color

Marigot Market: Browse spices, souvenirs, and local produce
Old Street (Philipsburg): Dutch architecture and boutique shops
Fort Louis: Panoramic sea views over Marigot and Anguilla
Lolo Grills (Grand Case): Low-cost, high-flavor local barbecue

Family-Friendly & Nature

Loterie Farm: Ziplining, forest hikes, and hillside lounging
Seaside Nature Park (Cay Bay): Horseback riding by the beach
Butterfly Farm (French side): Peaceful garden for kids and photographers
Rainforest Adventures (Rockland Estate): Chairlift and zipline thrill rides

How to Choose Where to Go in St. Maarten

Base your trip around your interests — the island is small enough to explore both sides, but each area offers a distinct experience.

For nightlife and convenience: Stay near Simpson Bay or Maho (Dutch side)
For beach resorts and luxury: Choose Orient Bay or Terres Basses (French side)
For culinary adventures and local life: Base in Grand Case or Marigot
For families: Consider Cul-de-Sac, Anse Marcel, or Philipsburg for walkable beach access
For adventure seekers: Mix Loterie Farm, boat trips from Simpson Bay, and hiking in the north

Popular 3- to 5-day combos:

Maho Beach + Simpson Bay nightlife + Pinel Island day trip
Grand Case dining + Orient Bay water sports + Marigot shopping
Mullet Bay swimming + sunset dining in Cupecoy + hike to Fort Louis

How to Get Around St. Maarten

With no formal border between sides, driving is the easiest and most flexible way to explore.

Rental Cars: Essential for full island access — roads are scenic but narrow; parking can be tight
Taxis: Widely available but costly for long distances; agree on rates in advance
Buses (Minivans): Cheap and used by locals, but lack fixed schedules — not reliable for visitors
Water Taxis: Available between Simpson Bay, Philipsburg, and yacht docks
Ferries: Depart to Anguilla, St. Barts, and Saba from Marigot or Philipsburg

Driving is on the right side, and fuel is more affordable than on most Caribbean islands. Google Maps works well island-wide.

Travel Budget & Costs in St. Maarten

St. Maarten caters to all budgets — from luxury yachts to roadside ribs and local guesthouses.

Budget Travel ($80–$140/day):
– Guesthouses or small hotels: $60–$90
– Lolo meals or beach food: $8–$15
– Beaches and hikes: free
– Shared taxis or local buses: $2–$5

Mid-Range ($150–$300/day):
– Boutique hotel or villa rental: $120–$200
– Beach restaurant meals: $20–$40
– Day excursions (sailing, snorkeling): $50–$100
– Rental car: $40–$60/day

Luxury ($400–$1,000+/day):
– Upscale resorts, yacht charters, fine dining (Le Pressoir, La Villa)
– Spa treatments, private drivers, chef-prepared villa meals

Money-saving tips:
– Rent a villa or apartment with a kitchen
– Eat at lolos in Grand Case or Simpson Bay
– Travel in May–June or September–November for lower rates
– Look for ferry + excursion packages for island-hopping

Best Time to Visit St. Maarten

St. Maarten enjoys year-round warmth, but each season comes with trade-offs.

High Season (December–April):
Sunny, breezy, and busy — best weather and events, but highest prices
Shoulder Season (May–June, November):
Ideal combo of good weather, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates
Low Season (July–October):
Hurricane risk increases, but great deals abound. Some restaurants and shops close temporarily

Best time to visit St. Maarten is late November through early May for reliable weather and full-service tourism.

Must-See Experiences in St. Maarten

More than just beaches and bars, the island is full of bold flavors, wild landscapes, and vibrant island life.

Watch planes land at Maho Beach: A St. Maarten rite of passage
Feast at Grand Case lolos: Grilled lobster, johnnycakes, and rhum punch
Take the chairlift at Rockland Estate: Ride up Sentry Hill, then zipline down
Day-trip to Pinel Island: Hike, snorkel, and lounge at the beachfront bistro
Catch the Marigot market on Wednesdays or Saturdays: Local spices, crafts, and culture
Swim at Mullet Bay Beach: Calm waves, stunning sunset views
Sail into sunset from Simpson Bay: Catamaran cruises with music and open bar
Climb Fort Louis at dusk: See St. Barts and Anguilla from the island’s highest point

Book immersive St. Maarten tours and experience unforgettable things to do in St. Maarten — from seaside barbecues and market strolls to cliffside hikes and island-hopping adventures.

Best Travel Itineraries in St. Maarten

Here are suggested travel routes for a rewarding 3–7 day stay, balancing exploration, food, and beach time.

