Things To Do
in Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten is a vibrant, culturally rich island in the Caribbean that forms the Dutch part of Saint Martin island, with its northern counterpart belonging to France. It's renowned for its lively beaches, duty-free shopping, and a mix of Caribbean, French, and Dutch influences that are evident in its cuisine, architecture, and festivals.
The island is a popular destination for tourists seeking crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life for snorkeling and scuba diving, and an animated nightlife.
- "Hello" - Hallo
- "Thank you" - Dank je
- "Goodbye" - Tot ziens
- "Excuse me" - Pardon
- "Please" - Alsjeblieft
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $400
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $80
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at Maho Beach and watch planes land just overhead. Enjoy a swim in the turquoise waters.
Grab lunch at a beachside café and try some local seafood. Spend the afternoon sunbathing or trying exciting water sports.
As the sun sets, enjoy a beachfront dinner with stunning views. Dance the night away at a local bar.
Begin with a cooking class that teaches you to make traditional Caribbean dishes. Sample your creations for breakfast.
Explore the local market and pick up fresh ingredients. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a restaurant known for its gourmet offerings.
Take a food tour of Philipsburg to experience diverse cuisine. Finish with dessert at a popular gelateria.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful beaches and stunning natural scenery
- Vibrant culture and friendly locals
- Diverse culinary scene with international cuisine
- Duty-free shopping opportunities
- Variety of recreational activities, including water sports and nightlife
- High cost of living compared to other Caribbean islands
- Vulnerability to hurricanes and tropical storms
- Limited job opportunities for locals and expatriates
- Traffic congestion, especially during peak tourist seasons
- Infrastructure challenges, including road conditions and public transportation
Best Activities in Sint Maarten
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the vibrant underwater life around Sint Maarten, including coral reefs and diverse marine species.
Trek through the lush trails of the island, offering stunning views and a chance to encounter local wildlife.
Paddle through the beautiful waters and mangroves, experiencing a different side of the island's natural beauty.
Enjoy a game of volleyball on the sandy beaches of Sint Maarten, perfect for groups and social gatherings.
Charter a sailboat or join a sailing tour to explore the stunning coastlines and nearby islands.
Get a bird's-eye view of the island while being towed behind a boat, soaring high above the crystal-clear waters.
Experience the thrill of riding a jet ski and carve through the waves around the island.
Join a fishing charter for deep-sea fishing or try your luck with shore fishing along the coastline.
Tours
Uncover the best of Sint Maarten with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Sint Maarten
Visit one of these nice places.
The highest point on the island, offering panoramic views of the entire island and the surrounding sea, perfect for landscape photography.
Famous for its close proximity to the runway of Princess Juliana International Airport, offering unique photo opportunities of planes landing and taking off over the beach.
A historic fort located above Marigot, providing stunning views of the bay and the surrounding hills, ideal for capturing both history and scenery.
Known for its picturesque sunrise views, this beach offers crystal-clear waters and soft sands, making it a great spot for early morning photography.
A vibrant beach with a lively atmosphere, offering beautiful sunsets and opportunities to capture beach activities and colorful scenery.
A quieter beach that provides beautiful views of the yachts moored in the lagoon, perfect for capturing peaceful coastal scenes.
An enchanting place where visitors can photograph colorful butterflies in a lush tropical setting, offering unique biodiversity shots.
A beautiful nature reserve with hiking trails and zip lines, offering forested views and opportunities for unique nature photography.
A popular beach located near Phillipsburg, known for its stunning sunset views and busy waterfront, perfect for vibrant beach life photography.
A more secluded beach with dramatic cliffs, providing a tranquil setting for capturing dramatic seascapes and wild natural beauty.
Food in Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular local dish made of fried or baked bread that can be enjoyed with various accompaniments such as saltfish, cheese, or butter. It is a staple dish and can be found in local bakeries and eateries across the island.
Must-Try!
A refreshing cocktail made with the unique Guavaberry rum, a local specialty. It is a must-try for visitors and can be found in many bars and beachfront establishments.
Prepared with locally sourced conch, this dish is rich in flavor and often served with rice and peas. It can be savored at traditional Creole restaurants and seafood eateries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Sint Maarten better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market in the French side of the island offers a wide array of fresh produce, spices, and local crafts. Visitors can also indulge in various street food delights such as accras (fish fritters), bokit (a type of sandwich), and freshly squeezed fruit juices.
