st maarten travel guide brown wooden dock on sea under blue sky during daytime

Quick Navigation show

St Maarten Travel Guide — Best Things To Do and Local Secrets

Explore St Maarten Travel Guide

Where European energy meets island rhythm, St Maarten pulses with color, sound, and salt air. Half of a dual-nation island shared with France, this Dutch Caribbean half dazzles with white-sand beaches, duty-free shopping, and nightlife that hums until dawn. From planes skimming low over Maho Beach to the pastel streets of Philipsburg, every moment feels alive.
For a seamless trip, browse top-rated St Maarten tours and curated activities that highlight the best things to do across the island.

Exploring St Maarten

💡Quick Facts:
Destination: Sint Maarten — Constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, occupying the southern half of the island shared with French Saint Martin.
Area: 34 km² / 13 mi² Government of Sint Maarten – Department of Statistics.
Population: ≈ 42,000 (2024 estimate) (Department of Statistics – STAT).
Capital: Philipsburg.
Official language: Dutch (NL); English widely spoken and co-official (Government of Sint Maarten).
Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG); US Dollar (USD) commonly accepted (Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten).
Time zone: UTC – 4 (Atlantic Standard Time).
Main airport: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM).
Climate: Tropical maritime; average temperatures 26–31 °C / 79–88 °F; hurricane season June–November.
Known for: Maho Beach jet landings, Simpson Bay Lagoon, yachting harbors, cuisine and shopping districts.
Major religions: Christian (Protestant, Catholic, Evangelical).

🛂Arrival Info:
Entry requirements (U.S. citizens): Visa-free entry up to 90 days (Government of Sint Maarten – Immigration and Border Protection Services).
Travel form: Digital ED Card mandatory for all air arrivals (Official Entry form).
Visa authority: Kingdom of the Netherlands – Caribbean visa system (Netherlands Worldwide).
Customs allowances: Personal goods within duty-free limits; restricted imports include weapons and narcotics (Customs Sint Maarten).
Port entries: A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility — Port St. Maarten Authority.

🏥Health Info:
Vaccinations: Routine vaccines recommended; no additional requirements for direct arrivals from the U.S.
Health facilities: St. Maarten Medical Center (Philipsburg) — main hospital (SMMC).
Health advisories: Mosquito-borne diseases (dengue, Zika) occasional; COVID-19 protocols lifted in 2023 (Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor – VSA).
Tap water: Desalinated and safe to drink island-wide.
🚑 Check travel insurance options for travel emergencies, delays, and medical needs abroad — Get coverage here
💉 Stay Informed with Official Updates: WHO – International Travel & Health | CDC – Travel health updates

🚨Travel Advisory:
Current risk level: Exercise normal precautions.
Risks: Petty crime possible in crowded areas; monitor weather during hurricane season.
Civil rights: Same-sex relations legal; anti-discrimination laws apply under Dutch law (Government of the Netherlands).
🌍Track Real-Time Official Updates: US Travel Advisory | UK Foreign Travel Advice | Government of Canada | NZ SafeTravel

🥳Holidays:
1 Jan — New Year’s Day.
30 Mar — Good Friday (movable).
1 Apr — Easter Monday (movable).
27 Apr — King’s Day.
1 May — Labour Day.
18 Jul — Emancipation Day.
11 Nov — St. Martin Day (shared celebration with French side).
25 Dec — Christmas Day.
26 Dec — Boxing Day.

💰Visitor Info:
Currency use: US Dollar widely accepted alongside ANG.
Tipping: 10–15 percent common if not included.
Tourist tax: Room tax 5 percent plus service charge (typically 10 percent).
Average daily budget: Budget US $90–120 / Mid-range US $160–250 / Luxury US $400+.

🛫Airports:
Princess Juliana International (SXM): Main international hub for Caribbean and long-haul flights.
Grand Case Espérance (SFG, French side): Regional access via Saint Martin.
🧳 Delayed or canceled flight? Check if you’re eligible for compensation

🚍Transport:
Driving: Right side of road; valid foreign licence accepted for short stays.
Public transit: Private minibuses operate main routes Philipsburg–Simpson Bay–Maho.
Taxis: Licensed and metered or fixed zone fares (Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication – TEATT).
Ferries: Services to Anguilla and St Barthélemy depart from Simpson Bay and Philipsburg (Port St. Maarten Authority).
🚗 Book reliable airport transfers and in-city rides in advance. Reserve your ride here

🛰️Connectivity:
Mobile carriers: TelEm Group and Flow Sint Maarten.
SIM/eSIM: Available at SXM airport and retail stores.
Power: 110 V / 60 Hz; Type A and B (U.S.) plugs.
🛜 Stay connected abroad with affordable eSIM data packs. Get your eSIM here

📜Laws & Etiquette:
Drinking age: 18.
Smoking: Prohibited in enclosed public spaces.
Dress: Casual and modest in town centers; beachwear for beaches only.
Drones: Permit required for aerial use (Civil Aviation Authority Sint Maarten).