3-Day Island Highlights Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Philipsburg – stroll the boardwalk, swim at Great Bay, sunset at Fort Louis
Day 2: Maho Beach plane spotting, lunch in Simpson Bay, sunset cruise
Day 3: Ferry to Pinel Island, afternoon at Orient Bay, Grand Case dinner

5-Day Dutch + French Discovery

Day 1: Explore Philipsburg & Dutch coast – boardwalk, local rum shops
Day 2: Maho + Mullet Bay + Simpson Bay beach bars
Day 3: Transfer to French side – Marigot shopping, Fort Louis climb
Day 4: Full day in Orient Bay – beach loungers, watersports
Day 5: Grand Case market, lolo lunch, hike or ferry to Pinel

7-Day St. Maarten + Nearby Islands

Day 1–2: Settle in Simpson Bay, visit Maho & Cupecoy
Day 3: Day trip to Anguilla – Shoal Bay or Rendezvous Bay
Day 4–5: Stay in Orient Bay or Grand Case, enjoy French cuisine
Day 6: Ferry to Pinel Island or snorkeling in Creole Rock
Day 7: Market shopping in Marigot, departure from Princess Juliana Airport

Tip: Add flexibility for afternoon showers or beach-to-bar transitions — things move at island speed.

Local Cuisine & Culinary Experiences

St. Maarten is a food lover’s paradise — combining French technique, Creole soul, Caribbean ingredients, and Dutch snack culture.

Essential Dishes to Try

Conch fritters: Spiced and fried — a Caribbean appetizer staple
Accras: Codfish balls served with spicy sauce
Callaloo soup: Leafy, rich, and coconut-based — found in Creole kitchens
Grilled lobster or ribs: Often served with rice and peas or fried plantains
Johnnycakes: Doughy, fried bread — the perfect side to anything
Dutch pancakes or bitterballen: Found in Simpson Bay pubs or bakeries

Best Places to Eat

Lolos in Grand Case: Sky’s the Limit, Talk of the Town
Upscale Dining: Le Pressoir (French), Ocean Lounge (Dutch), La Villa
Beachside Cafés: Sunset Café (Grand Case), Kontiki (Orient Bay), Karakter (Simpson Bay)
Breakfast Favorites: Zee Best Bakery (Simpson Bay), Sarafina’s (Marigot)

Foodie Experiences

Join a local food tour in Grand Case
Visit an artisan rum distillery or local spice stand
Try French-style baguettes and pastries from roadside boulangeries
Taste local sauces: scotch bonnet pepper, tamarind, and guavaberry

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette in St. Maarten

St. Maarten is generally safe and welcoming, with low crime and excellent tourist infrastructure.

Safety Tips

Be cautious of petty theft — don’t leave bags unattended at beaches
Use hotel safes and avoid flashing valuables at night
Only use licensed taxis or verified transport from airports/ferries
Beach currents can be strong — swim where locals do or ask lifeguards

Cultural Etiquette

Greet locals with a smile or “bonjour” / “good day” — friendliness is appreciated
Beachwear is fine at the beach, but cover up in towns or shops
Tipping 10–15% is standard unless already included
Sunday and public holidays can mean early closures — plan accordingly
French and Dutch are official, but English is widely spoken everywhere

Where to Go Next – Pair St. Maarten with These Destinations

Thanks to its central location and ferry access, St. Maarten is ideal for multi-island Caribbean adventures.

St. Barthelemy (St. Barts):
Luxury, French flair, and secluded beaches — just 45 minutes by ferry or 15 minutes by flight.
Anguilla:
Day trip or multi-day visit. Calm beaches, laid-back luxury, and great live music.
Dominica:
The “Nature Island” of the Caribbean — filled with waterfalls, hot springs, jungle trails, and off-the-radar eco-adventures.
St. Kitts & Nevis:
Reachable by air — volcanic landscapes, plantation inns, and local rum.
Puerto Rico or USVI:
Larger Caribbean islands with direct flights — combine urban culture and island nature.

Caribbean Guides to Take You Further:
St Barts Travel Guide, Anguilla Travel Guide, Dominica Travel Guide, St Kitts & Nevis Travel Guide, Puerto Rico Travel Guide

Final Planning Checklist for St. Maarten

Choose your base: Simpson Bay or Philipsburg (Dutch side); Grand Case or Orient Bay (French side)
Book ferries early for St. Barts, Saba, or Anguilla (especially during holidays)
Reserve rental car or private transfers in advance
Bring both Euros (€) and USD — both are accepted, but Euros are better for French-side pricing
Buy a local SIM or use hotel WiFi — reception can vary in the north
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, beachwear, light rain jacket, and flip-flops
Travel insurance is recommended (especially during hurricane season)
Learn a few basic French phrases to enhance your experience
Confirm arrival airport (Princess Juliana on Dutch side; Grand Case for regional flights)
Respect no-camera zones at nudist beaches (e.g., Club Orient)

Explore St. Maarten with confidence using our trusted tips, local insights, and region-by-region planning tools.

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