Philipsburg
Combine a waterfront stroll with time in town.
Two sides, one islandColin Hobson / Unsplash · Unsplash License
The feelingTwo sides, one island
Our suggested stay5–8 nights
Airport in this guideSXM
St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Plan your stay
Sint Maarten travel guides
10 guides to help you choose your dates, base and days out.
Weather & seasons
- St. Maarten: rainy season is not the same as hurricane season
Two overlapping seasons, and what they mean for a beach or island-hopping trip.
Where to stay
- Where to stay on St. Maarten / Saint-Martin: choose the neighbourhood
Go beyond “Dutch or French” and compare your actual daily routes.
Getting around
- Island hopping from St. Maarten: check the port before booking
Anguilla, Saba and Saint Barth need more planning than a generic ferry ticket.
- St. Maarten transport: rental car, taxis or a planned combination?
Choose transport for St. Maarten and Saint-Martin by your hotel address, dinner plans, beach outings and departure commitments.
Before you go
- One week on St. Maarten and Saint-Martin: a flexible itinerary
Plan seven nights with beach time, Philipsburg, Grand Case, the French side and one optional boat day, while keeping driving manageable.
Beaches & days out
- Maho Beach plane spotting: timing, transport and space to watch
Plan a short stop around current arrivals and local warnings, with a separate return plan.
- Pinel Island day trip: ferry, beach time and the return journey
Plan a Pinel Island beach day from Cul-de-Sac, including the ferry, lunch, facilities and a sensible return to your accommodation.
- St. Maarten beaches: Mullet Bay, Orient Bay or Grand Case?
Compare three beach areas by your plans for swimming, lunch, watersports and transport, with realistic combinations for a single day.
- Philipsburg in a day: a town walk, Great Bay and a cruise return
Build a compact Philipsburg day around Front Street, the waterfront, a meal and optional beach time without overloading a cruise stop.
- Grand Case: plan a beach-and-food day on Saint-Martin
Make Grand Case a deliberate food stop, with time for the waterfront, a lolo or restaurant meal, and transport back to your accommodation.
YOUR ISLAND. YOUR PLANS.
Plan your trip to Sint Maarten
A few useful tools, together in one place.
Aviasales
Flights · Sint Maarten
GetYourGuide
Activities · Sint Maarten
Make time for something memorable. Check dates, the meeting point and what is included before booking.
Activities and tours in Sint Maarten
Browse activities on GetYourGuide ↗
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EconomyBookings
Car rental · Sint Maarten
Enter a pick-up location on Sint Maarten. Available locations and vehicles depend on the provider.
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Airalo
eSIM · Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten is selected. Check the network, data allowance, validity and whether your phone supports eSIM.
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Kiwitaxi
Transfers · Sint Maarten
Search for your arrival airport and hotel on Sint Maarten. Check the route, passengers and luggage before booking.
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Meet the island
Sint Maarten.
At your own pace.
Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin share an island. Alternate coastal towns, good meals and beach days, with enough room to change your plans along the way.
We suggest 5–8 nights. Allow time to get around, and check documents, sailing conditions and departure points before any ferry trip to another island.
Make room for these moments.
The French side
Keep a day for exploring the other side of the island.
A day at sea
Compare a sailing or snorkelling trip and confirm exactly where it departs.
Find your base
Where will you wake up?
Compare bases on the Dutch and French sides. Choose around the places you want to visit, and include parking and transport in your budget.
TAKE IT WITH YOU
Sint Maarten · your free guide
Keep the island essentials close, even when you are offline.
Before you travel
Check the current details.
Visitor information, access and local transport can change. Start with the official tourism board. Planning suggestions are our editorial choices.
St. Maarten Tourism Bureau