Saint Martin (French side) or Sint Maarten (Dutch side) is a Caribbean island famous for its unique dual-national identity, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. It is one of the prettiest Caribbean Islands I’ve been to and worth visiting!
This sun-soaked paradise has no shortage of amazing things to do and excellent beaches. Plus, the unique food and culture here mean there’s something to explore for everyone. In this St. Martin travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip.
Table of Contents
Saint Martin vs. Sint Maarten
Saint Martin and Sint Maarten are the two sides of the island we’ll review in this guide. While they are the same island, they differ in culture, governance, language, and overall vibe due to their distinct French and Dutch influences.
The northern side of the island is French territory (Saint Martin), and the southern side is a state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands (Sint Maarten). It also features two capitals (Marigot on the French side and Philipsburg on the Dutch side) and many cultures compiled into one location.
Getting from one side to the other is seamless, with one airport and no international border to cross between the two sides. However, you will see distinct cultural differences between the two sides when visiting and the influence of many different cultures across the whole island.
St. Martin/Sint Maarten is known as a friendly island, and for good reason! Everyone you meet is extremely welcoming and kind. People will immediately joke and smile with you as you chat and are always happy to share the best places to go. You’ll also find amazing hospitality here.
The topography of both sides is the same, but one distinct difference is that the north side of the French part of the island is a nature preserve. Locals shared that this was intentional, with the French hoping to preserve the natural beauty of the island.
Dutch Side (Sint Maarten)
On the Dutch side, you’ll find the only airport on the island, Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). This also means the famous Maho Beach, where you can watch airplanes fly overhead, is on this side. The world’s steepest zipline, the Flying Dutchman, is also here.
Phillipsburg is the capital on this side and has lots of shopping. Near Maho Beach, you’ll find a lot of crowds, a beach party atmosphere, and nightlife during the evenings.
Personally, this side seems to cater to the typical tourist a little more. It has lots of restaurants and bars, and it is walkable. However, there’s also a lot of traffic on this side of the island.
French Side (Saint Martin)
On the other hand, the French side is much quieter and feels French. Everything is in French; many French people live there, and you’ll find French patisseries and restaurants. Along with the food, you’ll find excellent hiking and ziplining at Loterie Farm and Pinel Island.
If you’re looking for something quieter with amazing beaches, this side can be an excellent choice! Fewer areas are walkable, so keep that in mind when planning to stay in this area.
Key Differences
| Aspect | St. Martin (French) | Sint Maarten (Dutch) |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Sophisticated, quiet, relaxed | Energetic, lively, colorful |
| Language | French | Dutch/English |
| Currency | Euro (€)/USD | Guilder (ANG)/USD |
| Nightlife | Elegant, low-key | Casinos, bars, clubs |
| Shopping | Boutique and artisanal | Duty-free electronics, jewelry |
How to Get to Saint Martin and Sint Maarten
Traveling to St. Martin is relatively straightforward, as it is a popular Caribbean destination. Several airlines offer direct flights to St. Martin from the US, although not every day.
By Flight
- Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM): Located on the Dutch side (Sint Maarten), this is the island’s primary international airport. It is famous for its low-approach landings over Maho Beach.
- Grand Case Airport (SFG): A smaller airport on the French side (St. Martin). It primarily handles regional flights from nearby islands like Guadeloupe and Martinique.
By Sea
If you’re already in the Caribbean, you can reach St. Martin by boat or ferry. St. Martin also has cruise ports, making it accessible to many on day trips.
- Cruise Ships: St. Martin is a popular cruise destination, with ships docking in Philipsburg on the Dutch side.
- Ferries: Regular ferries connect nearby islands, such as:
- St. Barts (Gustavia): 45 minutes by ferry from Marigot or Simpson Bay.
- Anguilla (Blowing Point): 20-30 minutes from Marigot or Simpson Bay.
Entry Form Requirement
St. Martin has started requiring a new entry form (began October 2024) for all visitors to St. Martin and St. Maarten.
The form must be completed online before check-in for your flight, ensuring a smoother and more efficient travel experience for all travelers arriving in St. Maarten.
All travelers residing in, transferring through, or visiting St. Maarten and St. Martin are required to complete this form. Registration is a quick and easy online process! You can fill out your travel entry form here.
When to Visit St. Martin/ St. Maarten
St. Martin/Sint Maarten enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it a fantastic destination in any season. However, there are two distinct times of year to consider visiting.
Option 1: December to April (High Season)
This time of year is considered high season with dry and sunny weather and temperatures around 77–82°F (25–28°C). This season has lower humidity, and cooling trade winds make the weather ideal.
However, this is also peak time for visitors, especially during holidays and spring break. Accommodation and flights are more expensive, and due to the traffic I mentioned earlier, you can expect crowds, too.