👮Emergency Info:
Emergency numbers: Police 911 / Fire 919 / Ambulance 912.
Tourism Bureau: St. Maarten Tourist Bureau.
U.S. Consular support: U.S. Consulate General Curacao.
U.K. Assistance: British Embassy The Hague.
🗺️US/UK Embassies Abroad: US Embassies | UK Embassies
🏛️ Embassy locator tools: Embassies Worldwide

🌞Weather:
Average temperatures: 26–31 °C / 79–88 °F year-round.
Rainfall: Dry season (Feb–Jun) ≈ 60 mm/month; wet (Jul–Dec) ≈ 180 mm/month.
Hurricane season: June–November (Meteorological Department Sint Maarten).
🌦️ Stay prepared—check the weather forecast for your destination — Weather Forecast

St Maarten by Region — Where to Go

Despite its compact size (34 km²), St Maarten divides naturally into distinct coastal zones, each with its own personality.

Philipsburg & Great Bay

The capital is a lively waterfront of shops, cruise docks, and colorful colonial buildings.

Front Street: Lined with duty-free boutiques selling jewelry, liquor, and electronics.
Boardwalk & Great Bay Beach: A palm-shaded promenade for cocktails and sunsets.
Courthouse Square: Dutch-colonial landmark dating to 1793, a must for history buffs.

Maho Beach & Simpson Bay

The island’s entertainment core — beaches, bars, and the famous airport overflight.

Maho Beach: Watch jumbo jets glide meters overhead at Princess Juliana Airport’s runway edge.
Simpson Bay Lagoon: Marinas, sailing charters, and seaside dining.
Kim Sha Beach: Calm waters for paddleboarding by day; beach clubs at night.

Cupecoy & Mullet Bay

Luxury meets scenery on the southwest coast.

Cupecoy Cliffs: Golden-hour photo spot with sandstone bluffs and small coves.
Mullet Bay Beach: Wide arc of powdery sand — ideal for families and surfers alike.
Porto Cupecoy: Upscale marina village with cafés and galleries.

Cole Bay & Cay Bay

Home to hillside villas and panoramic views.

Harold Jack Lookout: Sweeping vista over Simpson Bay Lagoon.
Cay Bay Trail: Short coastal hike to hidden snorkel coves.

Dawn Beach & Guana Bay (Coastal East)

Facing the Atlantic, breezier and wilder.

Dawn Beach: Popular for sunrise and coral snorkeling.
Guana Bay: Local surf and horseback-riding beach; fewer crowds.

Top Places to Visit in St Maarten

Maho Beach — Iconic plane-spotting and beach-bar vibe.
Great Bay Boardwalk — Seaside cafés, pastel architecture, and live music.
Fort Amsterdam — 17th-century ruins overlooking the bay; Dutch colonial history preserved.
Mullet Bay Beach — Turquoise waters and casual beach shacks.
Loterie Farm (near Pic Paradis) — Eco-reserve and zip-lines straddling the border with the French side.
Simpson Bay Marina — Center for sailing charters and yacht nightlife.
Butterfly Farm (remains near Le Galion) — Educational stop for families.
Cupecoy Cliffs Outlook — Sunset panorama and photo favorite.
Casino Royale (Maho Village) — Island’s largest casino and entertainment venue.
Guana Bay Viewpoint — Sweeping Atlantic horizons and sea-spray air.

How to Choose Where to Go in St Maarten

For Nightlife: Maho Village and Simpson Bay — bars, casinos, and live bands nightly.
For Families: Mullet Bay or Great Bay — calm surf and easy access to restaurants.
For Luxury & Quiet: Cupecoy’s villa resorts and low-key marinas.
For Adventure: Kayaking in Simpson Bay Lagoon or zip-lining at Rainforest Adventure Park.
For Shopping & Culture: Philipsburg’s Front Street and Old Street boutiques.

Getting Around St Maarten — Transport & Travel Tips

By Air: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) is among the Caribbean’s busiest, linking the U.S., Europe, and nearby islands.
By Car: Driving is on the right; roads are well paved but narrow. Rental cars widely available — ideal for exploring both Dutch and French sides.
By Bus: Private minibuses run between Philipsburg, Simpson Bay, and Marigot (French side); fares US $1.50–$2.
By Taxi: Rates are fixed by zone; ask for official fare sheet before departing.
By Ferry: Daily ferries to Anguilla and Saba depart from Simpson Bay Pier.
Navigation Apps: Use Google Maps or Maps.me offline; traffic builds near cruise-ship hours.

Travel Budget & Costs

Budget: US $80–120/day — guesthouses, local buses, and beach bars.
Mid-Range: US $150–250 — resort hotels, rental car, dining in Simpson Bay.
Luxury: US $350 + — beachfront suites, private yacht charters, fine dining.

Money-Saving Tips

Visit in May or June (after peak season) for hotel deals.
Eat at locos (local snack shacks) serving johnny cakes and BBQ chicken.
Carry both USD and euros — both accepted, but USD often cheaper.

Best Time to Visit St Maarten

Winter (Dec–Apr): Dry, 26–29 °C, ideal for sailing; busiest season.
Spring (May–Jun): Warm and less crowded; sea calm for snorkeling.
Summer (Jul–Aug): Hot and humid with Carnival celebrations.
Autumn (Sep–Nov): Off-season rates; potential tropical storms.

