Sint Maarten is a Dutch Caribbean island. Sint Maarteen shares the island with French Saint Martin. The combined population is just over 78,700 residence.
Sint Maarten / Saint Martin is one island with 2 nations, the smallest land area shared by 2 nations. The main airport (SXM) is located on the Dutch side, regardless if you’re staying on the Dutch side or French side, you will land at SXM. There’s no border between Sint Maarten and Saint Martin (just a sign on the side of the road welcoming you to either side) allowing your visit to the island to enjoy and experience both sides and both cultures.
Neighboring islands:
- Anguilla – located North of St. Martin. Anguilla is a great day trip while visiting Sint Maarten/Saint Martin. Ferry to and from Anguilla is approximately 20 minutes from Marigot (French side). Be sure to visit Shoal Beach during your visit to Anguilla, absolutely a stunning beach.
- Saint Barthelemy (St. Barth) – located Southeast of Sint Maarten. St. Barth is also a nice way to spend a day trip. Flights are offered from SXM to St. Barth (approx. 10 minute flight) or ferry from either Philipsburg (Dutch side) or from Marigot (French side)…make sure you can tolerate potential choppy sea waters as on the way to St. Barth often going against the South trade winds making it a choppy boat ride. St. Barth is a quaint wealthy island with beautiful beaches.
- Saba – located to the Southwest of Sint Maarten. A flight or ferry are both offered to Saba from Sint Maarten.
We have taken day trips to both Anguilla and St. Barth, both are pleasant day trips and worth seeing while visiting Sint Maarten/Saint Martin.
Where to stay:
- Sint Maarten (Dutch side) – most resorts and vacation rentals are located on the South/Southwest in Mullet Bay / Simpson Bay / Maho Beach / Cupecoy, Dawn Beach on the east side is also an option (The Westin Dawn Beach). While visiting Sint Maarten we’ve stayed in both Maho Beach and Cupecoy, we enjoyed both areas.
- Saint Martin (French side) – most popular is Orient Bay, which has a number of hotels and vacation rentals. Other beach areas to stay: Grand Case, Anse Marcel, Baie Nettle, Baie Rouge, Baie Longue
Top Things to Do:
- Beaches – our favorite beaches are Orient Beach, Maho Beach (awesome experience to have massive jets landing above while on the beach), Mullet Bay Beach, Grand Case Beach, Baie Rouge Beach
- Watersports
- Day Trips to Anguilla, St. Barth and Saba
- Night life and casinos on the Dutch side
- Shopping in Philipsburg – Philpsburg offers a variety of shops, mainly jewelery/watch shops and restaurants.
- Shopping in Marigot – Marigot offers a variety of unique shops and restaurants.