Option 2: May to November (Low Season)
This time of year is the low season with afternoon showers, higher humidity, and warmer temperatures around 80–88°F (27–31°C).
Part of this season is also hurricane season, which runs from June to November, with the peak occurring between August and October. It’s recommended that you avoid going during this time.
The nice thing about this time of year is fewer crowds and lower prices for hotels and flights. You’ll need to plan ahead a bit more, though, because fewer excursions may be operated daily, and it may take more planning to ensure you can schedule everything you want to do.
Tips and considerations:
- Hurricane Season Precautions: If visiting during the low season, travel insurance is recommended, and it’s good to monitor weather forecasts closely.
- Events: The high season coincides with Carnival and other local festivities, offering a vibrant cultural experience.
- My personal experience: I’ve visited St. Martin in both high and low season, and I must say the end of the low season is ideal. You still get great weather (typically) and can take advantage of lower costs and prices.
How Long to Spend in St. Martin/ St. Maarten
An ideal itinerary for St. Martin would be at least a long weekend. If you want ample time to relax at the beach, I’d give yourself five to seven days. Below are a few different options to consider.
Recommended Stays and Itineraries
Short Getaway (3-4 Days)
It’s perfect for a quick beach escape or a long weekend. Focus on the island’s highlights with a potential day trip.
- Relaxing at iconic beaches like Orient Bay and Maho Beach.
- Exploring Marigot (French side) and Philipsburg (Dutch side).
- Enjoying local cuisine, especially in Grand Case.
- A quick day trip to Pinel Island.
Standard Trip (5-7 Days)
It is ideal for a more relaxed and immersive experience, allowing time for further exploration on the island.
- Visiting multiple beaches (over 30 to choose from!).
- Engaging in water activities: snorkeling, diving, sailing, or jet-skiing.
- Hiking trails like Pic Paradis for panoramic island views.
- Enjoying the nightlife and casinos on the Dutch side.
- Exploring cultural attractions like Fort Louis or Loterie Farm.
Extended Stay (8+ Days)
Great if you want a leisurely pace and to explore beyond St. Martin. There are several nearby islands for great day trips.
Trip Cost and Budget for St. Martin
St. Martin is considered a moderately expensive place to visit. Compared to the rest of the Caribbean Islands, which is known to be a costly region, it is a very expensive country to visit. It’s ranked in the top 10% of countries in the Caribbean Islands for its travel prices and is comparable to places like Turks and Caicos.
Visitors to Saint Martin usually spend between $172 and $749 per day on average for one person and $343 to $1,499 for two people. Most of this cost comes from a hotel, which can be pricy in St. Martin or Sint Maarten. Instead, we recommend looking at Airbnb or Booking.com for apartment-style places to stay instead of resorts.
Food costs are comparable to those in a major US city like Washington, DC, or Chicago, where you’ll pay more for a casual night out, but it’s easy to avoid spending $40-$50 on a meal.
Last, for reference, an average one-week trip to Sint Maarten costs about $2,734 per person. That said, we spent less than $1000 for our last one week trip each.
USD, Euros, and the Netherlands Antillean Florin are all accepted forms of payment in St. Martin and Sint Maarten. We used US dollars for the entire trip and had no trouble at all. Many ATMs also accept US dollars.
Many places accept cards, but you’ll find with tips, getting around the island in taxis and local restaurants, you’ll want to have cash. We brought about $300 with us and ran out of cash. I recommend bringing at least $400 cash with you.
All prices/averages above come from BudgetYourTrip.
Check out my money saving Caribbean tips and trip budget calculator to keep you on track with spending.
Getting Around St. Martin and St. Maarten
Taxi and bus systems run efficiently throughout the island. Taxis are easy to get at the airport; as you exit, you’ll see many people waiting to provide a ride.
It can be difficult to call a taxi at certain times of day, so it’s best to have a friendly taxi driver from the airport to get their Whatsapp information and contact them again if you need a ride vs. trying to call someone new. Alternatively, you can also ask at your hotel or resort. They almost certainly can help!
We found that renting a car was the easiest way to get around the island, so we used DiscoverCars to find a great car rental. Parking is easy in many places for the day, but I recommend choosing a hotel or Airbnb with secured overnight parking for safety.
No matter which way you choose to get around, keep in mind that the traffic in St. Martin can get bad. The roads also flood very easily after rain, adding to your travel time, so plan ahead!
Best Things to Do in St. Martin
St. Martin and Sint Maarten have tons of amazing things to do. It all depends on what kind of vacation you want. There’s something for every type of traveler. I’ve been twice, so I am sharing some of my favorite things to do, but you can definitely spend more time there.
