(Header photo courtesy of Guavaberry)
St. Maarten / St. Martin is one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the Caribbean. In recent years, Tripadvisor recognized it among the top 20 destinations globally and as one of the premier destinations in the Caribbean. Philipsburg, the capital on the Dutch side, has also been awarded “Best Place to Shop in the Region” by CruiseCritic and Porthole Magazine.
What truly makes this island stand out is its unique binational and multicultural character, the diverse culinary experiences that stem from it, its award-winning hospitality, a well-connected location within the Caribbean archipelago, vibrant events, and a wide variety of things to do. If you’re here for just a day, check out our list of activities ideal for cruise passengers. If you’re staying longer, don’t miss our excursions overview, which also features evening activities. And, of course, we boast 37 pristine beaches — ranging from lively, cosmopolitan stretches to hidden, serene escapes just for you.
St. Maarten is exceptional for its 350-year history of peaceful open borders. Apart from the Concordia monument marking the boundary, you won’t notice when you cross from one side to the other. Instead, you’ll experience the beauty of this unique blend, with each side offering its own special charm.
The French side, “St. Martin,” is part of France, while the Dutch side, “St. Maarten,” is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Though the official currencies are the Euro and the Caribbean Guilder, respectively, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted everywhere.
For visitors, the main differences are noticeable in the atmosphere. The Dutch side is known for its vibrant nightlife, casinos, shopping, and a wide range of activities. Meanwhile, the slightly larger French side offers more nature areas to explore.
Most visitors arrive on the Dutch side, either through Princess Juliana International Airport or via cruise ships docking at Philipsburg. Since the island is small, every destination — be it for dining, shopping, activities, or events — is within an hour’s reach.
Princess Juliana International Airport (flight code SXM) is a key hub for the Northeastern Caribbean, offering daily flights from various U.S. cities, other Caribbean islands, Panama City (PTY), Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS), and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG). The smaller Grand Case L’Espérance Airport (SFG) on the French side connects to destinations like Martinique, Guadeloupe, and St. Barths.
Ferries run from the island to nearby destinations including Saba, Sint Eustatius, Anguilla, St. Barths, and St. Kitts & Nevis.
St. Maarten is also one of the Caribbean’s top and most awarded cruise destinations. The port, located near Philipsburg, allows cruise passengers to easily access excursions or dining options in a timely manner.
Another way to arrive is by sailing. St. Maarten is a key yachting hub, hosting events like the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta in March and the Annual Multihull Regatta in February.
Simpson Bay Lagoon is the central yachting area, with additional marinas in Philipsburg, Simpson Bay (outside the Lagoon Bridge), Marigot, and Anse Marcel. Popular anchoring spots include Grand Case, Simpson Bay, and Tintamarre Island.
There are several ways to explore the island.
● Car rentals are widely available and cater to both overnight and cruise visitors. Additionally, both sides of the island have semi-public minivan-style buses.
● On the Dutch side, buses depart from Philipsburg to destinations like French Quarter, Maho/Cupecoy, St. Peters, and Sucker Garden/Middle Region.
● The French side operates buses from Marigot that reach as far as the French Quarter.
● Taxis are also available. For return trips, it’s often best to schedule in advance.
St. Maarten holds the world record for the highest number of beaches relative to its size. Whether you’re looking for lively city beaches or tranquil hidden spots, there’s a beach here for everyone, including remote ones with or without beach bars.
Dubbed the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean,” St. Maarten / St. Martin brings together over 100 cultures and two nations, creating a food paradise. Plan your visit to St. Maarten in November, when the island comes alive with the St. Maarten Flavors Culinary Month, showcasing special menus at top restaurants.
Beyond French, Dutch, and Caribbean influences, the island is home to over 100 nationalities from across the globe — American, European, Asian, Australian, and Oceanian. This cultural mix is deeply woven into its culinary and social fabric.
Since the 1648 Treaty of Concordia, the French and Dutch sides have peacefully coexisted with an open border. The Concordia Monument (built in 1948) commemorates this. Each year, on November 11 (International St. Martin of Tours Day), officials from both sides meet at the monument to honor this unity.
Its unique binational island setting only has a few equivalents in the world, like Hispaniola (Haiti & Dominican Republic) and Cyprus. However, none as compact, let alone with so many cultures in the world!
Thanks to its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and top-notch hospitality, it’s no wonder St. Maarten has won multiple
The island has its fair share of pirate history and rum-making traditions. Its most famous local rums, Guavaberry and Topper’s, have fascinating stories and are attractions in their own right. Fun fact: Guavaberry was once the official rum of Disneyland Japan’s Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Dive deeper into pirate lore at the Rusty Parrot Pirate Experience in Philipsburg.
Since 2017, St. Maarten has offered a standout attraction for thrill seekers — and anyone chasing breathtaking views of five Caribbean islands. Rainforest Adventure Park is home to the world’s steepest zipline, the Flying Dutchman. For those unbothered by heights, it’s an unforgettable ride, made even better with a visit to the on-site culinary gem, Emilio’s. If you’re just after the stunning views from Sentry Hill, hop on the Soualiga Sky Explorer chairlift.
Thanks to its binational status, the island celebrates two major carnivals — one in February (French side) and another in April (Dutch side). Don’t miss the Carnival Village in Philipsburg, which serves authentic local dishes year-round.
Pieter (Peter) Stuyvesant (c1612-1674), a former governor of the Dutch Caribbean and later of New Amsterdam (now New York), once led an attempt to reclaim Fort Amsterdam from the Spanish. He lost his leg during the attack and is remembered by the wooden peg leg seen on statues in the U.S.
Nicknamed “Soualiga,” meaning “Island of Salt” in the Arawak language, the island was once a major salt exporter. You can still see remnants of salt mills near Philipsburg’s Great Salt Pond and Grand Case Airport. One upscale restaurant, SALT, pays homage to this legacy.
Philipsburg, the capital of the Dutch side of St. Maarten, is the only capital city in the world located directly on a beach. After shopping on Front Street, enjoy a relaxing stroll on Great Bay Beach.
Maho Beach is world-famous for its thrilling views of planes landing just overhead at Princess Juliana Airport. Check flight schedules on the airport’s website or at beach bars displaying arrival/departure times. Keep a safe distance from the jet blast, and enjoy the experience from nearby bars.
In anticipation of its 2010 autonomy, a national flag was designed through a local contest. The winning design, created by a schoolgirl, includes:
● The national bird, the brown pelican
● The national flower, the sage
● The Concordia Monument
● The iconic courthouse of Philipsburg
On the French side, the national flag of France is typically used. A unified flag for the whole island — yellow and green, featuring the Concordia Monument — is also commonly seen.