🇸🇽 St. Maarten

Discover St. Maarten

St. Maarten represents the Dutch side of the unique Caribbean island shared with French St. Martin, offering visitors the extraordinary experience of exploring two countries on one small island. Known as "The Friendly Island," St. Maarten delivers a vibrant blend of Dutch efficiency, Caribbean warmth, and international flair. The capital Philipsburg enchants with duty-free shopping along Front Street and Great Bay Beach stretching alongside the bustling boardwalk. Famous Maho Beach provides the thrilling experience of watching aircraft land just overhead at Princess Juliana International Airport, creating one of the world's most unique beach experiences.

The Dutch side offers excellent beaches including Mullet Bay, Simpson Bay, and Dawn Beach with pristine white sands and turquoise waters. Casinos, beach bars, water sports, and nightlife create an energetic atmosphere. Visitors can easily cross the invisible border to French St. Martin, experiencing two distinct cultures, cuisines, and atmospheres in a single day. The island's compact 37 square miles pack remarkable diversity - from luxury resorts and condos along Simpson Bay to local Caribbean neighborhoods, from world-class restaurants to beachside barbecue shacks, all contributing to St. Maarten's reputation as a Caribbean crossroads.

The Friendly Island Experience

Top Attractions & Things to Do

• Maho Beach - World-famous beach where aircraft approach Princess Juliana Airport just feet overhead, creating dramatic photo opportunities
• Philipsburg & Front Street - Historic capital with duty-free shopping, jewelry stores, restaurants, Great Bay Beach boardwalk, and cruise port
• Mullet Bay Beach - Stunning crescent beach with calm turquoise waters, powder-soft sand, and excellent swimming conditions
• Simpson Bay - Largest beach on Dutch side with water sports, beach bars, resorts, and vibrant sunset scene
• Dawn Beach - East coast beach with excellent bodyboarding, snorkeling, and views toward St. Barths
• Casino Row - Collection of 13 casinos offering slots, table games, poker, and entertainment along the Simpson Bay strip
• Boardwalk & Great Bay Beach - Mile-long promenade in Philipsburg with restaurants, shops, and calm swimming beach
• Sunset Beach Bar - Legendary beach bar at Maho Beach for watching planes land while enjoying Caribbean cocktails
• St. Maarten Zoo - Tropical zoo featuring Caribbean wildlife, exotic birds, and monkey habitat
• Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit - Museum showcasing Star Wars props and movie memorabilia from Hollywood special effects artist
• Loterie Farm - Rainforest nature preserve with zip-lining, hiking trails, spring-fed pool, and treetop dining (accessible from both sides)
• Fort Amsterdam Ruins - Historic Dutch fort ruins overlooking Great Bay with panoramic harbor views

Regional Highlights

Beaches & Coastal Beauty

St. Maarten's 37 beaches offer remarkable diversity across the small island. The western beaches including Mullet Bay and Maho feature calm Caribbean waters perfect for swimming and sunset views. Simpson Bay provides the longest beach on the Dutch side with water sports, beach bars, and resort access. Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg offers convenient swimming alongside the cruise port and shopping district.

The eastern coast including Dawn Beach and Guana Bay showcase Atlantic energy with waves suitable for bodyboarding and surfing. Cupecoy Beach features dramatic sandstone cliffs creating secluded coves and caves. Little Bay offers protected swimming accessed by trail from Philipsburg. Each beach maintains distinct character, from party atmosphere at Sunset Beach Bar to tranquil relaxation at quieter spots, ensuring perfect beach options for every preference.

Activities & Entertainment

Water activities dominate St. Maarten's adventure offerings. Snorkeling and diving reveal vibrant coral reefs, sea turtles, and marine life. Catamaran cruises sail to nearby islands including Anguilla, Prickly Pear, and Tintamarre. Jet skiing, parasailing, paddleboarding, and kayaking provide action on Simpson Bay and other beaches. Deep-sea fishing charters target marlin, tuna, and dorado in Atlantic waters.

Thirteen casinos offer slots, table games, poker rooms, and entertainment. Nightlife ranges from beach bars to nightclubs, with the Simpson Bay area providing the most vibrant scene. Zip-lining at Loterie Farm or Rainforest Adventures delivers rainforest canopy experiences. Shopping spans duty-free jewelry and watches on Front Street to local markets and beachwear boutiques. The ease of crossing to French St. Martin doubles entertainment and dining options.

Cuisine & Culture

St. Maarten's international character creates exceptional culinary diversity. While the French side often receives more acclaim for fine dining, the Dutch side offers excellent restaurants featuring international cuisines - Italian, Asian, steakhouses, and seafood. Beach barbecue shacks serve local favorites including conch, ribs, and johnnycakes. Caribbean cuisine features fresh fish, lobster, and traditional dishes with influences from throughout the region.

The culture blends Dutch Caribbean heritage with international influences from diverse residents and visitors. English serves as the primary language alongside Dutch, with many speaking Spanish, French, and Papiamento. The island celebrates Carnival in April with colorful parades, calypso, and soca music. Local art galleries, craft markets, and festivals showcase Caribbean creativity. The friendly, welcoming atmosphere that earned the nickname "The Friendly Island" remains genuine and palpable throughout the Dutch side.

Travel Tips

• Entry Requirements: US citizens need valid passport (6+ months validity). No visa required for stays under 90 days
• Getting There: Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) serves both Dutch and French sides. Major hub with direct flights from North America and Europe
• Getting Around: Rental cars available (drive on right). Taxis abundant but expensive. Car recommended for exploring both sides. No border checkpoints
• Currency: Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) official but US Dollar widely accepted everywhere. Credit cards accepted. ATMs available
• Language: English widely spoken. Dutch official language. Many speak Spanish, French, and Papiamento
• Best Time to Visit: December to April for dry season. Hurricane season June-November. Year-round warm temperatures 80-85°F
• Border Crossing: No passport needed to cross between Dutch and French sides. Invisible border - watch for road signs changing to kilometers
• What to Pack: Light summer clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, camera for Maho Beach planes, beach gear, resort attire
• Tipping: 15-20% at restaurants (check if service charge included). Tip taxi drivers, tour guides, and hotel staff
• Safety: Generally safe island. Use normal precautions. Don't leave valuables on beaches or in rental cars. Avoid isolated areas at night