- Go beach hopping (or spend a day at the beach; there are 37 to choose from). Some of my favorite beaches are Orient Bay, Mullet Bay, and Plum Bay.
- Explore Pinel Island: Pinel Island is gorgeous and can be reached by ferry ride or kayak trip. You could easily spend an entire day exploring it.
- Ziplining: For anyone wanting a thrill, try out the world’s steepest zipline, the Flying Dutchman.
- Hiking: Hike to Pic Paradis, the island’s tallest point. Start from the trailhead near Colombier, and it’ll be a 3.1 mile out-and-back journey to the pinnacle.
- Parrote Ville Bird Sanctuary: George Parotte opened this spot in 2015. It is perfect for those who have a passion for birds, plants, and history.
- Explore Phillipsburg: Go shopping, try some great food, and walk the colorful streets of the capital of the Dutch side.
- Take in history at a fortress: Visit one of the national historical sites on St. Martin to learn about the island’s history.
- Get on the water in a catamaran: Take a sunset cruise, have dinner on a boat, or sail away for the day. St. Martin is beautiful from the water.
- Go snorkeling: There are several great snorkeling spots around St. Martin. One of the most incredible spots is the underwater sculpture garden in Sint Maarten.
- Adventure on ATVs: ATVing in St. Martin can be really fun because the island is small and mountainous. This is definitely an adventurous way to spend your day.
- Take a day trip: There are several islands close to St. Martin that are easy day trips. Consider St. Bart, Anguilla, or Saba.
Where to Stay in St. Martin
As mentioned, there’s really something for everyone when choosing where to stay here. Below, I’ll give three options, starting with a luxury stay and moving to a more budget-friendly option.
Luxury: La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel
This is the undisputed winner for luxury hotels here. With its private beach, this property is the kind you’d never have to leave, with stand-alone suites and a top-notch food and beverage program, including the island’s oldest wine cellar.
St. Martin, French Side
Mid-Range: Fourteen at Mullet Bay
If you are looking for a nice vacation rental in Sint Maarten, Fourteen at Mullet Bay offers a wide range of luxury waterfront apartments with hotel-like service. I stayed here on my latest trip to St. Maarten, and the pool, staff, location, and view were amazing! We loved staying here and wished we could have stayed longer.
St. Maarten, Dutch Side
Budget: Akunamatata Guest House Cul de Sac
This is a very cozy, Creole-style guest house with room options perfect for two travelers. It’s close to the wonderful Penil Island and just right for everyone who is planning to have a perfectly relaxed stay for a small price! This spot is more difficult to get to, so it’s best to rent a car if staying here.
St. Martin, French Side
Food to Try in St. Martin
If you’re a foodie, you’ll love St. Martin and Sint Maarten! Their diverse food scene reflects their many cultures around the world—this island has the highest number of nationalities per capita.
Below are some foods to try while in St. Martin and Sint Maarten:
- Conch fritters (recommend Da Waterhole in Mullet Bay)
- Johnny Cakes
- Caribbean BBQ – spare ribs, jerk wings, grilled pork (recommend Captain’s Rib Shack)
- French pastries (recommend L’Express by Bacchus)
- Oxtail stew
- Conch & Dumplings
- Rum-based guavaberry liquors (recommend Topper’s Rum Distillery)
Other Tips for Visiting St. Martin and Sint Maarten
Before concluding this St. Martin travel guide, let’s discuss a few tips that will make your trip extra smooth.
- Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses; the tropical sun is intense, and many areas have little shade.
- Insect Repellent: Useful, especially during the wetter months.
- Electricity: The French side uses European outlets (220V), while the Dutch side uses American outlets (110V). If needed, bring an adapter. We found that staying on the Dutch side, we really didn’t need one.
- Safety: The island is generally safe, but practice typical caution with valuables and avoid isolated areas at night.
- Shopping: Duty-free shopping is available in Philipsburg (Dutch side), and chic boutiques are available in Marigot (French side).
- Border Crossing: Moving between the French and Dutch sides is seamless, with no checkpoints.
- Language: French is spoken on the French side, Dutch and English on the Dutch side, and English is widely understood across the island.
- Beach access: Many beaches are open to everyone. You’ll also find that almost every beach has someone renting our chairs and umbrellas for the day for a decent price (usually less than $10). Spending some money for comfort and shade is well worth it!
Closing
To close out this St. Maarten and St. Martin travel guide, I must say that it really is such a beautiful island and a lot of fun to visit. It’s stunning, has plenty to do to keep you busy, and has so many beaches that you could do nothing but relax at the beach every day and still be happy!
I hope you love your trip to St. Martin as much as we loved ours. Whether spending one day in St. Maarten or a week – happy travels!
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