Festivals & Cultural Events

St Maarten Carnival (Apr–May): Parades, soca, and street food marking the island’s biggest celebration.
Regatta (St Maarten Heineken Regatta, Mar): World-class yacht races and concerts.
Emancipation Day (July 1): Commemorations and heritage exhibits.
Christmas Lighting Parade (Dec): Community floats and music downtown.
National Day of St Maarten (Nov 11): Public events honoring unity and culture.

Must-See Experiences Across St Maarten

Plane-spot at Maho Beach: One of travel’s most thrilling spectacles.
Snorkel Creole Rock: Accessible by boat from Grand Case; vivid coral and reef fish.
Shop Front Street: Tax-free deals on watches and Dutch cheese.
Hike to Fort Amsterdam: Short climb, sweeping harbor views.
Sail Simpson Bay Lagoon: Catamaran tours with barbecue lunches.
Zipline Rainforest Adventure Park: “Flying Dutchman” — the steepest zipline in the world.
Dine at Sunset Beach Bar: Cold drinks and 747 flyovers.
Explore Old Street Philipsburg: Boutiques + Caribbean murals.

For a seamless trip, browse top-rated St Maarten tours and curated activities that highlight the best things to do on the island. We may earn a commission if you book through our links — at no extra cost to you.

Adventure & Water Activities

Scuba at Proselyte Reef: Historic shipwreck and colorful corals.
Kayak Simpson Bay Mangroves: Eco-tours with heron and iguana sightings.
Surf Mullet Bay: Gentle waves ideal for beginners.
Parasail over Great Bay: Aerial views of Philipsburg.
Jet-ski Tours: Circle the island in half a day — popular from Kim Sha Beach.

National Parks & Outdoor Adventures

Seaside Nature Park (Cay Bay): Horseback riding and coastal trails.
Rainforest Adventure Park (Fort William Hill): Chairlift to Sentry Hill lookout (340 m).
Simpson Bay Lagoon Reserve: Mangrove ecosystem with guided kayak tours.
Little Bay Marine Park: Snorkel reef around a sunken submarine and helicopter artificial reef.

History & Heritage

Pre-Colonial Era: Arawak and Carib communities called it “Sualouiga” — Land of Salt.
Dutch Settlement: Founded 1631 for salt trade; Fort Amsterdam built soon after.
Shared Island Treaty (1648): Split with France — unique dual-nation coexistence ever since.
Modern Autonomy: Became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010.

St Maarten at a Glance — Quick Travel Insights

Language: Dutch & English (English widely spoken).
Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) & US Dollar both accepted.
Time Zone: Atlantic Standard Time (UTC-4).
Visa: Most nationalities (US, EU, Canada, UK) enter visa-free for 90 days.
Electricity: 120 V, 60 Hz, Type A/B plugs (US standard).
Emergency: 911 (police, fire, medical).
Health: Tap water safe; no mandatory vaccines.
Driving: Valid foreign license accepted for 90 days.

Travel Safety & Cultural Etiquette

Health & Environment

Strong sun — use reef-safe SPF 50. Avoid feeding marine life and respect coral zones.

Scams & Theft

Low crime, but use common sense in crowded cruise areas. Lock vehicles and keep valuables minimal on beaches.

Local Customs

A friendly “Good day” goes far. Beachwear is for beach areas only; cover up in towns. Tipping 10–15 % is standard if not included.

Driving & Laws

Seatbelts required. Right-hand traffic. Drug laws strictly enforced.

Final Planning Checklist

Passport & Insurance: Passport valid 6 months beyond trip; travel insurance recommended.
Money: Carry USD cash for taxis and markets.
Packing: Light clothing, sunhat, snorkel gear, power adapter (Type A/B).
Connectivity: Buy TelEm or Flow SIM for cheaper data.
Transport: Reserve car rental ahead during winter season.
Health: Stay hydrated; use insect repellent in rainy months.
Documents: Keep digital copies of passport and insurance in cloud storage.
Apps: Moovit for bus routes; Windy for weather alerts.

Plan Smarter, Travel Better

St Maarten rewards those who balance its two personalities — the vibrant Dutch energy of Maho and Philipsburg with the slow Caribbean rhythm of hidden bays and friendly villages. Plan flexibly, drive the coast at sunrise, and watch the island reveal its own colorful tempo one bay at a time.

Choose Your Next Adventure

Anguilla: 30-minute ferry for day trips to shoal beaches and grills.
Saba: Volcanic hikes and diving walls — reachable by 45-minute ferry.
St Barthélemy: Luxury escape via 20-minute flight.
St Martin (French Side): Cross the border for gastronomy in Grand Case.
Curacao: Long-haul Dutch Caribbean extension with vibrant culture.

It’s Time to Experience St Maarten

Ready to plan your journey? Discover top-rated St Maarten tours and travel ideas to make it happen. Some links may be affiliate-based — we only recommend trusted partners, and it never costs you extra.