The boardwalk is lined with food stalls and vendors offering a diverse selection of Caribbean cuisine. From grilled lobster and conch fritters to barbecued ribs and plantain snacks, it's a paradise for street food aficionados.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting someone in Sint Maarten, a warm handshake or a friendly hug is common, depending on your relationship with the person. It's important to make eye contact and smile to convey respect and friendliness.
While Sint Maarten is a tropical paradise, locals appreciate a level of modesty in dress, especially when visiting religious sites or dining in upscale restaurants. Casual beachwear is suitable for the beach, but it’s important to cover up when going into town.
Sint Maarten has a blend of cultures, including Dutch and French influences. Be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly during festivals or national holidays. Asking locals about their customs shows appreciation and respect for their heritage.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Sint Maarten with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Sint Maarten
Ensure a smooth experience
In Sint Maarten, tipping is generally appreciated and often expected, particularly in the hospitality and service industries. It is common to tip around 15% to 20% of the total bill in restaurants and bars. While some establishments may include a service charge in the bill, leaving an additional tip for exceptional service is customary. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or providing a small extra tip is also a common practice.
Payment methods in Sint Maarten are diverse, with most establishments accepting cash, credit, and debit cards. The US dollar is widely used alongside the local currency, the Netherlands Antillean guilder. ATMs are available throughout the island, making it easy for visitors to withdraw cash. However, it's advisable to check with individual businesses if they accept specific credit cards, as some smaller vendors may prefer cash.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Sint Maarten.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is peak tourist season in Sint Maarten, characterized by warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. Expect sunny days, vibrant nightlife, and numerous festivals and events, including the annual Carnival. Booking in advance is highly recommended due to high demand.
Spring offers a slightly quieter atmosphere while still enjoying pleasant weather. Temperatures remain warm, and the risk of rain increases slightly. This season is perfect for those seeking a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
Summer sees warmer temperatures and increased humidity along with the potential for occasional rain showers. This is considered the low season, resulting in fewer tourists and lower prices for accommodation and activities. However, visitors should be aware that this time coincides with hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
Fall is also part of the hurricane season, with September being the peak month for storms. However, the weather can be quite favorable after the hurricane threat subsides in late October. This season generally presents excellent deals on lodging and activities, making it a cost-effective time to visit if you are willing to take some weather risks.
Sint Maarten at Night
Hiking in Sint Maarten
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A rugged hiking trail that offers stunning views of the island and surrounding waters.
Features a variety of hiking paths along with zip lines, making it a fun outdoor experience.
The highest point on the island, this hike provides scenic views and a chance to explore the local flora and fauna.
Though primarily a beach location, there are trails nearby that offer interesting coastal hikes.
A nature reserve with multiple trails, it’s a great spot for hiking and enjoying the lush scenery.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Sint Maarten through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Sint Maarten by plane.
The main airport serving Sint Maarten, located on the Dutch side of the island.
Located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, approximately 143 miles from Sint Maarten, this is one of the largest airports in the Caribbean.
Located on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, approximately 68 miles from Sint Maarten.
Located in Antigua, this airport is approximately 112 miles from Sint Maarten and serves numerous international flights.
Located in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, around 75 miles from Sint Maarten.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of Sint Maarten's population is of mixed descent, primarily Dutch and French Caribbean heritage.
A significant portion of the population has Haitian ancestry, contributing to the cultural diversity of the island.
Many residents identify as Dominican, reflecting the island’s connections with the nearby Dominican Republic.
Includes people from various Caribbean islands, enhancing the multicultural makeup of Sint Maarten.
Includes residents from various European countries who have moved to Sint Maarten for work or retirement.
A smaller group that includes those from Asian countries, mainly involved in business and service sectors.
The Soul of Sint Maarten
Discover the essence of Sint Maarten through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Sint Maarten, with many local clubs and youth programs promoting the game.
Cricket has a strong following in Sint Maarten, especially due to the influence of West Indies cricket, with local leagues and tournaments.
Basketball is widely played and enjoyed in Sint Maarten, with numerous courts available and a vibrant youth league.
With its beautiful waters, sailing is a popular recreational activity and sport in Sint Maarten, attracting both locals and tourists.
Track and field events are organized at schools and clubs, promoting athleticism among the youth in Sint Maarten.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional cuisine heavily features seafood and meat, many restaurants and cafes offer vegetarian and vegan adaptations of local dishes. The island's culinary scene has grown to accommodate diverse dietary preferences.
Visitors with gluten intolerance can find various gluten-free options in eateries across the island. Many places are knowledgeable about gluten-free requirements and are attentive to diners' needs.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Sint Maarten with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sint Maarten.